Leeds sets its sights on hosting major events in the future

Highly renowned for delivering world class events, Leeds is looking to continue this success and reinforce its place on the global stage through bidding for future events such as the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup and the Tour de France if it comes to the UK again in 2026.

A report being presented to the council’s executive board tomorrow (Wednesday 15 December) asks members to approve the adoption of an ‘Events Framework’ which offers a new way for assessing and bidding for major events as well as a framework for delivery.

A key part of the approach centres on how hosting of future events will lead the way in delivering sustainable events responding to the council’s aim of achieving net zero by 2030.

Covering three tiers of events (Tier 1- 3), the council, with the support of stakeholders across Leeds will look to continue to host a wide range of events, both international and national as well as those unique to Leeds to realise the real benefits to all in the city. From skills, increased opportunities for participation and volunteering to income generation, foreign investment and city profile, it is important that Leeds is an obvious choice to host a wide range of events so as our residents and communities can benefit from the results as well as attracting people to the city.

Leeds is often approached by UK Sport, national sporting governing bodies and other cultural organisations to bid for national and international events such as the Rugby League World Cup 2021. In previous years the city has secured the AJ Bell World Triathlon Leeds, with plans already underway to host the event in 2022 and 2024. From previous analysis of events such as the World Triathlon Leeds – the city can expect to can see over £1million spent in our local economy over the duration of the event.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council executive board member for economy, culture and education said:

“We have an excellent reputation here in Leeds for staging some truly memorable global events – our dedication to detail, collaborative city approach and our excellent crowds, amongst other things all offer a truly brilliant experience for those events that choose us as a host city’.

“As we recover from Covid-19, major events and cultural experiences have a clear role to play in supporting the social and economic recovery of our city.

“Our ambitions and those of our key stakeholders to compete on the global stage remain big, but the need for a city approach with our sustainability ambitions at the forefront of decisions and delivery as well as further investment and collaboration from all stakeholders is vitally important for us to continue to build on our success.”

View a copy of the report being presented to executive board on the delivery of major events in Leeds.