May 2025 is turning up the volume across Yorkshire with an electrifying lineup of unmissable gigs, theatrical gems, laugh-out-loud comedy, and immersive cultural events. From disco icons and stand-up mavericks to genre-defying musicals and mind-bending art installations, Leeds, Sheffield, York, and beyond are buzzing with creativity and connection.
Whether you’re after a wild night out, a contemplative sonic experience, or a quirky theatrical adventure, our curated guide brings together the region’s most anticipated highlights. At Absolutely, we spotlight the cultural brilliance that defines our local scenes, so you never miss a beat.
Things to Do in Leeds, Sheffield & Yorkshire in May 2025
Amelia Coburn
Dates: 30th May
Venue: Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds
Weaving together the literate lyrical approach of Scott Walker with the melodic genius of Paul McCartney, Amelia Coburn has a knack for making the unusual sound timeless.
Drawing inspiration from gothic literature and the shadowy allure of film noir, there is a darkness at the heart of many of her songs, populated by vivid characters and nocturnal creatures that inhabit the liminal space “between the moon and the milkman”.
Martyn Ware
Dates: Until 4th May
Venue: The Piece Hall
A captivating and thought-provoking sound and art installation is now on at The Piece Hall. Created by music producer and internationally renowned sound artist Martyn Ware, composer Gabriel Ware, and immersive storytellers Oscar Blustin and Anna Söderblom, It’s Always Ourselves We Find In The Sea explores how the power of water binds all of humanity together. The experience offers a meditative sound journey in an atmospheric setting.
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers
Dates: 29th May
Venue: The Spa Bridlington
There has never been anything quite like The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, from their formation in 2002 and a cameo appearance at T in the Park in 2004 with the Darkness to opening the main stage in their own right in 2014, and storming Glastonbury festival in 2024. The past 20 plus years have seen the Red Hot Chilli Pipers become the most famous bagpipe band on the planet.
Get tickets at Bridlington Spa
Steel
Dates: 13th -14th May
Venue: Playhouse Sheffield
Theatre by the Lake’s Steel explores first loves, forging identities and the wild, wild hearts of teenage boys. Two lads. Twelve hours. One million pounds. Friends James and Kamran are forced on a town-wide treasure hunt where annihilated aunties, Snakebite-drenched drag queens and a zombie Princess Diana lay in wait when James discovers he is heir to a single mile of the British railway system.
Elf Lyons
Dates: 22nd May
Venue: Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds
Award-winning and Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated Elf Lyons is bringing her new show Horses, the first ever comedy show performed entirely by a horse, on tour. Bring your most enthusiastic childhood horse-loving energy to this new hour, all about play and the power of pretending. Treacle’s masterful performance has been directed by Elf Lyons, assisted creatively by Trygve Wakenshaw and Dylan Moran.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Dates: 26th May
Venue: Barbican York
Sophie Ellis-Bextor has announced her biggest ever UK headline tour on the back of her new single, Freedom of the Night. An energetic, fun, and glitteringly catchy track, the new single sees Sophie enter a new era with a confident return to her iconic and esteemed disco-pop sound.
& Juliet
Dates: 20th-31st May
Venue: Lyceum Theatre
Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as Juliet ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love – her way. Created by the Emmy-winning writer from Schitt’s Creek, this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told and asks, what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo?
Nish Kumar
Dates: 20 May
Venue: Leadmill, Sheffield
With the country in turmoil, there’s only one comedian who can kill the mood even further… Nish Kumar – named as one of The Guardian and The Telegraph’s 50 Best Comedians of the 21st Century – will be tackling climate collapse, income inequality and the emotional sensation of being a British Indian man who didn’t vote for a British Indian Prime Minister. It’s 80 minutes of sweet, sweet vibe killing.
Gary Barlow
Dates:19th-20th May
Venue: Sheffield City Hall
The Songbook Tour 2025 is set to be a huge celebration of Gary Barlow’s illustrious four-decade-spanning career, and will see him perform an array of songs from his much-celebrated back catalogue of hits with both Take That and as a solo artist. This will be a celebration of Gary Barlow’s status as one of Britain’s most successful songwriters and record producers.
Book your tickets at Sheffield City Hall
The Space
Dates: On-going
Venue: Leeds
One of Leeds’ longest running nightspots, The Space, is preparing to unveil an impressive new look to mark its 25th anniversary and bring the best in clubbing entertainment and late-night party vibes to the city.
The nightclub first opened its doors in 1999 setting a new standard in the Leeds party scene and has remained one of the most popular venues in the city ever since. Now, to celebrate its milestone 25 years in the city, the team behind The Space are investing £250,000 to re-imagine the club to keep it at the forefront of clubbing in Leeds for even more years to come.
The revamped interior will include new décor, improved lighting and state of the art
technology, including a dazzling LED ceiling that will make the dancefloor an even more exhilarating space. Plans also include an upgraded sound system and two new VIP areas for an elevated party experience.
The venue’s event promoter Voodoo Events will curate the club’s weekly listings promising to offer something to get everyone dancing. Expect fantastic weekly listings, underground party vibes and the hottest headline DJs every week with regular student nights, drinks offers and exclusive special guests.
How Absolutely Picks the Best for You
At Absolutely Magazines, we pride ourselves on curating only the finest recommendations for our refined readers. Our editors leverage their extensive expertise in lifestyle journalism to ensure that every selection meets the highest standards of quality and relevance. From scouring local insider tips to understanding trends and feedback, we leave no stone unturned in identifying the most exceptional venues for you. Guided by an appreciation for your taste, we prioritise venues and events that epitomise luxury, style, and premium experiences. You can trust us to bring you the Absolute best, every time.
