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Leeds City of Languages is a vibrant celebration of the city's languages, cultures, and communities, highlighting our connections with the world.

Originally founded as Leeds Languages Week in 2023, the initiative has grown into a regional festival celebrating the rich diversity of languages and cultures across Yorkshire. The festival offers free activities in schools, community spaces and at the University of Leeds, inspiring people of all ages to embrace multilingualism, explore new languages and celebrate the cultural tapestry that surrounds us. The initiative is led by Bettina Hermoso-Gómez and Sofia Martinho, with the support of  Professor Emma Cayley, Head of the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies at the University of Leeds, and working together with the Arts and Humanities Outreach Team.

The rich and diverse programme of activities is brought to life through the generous support of our local, regional, national and international partners, who contribute their expertise, time and resources to enrich the lives of children, young people and communities throughout Yorkshire. Now in our fourth year, we’re expanding our programme and deepening our collaborations, thanks to an ever-growing network of committed partners.

 

Events

Pre-Festival Event: ‘Laterne, Laterne’- Open Day at the German Saturday School Leeds

In early November, children walking with lanterns can be spotted in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. The German Saturday School Leeds...

Webinar: What can languages do for you? Skills and opportunities across the globe, by Dr Peter Haysom-Rodriguez

  What are the advantages in the job market for languages graduates and for people speaking more than one language?...

Language Taster: Modern Arabic

Join us to get a glimpse of Arabic language and culture. Learn a few new phrases and meet speakers of...

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