06 Jul 2026
How you can celebrate Leeds 400 this weekend
This weekend (July 11-12) will see a spectacular series of events take place across the city as Leeds celebrates 400 years since being awarded its very first royal charter by King Charles I.
Leeds 400 has already seen communities, groups and organisations across Leeds come together to host events and activities to mark the historic milestone.
Here’s a selection of some of the top events people can attend this weekend to celebrate a very special moment in the story of Leeds.
Dance for Leeds 400
Northern School of Contemporary Dance will be celebrating Leeds 400 and their 40th birthday in Norma Hutchinson Park on Saturday, July 11 from 11.30am until 5pm.
The free Party in the Park event will include music, food, dance performances and workshops and the school has also been putting together a special 40 second dance challenge.
More details at: Party in the Park - Northern School of Contemporary Dance Northern School of Contemporary Dance
Roundhay art walk
To celebrate Leeds 400 a series of creative walking workshops will be taking place at Roundhay Park on Saturday, July 11.
Led by Bryony Aitchison and Marilou Chagnaud, the one-hour workshop invites you to pay close attention to the textures and colours of rocks, and the green life that emerges from them.
The slow walk will be punctuated by poetry exercises and tactile work with paper that will explore plant life and geology through art-making exercises and walking scores.
Note: The exact location details, route and travel info will be sent to bookers ahead of time. The event is delivered partnership with Arts Together Creative Careers, WYCA and Leeds City Council.
More details at: Side Quest Art Walk for Leeds 400 | Leeds Inspired
Picnic on the square
Thors Bar will be hosting a Birthday Picnic in City Square on Sunday, July 12 from 1pm, featuring a free afternoon of live music, community spirit and celebratory birthday fun.
Bring your picnic blanket, gather your friends and family, and enjoy an afternoon of entertainment as we mark 400 years of our great city.
They’ll also be giving away 400 free cans of Kirkstall Brewery's limited-edition Leeds 400 birthday beer to the first 400 people to RSVP.
More info at: Leeds 400th Birthday Picnic Tickets, Sunday, July 12 • 1 AM - 5 PM | Eventbrite
Leeds Minster special service
The Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Stephen Holroyd will be hosting a very special Leeds 400 civic celebration and service at Leeds Minster on Sunday, July 12 at 5.30pm.
The Celebration will include performances from Bridge Ensemble Leeds, Leeds Philharmonic Chorus, Leeds Festival Chorus and Music House Gospel Choir
Special guest speakers will include Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Keran Kaur Virdee MBE and Martin Hamilton of Leeds Civic Trust.
More details at: Leeds 400 City Celebration & Civic Service | Leeds Inspired
Moortown Festival marks Leeds 400
Moortown Community Group (MCG) and Friends of Moortown Park (FoMP) have teamed up to deliver a Moortown Festival to celebrate Leeds 400.
Taking place on Sunday, July 12 at Moortown Park from 2pm until 7pm, the event will feature live music and performances from local Moortown talent, stalls, food and drink and activities for people of all ages.
Anyone who can help and support can contact moortownfestival@gmail.com
More details at: Moortown Festival | Leeds Inspired
For media enquiries contact:
Leeds City Council Communications team
communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk