The Viking-inspired pop-up bar has arrived in Leeds for a summer celebration, taking over City Square for the first time with all manner of fun in store.
We’ve seen City Square change a lot over the last few years. It’s been the cornerstone of major transport changes in the city centre, but now they’ve come to a close, City Square is about to show off its potential as Leeds’ new events space. It’s kicking off by hosting Thor’s Tipi Bar from Friday 14th June to Sunday 8th September 2024.
This is a first for Thor’s Tipi Bar in Leeds. Usually, we’re used to seeing them brighten up the festive season on Victoria Gardens from November until New Year’s Eve, but this year they’re giving it a summer makeover in City Square – perfect when you’re coming off or heading to a train at the station. They’ve got a few exciting tricks up their sleeve for their summer stint too.
Firstly, it has a totally different look and vibe to their winter version – with leafy fences enveloping a spacious beer garden with a bar under the famous tent. You can knock back cocktails and craft beers, paired with a rotating line-up of street food vendors. Kids are welcome too, with all manner of outdoor games, easels, ice cream and soft drinks for them to enjoy.
There are two more elements that are bound to get Leeds revellers chomping at the bit to check it out. They have a regular programme of live music to soundtrack your sun-flecked afternoons, as well as a massive screen that will show off loads of the summer’s sporting highlights. From Wimbledon to the Olympics and the Tour de France, you won’t miss a serve, race or climb.
It’s great to have Thor’s back this early in the year and the feeling is mutual. “We’re so excited to have our first ever Thor’s Summer residency in Leeds,” Amanda Monaghan, Thor’s Director, said. “We’ll be hosting brilliant summer parties, showcasing the best of sport on the big screen and entertaining families – all within our tipi wonderland on City Square. It’s going to be a glorious Summer in Leeds!”
But that’s just the start. Not only has Thor’s made its return but it will also host a new monthly artisan village from Little Bird Made. Kicking off in July, it will be in addition to the recently announced market on Briggate, and will bring together some of the greatest makers, creators and artists in Yorkshire – get ready to pick up fresh produce, admire local art and purchase all manner of amazing gifts.
“Having previously lived in Leeds for 10 years and having organised a number of events in the city, it feels like coming home,” Jackie Crozier, Managing Director of Little Bird Made, said. “Bringing people together by creating a fun space where they can hang out, eat and shop has been our mission ever since I founded the company in 2018 and what better place to do it than City Square.”
And this is just the start of more events-based fun in City Square now that the mammoth roadworks project is completed. Following Thor’s Tipi and the Little Bird Made Market, it will host the Yorkshire Sustainability Festival, before taking an active role once again in Light Night Leeds and all of the Christmas fun that will be coming to Leeds later in the year. For now, though, cheers to Thor’s!
Thor’s Tipi Bar takes over City Square until Sunday 8th September 2024. Free entry.
