It’s safe to say Leeds band Hope & Social have had some stupid ideas over the years, but the latest one takes the Christmas cheese & biscuits.
Remember that Tour of Infinite Possibility thing? Remember? 12 gigs over 4 days/ 2 weekends in June. Remember? Remember how it very nearly became The Totally Impossible Tour of Infinite Possibility? Remember how the band aged 5-years in 5 months, James went a funny colour, and the whole thing left them all so broken they’ve only very recently been seen back out in public?
So this latest thing went a bit like this: “I’ll tell you what” they said. “Here’s a GREAT idea.” they said. “Let’s do 12 gigs. IN ONE DAY!” they said. In Leeds. On 19th December, aka ‘Mad Friday’.
Is it a good idea? No, is it heck! Is it even possible? Who knows? Probably not. Anyway, here’s the *cough* ‘plan’, on paper…
1. 09:30 – 9:50 GIG 1 An Office somewhere in Leeds
A private gig and a Christmas surprise for one particular office in Leeds. All will be revealed…
2. 11:00 – 11:20 GIG 2 BBC Radio Leeds (YOU CAN APPLY HERE, BEFORE 12 NOON ON FRIDAY 12TH DECEMBER FOR VERY LIMITED TICKETS TO THIS!)
This is a live pre-record session for the lovely Johnny I’anson‘s show later in the day. Don’t worry if you don’t get tickets you’ll be able to listen to how it all went down from 15:00 GMT.
3. 12:00 – 12:20 GIG 3 Leeds City Markets – Stall Q in the 1904 Hall (FREE OPEN PUBLIC GIG)
Here the boys will team up with bezzie mates Invisible Flock to take Bring the Happy back to where it all started, the historic Leeds Markets… just a couple of stalls up from where M&S started.
4. 13:00 – 13:20 GIG 4 Trinity Shopping Centre (FREE OPEN PUBLIC GIG)
The Tour of Infinite Possibility, one of the band’s biggest adventures to date, began here earlier this year. Should be a bit of a surprise one this. Don’t tell anyone but word is you should get yourselves a pitch on the balcony or just in front of the Apple shop for a good view. Shhh.
5. 14:00 – 14:20 GIG 5 Corn Exchange (FREE OPEN PUBLIC GIG) – The iconic Leeds Corn Exchange.
One of the most beautiful buildings in Leeds, and a stunning setting for a fully acoustic set.
6. 15:00 – 15:20 GIG 6 Leeds Train Station (FREE OPEN PUBLIC GIG)
It’s many people’s first sight on arriving in Leeds, and the site of many a tearful goodbye and happy reunion. You’ll find the boys just opposite the Wetherspoons.
7. 16:00 – 16:20 GIG 7 Leeds Children’s Hospital – Clarendon Wing (PRIVATE GIG)
This one’s just for the patients and staff at the hospital. Sorry. But don’t worry, another gig comes along in an hour.
8. 17:00 – 17:20 GIG 8 Town Hall Steps (FREE OPEN PUBLIC GIG)
The band have been here before, making noise and generally disturbing the peace. Remember? Consider this the Christmas Encore from their Snowball shindig of 2011.
9. 18:00 – 18:20 GIG 9 Secret Location (APPLY HERE BEFORE 12 NOON ON FRIDAY 12TH DECEMBER FOR VERY LIMITED TICKETS)
No more info re this just yet… but it’s super-limited tickets and it’s probably somewhere you’ve never been before. Ooooo exciting.
10. 19:00 – 19:20 GIG 10 The Tetley (FREE OPEN PUBLIC GIG)
The band have been trying to get something together with the lovely people of The Tetley all year… finally, they are getting together for some Chrimbo-themed fun.
11. 20:00 – 20:20 GIG 11 Trinity Kitchen (FREE OPEN PUBLIC GIG).
Stock up on food from fine independent foodies before the final show of the day.
12. 21:00 – 22:30 GIG 12 Holy Trinity Church (TICKETS SOLD OUT)
If you’re coming to this finale, I’m told there’s a very lovely evening planned. Not that I ever doubted it. If they are still alive.
So there it is. And yep, it seems this is actually going to be attempted and so they’ve definitely finally lost it. 12-gigs. ONE day. As if! Oh, and it’s Rich’s birthday so there’ll be additional giddiness to contend with….*sigh*
But you know what, these fellas make hearts sing with everything they do and I reckon Leeds is in for a massive unforgettable festive treat.
Do not be deceived by the apparent chaos, general all-round grubbiness, and occasional sobbing episodes. Hope & Social have already achieved the ‘very nearly totally impossible’, and I for one cannot wait to watch them triumph with this like Christmas-cheer-spreading-blue-jacket-wearing-jolly-Pied-Pipers-of-Leeds.
What could possibly go wrong?
12 Gigs of Christmas is supported by Leeds Inspired, part of Leeds City Council.
