As you would expect from one of the most vibrant, multicultural and happening cities in the UK, Leeds is host to some fantastic summer events in 2015. This week we’re going to give you the lowdown on five of the most exciting local festivals so that you can fill your calendar with fun throughout the coming months. Miss any of these and your cool rating will take a dive!

Leeds Waterfront Festival: Sat 28th – Sun 29th June

An event that has grown in magnitude and fun over the past 7 years, the Waterfront Festival really is a ‘must visit’ when it comes to Leeds summer events. Running all the way along the waterfront you’ll be able to enjoy all the old favourites, like the dragon boat races and the slightly surreal Steampunk market at Thwaite Mills, alongside a plethora of music, arts and entertainment for the whole family.

Leeds Gin Festival: Sat 18th July – Sun 19th July at Leeds Town Hall, LS1 3AD

The Leeds Gin Festival’s definitely not one for all the family! Leave the kids with the grandparents and get your drinking boots on. Of course, there’s more to the event that drinking gin, but you’ll find it quite hard to resist the temptation of over 100 different varieties and a friendly band of gin lovers who’ll prepare tasty combinations you’d never have thought possible. With food, entertaining talks and a brand new home in the Town Hall, the Gin Festival must go in your diary.

Leeds West Indian Carnival: 31st August

Since 1967, the Leeds Carnival has been bringing the joy, colour, music, food and fun of the West Indies to the north of England. With one of the finest parades you’ll ever see running through Leeds and a free festival in Potternewton Park, the West Indian Carnival is a day out that you’ll never forget. The smells and sounds of the Caribbean are the first things to hit you as you enter the park, but from then on it’s a feast for all the senses as the colour, laughter and music will keep you smiling and dancing all day long.

Leeds International Beer Festival: Thurs 3rd – Sun 6th Sept at Leeds Town Hall

Not content with hosting one festival dedicated to alcohol, the Town Hall welcomes Leeds International Beer Festival in early September. The beer festival, however, isn’t contained solely within the hall. No, there are sprawling street food markets, two music stages and hundreds of lovely beers and ciders from Europe and the USA. In its fifth year now, the beer festival continues to grow from strength to strength.

Breeze Arts Festival: 18th – 25th July  at Millennium Square, Leeds City Centre, LS2 3AD

With music, skateparks, live DJs, dance and an arts and crafts market as part of the Breeze Arts Festival for young people, Leeds is leading the way in creating positive entertainment for the 11-19 year olds of the city. Free with a Breeze card and only £3 for non-card holders, the arts festival is a great alcohol-free week to entertain your kids.

As you can see, there’s something for everyone in and around Leeds this summer. Why not leave your car with us at Trafalgar Street car park, where we’ll keep it safe for you whilst you enjoy your day out. Remember though, if you’re going to one of the alcohol based festivals, drinking and driving is, quite rightly, totally illegal – so nominate a non-drinking driver, or catch a bus instead!