Play, Publish, Progress: How Leeds Led the World
Self-publishing has always been an important part of print and, in its 400 years of existence, Leeds has played a leading role. Join us as we take a trip through the history of self-publishing in the city.
Without this history, much of the media we see today would have been very different. Self-publishing – from The Leeds Mercury to music and football fanzines – were the social media of their day, put Leeds on the map, and shaped the city we live in today.
Part of the Leeds Libraries’ Leeds400 programme
Want to know more about Leeds Libraries Local Studies resources, articles, events, and workshops? Subscribe for our monthly newsletter and have all our news direct to your inbox: https://s7umw.mjt.lu/wgt/s7umw/0svx/form?c=0d8dc434
More Events
Leodis: 400 Years of Leeds in the Leeds Libraries Collections
15th September 2026 - 11th November 2026
Discover 400 years of Leeds’ history through the inspiring collections of Leeds Libraries – from 17th century manuscripts to football fanzines, via rare maps, photographs,…
Folk Song in the North of England – Traditional Song Forum Autumn Conference with Leeds Libraries
10th October 2026 - 10th October 2026
Folk Song in the North of England – Traditional Song Forum Autumn Conference with Leeds Libraries Frank Kidson (1855-1926) was a key player in the…
Ralph and John Went to Church: Ralph Thoresby & John Lewis, the first recorded Black person in Leeds
7th October 2026 - 7th October 2026
On February 1 1708 a remarkable thing happened – Ralph and John went to church. Ralph was Ralph Thoresby, the Leeds antiquarian and diarist. John…
Piety and Profit: Contrasting Careers in Stained Glass
21st October 2026 - 21st October 2026
Victorian Leeds was home to a flourishing stained-glass industry, yet the men behind it were remarkably different. This talk by Samantha Yates explores the lives…
400 Years of Leeds, through the Collections Of Leeds Museums and Galleries
5th November 2026 - 5th November 2026
To celebrate Leeds 400, join Assistant Community Curator Pat Bourne, from Leeds Museums and Galleries, as he takes you through his personal choice of museum…
Alice Mann – The Radical Woman Who Beat The Establishment
23rd September 2026 - 23rd September 2026
From riots and radical politics to prison cells and printing presses, Alice Mann lived an extraordinary life. Widowed with nine children, she defied the authorities,…
Explore The Neighbourhood
A Taste of Rioja
In the rolling vineyards of northern Spain, where warm days and cool nights shape the character of every grape, La Rioja has long stood out…
Learn MoreKae Kurd’s Comedy Club
Kae Kurd’s Comedy Club After a sold-out, two-year residency at London’s legendary ‘Up The Creek Comedy Club’, one of stand-up’s most exciting breakout stars, Kae…
Learn MoreSimply Dylan
Simply Dylan is as straightforward as the title suggests: no frills, no gimmicks and no pretence. Led by front man John O’Connell, the band delivers…
Learn MoreSound & Vision: A Tribute To David Bowie
Get ready for an unforgettable night of David Bowie’s greatest hits and be transported to a world of pure magic. Sound & Vision, the ultimate…
Learn MoreLeeds West Indian Carnival
Leeds West Indian Carnival is the perfect blend of jaw-dropping costumes, infectious tropical rhythms, mouth watering food, Caribbean Culture and entertainment for everyone. Held annually…
Learn MoreAn Evening with John Boyne
John Boyne is one of the most successful and critically acclaimed novelists of his generation. Join us to hear him talk about his life, his…
Learn MoreDirty Martini
Dirty Martini the place for after-work drinks, cocktail making classes and sophisticated late night partying! At the heart of the city centre, this is a…
Learn MoreThe Oxford Place
The Oxford Place is a 100% Gluten-Free restaurant with a Yorkshire passion in the heart of Leeds. Tucked just around the corner from the iconic…
Learn MoreThe Lost & Found – Leeds Club
A Victorian hideaway with a secret. We’re a Cocktail Bar & Restaurant open for Bottomless Brunch, Afternoon Tea, Lunch and Dinner. Pushing the boundaries of…
Learn MoreKalabash
Kalabash is a café, diner and bakery specialising in authentic Caribbean food, located on Chapeltown Road in Leeds.
Learn MoreThe New Penny
It is reported to be the oldest gay pub in the Leeds. The Pub first started as the Hope And Anchor in 1953. Although difficulty…
Learn MorePho
Pho was founded by husband & wife team Stephen & Jules Wall in 2005 after they travelled to Vietnam & fell in love with the…
Learn MoreHolt Park Community Hub and Library
Join for free and borrow books, eBooks, eAudio and more. We also provide help for people to get online and run events and activities for…
Learn MoreThe Sculpture Gallery
The Sculpture Gallery is an outstanding new gallery, of pure sculpture, showcasing the work, not only of the six Sculptors below, that own and run…
Learn MoreOtley Labour Rooms
With a capacity of up to 50 people, the Labour Rooms is a welcoming venue full of charm and character, which has hosted numerous local…
Learn MoreWharf Chambers
Wharf Chambers is located on the ground floor of a Victorian former pork pie factory at 23-25 Wharf Street, LS2 7EQ. It’s on the edge…
Learn MoreSable Studio
Sable shoot films, take photos, record audio, make podcasts, host workshops, throw events, hire equipment, curate programmes and more from their 4000 sq ft home…
Learn MoreKirkstall Educational Cricket Club
The Field of Dreams and the home of Kirkstall Educational Cricket Club!
Learn MoreClaypit Lane Pocket Park
Our Pocket Park is a one acre nature reserve off Granhams Road with a variety of native flowers in a central grassland area surrounded by…
Learn MoreAlbion Place
Albion Place is a busy street in Leeds City Centre that’s home to many restaurants and shops.
Learn MoreThe Electric Press – The Switch Building
Home to Be At One, Catherine’s Place, Red Chilli, Revolution, Tavernaki and SAE/ICMP, the Electric Press provides drinking, dining and dancing options, a theatre, a…
Learn MoreAspire Leeds
Built in 1894 and located in an imposing and opulent styled building rich with historic interest in the heart of Leeds City Centre, Aspire is…
Learn More