Unity Day

This event is without a doubt one of the best examples of local flavour in Leeds you could find. It is a yearly festival of unity and it’s all in the name — it is about celebrating the wonderful multicultural community that makes Leeds the vibrant place it is. Not only do local people of all different ethnicities join together, but local businesses, musicians, theatre acts and community groups come along and provide entertainment, food and stalls.
Each year there are several different tents that hold different features, such as the Ladybird Tent — who teach dream catcher making, poi and a variety of other activities. There are stallholders, all local crafters and charity workers, who sell a variety of shiny items all up and down the main walkways. There are musicians, some of whom have specific tents year in and year out, and other who entertain great audiences on the main stage, which is always set up on the main grass area. The food stalls provide everything from West Indian cuisine to plain old burgers and chips for the less adventurous, all from a variety of local caterers. Even the skate park holds competitions.
It is one of the most culturally rich experiences you could find in Leeds and brings together such a vibrant and exciting community. It happens every August at an undisclosed date, so as not to attract too many people — the council would have to shut it down otherwise. That alone is testament to its popularity!
Celebrations often carry on into the night, with many people bringing a bottle or two of their own, and even a guitar. My only advice is to make friends with someone who lives nearby as the toilets can become rather busy at peak times!
And lastly, as one final act of community spirit, the Unity Day team always hold a Sunday clean up session, inviting the locals to come along and help clear up the mess afterward. After such lovely day, I think it’s the least we locals can do, right?