Granary Wharf is set to welcome waves of visitors to the waterside oasis as it plays host to the sixth annual award-winning Leeds Waterfront Festival on Saturday 29 June and Sunday 30 June.
This multi award-winning destination, which has made a splash as a cool corner of the city thanks to its winning mix of independent foodies, striking architecture and charming location on the banks of the Leeds Liverpool Canal, is hosting a weekend of free activities and events both on and off the water as part of the 2013 festival.
An outdoor music stage, programmed by Leeds College of Music, will showcase local bands and artists performing half hour slots of jazz, blues, funk and soul and the popular Leeds Silver Steel Sparrows also will perform on Saturday. Kids can take part in a host of water-based activities, even walking on water with the return of the popular inflatable WOWballs for the whole weekend and the Leeds Canoe Club will offer a series of canoe lessons for all ages and abilities on Saturday.
The popular Artsmix market will line the attractive, landscaped public square, bringing 18 stalls of handmade goodies produced by local artists, crafters, and designers which will feature a range of products from fashion and jewellery to art and gifts.
Granary Wharf’s bubbling mix of independent cafés, restaurants and bars will also offer a diverse mix of gastronomic treats and thirst-quenching beverages to either eat in or take away. Real ale bar, The Hop, will host a Yorkshire Beer Showcase and an outdoor pop-up Yorkshire Cider Bar will provide an al fresco drinking alternative. On Saturday evening the covers band, Half Hand Hoodoo will take to the bar’s stage to play classic and contemporary hits. Sunday hosts its regular ‘Sunday Gathering’ and performances provide the perfect wind-down to a weekend of waterside exuberance.
Visitors can sample cuisines from across the globe and dine alfresco as many of the cafes and restaurant have outdoor seating, offering the perfect sun trap to take time out and watch hustle and bustle of the Festival activities. Try Italian antipasti or Tuscan sausages prepared by chefs from bar, Italian kitchen and deli, LIVIN’Italy; traditional homemade Indian samosas, pakora and bhajis from Granary Wharf corner shop, Best One; authentic Japanese sushi at Wasabi Teppan-Yaki; a meaty feast for lunch or dinner at Brazilian Gaucho restaurant, Fazenda or a light bite from Out of the Woods cafe; all washed down with a special cocktail from wine bar, Cuveé Leeds or a strawberries and cream cocktail on the canalside terrace at DoubleTree by Hilton.
Visitors can take a trip along the canal from Granary Wharf to other festival sites at Brewery Wharf and New Dock. Check out the full programme at www.leedswaterfrontfestival.com