From Korean hip-hop to Mongolian music, the festival celebrates cultures from around the world

A festival celebrating Leeds' linguistic and cultural diversity is returning this November with more than 100 events across almost 30 languages.

Leeds City of Languages will run from November 9 to 22, featuring film screenings, live performances, workshops, talks and language taster sessions.

Led by the University of Leeds, the festival celebrates the more than 170 languages spoken in the city and encourages people to discover the benefits of language learning.

Highlights include a two-day celebration of Korean culture, a flamenco performance and an exploration of Mongolian dance, music and heritage.

The programme will also feature a screening of award-winning Italian film Faia Mia (sweetheart) and the launch of Mother Tongue, Other Tongue, an anthology of poetry submitted by young people living in Yorkshire.

With over 100 events in almost 30 languages spread over two weeks (9-22 November), the Leeds City of Languages festival will showcase the incredible linguistic and cultural diversity of a city where more than 170 languages are spoken | University of Leeds

placeholder image — With over 100 events in almost 30 languages spread over two weeks (9-22 November), the Leeds City of Languages festival will showcase the incredible linguistic and cultural diversity of a city where more than 170 languages are spoken | University of Leeds

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Visitors can try languages including Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Turkish and Welsh.

As part of the Leeds400 celebrations, the festival has partnered with Leeds City Council on Many Languages, One Leeds.

Young people are invited to create colourful tiles celebrating the languages they speak and what Leeds means to them. The tiles will form the word “LEEDS” in a collective artwork to be displayed after the festival.

A dedicated schools programme will introduce young people to languages and cultures, while activities with Leeds Libraries will include Story and Rhyme Time sessions for under-fives.

Free public talks will explore topics including protecting endangered languages, bilingualism and the opportunities language learning can bring.

Safia Martinho, associate professor of Portuguese at the University of Leeds and one of the festival's organisers, said: “Leeds is a city rich in languages, cultures and communities, and that diversity is one of our greatest strengths.

“Leeds City of Languages is about recognising and celebrating the incredible linguistic talent that already exists across our city, while inspiring more people to discover the opportunities that languages can bring.”

For the latest planning applications and notice of changes in your area - visit the Public Notice Portal

Co-organiser Bettina Hermoso Gomez, associate professor in Spanish, said learning a language could be “enjoyable, enriching and genuinely life changing.”

Last year’s festival reached more than 10,000 people across Yorkshire and beyond, winning awards for its community impact and innovation.

The event developed from Leeds Language Week, launched in 2023 as part of Leeds 2023 Year of Culture. It is now funded by the University of Leeds’ School of Languages, Cultures and Societies.

The full programme is now available for booking on the Leeds City of Languages website.