Leeds waterfront set to sparkle as festival returns to make a splash this summer

This year the festival will see the return of the British street food awards, for the first time since 2016, giving visitors the chance to sample a variety of the country’s best street foods and vote to crown a winner.

Of course, the festival will also include multiple opportunities for attendees to get on the waterways either as part of a dragon boat team or down at Granary Wharf where the whole family will be able to try out paddle boarding and kayaking.

The dragon boat race returns to Leeds Dock this year, on Saturday 1 July from 10am to 4pm, with races set to be quicker than ever with competitors racing in smaller faster boat.

Organised by Leeds City Council alongside the Canal & River Trust, Leeds Dock, The Tetley, Citu, The Royal Armouries, and Granary Wharf, the festival begins with a launch weekend on July 1-2 and is the largest of its kind in the north of England.

Speaking ahead of the festival Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for culture, economy and education, said: “It’s fantastic news that the Leeds Waterfront Festival will once again be returning this year, bringing our fantastic waterways alive for what is always a highlight of the summer events calendar and a real celebration of the city’s past, present and future.”

Sharron Bright from Canal & River Trust also, said, “We’ll be helping to celebrate the city’s waterways and showcase the many ways you can enjoy being by water and how people can get involved in caring for the canal and help our charity make it a great place for people and wildlife. 

“Thanks to the support of Leeds Building Society, we’ll be offering lots of free, family-friendly activities, from getting on the water with canoe, kayak and paddleboard sessions, to enjoying activities beside it, from face painting, a climbing wall and more!”

More information including a full event programme can be found on the Leeds Waterfront Festival website at Leeds Waterfront Festival (leedswf.co.uk) or on social media on Facebook @leedswaterfrontfestival on Twitter @leeds_wf or on Instagram @leeds_wf

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