Big Leeds events to get in your diary
Holly Phillips, Law LLB, Year 1
Leeds is a great city which fortunately hosts a range of events, from festivals, to live music nights…there will be something for you. Check out this blog post to get some ideas of the amazing events that Leeds offers.
Leeds Fest
Leeds Fest is one of the biggest festivals in the UK and Leeds is lucky enough to host it. Since 1999, Bramham Park has been home to this great festival. With a range of worldwide artists, you won’t be disappointed with the good vibes it brings. It is super easy to get to with Ubers and buses. If you aren’t from Leeds, you can book a hotel, such as a premier inn or Travelodge, in advance, or if you are feeling a bit spontaneous, why not camp?!
Leeds Fest also provides some great volunteering opportunities which will be quite an experience. It would look great on a CV and you will even have the opportunity to get to hear some amazing music for free.
It has great accessibility options and promote many ways of staying green. Leeds Fest use the Big Green Coach which stops off at multiple locations throughout the UK such as Newcastle, Lincoln, Glasgow, Hull and many more, in order to make a green impact with travel. They also work closely with Julie’s Bicycle, which is a non-profit organisation working on sustainability within creative industries.
It might seem like a hefty payment, however, what you are paying for will be well worth it. Grab some friends and get yourself down to Leeds Fest to make someone in a lifetime memories!
Website: https://www.leedsfestival.com/
Live at Leeds
Live at Leeds is the ‘North’s leading metropolitan festival for emerging talent’, hosted at multiple venues across Leeds in October. It is the perfect excuse to explore the wonderful city of Leeds and visit each venue where a different artist will be performing. Since 2007, it has been the ‘focal point of breakthrough talent’ and caters to 10,000 music fans, 20 stages and 200 artists.
With ticket prices being super accessible to students, it is well worth booking to go enjoy some upcoming talent with friends. You don’t want to miss out on this.
Website: https://www.liveatleeds.com/
Leeds Pride
Leeds Pride is one of Yorkshire’s biggest LGBTQ+ events and attracts over 50,000 people every year.
The event usually consists of a march from Millennium Square and finishes at Lower Briggate, where there will be entertainment from music artists and drag queens. If you join in, you are guaranteed to be surrounded by dancing, flags, music and marketplaces.
There is also a variation of great bars and clubs to visit near the march who will also be celebrating Pride in Leeds, such as Viaduct Show Bar and Queens Court.
Website: http://www.leedspride.com/
Leeds Light Night
Leeds Light Night is a one of a kind experience. Usually held in October, famous places in Leeds, such as the University’s very own Parkinson’s building, transform into art in the dark. Other outdoor spaces, and even indoor spaces, become part of the incredible art and light festival for free. This two day festival hosts a range of activities and events across the city, varying from street performances, music and light projections.
It is one of Leeds’s biggest events and has been running for 17 years now. Make sure you don’t miss out on this amazing experience and get the dates booked in your diaries.
Website: https://lightupthenorth.com/festivals/light-night-leeds/
Brew-Denell Beer Festival
Brew-Denell Beer Festival is a small festival which takes place every January at a very popular venue for students, Brudenell Social Club. It’s been around for seven years now and will be the perfect way to start the New Year with your friends or family. It consists of beers and ales from the local area, as well as the USA and Australia.
As you can see, Leeds hosts a variation of annual events and there is something guaranteed to suit you, the ones above are just a selection of the best. Get these dates booked in your diaries so you won’t miss out!
