By Damon Cooper
Neighbourhood hosts have been busy working with local creatives to put on events in wards across West Leeds to celebrate Leeds 2023 – our year of culture.
Everything kicks off with Kirkstall Makes + Moves where Kirkstall neighbourhood host, Nathan Shipley, has been busy coordinating artists, athletes, performers and live music acts with the help of local communities, organisations and the Leeds 2023 team to host two events on Sunday, 11 June that are both free to attend.
You could join the fun at Cragside Recreation Ground in Hawksworth Wood, from 1pm to 3pm to create a communal mosaic. Or head to Jazz on the Farm at Kirkstall Valley Farm from 1pm to 7pm, with performances by local musicians and featuring a headline set from The Tom Sharp Jazz Orchestra starting at 4pm.
Nathan Shipley is keen to showcase a ward that’s more than just Kirkstall Abbey, having taken part in all kinds of activities and festivals as a resident raising a family in the area. He strongly believes everyone is creative and looks forward to engaging with other residents.
Attendees will also get the opportunity to see a Kirkstall-inspired motif designed by renowned artist Keith James and created by luxury brand Burberry in their Keighley Mills. Local Makers have also created garments for everyone to get dressed up in and take a group selfie!
Whilst more Leeds 2023 events from Farsley to Burley will feature later this summer, cultural celebrations are coming in thick and fast elsewhere in the city. From a World Music and Food Festival at Soldier’s Field in Roundhay to Hunslet Festival on Saturday, June 17. Details for free events across Leeds can be found here.
Kully Thiarai, Creative Director and CEO of LEEDS 2023, said: “Leeds is a city of full of diverse cultural expression and energy.
“Our tag line “Letting Culture Loose’ was inspired by our understanding that behind every door, on every street and across our neighbourhoods, culture is embraced and celebrated in all sorts of ways.
“My Leeds Summer is your chance to get up close and engage with all that rich diversity, as Leeds 2023, together with our 33 neighbourhood hosts shine a light on the brilliant artists, organisations and individuals making and creating together their own cultural responses to Leeds Year of Culture.”
Cllr Fiona Venner (Lab, Kirkstall) added: “It is fantastic that these events will be happening at two locations in Kirkstall, with transport provided between the two events. We hope to see many people there to celebrate the creativity of our community.”