National BBQ Week 2026: Can I BBQ in one of Leeds' green spaces and what are the rules this year?
As National BBQ Week arrives, sunseekers are being reminded of the strict local laws - and the risk of hefty fines - regarding outdoor cooking and open flames across the city's green spaces
As temperatures begin to rise and households look forward to celebrating National BBQ Week, many residents across Leeds will be eager to take their culinary skills outdoors.
However, those planning to pack up a disposable grill alongside their picnic blanket should be fully aware of the strict local regulations before heading to their nearest green space.
While it remains a common local myth that certain public areas in the city permit outdoor cooking, Leeds City Council enforces a strict, blanket ban on the use of all barbecues, bonfires, and open flames across every single one of its parks and public spaces.
This means popular summer hotspots such as Roundhay Park, Woodhouse Moor in Hyde Park, and Golden Acre Park are entirely off-limits for anyone hoping to fire up a grill.
The comprehensive ban is heavily supported by the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to prevent devastating accidental wildfires, which have severely impacted nearby Yorkshire landmarks like Marsden Moor in recent years.
Even seemingly managed disposable barbecues pose a massive risk during dry spells, as falling embers and hot ash can ignite parched grass and spread very quickly.
Beyond the immediate danger of fast-spreading fires, the intense heat retained beneath a portable grill can severely scorch the ground, causing long-term damage to the natural landscape and disrupting delicate local wildlife habitats.
Why are public barbecues banned across Leeds parks?
Local authorities stress that outdoor fires are incredibly difficult to tackle, taking up a significant amount of emergency resources that could be needed elsewhere.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, the executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, noted that while seeing people enjoying the sunshine is wonderful, awareness must be raised.
He warned that though a park barbecue can seem like a harmless thing, it can lead to fires that are devastating for wildlife, and urged residents to bring a cold picnic instead.
Assistant District Commander Aaron Clark added that barbecues get incredibly hot and cause a lot of damage, meaning it is best for the whole community if people simply leave the grills at home.
How can I safely celebrate National BBQ Week in Leeds?
Residents looking to celebrate National BBQ Week are being urged to keep their cooking strictly confined to private gardens and appropriate domestic spaces.
Park visitors are still actively encouraged by the council to flock to the city's beautiful green spaces and enjoy the sunshine, but they must swap out the hot dogs and charcoal for a traditional picnic.
Anyone opting for a park picnic is also reminded to pack up all their rubbish or use the provided bins, as littering itself can quickly become a fire hazard. Discarded glass bottles left lying around in the sun can magnify the light and act as a magnifying glass to spark a flame, while carelessly thrown cigarettes present an equal danger to dry grass.
Finally, officials urge members of the public to act immediately and call 999 if they spot a grass fire breaking out anywhere in the city.