People have been absolutely blown away by an incredible opening that kickstarted the city's year of culture celebrations.
The Awakening, the first event of "an unforgettable year", took place at Headingley Stadium today, January 7. Doors opened at 3.30pm and visitors were treated to live music, poetry, dance, comedy and more.
The event, hosted by hosted by Gabby Logan and Sanchez Payne, featured artists such as Corinne Bailey Rae, Simon Armitage and LYR, The Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North, Graft, Inder Goldfinger, Testament, Hope and Social, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Denmarc Creary, George Webster and many more. It also featured a giant in the sky.
Read more: 33 things to look forward to in Leeds in 2023
Those who attended were absolutely blown away by the show. Many took to Twitter to voice their praise.
Jeannie Harris wrote: "Never more proud of my city. What.A.Show. Congrats to all performers.
"Privileged to have been a part of it as a volunteer. What a fabulous year we’re going to have showcasing our beloved creative Leeds."
Ellen Hunter said: "Massive well done on that launch event and everyone who took part! Top performances from amazingly talented Leeds folk. Can't wait to experience more this year."
Bryony Jameson commented: "Yeah. This. Is. Incredible. Love you Leeds."
Ian R praised: "What a night, magical music remixes, amazing poetry, pride in the city….oh and a giant…."
Want to know more about the Leeds 2023 Year of Culture? Have a listen to The Northern Agenda podcast
Tess Hornsby Smith gushed: "Wow! The Awakening was just so powerful. I've got a heart of stone, but the tears were flowing hard. So proud of our city Leeds, our ambition, our heart, our inclusivity. Can't wait to see more."
And Sally tweeted: "WOW @LEEDS_2023 that was quite emotional The Awakening was incredible. L-DoubleE -D-S! I will quote Simon Armitage (if I remember it correctly) 'Wake up Leeds, you have gold in your veins, silver in your bones, bronze in your joints and neon in your soul'."
Tonight's Awakening celebrated Leeds’ cultural past, present and future with the three-part festival continuing as "Playing" from May to August and "Dreaming" from September to December. Top picks include:
- 'Smeaton 300', a magical mobile observatory inspired by Leeds-born astronomer John Smeaton will tour the city from June to December;
'1001 Stories', the stories of Leeds' older citizens told by Leeds Playhouse and The Performance Ensemble, in April;
European Union National Institutes for Culture film festival take place in Leeds, the first city outside of London to host the film festival, in April;
'As You Are', a sound walk in Leeds city centre, also in April;
'All That Lives', a reimagination of the Mexican Day of Dead (Dia de Muertos), in November.
Read next:
- I spent an afternoon in the coolest place to live in Leeds and now I want to move
- Babtooma Leeds review: We tried the bring your own booze Syrian Roundhay restaurant
- The 10 best day trips in Leeds that you don't need to travel far for
- Leeds restaurant serving 'unusual and exciting' food rated as the best in the city on TripAdvisor
- New Leeds restaurants, bars and shops you must visit in 2023
