Victoria Leeds Unveils Heart to Hearts on Sidney Street to Celebrate Pride and Champion Connection

Victoria Leeds has unveiled a striking new public artwork as part of its annual celebration and sponsorship of Leeds Pride. The installation, titled Heart to Hearts on Sidney Street, is an uplifting heart-shaped sculpture designed to inspire conversation, connection, and community at the heart of the city.

Located on Sidney Street in the centre of Victoria Leeds, the piece has been created in support of Out Together, a local charity that works to combat loneliness and isolation among older LGBTQ+ people in the region. The artwork was officially opened by TV personality and Leeds Pride host Matt Jameson, alongside representatives from Out Together and the Leeds Pride team.

This year’s installation reflects Victoria Leeds’ ongoing commitment to inclusion and wellbeing during Pride, offering a physical space for people to pause, sit, and connect — especially those who may feel isolated in a fast-moving world.

“Pride is a celebration, but it’s also a call to be kind, be present, and be there for one another,” said Jo Coburn, Centre Director at Victoria Leeds. “This activation is designed for people to take a seat, enjoy the moment and connect with people around them. We’re incredibly proud to stand with Leeds Pride and Out Together in championing community and inclusion for everyone.”

With Leeds Pride 2025 expected to be the city’s biggest celebration yet, the Heart to Hearts sculpture invites visitors of all backgrounds to engage through conversation and kindness, embodying the true spirit of Pride.

Tim Gittins, Chair of Out Together, highlighted the importance of initiatives like this: “Loneliness affects thousands in the LGBTQ+ community, especially older people. This beautiful display brings visibility to those often overlooked and reminds us that a simple conversation can change someone’s day, or even their life.”

The installation will remain in place throughout July, serving as a reminder that Pride is about people — and that no one should ever feel alone.

A spokesperson for Leeds Pride added: “We’re thrilled to see Victoria Leeds once again go beyond the rainbow with a Pride installation that has real meaning. Heart to Hearts captures the spirit of Pride and our collective mission for solidarity and compassion, and it brings that to life for everyone in Leeds to see.”

Celebrating its 19th year, Leeds Pride 2025 will take place on Sunday 20 July, with a packed programme of music, food, entertainment, a dedicated cabaret stage and star-studded acts. Following 2024’s record-breaking turnout of 80,000 people, this year’s event promises to be even bigger, welcoming visitors from across the country to join in the city’s vibrant celebrations.

The Heart to Hearts on Sidney Street installation invites everyone to share their experiences on social media by tagging @victorialeeds_.

For more information, visit: www.victorialeeds.co.uk