Unity Leeds - Looking to the Future
Unity Leeds is a newly established Community Interest Company (CIC) that has emerged from the legacy of Unity Day.
Since 1996, Unity Day has been a staple event in the Hyde Park and LS6 area, created as a response to negative media portrayals of the community in 1995. Its purpose was simple yet powerful: to bring people together in celebration of the area’s diversity, creativity, and resilience. Over the years, it grew into a much-loved event, but as times changed, so too did the needs of the community.
Recognizing the importance of building connections not just for a single day, but throughout the year, Unity Day has been rebranded as Unity Leeds. This transformation reflects a renewed commitment to year-round community work, focusing on educational workshops, inclusive events, and initiatives that foster lasting relationships within LS6 and beyond. The goal is to bridge the gaps that have formed between different groups, creating a stronger, more connected community.
Currently, Unity Leeds is reaching out to the community to hear directly from residents about their hopes and ideas for the future of Unity Day and the wider Hyde Park area. This outreach will help shape a reimagined annual celebration that reflects the evolving needs of the community. Additionally, we are committed to fostering relationships with local organizations, universities, and businesses to create a network of support for the area.
Unity Leeds offers opportunities for everyone to get involved. Whether you’re passionate about arts, music, culture, sports, or DIY, there’s a role for you in shaping the projects and events that will define this new chapter. This includes exploring how to make the park more welcoming for all, from considering non-alcoholic areas to creating spaces that celebrate the area’s rich cultural diversity.
The LS6 area has long been known for its vibrant and dynamic community, but in recent years, there has been a growing sense of fragmentation. Unity Leeds seeks to address this, acting as the glue that brings people back together. The first event under this new identity will serve as a statement of intent, showing that Unity has not gone away but instead is evolving to meet the needs of the community today.
This event will be a celebration of the past while also laying the foundation for the future. It will mark the beginning of a year-long program of activities and initiatives that will build connections, foster creativity, and support the community in meaningful ways. Through these efforts, Unity Leeds aims to ensure that Hyde Park remains a place where everyone feels safe, welcome, and celebrated.
We believe that the spirit of Unity has always been about more than a single day—it’s about creating a sense of belonging and pride that lasts all year round. By working together, we can honour the legacy of Unity Day while creating a brighter, more inclusive future for the entire community.
We are currently in the stage of outreach. Finding what the community want so that we can put on events tailored to the community's desire. Recently we ran Bridge the Gap week, which involved online surveys and a walk and talk. This allows us to know exactly which events the community want to see. We will continue the walk and talks up until the Day as an accessible, cheap way to get involved in the community.
If you would like your voice to be heard please complete the Bridge the Gap online survey here.
If you would like to volunteer with Unity Leeds please complete this Volunteer Sign Up Form - your support helps us bring the community together and create impactful events and initiatives. By completing the form we will be able to match you with opportunities that align with your interests and availability.