Four hundred reasons why 2026 will be a year for the ages

This summer it will be exactly 400 years since this remarkable place was awarded its very first city charter by King Charles 1.

It’s hard to overstate the significance of that moment for Leeds. The charter officially recognised the city as a self-governing borough and laid the crucial early foundations for the Leeds we know and love today.

To recognise this landmark anniversary, we’ve launched a city-wide programme of #Leeds400 events and activities, asking everyone to get involved in helping us celebrate the city’s past, present and future.

As part of that, our museums, galleries, libraries, heritage and cultural venues will be joining forces with others across the city to look back at some of the key moments in the history of Leeds, exploring the stories, people and places that have shaped this incredible place over the centuries.

But #Leeds400 won’t just be about celebrating our illustrious past. We’ll also be looking at the groups and organisations who play such an important role in making Leeds tick today.

From sports clubs and community groups to the esteemed institutions which drive our innovation and learning, together with our partners we’ll be shining a light on all the elements which are such an integral part of 21^st century Leeds.

We’ll also be looking to the future at exciting upcoming developments as well as asking what the people of Leeds want to see from their city in the years to come.

We want to give everyone the chance to mark #Leeds400 in their own way, so we’re issuing a rallying cry to our residents, communities, businesses and organisations to help us make this the celebration Leeds deserves. To get involved, please email Leeds400@leeds.gov.uk  

I’d like to wish everyone in Leeds a very happy and prosperous new year- let’s make history together.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture