20 events you can’t miss in Leeds in 2020
This year, there’s an abundance of great events at the University, as well as loads around Leeds, for when you want to venture out of campus.
Here’s our definitive list of the best events coming up in Leeds this year.
1. International Women’s Day at Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery
6 March
Celebrate International Women’s Day 2020 and discover the history of feminist campaigning with a display of items including feminist journals, posters, badges, banner and t-shirts from the Feminist Archive North.
Open 11am-4pm.
2. Be Curious
28 March
The university isn’t just for students! For Be Curious, campus will be open for a day of free, family friendly activities, with over 60 stalls allowing everyone to have a go with activities suitable for all ages.
There’s no need to book for the day itself — just come along on the day to the Parkinson building between 10am and 4pm. All age groups welcome.
3. 100th birthday of Dame Fanny Waterman
22 March
The UK’s most loved piano teacher celebrates her 100th Birthday on the 22nd of March, 2020.
Dame Fanny Waterman’s legacy to the musical landscape of the United Kingdom and beyond is profound. Universally cherished as the Grand Dame of the piano, she co-founded the Leeds International Piano Competition with the Countess of Harewood in 1961, and is considered a national treasure of the musical community. Tickets available here.
4. Leeds Digital Festival
20 April — 1 May
University of Leeds is proud to sponsor Leeds Digital Festival, the largest tech event in the UK. Bringing together digital expertise and innovation from around the city, last year’s festival had 170 different events, 600 speakers and 20,000 attendees!
5. Leeds International Festival
2–12 May
Leeds International Festival is the UK’s leading metropolitan festival of new ideas and innovation.
The ten day festival combines an international programme of speakers and a huge variety of performers. This year’s guests include Michaela Strachan, George Clarke, Selina Thompson, Maya Chowdhry, and Peter Singer, while Jonathan Lang’s neon artworks will be on display throughout the festival.
6. Tour de Yorkshire
30 April — 3 May
The Tour de Yorkshire is a road cycling race in Yorkshire, which is part of the UCI Europe Tour.
Of course, there’s no requirement to take part in the race. Instead, you can cheer on the cyclists with others in the local area.
7. Live At Leeds
2 May
Live at Leeds is a one day music festival which showcases the best new talent from the UK and beyond. It is held in various venues across Leeds City Centre, including Stylus on campus!
You can go from venue to venue to see your favourite artists or discover new music you love.
8. Leeds Half Marathon
10 May
Yorkshire’s biggest and loudest half marathon. This much-loved run raises hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity every year and often attracts around 7,500 runners to the city streets.
Leeds Half Marathon attracts runners of all abilities and ages, so it’s a great way to challenge yourself and raise money for a good cause.
9. Pint of Science
11–13 May
Pint of Science is a non-profit organisation that brings some of the most brilliant scientists to local pubs to discuss their latest research and findings with you.
You don’t need any prior knowledge, and this is your chance to meet the people responsible for the future of science (and have a pint with them).
10. Yorkshire Sculpture International
22 June — 1 September
Free and open to all, Yorkshire Sculpture International will showcase sculpture in all its forms. From new work by international artists to sculpture drawn from our world-class collections.
It will feature exhibitions and events inside the galleries at the Henry Moore Institute, Leeds Art Gallery, The Hepworth Wakefield and Yorkshire Sculpture Park and new outdoor sculpture commissions in unexpected places, including some on campus!
11. Run for All Leeds 10k
5 July
Run for All is part of the lasting legacy of the late amateur athlete and fundraiser Jane Tomlinson CBE, who made headlines around the world by taking part in a series of incredible endurance events — despite being diagnosed with an incurable cancer.
This year, the Leeds 10k route has changed, and will set off from the University Parkinson Steps.
12. Medieval Congress
6–9 July
Each Summer, the university hosts the International Medieval Congress, Europe’s largest forum for sharing ideas in medieval studies.
It draws medievalists from over 60 countries, with more than 2,000 individual papers as well as public concerts, performances, excursions, bookfairs and more.
13. Leeds Pride
2 August
Leeds Pride is an annual LGBT Pride celebration. Last year, up to 120 floats took part in the procession through the city centre, with an estimated 40,000 people taking to the streets for the parade.
14. Leeds Festival
28–30 August
One of the UK’s most famous music festivals, which was founded in 1999 and has since hosted some of music’s biggest stars. Alongside more than 80 acts playing this year’s festival will be headliners Rage Against the Machine, Stormzy, and Liam Gallagher.
15. Leeds West Indian Carnival
Main Carnival Parade: 31 August
Leeds West Indian Carnival is Europe’s longest running authentic Caribbean carnival parade, and takes place every August Bank Holiday, come rain or shine. Along with great music and amazing costumes, there’s Caribbean food and entertainment for everyone.
16. Ilkley Literature Festival
2–18 October
The North’s most exciting literature festival plays host to some of the best writers both in the UK and internationally, reading from acclaimed work, as well as taking part in discussions.
It’s also a good excuse to visit Ilkley — a picturesque spa town not too far from Leeds.
17. Leeds International Film Festival
4–19 November
Leeds International Film Festival is a 16 day event, where you can watch some of the greatest films from around the world. You can be among the first to see new films, as well as rarely screened classics, documentaries, cult and fantasy cinema and new short films.
18. Light Night
October — exact dates TBC
Light Night is one of the UK’s largest annual arts and light festivals, where Leeds’s most recognisable indoor and outdoor spaces are transformed by spectacular artworks and captivating performances by local, national and international artists.
There are always installations and performances on campus, so keep a lookout for them!
19. Bonfire Night at Woodhouse Moor
November — exact date TBC
Only a stone’s throw away from campus is Woodhouse Moor, where students and local people watch a free firework display. The show starts at around 7pm and you can grab a drink at a nearby pub afterwards.
If you want to explore a different part of Leeds, Roundhay Park also hosts a huge firework display. Around 70,000 people turn up each year to see the bonfire lit at 7.30pm.
20. German Christmas market
November-December — exact dates TBC
It’s not truly festive season without a trip to the Leeds Christkindelmarkt in Millennium Square. The family-friendly market has over 40 stalls featuring handcrafted toys, jewellery, festive decorations and authentic German delicacies, along with a Christmas Carousel.
University of Leeds also hosts events throughout the Christmas break for students who don’t travel home for Christmas. The Christmas in Leeds programme provides students with the chance to meet others, experience Christmas traditions and find out about help and support.
