Embrace the unusual at these Leeds arts and culture events

Ditch the latest paint-by-numbers superhero blockbuster for a night of films dedicated to real-life superheroes. Get to know female mountaineers exploring the Arctic Circle, Peruvian locals fighting against climate change and base jumpers attempting to climb unexplored Pakistani peaks at this film fest showcasing the best adventure, culture and environmental documentaries from around the world. Set in the Gothic splendor of Kirkstall Abbey you’ll be surrounded by epic settings on and off screen.
Aug 22

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It might not be as big or famous as Notting Hill’s parade, but Leeds’s Carnival has just as much dancing, music, masquerade and just as long a history. Every year Chapletown and Harehills turn into a flurry of feathers and sequins as parades loop around Potternewton Park accompanied by steel pan bands, drums and the sweet smells of barbequed jerk. Get prepared for it all at the Black Music Festival which will be cranking up the sound systems the day before with reggae, hip-hop, grime, gospel, RB and more. 

Aug 25 to 26

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Leeds is home to some of the best LGBTQ+ bars and clubs in the UK, so it’s no surprise its Pride celebrations, packed with parades, performances and parties, are worth getting excited about. Start the day at Millenium Square where the main parade begins sending a sea of rainbow flags through the city all the way to The Calls. Look out for pop-up street parties, open-air concerts and drag performances along the way.

Jul 21

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See ska-punk veterans Madness as they stop by the dramatic ruins of Kirkstall Abbey for a massive gig as part of their ‘C’est La Vie’ tour. The original Camden nutty boys have been whirling out their hits for nearly 50 years now, but they're still as energetic (and discerningly dressed) and there's no shortage of material for them to wheel out as well as cuts from new album ‘Theatre of the Absurd Presents C’est La Vie’. 

Jul 26

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Wakefield is hoping to become the UK’s sculpture capital by 2029, and it’s already well on its way thanks to The Hepworth named after Britain’s first lady of modernist sculpture. One of the best places to see pieces by Barbara Hepworth herself, as well as Sir Michael Craid-Martin and Kim Lim is among the colourful flower beds in the gallery garden which sits full of peaceful beauty along the River Calder. 

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It’s time to show off your jazz hands. Leeds Warehouse is ditching its usual programme of house and techno for old school show tunes from your favourite musicals, remixing them with pulsing baselines and electric mashups for a rave you won’t forget. Think ‘Phantom of the Opera’ set to a trance tempo or ‘Defying Gravity’ with a drum and bass backing track. Time to dance all your cares away. 

Aug 17 

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Keen to find more curious goings-on around the UK? Discover the Hendrick's Gin hub here. Or if you are in more of a stay-at-home kind of mood, discover where to buy Hendrick's Gin here.