Leeds 2023 The Awakening: Live updates as spectacular Headingley stadium show kicks off city's year of culture
and live on Freeview channel 276
The Leeds 2023 opening ceremony – hosted by Gabby Logan and Sanchez Payne – will feature Corinne Bailey Rae, Simon Armitage and LYR, The Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North, Graft, Inder Goldfinger, Testament, Hope and Social, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Denmarc Creary, CBeebies presenter George Webster and many more.
Follow our live blog below for timings, travel information and coverage of the show itself. Don’t forget to refresh the page to see the latest updates.
Leeds 2023 hosts huge show at Headingley Stadium
Key Events
‘This has been an incredible start'
“We are a city full of artists, and this is just day one”
Tweet uploaded by @LeedsRhinos
The best pictures from The Awakening
Our photographer Steve Riding was among those there to capture the incredible show last night, including Corinne Bailey Rae’s performance. See more pictures here: The best photos from the Leeds 2023 opening ceremony The Awakening
What people said about the show that moved some to tears
Tess Hornsby Smith - “Wow! #TheAwakening was just so powerful. I’ve got a heart of stone, but the tears were flowing hard. So proud of our city #Leeds, our ambition, our heart, our inclusivity. Can’t wait to see more.”
Robert Dee - “Congratulations to all the organisers, performers and volunteers who delivered a fantastic opening ceremony for #LEEDS2023. You made me so proud to live in this great city Here’s to an outstanding year of culture ahead.”
Alexander Ferris - “Wow utterly bowled over by the incredible @LEEDS_2023 #TheAwakening Impossible not to be inspired and proud to be a #Leeds resident after watching that. So many brilliant artists.”
Read more about the reaction to the show here.