The Headingley Network Community Association are to hold a ‘Celebrate Headingley’ day on 8^th September. The day will start with a cream tea and bazaar, with live piano music, between 2.00pm and 4.00pm at Headingley Methodist Church. There will be a classical concert at 5.45pm – 7.00pm at St Columba’s Church Hall. Finally there will be a disco and live band between 8.30pm and 11.30pm at St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michael’s Road.

The idea came about as the group discussed how to raise funds to pay the legal costs of Associated Tower Cinemas awarded against them. The Network appealed unsuccessfully against Associated Tower Cinemas opening yet another bar in Headingley.

Chair of the Network Lesley Jeffries said, “This is a real silver lining to what was a very dark cloud. We were very angry and upset at losing the court case, and it added insult to injury, having to pay £2,500 to Associated Tower Cinemas towards their legal costs. It’s a large amount of money for us, whilst it’s only a fraction of what they will earn in the first week of operation, as they continue to attract yet more young drinkers into Headingley.

But the response to the appeal, and to the idea of having a celebration of what Headingley is really about, has been fantastic. We hope that people will come from all parts of Headingley to enjoy themselves, help us raise some money, and celebrate our community.”

The Network hopes that the idea will catch on, and that the Celebration can became an annual event for Headingley’s residents. All the performers are local people and are giving their time and talents free.