European Capital of Culture rallying cry for business community in Leeds

More than 100 local business leaders will gather tomorrow at the Quarry Hill home of Northern Ballet to hear details of how they can get involved in the bid.

And, to remind attendees why Leeds’s cultural scene is well worth celebrating and supporting, the event will feature a showcase of performances from a range of different fields – including an extract from Northern Ballet’s forthcoming production of Casanova.

Phoenix Dance Theatre’s Youth Academy and Leeds College of Music will also play their part in the showcase.

Karen Sewell, solicitor with WSP Parsons Brinkerhoff and business spokeswoman for the Leeds 2023 Independent Steering Group, said: “Every business in Leeds has a reason to support the growth and promotion of the city’s cultural sector. 

“By enhancing the city’s cultural offering, the bid for European Capital of Culture will attract skilled workers and the best graduates to make their home in Leeds, as well as attracting national and international visitors to the city.”

Leeds’s 2023 dream already has backers such as LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District), Welcome To Yorkshire and Leeds Chamber of Commerce.

LeedsBID chief executive Andrew Cooper said: “LeedsBID is backing the city’s 2023 bid to be European Capital of Culture, providing practical support along with financial investment.

“As a Business Improvement District working across Leeds city centre, we recognise the importance of all sectors of the community coming together for the benefit of the city and would encourage people to get involved in this momentous opportunity.”

Leeds’s rivals for the 2023 title include Belfast, Dundee and Nottingham, with a final decision due next year.

For more details about getting involved with the bid, visit www.leeds2023.co.uk.