Leeds is set to celebrate 400 years since being awarded its very first Royal Charter 👑

Leeds is preparing for a weekend of celebration, creativity and civic pride at the city looks set to celebrate a defining moment in its history.

This year marks 400 years since King Charles I granted Leeds its first Royal Charter shaping the city we know and love today.

And across the weekend, July 11 to 12, streets parks and public squares will come alive with music, food and a sense of community as part of a programme of events.

Here’s a selection of some of the top events people can attend at the weekend to celebrate a very special moment in the story of Leeds:

Dance for Leeds 400

Northern School of Contemporary dance’s 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 [email protected]