Headline events make Leeds the place to be in 2022

Major events are making their way to one of the fastest growing cities in the UK, Leeds, this year, which makes it the perfect place for a staycation in 2022.

Placed in the top 100 most loved places in the world, it’s no surprise that Leeds has a year planned like no other, with plenty of events and experiences, new and old, taking place across the city.

Forming what is set to be a jam packed itinerary of fun and culture in Leeds this year is the highly anticipated Rugby League Cup 2021, a brand new outdoor music festival, a national art education project, and an abundance of flavour at North Leeds Food Festival.

If the Rugby League World Cup 2021 is what you’ve been waiting for, then it’s on its way to Leeds in Autumn 2022 with some of the best matches taking place at Headingley Stadium and Elland Road, home to Leeds United. Home to professional sport teams and athletes, Leeds has also been chosen as the hosting destination for The British Transplant Games in 2022, which seeks to demonstrate that transplant patients can achieve great things and regain awe inspiring fitness too.

Celebrating all things music, Leeds will once again be hosting its Live at Leeds event but with a twist. While musicians will be taking to the stage at various locations across the city centre in October, Live at Leeds in the Park is a brand new music festival that will be headlining at Temple Newsam in June where artists like Nothing But Thieves and Arlo Parks will be taking centre stage. If two jam-packed music events aren’t enough, then of course, the ever-popular Leeds Fest will be returning, alongside Millennium Square Summer Series, Slam Dunk and Black Music Festival.

Bursting with art and culture is the ground-breaking national art education project, The World Reimagined, which is set to take place in Leeds this Autumn. Its mission is to transform how we understand the Transatlantic slave trade through art and collaboration with schools, community groups, sporting and cultural institutions.

Packing a punch when it comes to artisan and street food, visitors to Leeds can also expect to see the return of the ever-popular North Leeds Food Festival in the Spring, bringing amazing eating experiences to Leeds’ scenic Roundhay Park.

These are just to name a few, with Visit Leeds revealing 22 reasons to visit the unofficial capital of Yorkshire in 2022. If easy transport links, tantalising food, quirky shopping venues, cultural experiences, and fascinating history are what you’re after, then Leeds can cater to it all.

From Europe’s largest indoor market, Kirkgate, to the beautifully restored Corn Exchange, and the elegant Victoria Quarter shopping arcades, visitors can revel in a unique shopping experience that combines independent business with beautiful historic architecture.

Inundated with culture literally around every corner, visitors to Leeds can expect to enjoy the delights of unique shopping and tasty food while never being far from a cultural experience. The Royal Armouries is just one example. Located on Leeds Dock, just a 15 minute walk or a unique water taxi ride from Leeds Train Station, the history museum takes visitors on a journey back in time as you wander through the collection of arms and armour. Hosting events throughout the year, from jousting to Victorian-themed mystery tours, The Royal Armouries has something fun to do for all of the family.

With plenty of other cultural experiences in and around Leeds including street art, galleries and historic houses, visitors will leave the city with memories to last them a lifetime.

Nestled in the north of the country, just two hours from London and three hours from the capital of Scotland via train, visitors can enjoy what’s on offer from one small journey. Thanks to fantastic transport connections to the rest of the country, visitors can plan their return to experience what is on offer throughout the year in 2022.

From alluring flavour to unique retailers, celebrations of culture to memories of history, and vibrant music to popular sporting events, Leeds is set to cater to everyone’s taste in 2022. To find out more about Leeds and what it has to offer, visit visitleeds.co.uk

ENDS

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Notes to Editors:

Visit Leeds is the official Destination Management Organisation run by Leeds City Council, which aims to showcase the breadth of cultural attractions, innovative food & drink destinations and extensive shopping facilities on offer in Leeds and its surrounding areas. Its vision is for the city to be a world-class, modern and historic European destination with a reputation for a vibrant and creative cultural scene set against the backdrop of rich heritage and outstanding architecture.

As the second largest and one of the fastest growing cities in the UK outside of London, Leeds attracted over 30 million visitors from 2019 from both the UK and abroad. Its location and exceptional national and international transport links make it the ideal getaway for a variety of visitors to the Yorkshire region and beyond.

Not only is Leeds one of the greenest cities in Europe, it also ranks as the third best shopping destination in the UK outside of London as breath-taking Victorian arcades sit alongside iconic luxury brands and well-known high street retailers.

Leeds is brimming with a wealth of culture, history and diversity, having been home to the UK’s first West Indian Carnival back in 1967. The city’s rich culture is also reflected in the plethora of live events. From world-class organisations; Opera North, Northern Ballet, to unrivalled live music experiences and hilarious comedy, Leeds truly is a treasure trove of live entertainment.

Leeds is also notably known as a world-class sporting destination, having hosted the World Triathlon Series, The Cricket World Cup and The Ashes, while this year will see the city host the Rugby League World Cup 2021 and the British Transplant Games. Leeds is also home to Leeds United Football Club, Yorkshire County Cricket Club, and rugby league’s Leeds Rhinos.

Over the past 15 years, regeneration has modernised the city centre, while complementing its incredible architecture and heritage. The city is now synonymous with the very best the north of England has to offer; bursting with life and cultural energy.

Leeds in numbers:

• Leeds is brimming with culture, boasting four major theatres, over 16 museums and galleries, an award-winning arena and iconic performance venues such as City Varieties Music Hall, Brudenell Social Club, Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen, and many more.
• Leeds is a city renowned for its art, and is home to over 17 street art installations, as well as extensive 20^th century collections found at Leeds Art Gallery, through to the contemporary exhibitions that call The Tetley home.
• In 2019 business tourism delivered an additional £559.5 million to the visitor economy with Leeds, ranking in the top five UK conference destinations for national and international conferences.
• For more information, visit: visitleeds.co.uk