On 13 July 2026, Leeds marks an extraordinary milestone - 400 years since receiving its first Royal Charter from King Charles I. This historic moment set Leeds on its path to self-governance and city status, shaping the vibrant, diverse city we know today.
Leeds400 is a year-long celebration that launched in November 2025. It invites residents, communities, and visitors to come together and celebrate Leeds’ rich heritage and future.
On 13 July 2026, Leeds commemorates a remarkable milestone — 400 years since receiving its first Royal Charter from King Charles I. Throughout 2026 Leeds 400 will showcase the diversity of the city and its people with themes spanning culture, heritage, sport, learning, communities, innovation and the future.
The Leeds-based international touring dance company of NSCD, VERVE, presents new works by Alethia Antonia, Andrea Costanzo Martini and Oona Doherty
Red Ladder Theatre Company and Wrongsemble, two of Yorkshire’s most popular theatre companies, are touring the UK with a double bill of festive shows this Christmas.
An exhibition in Leeds will invite visitors to explore art using different senses, not just sight.
Another Way of Seeing features artworks inside wooden boxes – made to be touched, listened to, smelled, and discovered in surprising ways.
The exhibition is inspired by the work of Audrey Barker (1932–2002), a pioneering disabled artist who explored disability, accessibility, and communication through art. Barker created multi-sensory installations that often used boxes, grids, and frames – many titled Another Way of Seeing.
Round 2 of Grow:Project funding from Leeds City Council's 2025-2026 Leeds Cultural Investment Programme of arts and cultural activity funding is now open for applications.
The aim of the scheme is to provide financial support for individual artists or cultural, voluntary and community organisations to create new opportunities for residents from across the city to engage in cultural activity as a participant, attendee or creator.
After a successful funding application to Leeds Cultural Investment Programme, Game Changer was green lit in spring last year and with a small crew, filmed throughout the summer.
After selling out its ‘New to Opera’ discounted tickets in record time for its upcoming production of La bohème, Opera North announces its first ‘pay what you can’ performance in Leeds.
Red Ladder Theatre Company presents a wide range of exciting touring shows at alternative theatre venues across Yorkshire this autumn.
As the nights draw in, Red Ladder Local’s autumn programme has something for all ages, from high-octane family fun to a one-woman comedy drag show.
Calling all Crime Fans, Nature Lovers, Rom Com Admirers, Horror Junkies, History Buffs, Thriller Devotees, Poetry Followers, True Story Supporters and Bona Fide Book Buyers... the Farsley Literature Festival returns in October. Brought to you by Truman Books and Old Woollen, the fourth edition of Farsley Lit Fest takes place between 13 Oct and 14 Nov 2025.
Once again, the team from the village bookshop and events venue are bringing some fantastic headliners to Leeds, including Sir Tony Robinson, Andrew Child, Adele Parks and Terry Deary.