DISCOVER A HIVE OF CULTURE AND CREATIVITY

CULTURE VULTURES ASSEMBLE! THIS CITY OFFERS THE PERFECT MIX OF GALLERIES, MUSEUMS, EXHIBITIONS AND FESTIVALS

Leeds is a hotbed of culture. Home to the First Direct Arena, Leeds Playhouse and Royal Armouries Museum, the mainstream is certainly here when you want it. Yet, in addition to the acclaimed museums and big-name arenas, Leeds’ creative spirit finds a foothold in independent institutions that champion local talent. While you’re here, show some love to the city’s smaller cultural wonders too!

ACTION-PACKED CITY

If you want an evening out to remember, cast your eyes upon the city’s diverse event venues. From cosy gigs to fullblown West Indian carnivals, no two days need ever be the same in this action-packed city.

The First Direct Arena opened in 2013 and immediately transformed the music scene in Leeds. Ever since Bruce Springsteen played the inaugural concert, the arena’s 13,500-seat capacity stadium has played host to some of the biggest names in show business.

The O2 Academy also attracts stellar guests like Madness, Ellie Goulding and Slayer, although its 2,300-capacity makes for a slightly more intimate gig-going experience.

Both Leeds University and Leeds Beckett University also get their fair share of melodic talent. An eclectic blend of well-known artists and up-and-coming names grace their stages. Even better, tickets are typically a fraction of the price of those at larger stadium venues. All are welcome, not just students.

Like to be among the first to find out about the hottest new bands? Brudenell Social Club in Burley is the ultimate destination for music lovers. No frills, no fuss, just incredible live gigs every night of the week. Its reputation for a good time (and reasonably priced drinks) is unrivalled. Also, try the three-storey Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen for top-notch burgers and pizza to go with your live gigs.

The great beer and even greater bands make Sela Bar a subterranean hangout worth keeping on your radar. For rock music and a lively atmosphere, Santiago Bar is your go-to. Smokestack brings a taste of New Orleans to Leeds with its southern-inspired funk, soul and blues nights, while jazz is the mainstay of New York-style speakeasy the Domino Club.

Live Events

The unshakably cool Headrow House has an entire floor dedicated to live events while Oporto is a cool bar with a 120-capacity live music space and an event calendar featuring everything from intimate candle lit acoustic shows to sweaty rock gigs.

Hyde Park Book Club, another hip hangout, hosts folk nights, a jazz club and regular live music and spoken word nights featuring local and international performers.

Leeds Conservatoire is one of the most prestigious music schools in the UK – and it’s also a performance venue with a diverse calendar of classical music performances.

Leeds is the home of acclaimed arts organisations such as

Opera North and Red Ladder Theatre Company. The Leeds Playhouse – formerly the West Yorkshire Playhouse – prides itself on being one of north England’s leading theatres. After a multimillion-pound development project in 2019, the venue enjoys a more diverse programme of productions than ever before. Musicals, dramas, theatre workshops and family productions all find a happy home here.

Leeds Grand Theatre on New Briggate is a historic site for theatre, comedy and opera. Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing was the first performance in 1878 and the venue has continued to delight audiences ever since with legends like Julie Andrews and Morecambe and Wise treading its boards. It’s also the home of Opera North’s captivating live events. Tucked away on little Swan Street is the charming City Varieties Music Hall. As England’s longest-running music hall, the stunning 19th-century theatre is a gem of an auditorium and continues to contribute to Leeds’ cultural heritage with a knockout selection of comedy, music and celebrity shows.

More variety awaits at Carriageworks Theatre, with a modern programme that includes dance, film, music and, of course, the annual Christmas pantomime.

Many prestigious dance companies began life in Leeds. One of the best-known, Northern Ballet, tours widely across the country but often returns to its hometown for cutting-edge showcases and much-loved productions like The Nutcracker. Its repertoire is renowned for powerful, theatrical storytelling.