As the dark nights creep in and the temperature takes a nose dive it's a comfort to know that there is something more than a cup of hot vimto and a flipping three bar fire to look forward to. Leedshas taken somewhat of a cultural upturn over the past few months, whilst the city has been quiet, a healthy amount of independant, art space/ venues have opened their doors to the creative community of this fair city.

Test Space have been moving around the city for a couple of years now and have finally nested in the creative hub of Melbourne St. Studios. With an intensive programme of art events, exhibitions and live happenings it is a space not to be missed. Look out for Best Joined Up's (see more on these below) Monthly Indelible Sessions that are being hosted there, Leeds first and finest Arty Party.

Peep: http://www.testspaceleeds.com/

The Musiquarium in Kirkstall opened it's leather padded doors earlier this year to a rapturous response. It truly is a gem in Leedscrown- Live Music venue, Bar, Recording and Rehearsal studios and amazing Outdoor Art Space all rolled into one and run by some of the most knowledgable music heads in the city. Tucked away in a beautiful little canalside location it is well worth the trip out.

Looky here: http://www.themusiquariumleeds.co.uk

Nestled up just off Kirkstall Road, Full Circle have opened up a splendid event and art space/bistro/creative outlet, it pretty much ticks every box and has the kind of eccentricity, quality and relaxed atmosphere to keep you coming back.

Gander: https://www.facebook.com/pages/FullCircle-Bespoke-Design-Emporium/119497908114817?sk=info

Best Joined Up is a leeds based Artist's collective that have been gathering together the leading lights in Illustration, aerosol/Street Art, Design and Animation from across the U.K to their Live art Events since 2005. They have an open door ethos that has seen many of today's creative pioneers pass through them. With their events and network they continue to seek out the freshest U.K talent and provide them with a live space,the right platform, and means with which to create.

Look out for their monthly Indelible Sessions at Test Space, upcoming collaborations with 2000a.d at Thoughtbubble Sequential Arts Fair with Northern Art Prize Nominee- Rachel Goodyear and with YorkshireSculpturePark.

To get involved or find out more about them click along to:

http://www.bestjoinedup.com

email: http://bestjoinedup@gmail.com

or join the facebook group here:

https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8441518755&v=info

ThoughtBubble Sequential Arts Fair

One of the high points of the winter months in Leeds,which takes place across the city and has its HQ at Savilles Hall Leeds, Taking place between the 14th-20th September. The Thought Bubble Festival is the UK’s largest event of its kind – an annual celebration of sequential art in all its forms, including everything from superhero comics to independent and small-press artists and writers.

It is a massive amount of fun and highly recommended to visit, to find out more click along to-

http://thoughtbubblefestival.com/

Light Night

Friday 7th October

Another amazing fixture in the Leeds Calender is Light Night in which the city sets itself alight in many different ways from performance to projection, for one night the city becomes an illuminated playground to rediscover and play with.

Shine On: http://lightnightleeds.co.uk

Leeds25th International Film Festival

3-20 November 2011

Celebrating it's quarter century the LIFF has a ridiculously good programme of films and events lined up for the month, try to catch the selection at the charming Hyde Park Picture house for a true cinema experience.

Watch out: http://www.leedsfilm.com/