The former Majestic Cinema and Ballroom on City Square was being restored to its former glory.placeholder image
The former Majestic Cinema and Ballroom on City Square was being restored to its former glory. | Bruce Greer

17 of the brightest photos take you back to Leeds city centre in July 1996

Andrew Hutchinson
By Andrew Hutchinson

Specialist Reporter

Published 3rd Jul 2026, 04:30 GMT

It was the city centre landmark which would go on to become a mecca for a generation of revellers who lived for the weekend in the 1990s.

Plans were revealed to restore the former Majestic Cinema and Ballroom on City Square and transform it into a nightclub. This was July 1996 and the photo is one of 17 plucked from the Yorkshire Evening Post archive charting 31 days in the life of your city centre. It was a month which featured people enjoying the sights and sounds of theRhythms of the City festival, a much loved entertainer promoting a pub piano competition and thousands of Leeds Marathon pounds the streets. READ MORE: Unseen photos chart of a golden age of Leeds pub culture LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia

Liam Stanley helped launch a new rail guide today at Leeds City Station promoting the attractions of the improved rail service between Leeds, Lancaster and Morecombe. Pictured, from left, are Jim Trotman, of Morecambe Bay Tourism, Chris Day and Sally Williamson, of Regional Railways North East, Caroline Taukulis, of Craven District Council and Liam Stanley.

13. Leeds city centre

Liam Stanley helped launch a new rail guide today at Leeds City Station promoting the attractions of the improved rail service between Leeds, Lancaster and Morecombe. Pictured, from left, are Jim Trotman, of Morecambe Bay Tourism, Chris Day and Sally Williamson, of Regional Railways North East, Caroline Taukulis, of Craven District Council and Liam Stanley. | Justin Lloyd Photo: Justin Lloyd

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The Circus of Horrors sets up camp in the shadow of Quarry House.

14. Leeds city centre

The Circus of Horrors sets up camp in the shadow of Quarry House. | Roy Fox Photo: Roy Fox

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A musical time-capsule for the 21st century was buried at the site of the new Leeds College of Music site. Pictured is college principal David Hoult with the time-capsule watched by Bill Hyde, vice-chairman of the college governors.

15. Leeds city centre

A musical time-capsule for the 21st century was buried at the site of the new Leeds College of Music site. Pictured is college principal David Hoult with the time-capsule watched by Bill Hyde, vice-chairman of the college governors. | Mel Hulme Photo: Mel Hulme

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Geoff Nicholson and Tracey Murphy at The Victoria pub on Great George Street dress up for Bastille day to sell beer at a 26p reduction to protest at tax inequalities between British and French beer.

16. Leeds city centre

Geoff Nicholson and Tracey Murphy at The Victoria pub on Great George Street dress up for Bastille day to sell beer at a 26p reduction to protest at tax inequalities between British and French beer. | Bruce Rollinson Photo: Bruce Rollinson

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Do you remember Scruffy Murphy's barman Mick Crossley?

17. Leeds city centre

Do you remember Scruffy Murphy's barman Mick Crossley? | Justin Lloyd Photo: Justin Lloyd

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Share your memories of Leeds city centre in July 1996 with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: andrew.hutchinson@jpress.co.uk or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN

18. Enjoyed this gallery?

Share your memories of Leeds city centre in July 1996 with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN | Mark Bickerdike Photo: Mark Bickerdike

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