News.
EVEN MORE TO EXPLORE WITH LEEDS HERITAGE THEATRES!
18th March 2026
This April, Leeds Heritage Theatres (LHT) invites families to Explore – and now there’s even more reason to adventure into the city centre as 42 New Briggate opens as part of the programme.
Running from Fri 3 – Sun 18 April 2026, Explore brings young people aged 5-12 and their grown-ups a lively mix of films, performances and hands-on workshops – from dance and beatboxing to puppetry – delivered with creative partners from across the region and beyond. Events will take place at Leeds Heritage Theatres venues, Howard Assembly Room and on Briggate.
Explore marks LHT’s first dedicated family programme, designed to celebrate its iconic spaces while inviting young audiences to discover something new and create lasting memories together. The organisation hopes to grow Explore into an annual highlight in the city’s cultural calendar.
A new addition to the programme is a pop-up family hub at 42 New Briggate, located in one of the original Victorian shop units within The Grand Theatre. Supported by Leeds favourites Northern Bloc Ice Cream and North Star Coffee, the space will feature drinks, Northern Bloc ice cream, and a relaxed area with craft activities and games for children, creating a welcoming drop-in spot for families throughout the festival.
Co-Founder and CEO of North Star, Holly Kragiopoulos, said: “We are so delighted to be working alongside Leeds Heritage Theatres for what is going to be an amazing pop-up at 42 New Briggate. As a born and bred Leeds brand, it is fantastic to build a partnership with a venue that is such a part of the city’s landscape and we are incredibly grateful to the wonderful team for building what is going to be a fantastic couple of weeks.”
LHT has also recently been confirmed as a recipient of Airbnb’s Best of British Fund, which supports projects across the UK that celebrate the country’s cultural creativity and give communities access to experiences spanning food, drink, arts, heritage and the outdoors. The funding will help expand the interactive elements of the Explore programme.
Matt Collier, Head of Development at LHT, said: “Partnerships are central to the work of Leeds Heritage Theatres. As an arts charity rooted in the city and custodian of three of Leeds’ best-loved heritage venues dating back to the 1860s, the organisation continues to seek new ways of celebrating local culture while strengthening the visitor economy through a diverse, multi-artform programme.
“By activating our historic venues and surrounding public spaces in new ways – and ensuring the programme is accessible for as many people as possible – Explore aims to create vibrant cultural moments that bring people into the city centre, support local businesses and showcase Leeds as a dynamic cultural destination.”
Luke Impett, Partnerships and Public Affairs Lead for Airbnb UK, added: “Congratulations to Leeds Heritage Theatres on being named a winner of Airbnb’s Best of British Fund. As a charity at the heart of Leeds’ cultural life, bringing together iconic venues and inspiring communities through theatre, film and live performance, it represents exactly the kind of vibrant, community-driven initiative this fund is designed to support.
“From nurturing local talent to creating spaces where stories are shared and creativity thrives; Leeds Heritage Theatres plays a vital role in the city’s cultural heartbeat. We’re proud to support its continued impact – helping more people experience and connect with the rich arts and culture that make destinations like Leeds so special.”
Additional partnership support comes from Cawston Press, who is supporting family screenings and activities at Hyde Park Picture House, including special co-branded moments around The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Families can discover the full programme and plan their visit at www.leedsheritagetheatres.com/explore/.