Victoria Leeds has brought a splash of colour to the city for 2023 to ensure the 18th annual Leeds Pride event is the boldest to date. Sidney Street has been renamed Rainbow Street complete with the return of the eye-catching mural representing the iconic Pride flag.
The mural will be on display for three weeks and was hand graffitied by the multifaceted arts project team Graffwerk, whose striking street art has been seen across multiple city landscapes. To celebrate the launch of Rainbow Street, Victoria Leeds also hosted an exclusive viewing party at The Ivy Victoria Quarter which saw award winning BBC DJ and LGBTQIA+ ally Stephanie Hirst unveil the mural.
Party anthems
The charismatic radio star also delivered a suitably uplifting set of party anthems. The event also featured a star-studded guest list, including some of the UK’s most recognisable drag host legends.
The renowned restaurant group showcased a delicious selection of dishes from both The Ivy Victoria Quarter and The Ivy Asia including, Tuna Sashimi Taco’s, Yorkshire Smoked salmon and chive cream cheese on rye bread and a selection of sushi rolls. For dessert, guests enjoyed assorted Rainbow Macarons and Passionfruit Doughnuts.
Fast forward to Sunday 6th August and Victoria Leeds is set to be the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the official Leeds Pride party. The luxury lifestyle destination will be hosting entertainment throughout the day, including a live DJ, unicorn stilt walkers, complimentary Pride fans and much more. Harvey Nichols will also be on hand with their glam squad and all the glitter, helping guests get ready for Pride with the Wish Upon a Sparkle pop up in Victoria Quarter from 11am.
The Ivy Asia is also set to go all out for Pride 2023. The striking fusion restaurant already has a reputation for its opulent decor and sumptuous menus, but they’ve enlisted the help of iconic multi-talented performer, Raven Mandella to entertain guests. Book from 1pm and enjoy DJ’s all day, your favourite dishes from its opulent summer menu, and a range of Ikebana inspired summer cocktails.
Highlights from the enchanting summer menu include the Spicy Lobster with Aromatic Duck Fried Rice, the Robatayaki Sea Bass, Salt and Pepper Fillet with Lime and the Crispy Squid with Char Sui Pork Salad.
Their latest cocktail offering is sure to get everyone in the mood for Pride, with bespoke creations from The Ivy Asia including the divine Sakura and Lychee Martini and the refreshing Spirit of Butterfly, which mixes gin, elderflower cordial, lemon and Fever Tree Apricot and Grape soda.
Fly the flag
Victoria Leeds’ senior general manager, Jo Coburn, said: “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.’’
