Leeds First Friday
Everything you need to know before you come. The night, getting here, where to stay and eat, and what to expect if it's your first time.
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What's the format of the event?
The heart of LFF is The Big Meet Up — held at Bridge End Social from 7pm. That's where everyone comes together, where the energy is, and where you'll meet the community. If you only make one part of the night, make it this.
Everything else is optional. The wider LFF runs from 2pm on the Friday through to 5:30am Saturday morning, with bars, clubs, and a morning social woven around it. Drop in when you're ready, leave when you like. There's no obligation to stay late and no judgement for leaving early.
Is it ticketed? Does it cost money?
LFF is completely free to attend — no tickets, no guest list, no door charge. Just turn up. The venues are public bars and spaces, so you buy your own drinks as normal.
Where is it?
The Big Meet Up is at Bridge End Social, on the south side of Leeds city centre, just across the river from the station. Check our Map page for the full venue layout each month — venues do vary, and the map is updated before each event.
What should I wear?
Whatever you like. LFF is a space where people dress however feels right — some come in jeans, some come fully glam. There is no dress code, no pressure, and no judgement. Wear what makes you feel like you.
Where can I park?
There are several good options within easy reach of LFF:
Leeds train station is a 10–15 minute walk, which takes the stress out of a late night entirely.
Where should I stay?
Leeds city centre and the Freedom Quarter is compact with most hotels are walkable to LFF. Our top picks:
Where should I eat beforehand?
A lot of LFF attendees make a full evening of it — dinner first, then across to Bridge End Social for The Big Meet Up at 7pm. Our regulars' favourites are:
Friday evenings are busy — booking ahead is strongly recommended.
Are there makeup artists available?
Yes. We have a great list of trans-friendly makeup artists in Leeds and nearby who offer evening appointments for LFF attendees. We maintain a current list of recommended artists on our app, Facebook and Discord groups.
Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially for popular LFF dates. Some can be booked up months in advance.
I'm nervous about coming — is that normal?
Completely normal, we've all been through it and you're not alone. A lot of people arrive at their first LFF having spent weeks building up to it. Some are new to Leeds. Some haven't been out before. We know what that feels like, and we take it seriously.
Every LFF we run Made It! — a dedicated newcomer meet at Queens Court from 7pm to 8pm, specifically for first-timers. You'll be met by volunteers and regulars who remember exactly what that first night felt like. No pressure, no expectation — just friendly people to walk in with. See below for more.
Before you arrive, join our Discord or Facebook group and introduce yourself. People will respond warmly, and you'll already know some faces before you walk through the door.
We're not able to spot someone sitting quietly in a corner waiting to be found, and we'd hate for you to have a difficult night because we didn't know you were there. A quick "I'm coming this month" a few days before is all it takes and we'll make sure you're looked after.
Do I need to let anyone know I'm coming?
You don't need to register or book for the main Leeds First Friday Big Meetup and the tour of venues after — but if you are attending any of our events, such as Made It!, Pints N Straws or Breakfast on the Saturday, please do let the event teams know. Introduce yourself in the Discord or Facebook group before the event, or introduce yourself to a member of the event team when you arrive. Note some events like Cocktails at 9 have limited places and need you to book a place with the event hosts in advance. Check our socials for detals.
Every LFF, we run a dedicated newcomer meet — Made It! — held at Queens Court from 7pm to 8pm. It's a quieter, lower-key start to the evening, specifically for people coming for the first time (or the first few times).
You'll be met by LFF volunteers and existing regulars who remember exactly what that first night felt like. There's no pressure, no expectation — just a friendly group of people to walk in with and a familiar face once the main event gets going.
One important thing: please let us know you're coming. Introduce yourself in the Discord or Facebook group before the event, or find a volunteer when you arrive. We're not able to spot someone sitting quietly waiting to be found — a quick "I'm coming this month" is all it takes.
Is it safe?
Yes. LFF is widely regarded as one of the safest places to be out as a trans person publicly in the UK. That's not an accident — it's the result of nearly two decades of community building and deliberate, ongoing work with a network of organisations specifically there to look after you.
For full details of our safety approach, see our Safety page.
What safety organisations do you work with?