The I Love West Leeds festival this year was a resounding success. Organised by the Interplay Theatre, July saw the creative juices of West Leeds flowing, in carnivals, theatre performances and art. The festival was bigger and better than ever, even being nominated as the Culture-led project of the year in www.regen.net’s annual awards. The nomination recognises the role that artistic projects like the festival can play in the community, beyond being great entertainment for everyone. I really enjoyed “Dust” and the “strangers and fiction” bookswap, and revelled in seeing West Leeds flex its artistic muscles.

The best news is that the festival isn’t the end of the fun! Throughout the summer holidays and beyond there are plenty of sporty, creative and sometimes unusual activities to brighten up even the dampest days… here are just a few!

- Casey Orr’s “Comings and Goings” is still on the walls outside Armley Prison and is a fascinating (and free!) photo exhibition, running until the end of August. http://www.caseyorr.com/comings.html

- Kirkstall Abbey will once again be resounding to the sonnets and soliloquies of the bard, as the British Shakespeare company return to perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Much Ado About Nothing in idyllic surroundings. You can get tickets here.

- "Breeze" is brightening up summer holidays, and will be on tour in Armley and Kirkstall this month. Swimming is free with a breeze card, and there are all sorts of events across Leeds to make sure the summer holidays don’t drag on too long. http://www.breezeleeds.org/

- You could give those green fingers a workout with BTCV Hollybush, who have opportunities throughout the summer to discover the outdoors right here, and make a difference at the same time!
www.btcv.org/hollybushleeds

You can see all the events that were part of the festival and may still be ongoing at www.interplaytheatre.org. Don't hesitate to get involved, as there are lots of events on your doorstep that may surprise you!