A year in the life of Leeds is captured on camera for new photo exhibition

Photographer Jude Palmer pictured with her exhibition Shines a Light on what makes Leeds Great and gives the North a voice, at the Platform Building, Leeds.

‘‘Love of Leeds’ is a collaboration between Leeds City Council and photojournalist Jude Palmer.

The world’s eyes have been upon the city from different perspectives from the world of sport, culture, art and music as well as celebrating some significant anniversaries – and Ms Palmer was backstage to get the behind-the-scenes shots which have been compiled into a book which was unveiled earlier this week.

She said: “It has been a challenge for me to capture this momentum, and to dig a little deeper, trying to discover the DNA of the city: its beating heart. I believe you can only do this through its people, and through what the city offers its people and others. I have just captured a slice of this, a shard of this momentum, but even that has demonstrated the depth, diversity, creativity, boldness and compassion of this city and its people.”

The events and organisations involved include the Tour de Yorkshire, AJ Bell World Triathlon, Cricket World Cup, West Indian Carnival, Leeds Pride, Screen Yorkshire, Yorkshire Sculpture International, Transform Festival, Leeds University, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds City College, Leeds Rhinos and Foundation, Opera North, Leeds Festival, Northern Ballet, Leeds Community Foundation, Leeds United, Leeds United Trust and Leeds United Foundation, Nicola Adams OBE, CATCH and more.

Ms Palmer has been the driving force behind this project, alongside Coun Judith Blake from the council. They conceived the project together at a previous photographic exhibition by Ms Palmer about Leeds Triathlon. She says she has a passion for capturing moments with a journalistic approach and seeing the unseen. while the local authority thought it was a unique opportunity to showcase the city.

She said: “I really feel that this project is another creative way to give Leeds and the North a voice. The people in Leeds just get on with it, they do not necessarily shout about the profound depth and diversity in both sport and culture, or the courage and compassion of the many community groups and individuals that quietly go about their business of changing and saving lives.

"The city’s DNA is made up of grit, boldness, creativity and compassion, and this book will go some way in being that voice and perhaps shouting a little louder.”

Coun Blake added: “Love of Leeds is a stand out photographic project which we have been delighted to support, and work on with Jude. It shines a light on our progressive city, showing yet again why Leeds has so much diversity, bold character and wonderful organisations which drive our city to be bigger and better than ever.”