Leeds 400: 'How a whole city is coming together to celebrate a historic milestone'
Councillor Salma Arif, executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, writes for the YEP about what Leeds 400 will mean for the city this year.
The beginning of a new year is always a chance for us to reflect on the past whilst also looking ahead with excitement and anticipation to what the future may hold.
Over the coming year, that sentiment will carry more significance for Leeds than ever as the city prepares to mark a very special, and completely unique historical milestone.
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 21st 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 ensure this is the celebration Leeds deserves. To get involved, please email [email protected]
I’d like to wish everyone in Leeds a very happy and prosperous new year- let’s make history together.