Leeds: European Capital of Culture 2023?

In the wake of Hull’s victory on being crowned UK City of Culture 2017, the conversation has already begun over another prize, the European Capital of Culture.

Leeds is already starting conversations over whether the city should put itself itself forward to become the 2023 European Capital of Culture.

As part of the event at Leeds Town Hall on 7 January from 2pm-5pm, those in attendance will have the opportunity to join the discussion, and give their thoughts on the city potentially putting together a bid for 2023. With one of the most diverse populations in the UK representing communities with roots in more than 200 countries, Leeds is already the home to a wide-range of world class talent and cultural attractions as diverse as the Leeds West Indian carnival, Opera North and The Tetley.

Next year, Leeds will also be hosting one of the world’s greatest sporting events the 2014 Tour de France Grand Départ, the British Art Show in October 2015 and in the same year will be a host city for the Rugby Union World Cup. This initial meeting forms part of a wider conversation held in the upcoming months on the idea, with a proposal to bring the results back to an event later in the year where a decision to progress or not a bid will be made. Previous winners in the UK include Glasgow (1990) and Liverpool (2008). The European Capital of Culture award is separate to the UK City of Culture prize currently held by Derry-Londonderry, and recently awarded to Hull for 2017. This award is administered by the Government’s department of Culture, Media and Sport.