What’s on in Leeds August 2023

August in Leeds is set to be a month full of exciting events and festivities for people of all ages.

2nd August: Child-Friendly Leeds Live

Aimed at children aged 12 and under, this event is set to be the biggest children’s festival in Yorkshire. With two performances taking place across the day, and a host of exciting activities across Millennium Square, including balloon modeling, a climbing wall and glitter tattoos, Child Friendly Leeds Live promises to be a fantastic day for the whole family. 

Stage show performers will include superheroes, popular storybook and TV characters, dancers and musicians. Presented by family rave host Faye from ‘BoomChikkaBoom’ and ex-Citv/CBBC presenter Jez, it’s going to be a day quite like no other. 

6th August Leeds Pride

Following the return of Leeds Pride last year, we’re excited to share that Yorkshire’s biggest LGBT+ celebration is back for 2023. With free entry for all, the main events of the day include Millenium Square’s parade stage from 11:30am, the start of the city parade at 2pm, and Pride party from 3pm at Lower Briggate. 

2023, is Leeds Pride’s 18th year in the running, and promises to be a fantastic occasion for LGBTQ+ people and allies alike. Headline acts will include RuPaul’s drag race winner Danny Beard, fashion stylist and DJ Gok Wan and former JLS member Aston Merrygold. Leeds Pride also has the support of local sponsors such as Leeds Bradford Airport, Leeds City Council and Leeds Building Society.  

12th August: No Home Advantage

Ashleigh Williams and Ingrid Banerjee Marvin, from Arts organisation ‘Babeworld’, have come together to create a “place where we can all enjoy the beautiful game in Leeds”. In other words, a safe space for LGBTQ+ and/or mixed-race women to unite in their love of watching football. 

Taking place at LEEDS 2023’s hub at Trinity Shopping Centre, the event will include iconic football clips to watch, an artist talk, and the opportunity to learn more about Babeworld’s work. It’s an important step towards making football accessible for all. 

9th, 16th & 24th August: Panto at the Abbey

Kirkstall Abbey is set to host a variety of live pantomime performances this August. Starting with Cinderella, closely followed by Robin Hood and Rapunzel, each show will be taking place in the stunning abbey ruins – come rain or/ shine. 

With options to purchase a ticket bundle, or pick your favourite show to see, this is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the spectacle of pantomime in the great outdoors. So grab your picnic blankets, deck chairs (and perhaps an umbrella just in case!) and get ready for some family fun in the surroundings of Kirkstall Abbey. 

25th – 27th August: Leeds Festival 

Leeds Fest promises an amazing line-up this year, with headline acts including The Killers, Billie Eilish and Imagine Dragons. From its first festival back in 1999 at Temple Newsham to its current location at Bramham Park since 2003, it’s famous for delivering three days of fantastic live music in West Yorkshire. 

This year’s set-up includes six different stages: Main Stages east and west, Radio 1 dance stage, Festival Republic stage, Radio 1 Xtra stage and BBC Music Introducing… stage. So, no matter your taste in music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Not only that, but there will also be a range of street food vendors, fairground rides and independent clothing stores across Bramham Park’s grounds to add to the fun.  

26th August: African and Caribbean Food Fest

Returning for its third year in the running, this exciting food festival is set to take place in the lead-up to Leeds West Indian Carnival. From 10-5 on Saturday 26th, Leeds Kirkgate Market foodhall will be home to a vast variety of food stalls, arts and craft stalls, live music and activities for children. 

For those who enjoy a good cocktail, there’s even going to be a pop-up Caribbean Cocktail bar, ready to serve a variety of signature cocktails and rum punch. The perfect accompaniment to a vast range of African continental and Caribbean Island dishes, served up fresh to taste for all to enjoy. The event is all about raising awareness around African and Caribbean culinary traditions, and what better way to appreciate this by sampling them yourself? 

26th – 28th August: Royal Armouries Jousting Tournament 

If you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary to enjoy this summer, why not come along to the Royal Armouries to see England take on Australia in Leeds’ jousting arena? 

With two shows taking place each day, and a variety of seating area tickets on sale, get ready to see knights, horses and the clashing of armour in real life. An unforgettable occasion for the whole family. 

27th – 28th August: Leeds West Indian Carnival 

August is certainly going to be a month packed with excitement and festivities, with Leeds West Indian Carnival also set to make a return. As Europe’s oldest authentic Caribbean Carnival, this landmark event has been celebrating West Indian culture, and freedom from slavery, since 1967. 

It’s not just an incredibly important cultural event, but also an uplifting celebration complete with amazing costumes, upbeat music and delicious foods. Visit Potternewton Park on Sunday to enjoy the ‘Reggae Sun Splash’ live music moncert, or follow the carnival parade through Chapeltown on Harehills on Monday. It’s a spectacle that isn’t to be missed. 

31st August: ‘Making a Stand’ Volunteer-led Tours

You might have noticed this public artwork installation popping up in City Square. And, if you haven’t, it’s certainly worth a visit to experience one of these upcoming tours. Created for Leeds 2023 Year of Culture, the artwork is inspired by Leeds’ history as a place rich in woodland and created by world-famous artists Michael Pinsky in collaboration with environmental architects Studio Bark. 

The tours will be taking place at various times throughout the day, and led by local writer Clifford Stean. They’ll discuss the history of City Square and provide plenty of time to explore the sculpture itself. No bookings are required, but be sure to check out LEEDS 2023’s website for further information on available time slots.