Kirkstall Art Trail to show art is not one form which fits all

By Jim Corah

Coming the weekend of Saturday, 18 July and Sunday, 19 July 2026, Kirkstall Art Trail will be demonstrating that art is not a one form fits all.

There will be stonework, ceramics, sculpture, poetry, fashion, fine art, and many, many more. The event is a full and free weekend which will bring together venues, visitors, and a vast variety of artists to Kirkstall. 

The return of the ‘friendliest event on the calendar’ (2017 participant quote) see the community group enter its eleventh year since the very first event. The organising committee has developed over the years with eight regulars taking on aspects of the event.

One consistent theme of feedback from artists has been how organised and thought out Kirkstall Art Trail is, something that the organising volunteers, led by Mandy Long, strive to continue.

Beginning as a single day event in 2015, volunteers are particularly pleased with the way the event adds more variety in art. Returning in 2026 will be the Sustainable Fashion Show and the Poetry Trail, with venues around Kirkstall (from Lilac and Hollybush TVC all the way across to Kirkstall Abbey and all in between) hosting artists exhibiting, running workshops, and giving demonstrations. The big, yellow five-foot KAT letters will be installed soon on Morris Lane, LS5.

For 2026 Kirkstall Art Trail are introducing a schools project, a bunting project (with Bramley-based We Belong Here), and a national poetry competition with a special prize for local poets with an LS postcode. Building on previously successful years, the weekend will be free for visitors to explore and engage with art in multiple forms. 

Details of the main trail along with the Poetry Trail and timings for the Fashion Show and spoken word event will be found on the Kirkstall Art Trail website. Maps will be available during the weekend of the event. Kirkstall Art Trail aim to have a stall at Kirkstall Festival to raise awareness for visitors.

Every year Kirkstall Art Trail comes together through the work of volunteers. There is a need for volunteers to help on the weekend, and all who are interested are encouraged to contact info@kirkstallarttrail.co.uk

Funding for this year’s Kirkstall Art Trail comes from Leeds City Council Inner South West Community Committee and Point North, as well as appreciated donations from the public and participants. 

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