Explore the vexing questions posed by a Victorian haunting
This talk will examine the historic account of the haunting that occurred at the Leeds Library in the 1880s, looking at the individuals involved in the case and why in fact a librarian needed a gun!
Explore the salacious side of the Victorians!
The Sensation Novel, a popular form from the 1860s and 1870s, is a challenge to our assumptions about the Victorians. Far from being narratives about propriety and happy marriages, sensational plots are filled with crime, adultery, bigamy and misbehaviour. Join us for discussions of the key sensational novels of the 1860s-70s. You may not have heard of all the novelists, but there is a world of Victorian naughtiness to explore.
Grab the mic and say it with your chest at our open mic fundraiser
Whether you’re a poet or novelist, short-story writer, musician, stand-up comedian, or want to share a favourite piece of writing, the stage in our brand new event space awaits.
Sig-up for spots is on the night on a first-come, first-served basis, and strictly for a maximum of five minutes. Any accompaniment must be acoustic only. A paid bar will be available, as will a table for performers to sell books/CDs/merch directly to the audience.
Spend the night in one of the country’s oldest libraries!
The Leeds Library on Commercial Street, Leeds, is a haven for readers, writers, and booklovers. Founded in 1768, its forever home in the heart of the city centre dates from 1808.
Housing a growing collection of 140,000 books, the Leeds Library Sleepover—back by popular demand—is your chance to immerse yourself in the library’s atmosphere, its labyrinth of shelves and bookcases, galleries, and basement. And who knows —one or other of our friendly spooks might put in an appearance.
Veteran Northern poet James Nash launches his fourth collection of sonnets (and more). Notes of Your Music sets out to celebrate what may be gone, or flag up what might be celebrated before it goes.
SAFAR Film Festival presents a premiere of the newly restored Watch Out for Zouzou by Hassan Al-Imam. This classic was one of the highest-grossing Egyptian films of all time.
Starring Suad Husni – known affectionately as the ‘Cinderella of the Screen’ and often compared to Marilyn Monroe – the story examines societal tensions when traditional values and social mores are challenged by modern liberalism in 1970s Egypt.
Every night it's a raucous, improvised, made-to-order murder with
We’ve teamed up with some of the utterly BRILLIANT indie businesses in the iconic Leeds Corn Exchange to bring you an evening exclusive to shopping more mindfully!
In collaboration with Leeds Irish Health & Homes.
Across the generations, Irish LGBTQ+ people have emigrated and found opportunities to live and love openly. Yet this journey was rarely a simple transition from an oppressive island to a liberal wider world. Irish LGBTQ+ emigrants often faced prejudice abroad. The island of Ireland, once a place of shame and silence, could also become a welcoming site of return. This exhibition, on loan from the Irish Embassy in London, highlights twelve stories from the largely untold history of Ireland’s LGBTQ+ diaspora.
Kevin Mullowney (Guitar & Lead Vocals), Gerry Brownridge (Guitar & Harmony Vocals) & Christy Herron (Guitar & Backing Vocals).
'Lughnasadh' is a celtic festival marking the beginning of the harvest season. Historically, it was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. Traditionally, it is held on 1 August, or about halfway between the summer solstice and autumn equinox.