On 26th May 2024 the Merrion Centre celebrates being part of the heart of Leeds for a phenomenal 60 years!
As part of our diamond anniversary celebrations, we welcome you to take a trip down 'merrion lane' and join us at our 'Merrion Through the Years' pop-up exhibition.
From ballroom to bowling, films to flying machines...
We'll be looking back through the archives at some of our most memorable moments!
Middleton Railway's brand new special event for 2024.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of a range of vintage vehicles which will be on display at our Moor Road site.
Entry prices are the same as normal meaning you can enjoy unlimited train rides, a snack in our cafe, vintage vehicles on display and even some sunshine (we hope!).
Best in show contest and a few other little surprises planned for the day.
Come along for a great family day out. If you have a vehicle you’d like to display, please drop us a message.
Admire the models set amongst the real thing in our Engine House. You can also travel on a full-size steam train.
There is also the opportunity to drive a full-size locomotive, as we will be operating a footplate experience on one of our locomotives – when did you last do that at a Model Railway Exhibition? A suggested donation of £5 and no need to book in advance, just turn up on the day. Please note that you must be at least 18 years old and not older than 76 to take part in the footplate experience.
Join us for an entertaining trip behind the scenes of our magnificent Grade II* listed building. Find out about the architecture, history and famous visitors, as well as visiting some secret corners! Tours last approximately 1 hour and leave from the ground floor atrium, outside the Lending department.
This is a Leeds Libraries event, to keep up to date with further events please follow us on social media @leedslibraries and sign up to Leeds Libraries Newsletter
We are always happy to welcome you, find your closest library or get in touch: leeds.gov.uk/libraries
Ian Fryer, author of the book Carrying on, the carry ons and the films of peter Rogers and Gerald Thomas talks about the legendary Carry On series in a fun and nostalgic look at the films and their fabulous cast members.
Ian is a writer and film historian whose books include the worlds of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and the British Horror Films: From the silents to the multiplex.
This walk will trace the development of Sherburn from early medieval times to the present and will include a visit to the Grade 1 listed All Saints Church with extensive views – on a clear day – across to York Minster.
We will hear about the influence of the Archbishop of York when he was Lord of the Manor, the recent discovery of a Roman settlement, Sherburn’s importance as a centre for the coaching trade and more recently aircraft manufacture and lots more!
Our guide for the walk will be Kevin Sibson, Chair of Sherburn Local History Society.
A display for the 80th Anniversary of the D Day Landings 1944 at the museum until 22nd June.
Details for the Allied landings in Normandy started in Spring 1943 including the mapping of the coastline of France, completed by May 1944. Eisenhower made the decision that 6th June would be D Day and at midnight the massive invasion of Europe began.
We have a complete set of the maps on view in the museum.
During the First World War, over one million British Empire soldiers lost their lives, with around half of them still resting in unmarked graves today. John Nichol, a former RAF Tornado Navigator and Gulf War POW, embarks on a poignant journey to uncover the emotional tale of The Unknown Warrior interred in Westminster Abbey, highlighting our enduring need to honour and grieve for the fallen.
Discover Leeds' hidden queer history on a group walking tour of the city centre.
On this walking tour the Hold It Up Collective or Kit Heyam will take you on a tour of Leeds' queer history highlights. From Pride to squats, from 1840s court cases to 1990s raves, you'll see the city and its past in a new light.
Yorkshire has been the battleground for some of the bloodiest, treacherous and the most vicious battels ever fought in Britain. In this talk Josh Flint will explore the battels, sieges and naval battles that have been found in Yorkshire from the 7th to the 20th- centuries and how these extraordinary events are represented in the Leeds Library's Collection.
There will also be an opportunity to browse items from the Yorkshire Battles Leeds Library Collection.
This event is part of the Armed Forces Festival.