News.
Leeds International Festival is Underway
9th May 2019
After an incredible first weekend of events, we look ahead the remaining days of this year’s festival
Launching on May 2nd, Leeds International Festival has already delivered some stellar events.
Daniel Avery x Flat-e’s composition Falling Light opened the festival, with a live one-off appearance from Daniel Avery himself. A wonder to behold, this immersive art installation sees light becomes sculptural and the audience take their own place in the music. Running 9-12pm daily, it’s a must see of the festival.
Bringing the energy and the noise, there was spectacular live music from disco sirens Crazy P on Saturday, and with energy of a different (and completely boundless!) kind, Family Day brought an abundance of fun activities and so much colour for everyone in the family on Monday.
BlaqueXplosion was similarly rainbow-coloured and sequin-covered, as the carnival troupe kicked off the day, before chats with the incredible Frank Bruno MBE, who discussed mental health for black men and encouraged everyone to be open in their mental health discussions. Live music from Graft, Macka B, The Voice’s Jermain Jackman and Iration Steppas left the crowd on their feet begging for more.
“Leeds International Festival has well and truly arrived with the first five days bringing an eclectic and dynamic range of events across the city and a real sense that something energetic and exciting is happening,” said Festival Executive Gemma Holsgrove.
“There has been an extraordinary atmosphere in the L19 Cube and the new Discovery Zone on Briggate has brought an assortment of interactive events and activities to the high street – and there is still so much more to come. I am so very proud to be collaborating with such a diverse range of international artists and local creatives to present this year’s festival.”
L19 EVENTS STILL TO COME
Still to come before the festival ends on Sunday:
Facing Brave: Women Take on the Acid Throwers TONIGHT (Tuesday 7th May) which promises a fascinating insight into the women across different fields who are working together to reclaim power from acid aggressors.
Sports 2.0: Every Second Counts unites some amazing sports stars and Olympians as well as key industry players, like Channel 4’s Head of Sport, who’ll be talking about C4 coming to Leeds as well as cutting-edge developments in sports coverage (Friday 10th May).
Saturday’s Get Into Gaming event brings the inside track on the gaming industry – so get ready for a slew of insider tips and updates from the amazing panel of game experts delivered via Q&A, as well as workshops, new games and VR experiences. Whether you’re at primary school, uni or in a completely different career, this event is for you if you have an interest in gaming – whether you want it to be profession or hobby! (Saturday 11th May).
A cult highlight of Leeds International Festival, JUICEBOX is back with a bang. Featuring the amazingly weird conceptual artist-come-post-Soviet rapper Tommy Cash, alongside the LA-based, enigmatic Yves Tumor and Grime’s queer pioneer superstar Karnage Kills, this is set to be a night of cutting edge music and no-holds-barred dance.
To reserve or buy event tickets for any of the above, and for the full programme, visit: www.leedsinternationalfestival.com
