With summer just around the corner and a host of events in the calendar, we’ve picked the top happenings in Leeds that you won’t want to miss.
- Sculpture Collections, 22 March – 20 May
In both the Leeds Art Gallery and The Henry Moore Institute, a major display of fascinating and impressive sculptures from The Leeds Sculptures Collections is taking place. The collection has been hailed by critics as extraordinary and it is the first time the exhibition is being displayed across two of Leeds’ key art institutions, with new acquisitions, works on paper and archival material all for visitors to see.
THE LEEDS SCULPTURES COLLECTIONS
- Leeds Indie Food, until 28 May
Leeds has so many independent food and drink outlets that it feels almost impossible to try them all. Well the good news is, you can this month as hundreds of bars, cafes and restaurants get involved in Leeds Indie Food, celebrating the city’s strong Indie food scene and amazing visitors with incredible creations and out-of-the-box thinking. Keep your eyes peeled for completely food-based exhibitions, tantalising limited-time-only menus, experimental cocktails, unexpected collaborations and amazing street food festivals.
- Leeds Loves Cocktails, 5 – 11 June
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What’s not to love about a festival that celebrates cocktails? With seven days that brings together the finest venues throughout Leeds for events, parties, masterclasses, tastings and cocktails from just £5, this one is circled in red on our calendar. The Leeds Loves Cocktails wristbands will get you into all the events on offer across the week as well as some amazing and exclusive discounts so sign yourself up via the website now.
- Cocoon in the Park, 14 July
Celebrating its 10thyear, Cocoon in the Park is returning to Leeds in July with the biggest line up yet, including Apollonia, Tale of Us and Enzo Siragusa. The festival boasts one of the biggest dates in the UK dance music calendar and this year promises to be the best yet, taking over Temple Newsam with appearances from thenames in EDM and house music.
- Leeds Pride, 5 – 6 August
Once again, Leeds Pride is bringing a sea of colour to the city in celebration of diversity, equality and inclusivity. Pop royalty Bananarama are kicking off celebrations in Millennium Square on the Saturday, swiftly following DJ Sara Cox’s massive 80’s party set and on the Sunday, the amazing LGBT Pride Parade will meander through the city’s streets.
- Leeds West Indian Carnival, 26 August
The Leeds West Indian Carnival is coming back for its 51styear during the August bank holiday weekend. Music, dancing, vibrant colours and parades through Chapeltown will bring the Caribbean to Leeds. The parades lead to Potternewton Park, culminating in a massive party with more live music and even more food.
- Leeds International Beer Festival, 7 – 10 September
Beer and food and music, this festival has it all and is perfectly timed as summer comes to an end. Retailers, bars and restaurants will be showcasing hundreds of beers and ciders, which you can carry around the street food market while listening to the live music that’ll be on two stages.
LEEDS INTERNATIONAL BEER FESTIVAL
- Mint Festival, 22 September
Another great festival that calls Leeds home is Mint Festival - returning at the end of September with a packed line-up of global acts. From Gorgon City and the Disciples, to Icarus, Skream and DJ Ez and brand new arenas for 2018, Mint Festival is the only way to end the Summer.
