This Remembrance Sunday, Leeds will fall silent as it commemorates the civilians and soldiers lost in conflict since the start of the First World War.
Paying homage to both British and Commonwealth casualties, the city will host a remembrance service and two-minute silence on Victoria Gardens this Sunday, 10 November 2024, followed by a parade through the centre.
People from across Leeds can join the Lord Mayor on Sunday, and joining her to lay wreaths will be Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Ed Anderson, Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor James Lewis and other party leaders.
Starting from Leeds Civic Hall at 10.50 am, a procession will then depart and make its way to Victoria Gardens for the laying of wreaths.
Image: Commons Wikimedia
At 11 am, a bugler will mark the two-minute silence for the Last Post. Then, after the service, the Lord Mayor and others will make their way to the war memorial from Rossington Street.
The multi-faith service at the war memorial will be led by the Bishop of Kirkstall Right Reverand Arun Arora, hoined by Rabbi Anthony Gilbert, Senior Imam Qari Muhammad Asim MBE, and the Very Rev Canon Father Matthew Habron.
The service will be broadcast on two big screens to allow members of the public who are not near the front to watch the proceedings.
Following the service, the Lord Mayor and civic representatives will proceed to Millennium Square, where a salute and march past will take place.
Image: Geograph
Speaking ahead of the service, the Lord Mayor of Leeds and Coun Abigail Marshall Katung said: “It is a great honour to lead our fantastic city, with its deep-rooted connections to the armed forces, in a poignant and moving act of remembrance.
“In these globally troubled times, it is more important than ever that we come together as one community to honour and remember the service and sacrifices of the British and Commonwealth armed forces in defending our freedoms.
"We also use the occasion to recognise and honour those who have lost their lives because of conflict or terrorism together with marking the vital role played by the emergency services and civilians.”
Ever-evolving Leeds music hotspot TESTBED is making its grand return to Leeds city centre with an impressive launch party lineup.
Recognised as a cultural venue for bringing people together via music, TESTBED has hosted a variety of club nights in its warehouse location since 2024.
Back in April, it was announced that the team behind this rave-centric club were transforming this space from it's 'Phase 1.3' to 'Phase 2.0'.
Now, TESTBED has released the full lineup for its upcoming launch party which will show off some of the venue's latest features like its 360-degree DJ booth, improved acoustics and 5,000 sq ft mezzanine and balcony area.
Annie Mac is headlining the TESTBED Leeds launch party joined by Horse Meat Disco / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Previous performers include Liverpool dance music duo Camelphat, house music DJ Alisha, Netherlands-own Chris Stussy and more, so it will come as no surprise that this relaunch features an equally-stellar lineup.
Fronting the bill for the TESTBED Launch Party is none other than EDM connoisseur and influential figure Annie Mac, who's hosted a variety of radio shows across the BBC as well as curating a set or two herself.
Also in attendance is Horse Meat Disco, a group who put disco and queer culture at the forefront of each and every high-energy set.
Irish selector Shee is also showing off his music expertise and already having collaborations with the likes of A-trak and Karma Kid, expect to hear some tunes.
Shee and Junior Simba will be taking to the decks to wow the crowds over at TESTBED Leeds / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Seasoned club DJ and presenter Marcia Carr, known for playing live sets with vinyl records, will also be soundtracking the night too, playing out everything from Afrohouse to dubstep.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Leeds-based party without some local talent courtesy of Junior Simba who's quickly become a key player in the house music scene.
And if that wasn't enough raving for you, TESTBED has already announced even more insane nights of music madness featuring ROSSI., Interplanetary Criminal and Obskür.
TESTBED's opening party is taking place on Saturday 3 October from 2pm til 12am and you can grab tickets from as little as £20 HERE.
Leeds Santa Dash is returning for 2026 and it’s set to be ‘bigger and better’ than ever
Emily Sergeant
Leeds' famous Santa Dash is returning for 2026, and it's set to be 'bigger and better' than ever.
Back by popular demand with the festive season around the corner, The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash has confirmed its return for 2026 this December, with thousands of Santas set to hit the streets of the city centre with festive fun, Christmas cheer, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
No matter whether you're taking part with your family, friends, colleagues, or little ones, organisers say it's the 'perfect way' to kick-start your festive season.
This iconic event welcomes everyone to take part - you can either jog, walk, or wheel your way around the 5K route, soaking up the sights and sounds of the city as you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, and prams are also welcome too, making it a fantastic festive day out for all ages and abilities.
And this year, it's set to be bigger and better than ever, as there's an exciting new city centre route.
All Santa suits are provided (except for those under three) with your race entry, and you'll also get an exclusive Trinity Leeds Santa Dash finisher medal once you make it over the line, as well as a festive chocolate treat to nibble on.
So, gather your fellow Santas, embrace the Christmas magic, and get ready to join one of Leeds' most joyful festive traditions.
The Trinity Leeds Santa Dash returns for 2026 on Sunday 6 December, and you can find out more and enter to take part in the race online here.
Clementine Hall -
8th November 2024 
