In this unique talk, Andrew Littlewood will explain why the question “why are there so many Thorne’s tins in Chesterfield”, began a 30-year obsession with Henry Thorne & Co. Ltd., mustard, cocoa and confectionery manufacturers of Lady Lane, Leeds. 

Andrew will outline the history of Henry Thorne and his company, plus how the Woodhead family of Chesterfield became so influential in this Leeds business. 

As part of Back at the Cottage, we're ending the summer with a screening of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial!

A troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape from Earth and return to his home planet.

1982 · PG · 1hr 55min

Cottage Road Celebrates 112 years with a birthday screening of Cinema Paradiso!

A filmmaker recalls his childhood when falling in love with the pictures at the cinema of his home village and forms a deep friendship with the cinema's projectionist.

1988 · PG · 2hr 54min

A new book, family musical by Leeds Conservatoire students is to be performed during Leeds Theatre Festival!

Welcome to Warsaw - a city teeming with secrets and whispers of mythical creatures you wouldn’t dare to dream of. Immerse yourself in the story of brave Magda, who embarks on a quest to save her little brother from the claws of a terrifying monster. Narrated by the ever-curious Rat Squad, this tale will have you in stitches.

Leeds world music promoter Lubi Jovanovic (DJ Lubi Presents) has brought some amazing African and Latin/Cuban/Salsa music artists to the city over the years, both from the continent and the diaspora. He's promoted/co-promoted African shows by Santrofi (Ghana), Kokoroko (UK), KOG (UK), Jembaa Groove (Berlin), Femi Kuti (Nigeria), ONIPA (UK), London Afrobeat Collective (UK), Newen Afrobeat (Chile) and Dele Sosimi (UK).

One of the top UK afrofusion stars K.O.G returns to Brudenell Social Club on November 29th launching his new album for Paris based label Heavenly Sweetness Records. The long awaited follow up to his critically acclaimed 2022 release "Zone 6 Agege" will continue K.O.G's unique fusion of popular African music (Ghanaian highlife, Nigerian afrobeat), with UK club sounds of hip-hop, dancehall and house music. Check out the album's first taster single "Live For Today" (May 2024) that blends afrobeat. hip-hop and dub into a typical K.O.G dance floor winner.

After their great and packed "Tito Puente" tribute show at Howard Assembly Rooms Leeds last May, one of the UK's top mambo/classic salsa ensembles Orchestra Mambo International are back in the city this autumn on Sunday 24th November. This time they return to Brudenell Social Club for a big celebration of the 60th anniversary of the greatest Latin music label of all time... Fania Records. The label's standing in Latin music is equivalent to what Blue Note is to jazz, Tamla Motown is to soul and Trojan is to reggae... simply the greatest of all time.

Muertito are a Leeds-based quintet who incorporate elements of flamenco, folk, classical Indian and Afro-Latin grooves. Comprised of calabash, trumpet, vocals, classical guitar and fretless bass, the group create a rich sonic tapestry that crosses boundaries and transports audiences on a journey across continents. In the last couple of years, they've built up a loyal following locally playing shows across the city at Sela Bar, Hifi Club, Insert Studios, Domino Club, All Hallows Church, Hyde Park Book Club as well as shows further afield in Bristol, Pontefract and at Shambala Festival.

Leeds jazz/global beats promoter DJ Lubi kicks off his autumn 2024 season at Hyde Park Book Club with a night dedicated to music from some of the countries in the Portuguese speaking Lusophone family of nations. Featuring two singers from Portugal - one based in London, the other in Leeds - who bring together musical influences from their home country alongside those of Brazil and Angola.