2026

On 13 July 2026, Leeds commemorates a remarkable milestone — 400 years since receiving its first Royal Charter from King Charles I. This historic moment marked the beginning of Leeds’ journey towards self-governance and city status. 400 years on, Leeds is a vibrant, culturally rich and diverse city. 

Leeds 400 is a year-long celebration inviting residents and visitors to come together to celebrate the city’s rich heritage and vibrant future. With themes spanning culture, heritage, sport, learning, communities, innovation, and the future, Leeds 400 will showcase the diversity of the city and its people, and the events selected here have been chosen to refect those themes.

Free
Tue 7 Apr 2026
West Yorkshire Archive Service, Leeds
Exhibition Heritage Leeds 400
Free
Thu 16 Apr 2026
The Leeds Library
Heritage Leeds 400 Talk
Sat 18 Apr 2026
Leeds City College Quarry Hill Campus
Dance Dance (Li) Leeds 400 Performance
Sat 18 Apr 2026
Leeds Playhouse
Dance Dance (Li) Leeds 400 Performance
Sat 2 May 2026
City Varieties Music Hall
Leeds 400 Music Theatre
Mon 4 May 2026
City Varieties Music Hall
Gigs Leeds 400 Music
Thu 21 May 2026
Abbey House Museum
Heritage Leeds 400 Leeds Museums & Galleries Talk
Fri 22 May 2026
City Varieties Music Hall
Gigs Leeds 400 Music Spoken Word Theatre
Sat 23 May 2026
City Varieties Music Hall
Concerts Gigs Leeds 400 Music
Free
Fri 29 May 2026
West Yorkshire Archive Service, Leeds
Exhibition Heritage Leeds 400
Free
Sun 12 Jul 2026
Moortown Park
Family Friendly Festival Leeds 400 Music Outdoor
Free
Fri 24 Jul 2026
West Yorkshire Archive Service, Leeds
Exhibition Heritage Leeds 400
Collection
Spring
Talk
Collection
Spring
Leeds Museums & Galleries
Collection
Spring
All Library Events