Leeds to Host World Unite Festival Celebrating Cultural Diversity

Annual event returns with a variety of cultural activities in November

Leeds will once again celebrate its rich cultural diversity with the World Unite Festival, scheduled to take place from 10 to 14 November 2025. The festival aims to bring together the local community through a range of events showcasing music, dance, art, and international perspectives.

Festival Highlights

The World Unite Festival offers a diverse programme of activities designed to engage participants in cultural exchange and learning. Events include:

• Show of Unity: Taking place on 12 November, this event features performances of dance and music from Leeds and around the world, alongside a society fair with interactive stalls.
• Treasure Hunt Escape Room: Teams of four to six participants can take part in a timed escape room challenge themed around cultural relics and ancient treasures, encouraging teamwork and problem-solving.
• K-POP’d!: A celebration of K-pop music and the international community, hosted at Terrace Bar with DJs, themed decor, and refreshments.
• Chinese Lacquer Fan Making Workshop: Attendees can learn traditional lacquer painting techniques to create their own decorated fan, with no prior experience required.
• Acoustic Sessions: Musical performances featuring traditional instruments such as the Japanese Koto and the Chinese Guzheng, combined with jazz ensembles to create a fusion of Eastern and Western sounds.

Community Involvement

Student clubs and societies at Leeds University are encouraged to participate by hosting workshops and events such as dance classes, language exchanges, and quizzes. Support is available in the form of incentive funding for participating groups.

Non-student groups with suitable event proposals are also invited to contribute to the festival programme, which has previously included academic talks, wellbeing sessions, city chases, and film screenings.

Contact and Participation

Those interested in taking part or proposing events can contact the organisers via email at eventsbystudents@leeds.ac.uk.

The World Unite Festival continues to provide a platform for cultural exchange and community engagement in Leeds, reflecting the city’s diverse population and international connections.