Leeds Heritage Theatres Launches Explore Programme

Leeds Heritage Theatres Launches Explore Programme

March 9, 2026 Off By

New initiative brings diverse cultural events to Leeds venues

Leeds Heritage Theatres has announced a new programme called Explore, which will take place across several venues in Leeds this April. The initiative aims to provide a range of creative and cultural activities for families and the wider community, involving collaborations with local artists and organisations.

Programme Details and Collaborations

The Explore programme will feature events at Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall, Hyde Park Picture House, Howard Assembly Room, and Lower Briggate. It includes a variety of performances, workshops, and tours designed to engage audiences of all ages.

Key collaborators include:

  • Boomchikkaboom: Founded by Faye, this organisation hosts family-oriented events such as raves, workshops, festivals, and messy play sessions. Boomchikkaboom focuses on creating inclusive spaces where both children and adults can enjoy activities together.
  • Testament: A rapper, poet, and playwright from Leeds, Testament combines various art forms including beatboxing, spoken word, and drama. His work often addresses social themes and is used as an educational tool in schools. He will be running workshops such as ‘Learn to Beatbox’ at City Varieties Music Hall.
  • Yorkshire Ghost Tours: This group offers theatrical ghost and history walking tours in Leeds and other Yorkshire towns. Their tours explore local heritage, folklore, and reportedly haunted locations, including the City Varieties Music Hall and other sites connected to Leeds’ history.

Highlights from Collaborators

Boomchikkaboom was established 13 years ago to offer alternative family events. Founder Faye emphasises the importance of intergenerational activities and inclusive cultural spaces. The organisation has previously hosted events at City Varieties and Hyde Park Picture House and plans to expand to Howard Assembly Room.

Testament credits Leeds for his artistic development and highlights the city’s rich talent pool despite limited infrastructure for emerging artists. His creative projects range from reinterpretations of classical myths to musicals based on historical figures. He also values the impact of educational workshops on young people’s confidence and engagement.

Yorkshire Ghost Tours began as a fundraiser and now runs regular tours in Leeds, Otley, and Skipton. The tours combine theatre and local history, featuring characters such as Spindleshanks McShrew and Lord Bartholomew Catch. The group shares stories of Leeds’ past, including its slum history and reputed hauntings at venues like City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House.

Additional Events and Support Opportunities

Leeds Heritage Theatres also encourages community support through initiatives such as accessible performances, seat naming schemes, memberships, and gift vouchers to sustain live performance and cinema offerings.

Source

Information sourced from the Leeds Heritage Theatres website: Introducing Explore.

CategoryArts