Music Leeds Us: Celebrating 60 Years of Music in Leeds
Marking 60 years of Leeds Conservatoire, this special exhibition celebrates the people, places and magic moments that have shaped the city’s musical identity across six vibrant decades.
From legendary gigs and local heroes to grassroots movements and global sounds, this is a celebration of the voices, venues and vibrant genres that make up Leeds’ powerful, proud — and often overlooked — musical legacy.
But this isn’t just about history — it’s about feeling. That song that takes you back. That gig that changed your life. The posters on your bedroom walls. That new record purchase.
The venue that became your second home. Music Leeds Us is a space to remember, reflect and reconnect. Whether it’s goth, jazz, house or punk — whether you were there at the time or hearing it for the first time — Music Leeds Us is for everyone — from lifelong locals to newcomers discovering the city’s musical heartbeat. Curated in collaboration with community partners and supported by local volunteers, we invite you to come and explore six decades of sound — and see where the music takes you.
This text was provided by one of the volunteers contributing to the show: Michelle Regan, @Sounds_Like_Shell
The exhibition is curated with volunteers and community partners including Leeds Conservatoire.
More Events
Musical Museum Crafts
6th April 2026 - 8th April 2026
Join us this school holiday for musical crafts set to a soundtrack of Leeds music! We’ll be creating colourful artworks as we respond to how…
Family Drumming Workshops
15th April 2026 - 15th April 2026
Book a ticket to join in a family drumming workshop led by a local musician. This event is part of our Musical Museum Easter holiday…
Leeds 400 Concert with West Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra
26th April 2026 - 26th April 2026
In this special concert, the West Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra will be playing music marking 400 years of the city of Leeds being granted its royal…
Melodies DJ Academy x Speedqueen Q&A
11th April 2026 - 11th April 2026
Come and try your hand at spinning the decks in an engaging workshop for young enthusiasts exploring the world of music mixing. After playing at…
Family Singalongs
14th April 2026 - 14th April 2026
Join us in the main hall of the museum for family singalongs led by Emma. We’ll have fun singing games to learn some musical skills.…
Play the Room – a Sensory Installation
7th April 2026 - 7th April 2026
An interactive multi-sensory sound and video installation designed for people of all abilities and ages. Come play the room with your sound and movement, immersed…
Explore The Neighbourhood
Leeds Conservatoire Piano Competition Finals 2026
An extraordinary afternoon of live classical music awaits at the Leeds Conservatoire Piano Competition Finals 2026 where the city’s most exciting young pianists take centre…
Learn MoreAn Audience with Mick Miller
Mick Miller is a comedy legend who has been at the top of his game for over 40 years. His workload is as busy now…
Learn MoreTwin Lizzy
Twin Lizzy are a four-piece tribute to Thin Lizzy, recreating the energy and power of one of the greatest live rock bands ever. Formed in…
Learn MoreTNL: Boss Caine
Tuesday Night Live: BOSS CAINE Doors 7pm Music 7.15pm BOSS CAINE is the main musical vehicle of long running, critically acclaimed songwriter, Daniel Lucas, who’s…
Learn MoreBanco de Gaia (live)
Toby Marks has been recording and performing as Banco de Gaia for over thirty years, establishing himself as a central figure in British electronic and…
Learn MoreSugar – Love You Even Still Tour
Having already placed his indelible mark on the future direction of rock with Hüsker Dü, Bob Mould teamed with bassist David Barbe and drummer Malcolm…
Learn MoreCall Lane Social
Call Lane Social opened in 2010 and has quickly become a Leeds favourite. Independent, family run bar, they’re all about making great drinks and great…
Learn MoreThe Lock
Our new kitchen, bar and canal-side terrace has no rules – eat, drink and meet your way. At the Lock Kitchen & Bar, we source…
Learn MoreKalabash
Kalabash is a café, diner and bakery specialising in authentic Caribbean food, located on Chapeltown Road in Leeds.
Learn MoreBetty’s Tea Rooms
After an energetic walk on Ilkley Moor or a visit to the scenic Bolton Abbey, Bettys Café Tea Rooms on Ilkley’s tree lined Grove is…
Learn MoreNorthern Guitars Cafe Bar
Bar and live music venue with a guitar shop upstairs, where you can buy new and pre-owned electric and acoustic guitars, amps and pedals, plus…
Learn MoreLittle Leaf Cafe
We are a cafe based within a Garden Centre, running a variety of events throughout the year.
Learn MoreBurmantofts 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 MoreDewsbury Road 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 MoreGotts Park Golf Course
Gotts Park Mansion House and home of Gotts Park Golf Club is situated 3 miles west of Leeds City centre and was formally known as…
Learn MoreBardsey Art Studios
Church Lane Bardsey. Set in a beautiful barn conversion studio, on the outskirts of Leeds. Private venue with lots of free parking. No steps -…
Learn MoreKirkstall Forge
Over the coming years the banks of the River Aire will be transformed, with high quality offices, new homes and a wealth of complementary facilities…
Learn MoreLeeds City College, Quarry Hill Campus
Leeds City College, Quarry Hill Campus, Playhouse Square, Leeds, LS2 7BS
Learn MoreScott Hall Playing Fields
Scott Hall Playing Fields consists of a collection of playing fields. Suited for recreational sports pitches and dog walking.
Learn MoreBlack Music Festival
The Black Music Festival is Europe’s biggest Free open-air reggae concert. The annual Leeds Reggae concert started back in 1985, to complement the annual Leeds…
Learn MoreGarforth 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 MoreVersa Leeds Studios
A thriving film and TV production complex in Leeds City Centre offering over 130000 sq ft of state-or-the-art production facilities.
Learn More