It’s time for the people of Leeds to dust off your party hats! The 'Letters to Leeds' project is coming to an end and we want to celebrate the launch of our publication with you!

For the past month, we have been collecting material through workshops and open calls that focus on people’s personal connections and experiences in Leeds. We have gathered stories, pictures, letters, lists, poems, myths and maps and now we have bound them into a publication that will be exhibited on the 22nd of April from 7-10pm at Hyde Park Book Club. 

A career spanning evening of songs, stories and chat - along with the chance to ask questions - from former Argent frontman John Verity, as he celebrates the release of his autobiography.

John’s one-man shows offer an intimate look into his life, and his almost 60 years in the music business, including his time with Dave Berry, Argent, and Phoenix, plus the many recording sessions with artists such as Ringo Starr, Russ Ballard, Saxon, Motorhead, The Searchers, Zombies, Keith Emerson, Greg Lake, and even Diana Dors(!) amongst many others.

“The most feel-good show in town”****  (The Daily Mail) has spread nostalgia and laughter throughout the UK and has the seal of approval from Victoria’s very own school-chums and colleagues.

Featuring the star of BBC1’s ‘All Together Now’, Paulus The Cabaret Geek “King of Cabaret” (The Stage) with Michael Roulston (Fascinating Aïda) on piano, it is an evening of pure joy filled with Victoria’s best-loved songs, including the iconic ‘Ballad of Barry & Freda’ (Let’s Do It) and the classic ‘It Would Never Have Worked’.

Join us for the Leeds Heat of the prestigious Roundhouse Poetry Slam competition. Bringing together emerging spoken word artists from across the UK to compete for a cash prize and the coveted title of Slam Champion 2024.

The Roundhouse has a trailblazing five-year partnership with international law firm Taylor Wessing. A well-known supporter of the arts, and with the Roundhouse specifically over the past few years, Taylor Wessing is the principal partner, including their dedicated support of the Poetry Slam.

Dr Catherine Hua Xiang unravels the nuances of effective communication in China. Her new book, 'Bridging the Gap', equips readers with the understanding needed to navigate cultural differences, making their cross-cultural interactions more successful and rewarding.

Event agenda

Registration and networking (5:00-6:00pm)

Join us in the lower ground floor area of the Esther Simpson Building for refreshments and networking before the talk. This will include:

A book stall where you can buy the book at the special price of £7.99

Join us for a fabulous Friday Night Games Night with our GOOD friend SYPH featuring Boozy Bingo, a Cracking Quiz and Useless Prizes money can buy!

Expect a night of silly-ness where being good at quiz's will probably get you nowhere!!!

With Syph working the room slating you like crazy, you will be entertained by hilarious tasks and silly games before you finish off with the worst game of Bingo you have ever played!

This night will be fun and silly for an unforgettable evening out with your friends!

Adam Chodzko's performative lecture: "Strange Looks, Ghost Codes, and the Co-created Dreamlife of a Community" where he'll speak (and probably do some other things) alongside a selection of his artworks in order to try to share his practice with you.

The artist is trying to talk about their artwork.

It is not easy, because this is art.

Charles Ignatius Sancho was born on a slave

Join us for a day of performance, music, dance, words and film marking Windrush and other journeys. Rise Up is a one day festival that showcases the rich Caribbean Heritage of Leeds and beyond. The day is made up of four events created to appeal to all ages and a special Mahogany Market offering crafts, food and more.