Leeds 400 Celebrations Take Place Across the City This Weekend

Events mark 400 years since Leeds received its first royal charter

This weekend, Leeds will host a variety of events to commemorate 400 years since the city was granted its first royal charter by King Charles I. The Leeds 400 celebrations have brought together communities, groups, and organisations across the city to recognise this historic milestone.

Key events taking place on July 11 and 12

Among the highlights of the weekend’s programme are:

• Dance for Leeds 400: On Saturday, July 11, the Northern School of Contemporary Dance will celebrate both Leeds 400 and its own 40th anniversary with a free Party in the Park event at Norma Hutchinson Park. The event runs from 11:30am to 5pm and will feature music, food, dance performances, and workshops. The school has also organised a special 40-second dance challenge.
• Roundhay Art Walk: Also on July 11, a series of creative walking workshops will take place in Roundhay Park. Led by Bryony Aitchison and Marilou Chagnaud, the one-hour sessions will explore the textures and colours of rocks and plant life through poetry exercises and tactile art-making. Participants will receive detailed location and travel information after booking.
• Picnic on the Square: On Sunday, July 12, Thors Bar will host a Birthday Picnic in City Square from 1pm. The event offers live music and community activities to celebrate Leeds’ 400th anniversary. The first 400 people to RSVP will receive a free can of Kirkstall Brewery’s limited-edition Leeds 400 birthday beer.
• Leeds Minster Special Service: Also on July 12, a civic celebration and service will be held at Leeds Minster at 5:30pm, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Stephen Holroyd. The service will include performances by Bridge Ensemble Leeds, Leeds Philharmonic Chorus, Leeds Festival Chorus, and Music House Gospel Choir. Guest speakers include Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Keran Kaur Virdee MBE, and Martin Hamilton of Leeds Civic Trust.
• Moortown Festival: Moortown Community Group and Friends of Moortown Park will organise a festival on Sunday, July 12, from 2pm to 7pm at Moortown Park. The event will feature live music, performances by local talent, stalls, food and drink, and activities suitable for all ages. Volunteers and supporters are invited to contact the organisers via email.

These events form part of a wider programme celebrating Leeds’ history and community spirit. Further information and booking details are available through the respective event organisers.