Plans for celebrations to mark 400 years since Leeds was awarded its first Royal City Charter are set to be shared with senior councillors.
Next year will see Leeds reach the remarkable milestone, four centuries after King Charles 1 officially recognised the city as a self-governing borough, a decision which changed the course of the city’s history and laid the foundations for modern-day Leeds.
A report to Leeds City Council’s executive board, who will meet next week, details how key partners across the city are now working together to kickstart a programme of exciting events and activities aimed at capturing the spirit, creativity and culture of Leeds and its unique story.
Launching this November, the campaign will see residents, groups and organisations across the city invited to mark the prestigious occasion in their own way and showcase the best of Leeds and its vibrant and diverse communities.
Officially awarded to the city on July 13,1626, the Royal Charter incorporated Leeds as a “free borough” and a “body corporate and politic”, the first step towards self-government in the town.
A glittering corporate mace, which is still displayed at Leeds Civic Hall and which is carried into each full council meeting, was created by a local goldsmith and a seal was made which combined a fleece, to represent the wool trade, and an owl, which was taken from the coat of arms of the city’s first Alderman Sir John Savile.
Four hundred years on, organisations including the council, Leeds Civic Trust, Culture Consortium Leeds, Leeds BID and the Chamber of Commerce are now busy drawing up plans for what is set to be a year-long celebration.
Currently in its early stages, the programme is expected to include exhibitions, commissions, events, co-curation with communities and social media campaigns.
Large scale events throughout the year will also be part of the celebrations as well as smaller grass roots cultural and community organisations, who will be empowered to get involved in the programme through toolkits currently in development.
More details about the programme will be announced soon and throughout the year.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said:
“This is a hugely significant and historic milestone for Leeds and an unprecedented opportunity for the city to reflect on our past, celebrate the best of what Leeds is today and look ahead to what the future may hold.
“It’s important that these celebrations really capture the spirit of Leeds, from the fantastic individuals and organisations making a difference every day in our communities, to the world class cultural and sporting events and institutions which make the city such a vibrant and exciting place to be.
“Working with our partners across the city, we’re keen for everyone to feel part of Leeds 400 and to have the chance to get involved in marking this unique occasion. We can’t wait to see the whole city come together and make this a year to remember.”
Leeds City Council’s executive board will meet on Wednesday 15 October. You can read a full copy of the Leeds 400 report here.
This post is based on a press release issued by Leeds City Council
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