What an amazing start to Leeds 2023, Year of Culture! ‘The Awakening’ event on the 7th January saw a packed Headingley Stadium, filled to the brim with the best talent in Leeds and an estimated crowd of around 10,000.
Mack, my 13-year-old son, wasn’t keen on leaving the cosy sofa on a cold and drizzly January evening to join me though. My request was met with an eye roll and his usual question, ‘Is it… cultural?’ followed by a heavy sigh when the answer was ‘Yes’! Thankfully, by the end of the night he was glad he came! But let’s start at the beginning, what actually is Leeds 2023?
LEEDS 2023 is the city’s response to the cancellation in 2017 of the UK’s participation in the European Capital of Culture competition. The city’s overwhelming response was to “do it anyway” and LEEDS 2023 secured unprecedented cross-sector support from business, educational institutions, and public and private sector funders.
Last year, amid much excitement, the ticket ballot was announced. In return for tickets to the Awakening, the good people of Leeds had to submit a ballot entry in the form of something creative, relating to Leeds. It was incredible to think that all the people alongside me in that crowd had added their own creativity to this year-long celebration. You will soon see these creative works displayed around the city in various venues from January to April this year.
On the night itself, the volunteer team were out in force around the venue, guiding visitors, making sure everyone found their way to the right entrances, directing to the toilets etc. Everything felt very safe, well-organised and inclusive.
The on-stage hosts, former international gymnast Gabby Logan MBE with broadcasters Rima Ahmed and Sanchez Payne (who’s also a Trustee of LEEDS 2023 and former Leeds United footballer), were the perfect antidote to the rainy weather, their enthusiasm lit up the stage as much as the lighting rig and their warmth and obvious pride in the city was enough to warm anyone’s cockles!
It was a fantastic event all round, so fabulous to see the young talent of LS18 Rocks on stage belting out ‘I Predict a Riot’. The pyrotechnics were a sensation – I even caught Mack taking a few photos when he thought that I wasn’t looking! I think that says it all.
He did have a cringey moment as I was jumping up and down to Tubthumping, and he was completely baffled when I welled up during the incredible Opera Norths Choir singing ‘Nessun Dorma’ – it gave me goosebumps.
We made some time to grab a snack and have a look at the art in the stadium, there were so many lovely pieces and all so very different. I have to give a special mention here to the lovely ladies at the coffee van, they were full of smiles and friendly despite the weather and being unable to join in all the fun in the stadium! We got back just in time to see Corinne Bailey Ray wrapping up the spectacular event with an amazing performance, accompanied by a state-of-the-art drone light show, phenomenal.
I could go on and on about it (I really could!), the poetry performance was wonderful, Leeds on wheels looked like so much fun, I got the chance to relive the carnival vibes with the most breath-taking sets and dance routines. There was heart and soul on that stage, from start to finish, it was glorious!
My big takeaway from the evening was young TV presenter, George Webster. George and his dad gave us a beautifully touching insight into what can be achieved with determination and perseverance, and how creativity shines within all of us. All we need to do is unleash it!
That’s what I think the Year of Culture is all about. There are so many opportunities to get involved in Leeds 2023 – What are you waiting for?
Reviewed and written by Sally Bendall – @girlaboutleeds
