Victoria Leeds has ignited the city with vibrant hues to ensure that the 18th annual Leeds Pride event becomes an unforgettable spectacle and TeamCoco Editor in Chief, Laura Bartlett, was there for the grand unveiling…

Welcoming the spirit of inclusivity and celebration, Sidney Street has now blossomed into Rainbow Street, adorned with a captivating mural that proudly displays the iconic Pride flag.

This stunning artwork, meticulously graffitied by the versatile arts project team, Graffwerk, known for their awe-inspiring street art across various city landscapes, will grace the streets for three weeks. To mark the occasion, Victoria Leeds hosted an exclusive viewing party at The Ivy Victoria Quarter. The event featured the award-winning BBC DJ and ardent LGBTQIA+ ally, Stephanie Hirst, who unveiled the mesmerising mural. Accompanied by some of the UK’s most recognised drag hosts, Stephanie treated the crowd to an uplifting set of party anthems, setting the tone for a night of revelry.

The renowned restaurant group showcased a delectable selection of dishes from The Ivy Victoria Quarter and The Ivy Asia. The menu boasted tantalising delights, including Tuna Sashimi Tacos, Yorkshire Smoked Salmon with chive cream cheese on rye bread, and an assortment of sushi rolls. The culinary journey concluded on a sweet note with assorted Rainbow Macarons and Passionfruit Doughnuts that added a burst of colour to the evening.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. On Sunday, August 6th, Victoria Leeds promises to be the ultimate destination for the official Leeds Pride party. The luxury lifestyle venue will be buzzing with entertainment throughout the day, featuring a live DJ, unicorn stilt walkers, complimentary Pride fans, and much more. Additionally, Harvey Nichols’ glam squad will be on hand with all the glitter at the Wish Upon a Sparkle pop-up in Victoria Quarter from 11 am, helping guests get ready for the festivities.

The Ivy Asia is equally determined to make Pride 2023 an extraordinary experience. The fusion restaurant, already renowned for its opulent decor and sumptuous menus, has enlisted the iconic multi-talented performer, Raven Mandella, to entertain guests. With DJ sets all day, a lavish summer menu offering dishes like Spicy Lobster with Aromatic Duck Fried Rice and Robatayaki Sea Bass, and an array of Ikebana-inspired summer cocktails, The Ivy Asia is all set to dazzle its guests.

The latest cocktail creations from The Ivy Asia, including the divine Sakura and Lychee Martini and the refreshing Spirit of Butterfly, a delightful mix of gin, elderflower cordial, lemon, and Fever Tree Apricot and Grape soda, are sure to put everyone in the mood for Pride.

Speaking about the upcoming festivities, Victoria Leeds’ senior general manager, Jo Coburn, expressed her excitement, stating, “Leeds Pride is always a highlight of the city’s social calendar, and we’re confident that 2023 is going to be the biggest and best party we’ve ever seen. Victoria Leeds was proud to kick things off with the launch of Rainbow Street and the fabulous street art mural. It was an exceptional day and really gave the city a taste of things to come ahead of the main event. On Sunday 6th August, we’ll continue to fly the flag with a series of events to show our support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Leeds Pride 2023 is going to be one to remember for many years to come.”

Author

Northern girl Laura is the epitome of a true entrepreneur. Laura’s spirit for adventure and passion for people blaze through House of Coco. She founded House of Coco in 2014 and has grown it in to an internationally recognised brand whilst having a lot of fun along the way. Travel is in her DNA and she is a true visionary and a global citizen.

Comments are closed.