Interesting Facts

Each year, Leeds hosts Opera in the Park. Held every July, this concert draws more than 40,000 opera lovers and is the largest free outdoor opera concert in the United Kingdom. For those who prefer music with a little more edge, the Party in the Park may be more your speed. It is usually held the day after the Opera in the Park. It is one of the largest free pop and rock concerts in the UK.
Leeds, Camera, Action! Film lovers flock to this city each year for the Leeds International Film Festival. Screened in October at cinemas throughout Leeds, it's the only theme-based film festival in the United Kingdom.
Leeds City Art Gallery is sure to impress any art buff. The gallery, which was founded in 1888, houses England's best collection of twentieth century art outside of London.
When it comes to attractions, Leeds' shining star is the Royal Armories. This gray and white structure resembles a fortress. Four floors house exhibits on war, tournaments, self-defense, hunting and the Orient.
Leeds is synonymous with Headingly. Headingly is synonymous with Cricket. The first match was played here in 1890. Today it still remains a venue for Test matches and the home turf for the Yorkshire County Cricket Club.
Leeds is the commercial capital of Yorkshire and one of the fastest growing cities in the country. The city is also home to the "24 Hour Initiative." This drive makes Leeds the only United Kingdom city to encourage around-the-clock work and entertainment options.
Despite the fact that in 1847 Charles Dickens described Leeds as "the beastliest place, one of the nastiest I know," Leeds today is actually something quite different. $640 million has been invested in both new construction and renovation, making Leeds one of the up-and-coming and energetic cities in the UK.
With a population of 455,000, Leeds serves as one of Britain's biggest cities. The city is chock full of shops and a lively nightlife and is a welcoming area for all that visit.
Bottom's Up! Tetley's has been brewing beer in Leeds since 1822 and produces Yorkshire's favorite ales. The company offers a tour of its facilities on Brewery Wharf in its $9.6 million visitor center. The excursion offers various displays that show pub culture throughout the years. It's quite a sight! Actors wander around in costume and add to the authenticity of the experience.
The Henry Moore Institute is located next door to the City Art Gallery and is the largest sculpture gallery in all of Europe! The institute is named for Henry Moore, the greatest British sculptor of the twentieth century, and is the first museum devoted to the display, study and research of sculpture from all periods and cultures.