The city’s vibrant waterways are set to come alive once again as the eagerly anticipated Leeds Waterfront Festival makes its triumphant return this summer. This annual extravaganza promises a delightful blend of music, captivating performances, artistic displays, and family-friendly fun, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.
One of the festival’s highlights this year is the long-awaited comeback of the prestigious British Street Food Awards, making a triumphant return after a hiatus since 2016. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to savour a diverse array of delectable street food offerings from around the country and cast their votes to determine the ultimate winner.
Not limited to culinary delights, the festival also offers numerous water-themed activities for visitors to partake in. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the dragon boat race will be held at Leeds Dock on Saturday, July 1, from 10 am to 4 pm. With faster boats and intense competition, this year’s races are expected to be more thrilling than ever before.
Water enthusiasts can further indulge their passion at Granary Wharf, where the entire family can explore the wonders of paddleboarding and kayaking. It presents an excellent opportunity for attendees to experience the beauty of Leeds’ waterways firsthand.
The festival is organised in collaboration with esteemed partners, including Leeds City Council, the Canal & River Trust, Leeds Dock, The Tetley, Citu, The Royal Armouries, and Granary Wharf. With a launch weekend scheduled for July 1-2, the Leeds Waterfront Festival stands as the largest event of its kind in the northern region of England.
Expressing his anticipation, Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for culture, economy, and education, stated, “It’s fantastic news that the Leeds Waterfront Festival will once again be returning this year, bringing our fantastic waterways alive for what is always a highlight of the summer events calendar and a real celebration of the city’s past, present, and future.”
Sharron Bright from the Canal & River Trust shared her excitement, saying, “We’ll be helping to celebrate the city’s waterways and showcase the many ways you can enjoy being by the water and how people can get involved in caring for the canal and help our charity make it a great place for people and wildlife. Thanks to the support of Leeds Building Society, we’ll be offering lots of free, family-friendly activities, from getting on the water with canoe, kayak, and paddleboard sessions to enjoying activities beside it, from face painting, a climbing wall, and more!”
Prepare to immerse yourself in a vibrant tapestry of entertainment and revel in the beauty of Leeds’ waterways as the Leeds Waterfront Festival captivates audiences with its exceptional offerings. Mark your calendars and join the festivities for an unforgettable summer experience.
