What’s on in Leeds April 2023

With the Easter holidays on the horizon, you’ll probably be looking for something to keep you and your family occupied over the break. Whether this be joining in on the city’s Easter activities or enjoying some great live music, theatre and comedy throughout April, we’ve got a range of great activities to share with you.

 One thing’s for sure: you certainly won’t be bored!

1st -15th April: Briggate Pop-Up Circus 

The Pop-Up Circus is returning to Briggate this year, featuring daily activities and performances from early to mid April. The best part? It’s completely free.

Following its great success in 2022, the circus is expected to be a popular event, with families eager to watch Aerial hoop and acrobats whilst learning parkour and juggling skills. 

1st – 16th April: Easter at Thackray Museum of Medicine 

Thackray museum has a range of exciting activities planned for the whole family this Easter. As part of their ‘Eye Spy’ Easter hunt, you can follow a special trail throughout the museum, stopping at the apothecary to learn some eye-related medical history facts, and creating your own Victorian optical illusion toy to take home afterwards. 

And if you’re not too squeamish about eyeballs, they’re also holding a special eyeball dissecting workshops for those aged 7+. Certainly something to remember! 

5th – 6th April: Tea with the Easter Bunny – John Lewis

If you’re entertaining small children this Easter, why not bring them along to John Lewis’s special Easter event? Here they can enjoy a drink and snack with the Easter Bunny whilst listening to a story and enjoying some colouring in. The event costs £5 per ticket and can be booked at the Customer Services department. 

1st – 16th April: Medieval Easter at the Royal Armouries 

From the 1st – 6th, and the 11th – 16th April, the Royal Armouries is offering a range of Easter activities, including archery, weapon handling, combat demonstrations and seasonal talks. 

Their most spectacular event, however, will be taking place from 7th – 10th April. Cheer from the sidelines as you watch a live-action jousting tournament featuring world-class jousters battling for glory. With two daily shows happening in their custom-built arena, you’ll be transported back to medieval times in a performance quite like no other.

Throughout April: ‘As You Are’ by Opera North 

Running from 30th March – 29th April, ‘As You Are’ is a unique cultural experience that will take you on both a physical and musical journey through the city. Written by Abel Selaocoe, a South-African born composer and cello player, the walk begins at Victoria Gate shopping centre and goes all the way to Leeds Bridge. 

Through your audio set, you’ll hear Selaocoe’s composition brought to life by Opera North’s chorus and orchestra, as well as several other talented musicians. Each section of the composition is inspired by different architecture along the walk and is accessible for all with ‘pay as you feel’ ticket prices.

Craft workshops – various dates & locations 

Nothing says ‘Easter’ more than getting crafty, and you’ll find your fair share of crafts to try out in the city this April. Here are just a few classes that might take your fancy: 

2nd April: Build your own planter at Hollybush conservation centre.

3rd April: Fresh Spring Wreath Making class at The Beck and Call.

3rd – 6th April: Easter Craft Days for children aged 7+ at Stitch Up Craft School.

23rd April: Enjoy a pop-up spring painting experience for adults at DoubleTree Hilton hotel.

Live Music – various dates & locations 

If you’re looking for some live entertainment this Easter, here are just a few artists that will be playing at Leeds in April:

3rd April: British metalcore band Bury Tomorrow will be playing at the Key Club.

5th April: Electronic music duo Orbital take on the O2 Academy.

10th April:  Irish singer-songwriter Dermott Kenndey will be playing at Leeds First Direct Arena.

15th April: Singer-songwriter Mimi Webb is touring her debut album at the O2 Academy.  

22nd April: Issues-based music collective Benefits will play at Lending Room in Woodhouse. 

30th April: The first Hacienda Open Air comes to Canvas Yard. 

Live Comedy – various dates & locations 

There’s nothing quite like a good comedy gig to keep you entertained, so here’s what the line-up looks like this Easter: 

5th and 14th April, City Varieties Music Hall: Nick Mohammed, double Emmy award nominee and star of Ted Lasso presents his alter-ego Mr Swallow for his first UK tour. 

 22nd April, City Varieties: Following his sell-out Edinburgh Fringe debut, Paul Black is back with his brand new comedy show ‘Nostalgia’.

 30th April, City Varieties: Social media sensation Rosie Holt brings her satirical comedy to the stage in a hilarious commentary on modern politics. 

Theatre – various dates & locations 

Last but not least, there’s plenty of entertainment to be found at Leeds theatres this Easter. From classics such as Mamma Mia, to a live performance of the ‘Happy Hour Live’ podcast, here are just a few shows to get you started:

March – 8th April: Lord of the Flies – Leeds Playhouse.

4th – 15th April: Mamma Mia – Leeds Grand Theatre.

18th – 22nd April: Kinky Boots – Leeds Grand Theatre. 

30th April : Happy Hour Live – Leeds Grand Theatre.