You don't need a laminated map and a military briefing, but knowing roughly where you're going before you get there is the kind of thing that pays off at 11pm when your phone is at 3% and you're standing at the wrong end of Briggate. The Freedom Quarter is compact, ten minutes end to end, but that's only useful if you know which end you're at. Check transport home before you need it.

Worth doing on the trip in, if you haven't already.

Apple: iOS 17+ has a built-in "Check In" feature in Messages. Your contact is alerted when you reach your destination — if you stop making progress it checks in, and if you don't respond it shares your location, battery level and signal status. All information is end-to-end encrypted.

WalkSafe (Apple & Android): walksafe.io — Free features to help people feel safe day and night.

Peoplesafe: peoplesafe.co.uk — A personal safety alarm app for professional backup whenever you need it.

Yes, this is advice from every primary school trip you've ever been on. It still works. Someone knowing where you are and roughly when to expect you back is the kind of thing that turns "I haven't heard from them" into a minor inconvenience rather than a significant one.

The moment you actually need an emergency contact is the wrong time to discover you haven't saved one. This takes ninety seconds. Do it now and forget about it.

We know. You know. Do it anyway. A dead phone on the walk home is one of the more preventable annoyances in modern life, and it tends to happen precisely when you'd most like it not to.

A small amount tucked somewhere separate from your main wallet. For taxis, for emergencies, for the chip shop. Technology fails, cards get declined, and cash still works.

The key to situational awareness is doing it without looking like you're casing the joint. A quick scan now and then. Note where the exits are. Notice if something feels off. That's really the whole thing. You don't need to be vigilant in a way that stops you having a good time.

You know your limits. This is simply a reminder that they exist. Nobody's best night ends having drunk well past them, and more practically, it makes you less able to look after yourself and the people around you. Drink well, drink at your own pace, eat something first.

Your instincts have been calibrated over rather a long time for exactly this purpose. If something feels wrong, that feeling is data. Act on it: leave the situation, tell someone, or just move to a busier part of the room. You don't need a reason beyond "it didn't feel right."

The Freedom Quarter is generally fine, but bags left on chairs in busy venues are an invitation. Zip them, keep them where you can see or feel them, and don't leave your phone on the table.

Spiking, or adding alcohol or drugs to someone's drink, food, vape, or body without consent, is a criminal offence. Keep an eye on your drink and never leave it unattended. Signs include sudden confusion, blurred vision, nausea, or memory loss. If you suspect you or someone nearby has been spiked, tell venue staff or a Street Marshal immediately and seek medical help. Stop The Spike is a Women Friendly Leeds campaign — 29+ Freedom Quarter venues are trained and carry anti-spiking drink covers and detection test kits.

The Freedom Quarter is well-lit and busy on LFF nights. As you move further out or head home later, stick to the main streets. Leeds has ginnels, the Yorkshire word for those narrow alleyways that look like an extremely convenient shortcut at 1am. They are not. Lower Briggate, The Calls, Briggate are all fine. Stay on them.

Uber works in Leeds. Streamline-Telecabs are the distinctive black and white ones, the main licensed taxi provider, and tend to be faster and more reliable on a Friday night. If someone offers you a lift in a car you weren't expecting, that's the one to decline. It's fine to be rude about this. Anyone who takes offence at you not getting into their unannounced car has rather missed the point.

The later the night gets, the more charming and trustworthy everyone seems. This is not a coincidence. Only leave with people you actually knew before LFF.

Engaging the victim in conversation or diverting attention from the harasser can defuse the situation and provide a sense of support:

• Strike up a conversation about a completely unrelated topic — asking for directions, talking about a shared interest.
• Pretend to know the victim: "Hey, haven't seen you in ages!"
• Cause a distraction, like dropping something loudly, to draw the harasser's attention away.

Seeking help from a person of authority can provide a safer environment for the victim:

• Approach a security guard, bartender, or staff member and inform them about the situation.
• Ask a friend or bystander to help or keep an eye on things while you seek assistance.
• If necessary and with the victim's consent, involve the police or relevant authorities.

Recording the incident can provide evidence. Prioritise safety and legality:

• Use your smartphone to discreetly record the harassment, capturing the harasser's behaviour and relevant details like appearance or location.
• Take photos or videos that include landmarks or signage to help identify the location.
• Jot down notes — dates, times, locations, and relevant descriptions.

Confronting the harasser calmly and non-aggressively can discourage their behaviour. Avoid escalating:

• "Excuse me, but your comments are making this person uncomfortable. Please stop."
• Maintain eye contact and use a confident tone.
• Use "I" statements: "I don't think it's appropriate to speak to someone like that."

Offering support after the incident demonstrates solidarity and helps the victim feel less isolated:

• Ask if they're okay or need any assistance.
• Express empathy and let them know you noticed what happened and are there to support them.
• Offer to stay with them or accompany them to a safe place.

Any actions or behaviour motivated by prejudice, bias, or hostility towards a person's race, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.

Offensive, demeaning, or threatening language directed at you or others, causing emotional distress.

Any form of physical harm or violence, including pushing, hitting, or assault.

Instances of stolen property or personal belongings.

Persistent unwanted attention, stalking, or invasive behaviour that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Unwanted sexual advances, touching, or harassment.

Intimidating or aggressive actions that create a threatening environment.

Report spiking to venue staff, police, or via the Stop The Spike campaign. You can also log the incident on the Spike Report by The Egalitarian — a public database of spiking incidents across UK venues that helps identify patterns and keep others informed.

Reporting incidents helps prevent future harm by identifying patterns of behaviour and enabling organisers to take appropriate measures.

Reporting holds perpetrators accountable for their actions and helps ensure they face consequences for their behaviour.

Reporting offers support and validation to victims, letting them know their well-being is a priority.

Reports help gather data on safety concerns, enabling organisers to implement effective safety measures.

By reporting incidents, you contribute to a culture of safety and respect that benefits all attendees.

For non-emergency incidents, call the police on 101 to report and seek advice.

stophateuk.org — Report hate crimes and incidents online, providing a safe and secure way to document your concerns.

westyorkshire.police.uk/report-it — Online reporting forms and live chat for assistance.

bussafetysurvey.co.uk — Report incidents at bus stations, stops, or on buses.

British Transport Police — Report incidents on trains or at railway stations using the Railway Guardian App.

If you or somebody you're with is in a difficult situation, approach any venue bar or door staff and say you're asking for Angela. This is a widely recognised way of discreetly telling someone you need help.

womenfriendlyleeds.org/stop-the-spike — Women Friendly Leeds campaign with reporting guidance, venue contacts, and ongoing support through Victim Support (West Yorkshire).

theegalitarian.co.uk/spike-report — Log a spiking incident on The Egalitarian's public database. Reports are searchable by venue and city, helping others stay informed. All personal details remain confidential.

A volunteer-based initiative providing visible support for the LGBT+ community in the Freedom Quarter every Friday evening — a friendly, approachable face on the bar scene for anyone who needs a chat or help finding support.

The bus offers mobile phone charging, water and warm drinks, help calling a taxi, a safe place to talk through concerns, report incidents to police, or simply somewhere warm to wait if you're alone.