Monday became the moment restrictions finally eased across the UK. It’s been months in the making and ‘Freedom Day’ was met with huge celebrations in Leeds, with many nightclubs opening at one minute past midnight to mark the occasion. But after so many months indoors, the sudden availability of entertainment, food, drink and social gatherings can be overwhelming. To help you make the most of this brave new world, we’ve done the hard work for you and gathered together a collection of Leeds-wide events to help bring you out of that lockdown slump.

The Trail for Hope

LeedsBID has launched several trails around the city centre which visitors and residents alike can follow. The Trail for Hope is a collection of artworks created by artist Tula Lotay who has produced work for Disney, DC and Marvel. Scattered around the city, each piece of art tells part of a story, and completion of the trail will bring you to the tale’s end.

Jurassic Trail

A second trail beginning this July is of a Jurassic nature…Leeds is about to be overrun by 13 animatronic dinosaurs. Download the map and get searching for these prehistoric creatures around our city. Whether you have a particular interest in palaeontology, or just want to spice up your afternoon walk, don’t miss out on the chance of a top-notch photo op.

Leeds International Festival of Ideas

Leeds International Festival of Ideas will be taking place this September, and the final line-up of speakers has been announced. If you’re looking for some inspiration after a year of vegetating on the living room sofa, this is the place to find it. People from across the world come together in our city and share their ideas for moving forward in the future. This year’s line-up includes names such as Amol Rajan, the BBC’s Media Editor, and Deborah Frances-White, stand-up comedian, writer and creator of ‘The Guilty Feminist’.

Mardi Gras

This year LDC is getting involved as Leeds welcomes a new festival to its midst. Mardi Gras – Proud in the Park boasts two production stages, food, drinks, crafts and fairground rides. Our DJ’s Wes and Leanne will be hosting the day from stage two, and broadcasting the event live so even those who can’t make it in person can still be part of the celebrations of music and inclusivity. But it’s not just a music festival, acts also providing entertainment include contestants from RuPaul’s Drag Race, including Blue Hydrangea and Baga Chipz who will perform to the crowds throughout the day.

Heathers The Musical

The easing of restrictions means shows can now get back in business, and Leeds Grand has a huge line-up to satisfy theatre-hungry fans. From comedy to concerts to dancing duos, Leeds has it all, and one particularly exciting spectacle is the upcoming performance of Heathers The Musical, a rock musical based on the 1989 film. Winner of Best New Musical in 2019, the show will arrive with a bang as we once again come together to celebrate the magic of the theatre.

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