Words: Eliza Ainley | Photos: Yann Ainley
Additional words & photos: Paul Abraham and Catriona Mossop
Armley Festival 2026 put community at the heart of the day.
Musicians, food stalls, theatre groups, churches, youth organisations and charities brought colour and humour to Armley Moor, creating a lively, welcoming atmosphere for residents of all ages.
Barca Leeds, a long‑established Bramley organisation supporting children, young people and families across West Leeds, used the festival to introduce plans for their new Young Futures Hub. The refurbished Manor House site will bring mental‑health support, employability guidance, youth groups and life‑skills work together in one accessible space for young people from any part of Leeds.
“We’re here to share what’s coming at the Young Futures Hub,” a spokesperson said. “Manor House is getting a big refurb so young people can come to one place for groups, mental‑health support, employability help and life skills.
“Our Tuesday youth session already brings in about forty young people, and we’re working with partners across Leeds. If you hear about us, you’re welcome — checkout socials , or just call in at Manor House.”
Interplay Theatre added a burst of unexpected joy with their giant hippo sculpture, created with young people on the Wyther’s Estate as part of their outdoor arts programme.
Staff spoke with families about their free Thursday Youth Theatre for 8–18‑year‑olds and their monthly SEND open days, explaining how these sessions give young people structured access to creative activity. T
hey also highlighted how their nationally touring productions sit alongside neighbourhood‑based projects, helping many festival‑goers realise for the first time that the organisation is based just behind Armley.
Artistic Director Kirsty Pennycock said: “We work with young people in lots of different ways, especially outdoors on the Wyther’s Estate, where they design and build big creative pieces together.
“The hippo started as a history project — they found out about old hippo bones discovered locally and turned that into a huge sculpture. Last year they learned DJ skills and put on a festival; this year they’ve been creating whole imaginary worlds through storytelling.”
Aasiyeh Soork, project manager of Meeting Point Leeds, shared information about their specialist support for people seeking asylum and refuge.
Based at Christ Church in Armley, they offer practical help, casework, creative activities and a welcoming space for people navigating the asylum process, stressing how vital local connection can be for those newly arriving in the city.
Local actors Bob and Gerry were in costume all day to share their horticultural jokes with everyone.
Theatrical and musical events brought much in the way of variety. Here’s a gallery of Yann Ainsley’s photos from the day:
Leeds’ Lord Mayor Stephen Holroyd said of the festival: “For me it’s about how it’s planned by the community to bring everyone together: it’s a real focal point in this space they’ve got and in how they use it: Armley is an inspiration across the city.”
Armley BOPS to Bramley Group
The Lord Mayor of Leeds was one of the crowd to enjoy the Bramley Lawn based ukulele group the Bunch Of Plucky Strummers (BOPS), writes Paul Abraham.
The crowd were treated to a wonderful 20-minute set which had the crowd and unicorn, Armley Councillor Lou Cunningham dancing to the catchy tunes for all they were worth.
The group is run by Jessica Bowie, a professional ukulele tutor and meet weekly at Bramley Lawn, with everyone welcome. If you fancy having a go then please visit www.yourukuleletutor.com for more details.
Here’s a selection of Paul Abraham’s photos:
Community reporter Catriona Mossop also attended the event. Here are some of her photos:
Armley Festival is organised by Armley Action Team, which runs a variety of projects supporting the community.
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