With staycations expected to continue to soar in 2023 with less Brits travelling abroad, the destination management organisation for the city of Leeds is encouraging people to visit the city of Leeds in 2023 for what promises to be a jam-packed year of fun. 2023 is also the year of culture in Leeds; a year-long celebration of culture, creativity and community that’s filled with exciting events and workshops, so it’s definitely a good time to be visiting the city.
From visiting the city’s many free galleries and museums to experiencing world-class culture and performances, Visit Leeds has devised a round-up of six of the best happenings and events to enjoy this year. The only question is, what will you do first?
- Attend the most glamorous party in town – with Northern Ballet’s The Great Gatsby at Leeds Grand Theatre
Enjoy a special night out at the theatre and be transported to the glitz and the glam of the Roaring 20s with Northern Ballet’s exquisite performance and innovative retelling of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, ‘The Great Gatsby’. The party of the year will be held at Leeds Grand Theatre in Leeds’ city centre, complete with original features including crystal chandeliers and gold-plated decor. ‘The Great Gatsby’ is an original show by Northern Ballet, one of the most successful dance companies in the UK and the only resident ballet company outside of London. This will be a beautiful retelling of the story like you’ve never seen before. Tickets are on sale now and the show’s opening night will be held on the 8th of March.
- Hear unique stories with Sinfonia (1001 Stories) at Leeds Playhouse
A brand new production as part of LEEDS 2023, Sinfonia (1001 Stories) is a dynamic multi-arts show that combines music, dance, and storytelling composed and performed by the generation that invented punk and put the first man on the moon. Audiences will be taken on a journey through time to explore how the people of Leeds once led their lives and how they continue to contribute to the city’s culture through this extraordinary collection of stories. Sinfonia promises to transcend generational barriers and highlight shared themes, and is a unique celebration of lives lived to the fullest, telling unapologetic stories of love, loss, joy, heartbreak, humour and community. The event will be held at Leeds Playhouse from 27th April, and tickets are on sale now.
- Reignite your love of reading at Leeds Lit Festival
Do you have a love of all things reading and literature? If so, then Leeds Lit Festival is certainly something you should add to your calendar. Leeds Lit is the city’s award-winning festival of words and thought, and is back for a fifth year in 2023. The festival, which will take place in a variety of venues around the city including hidden gem Leeds Library and brings together the best of the city’s literary scene, with writers, poets and performers from the UK and beyond, Events consist of a series of book readings, workshops, and discussions with some of the literary world’s very best talent and will interweave themes of untold stories, radical acts, playful adventures and future generationsStandouts on the billing sheet include talks from Catriona Ward’, Dan Coxon and Lemn Sissay.
- Cast your eye on new talent at Leeds Art Gallery’s Leeds Artist Show
One of the best collections of 20th-century British art outside of London can be found at Leeds Art Gallery, the city’s flagship for contemporary art. There’s something for everyone at Leeds Art Gallery, from sculptures and paintings to new media installations and interesting exhibitions. Returning for the first tie in ten years Leeds’ Artists Show opens on February 15th and will feature the best of Leeds’ artistic talents in all disciplines. The show received hundreds of submissions and the best of the best are being displayed, so take a trip down here to discover exciting new art talent.
- Take a trip to one of the city’s best country houses and estates
Everyone loves a trip around a beautiful stately home, and Leeds has many to explore. Harewood House is a luxurious 18th century house with over 100 acres of land and gardens, bird garden and deer park! Open for their Winter Weekends until March, a visit to the grand Harewood House is something you should definitely experience this year. Similarly, the Tudor-Jacobean Temple Newsam is bursting with treasures and tales to enjoy, and open throughout the year to stroll around the grounds, or inside the house to discover how the other half used to live all those years ago. And you can’t forget about Lotherton Hall. Housing a museum, fashion galleries and bountiful grounds complete with mediaeval chapel and a zoo, this Edwardian estate is not one to be missed.
- Immerse yourself in Caribbean Culture at Leeds West Indian Carnival
Celebrating the West Indian culture and community that is so important to the city of Leeds, the Leeds West Indian Carnival brings the Caribbean sunshine to the city’s streets each year. The carnival is a colourful fusion of stunning costumes, captivating tropical rhythms, delicious food and incredible entertainment for all to enjoy. First held in 1967, Leeds West Indian Carnival only gets bigger and better each year, and brings the tastes, sounds and sights of West Indian culture to the streets of Leeds for an energetic, fun and inclusive celebration for all ages.
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