A whole host of dinosaurs are on the loose all around Leeds city centre right now, from a two-story high T-Rex to a Diplodocus that’s reportedly the length of two buses stuck together.
They’ve appeared as part of the city’s summertime Jurassic Trail, also coincidentally the UK’s biggest free dinosaur event.
The animatronic life-like creations can roar, move their heads, tails and wings and even spit at you.
Featuring a total of twelve larger-than-life dinosaurs, as you make your way along the trail you’ll need to duck out the way as pteranodons swoop at your from the rooftops and keep an eye on the spitting dilophosaurus.
This year, there’s also an exciting new addition to the group of dinosaurs in the form of the Yorkshiresaurus.
Designed by 14-year-old Wakefield student, Keera Turner, with its rhubarb tail and spine of Yorkshire Y’s, the final Yorkshire touches include a white rose and a ‘northern roar’.
As well as animatronic dinosaurs ambling around in the city, there are a few that have set up camp for the summer – such as an epic diplodocus that has stationed itself outside on Briggate.
As well as all this, there’s also a dino shop in Trinity and paid-for T-Rex and triceratops rides for the little ones too.
Dotted around the city centre, you can use an app to track them all – or alternatively, we’ve included a list of their locations below.
The full list of dinosaurs and their locations in Leeds city centre:
Diplodocus – Briggate
Spinosaurus – Leeds Corn Exchange
Yorkshiresaurus – Leeds Kirkgate Market
Baryonyx – Leeds Rail Station
Stegosaurus & baby – Merrion Centre
Stygimoloch & pachycephalosaurus – St Johns Centre
Dilophosaurus – The Core
Allosaurus – The Light
T-Rex – Trinity Leeds
Two caged raptors – Trinity Kitchen
Three pteranodons flying – Victoria Quarter
Amargasaurus – Victoria Gate
The exciting Jurassic Trail project has been brought to the city by LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) as part of a drive to bring people back into the centre post-covid.
Andrew Cooper, chief executive of LeedsBID, said: “With all the planning, logistics and hard work over the last 18 months, we are thrilled to finally see the arrival of the dinosaurs in Leeds for Leeds Jurassic Trail 2.
“The level of detail that has gone into creating the dinosaurs is incredible. These life-size creatures will be free to all visitors until September 12, giving an experience which will transport you back 65 million years.”
He added: “This event would not have been possible without the strong collaborative spirit we have in Leeds. Businesses and organisations working with the Business Improvement District to make new events happen that are bigger and more ambitious than before.
“The 13 dinosaurs, along with the Jurassic Store in Trinity Leeds, will be an experience for all ages to enjoy. And because it’s free and is running for seven weeks, it gives everyone the opportunity to visit safely.”
Other event partners include Child Friendly Leeds, Leeds City Council, Leeds Corn Exchange, Leeds Kirkgate Market, Leeds Station, Merrion Centre, St Johns Centre, The Core, The Light, Trinity Kitchen, Trinity Leeds and Victoria Leeds.
Feature image – mammasphotography
