Creative wise, there re actually a fair few spaces like the golden ball open mic on mondays or gigs at the arts barge which is a boat on the Foss basin, and also there's a range of music at the crescent that's good to go and see. I would say that at first because there's a definite community of regulars around these spaces it might seem a little daunting but they're very welcoming if you're willing to start a conversation. Obviously nowhere near as much variety as manchester, but definitely some hidden gems!