Discover the exciting programme of Leeds City of Languages 2026, taking place from 9–22 November. From concerts and performances to films, creative workshops, language taster sessions, talks and cultural exchanges, there's something for everyone, whether you're joining us in Leeds or online.
Explore events by date, language or type of activity to find what interests you, or browse the full programme for an overview of everything taking place.
Come along to Global Café, your place to meet, socialise and enjoy free refreshments. Global Café is a weekly opportunity for students and postgraduate researchers to meet, relax with friends, have great conversations, and enjoy free refreshments. The hosts are there to welcome newcomers and help everyone have a lovely Monday evening. Open to University...
Drawing on a chapter from her non-fiction, Back Up North, Ally Shepherd, explores the rich variety of accents and dialects across Northern England, from Scouse and Geordie to the speech of Cheshire, Lancashire, and – of course – Yorkshire. We will examine how language reflects the region’s identity and history of industry and migration, considering...
Join us at local libraries across Leeds for fun sessions of sharing stories and rhymes with time to play in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. A great opportunity to meet with others and join the library as part of your visit. Free event for under fives and their grown ups, just turn up. This is...
Join us at local libraries across Leeds for fun sessions of sharing stories and rhymes with time to play in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. A great opportunity to meet with others and join the library as part of your visit. Free event for under fives and their grown ups, just turn up. This is...
Help your students discover the opportunities that language learning can unlock. In this inspiring webinar for secondary pupils, guest speakers share their personal language-learning journeys and explain how languages have helped shape their studies, travel experiences and careers. Ideal for students considering their GCSE options, the session highlights the real-world value of languages and the...
Migration, identity, belonging: big questions of our time. What can the Italian experience in West Yorkshire teach us? Join us for an interactive talk on Italian migration to Leeds and West Yorkshire! Migration, identity, belonging: these are some of the biggest questions of our time. But what can the Italian experience in West Yorkshire teach...
Russia has long been presented simply as an authoritarian state. However, elections continue to be held in the country. In this talk, we will look to understand why this is the case and what this means for Russia and even us in the UK. We will look at the changing role of political opposition in...
Find out about the largely forgotten stories of British referees in the late 1940s and 1950s who were contracted to referee across South America. Even more controversies and stories than the recent men's World Cup 2026. This talk discusses the stories and experiences of British football referees who, in the late 1940s and throughout the...
Beginner in Japanese? Join our fun, weekly sessions where you’ll play games with peers and fluent speakers. Build confidence, make friends, and learn through play – no pressure, just good vibes! Open to all students. Volunteer spots available!
In this fun and interactive workshop, participants explore the playful world of tongue twisters! Earn stickers by learning how to pronounce Portuguese tongue-twisters, from the most simple to the most tricky ones. This activity encourages language play, pronunciation skills, and confidence in speaking. Participants can aim for prizes or collect enough points to earn a special...