Get In The Mood with The Northern Swing Orchestra and special guests The Honeybirds

Get In The Mood and join us for a swingin’ night of nostalgia and music. Step back in time and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the 1940s with the 16-piece, Leeds-based Northern Swing Orchestra and special guests, The Honeybirds. This is the ultimate big band show that you won’t want to miss!

The Northern Swing Orchestra, known for its captivating performances and exceptional musicianship, will take centre stage to deliver a showstopping performance that pays homage to the golden age of big band music.

Leeds Local History Open Day

Let us take you on a journey through the history of Leeds and highlight treasures from our library collections.

Pop along to the 2nd floor of Leeds Central Library to explore collections dating from the 17th century in our Heritage Open Day showcase event. Focusing on this year's Routes - Networks - Connections theme, we will transport visitors through the history of Leeds and explore the city's global connections. Librarians will handpick their favourite examples, from exciting expedition accounts and historic maps to tracing local railways and rivers.

Secret Passages and Hidden Tunnels Talk with Dr James Wright

Every single hamlet, village, town and city in the British Isles has a story of secret passages running beneath the landscape. The tales speak of hidden tunnels connecting the castle and the monastery, or the hermitage and the pub, or the church and the manor house. Often these are supposed to be escape tunnels, sometimes they are connected with smuggling or treasure, on other occasions the given reasons for their existence are somewhat salacious and scandalous. 

Sunflower Thieves + Marnie Glum

Sunflower Thieves are childhood friends, Amy and Lily: a self-produced sisterhood, nurturing a unique sound, through ethereal vocals harmonies and storytelling lyrics. The band’s debut EP, Someone To Be There For’, was met with huge support from Radio 1’s Sian Eleri, 6Music’s Steve Lamacq and revered tastemaker, Tom Robinson. They have previously played shows with the likes of Flyte, Say She She, Haley Blais, Nell Mescal and Lewis Watson, been longlisted for Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Competition and named ‘Ones To Watch’ by PRS.

Our Girl

Following first single “Relief”, today Our Girl announce the release of their new album The Good Kind due out 8th November via Bella Union. To accompany the announcement the band have shared new single “Something About Me Being a Woman”, a track on which Our Girl singer/guitarist Soph Nathan turns over a remark from an acquaintance that was at best “just bad timing” and, at worst, brazen misogyny.

Thackray Science LIVE: Ear Ear!

Join the Thackray Boffins as they uncover the secret science that sits behind medical innovation and discovery. Inspire your own future health heroes with inspiring true tales, jaw-dropping demonstrations and, of course, audience participation.

Step inside the offices of Boffin Devices Incorporated where we design unique healthcare technology which is truly all about YOU.

Hands On: Eye Dissection

Ever wanted to try your hand at surgery? Our popular series of hands-on experiences for families is back.

Did you know that the eye has approximately 2 million working parts? Learn to identify just a few and get up close to the inner workings of this fascinating body part, as you dissect a real eye* with the help of our team.

Takes place at 11.30am on select Fridays and Saturdays during the Summer Holidays.

You Choose

What if we could 3D print our own medicines? How could AI help us spot disease earlier? What if you had a digital twin who could test treatments for you?

If we could control our own medical tests and design our own prescriptions, would we be healthier and happier? From bionic eyes to artificial tongues, we’ve worked with leading experts to try out eye-catching tech that can unleash your imagination. Explore these mind-boggling innovations and inventions from the past, present and future that empower the way we take care of ourselves.