Explore
For the first time this Easter, Leeds Heritage Theatres invited families to Explore – a playful programme of film, performance and hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity, creativity and connection across our three much-loved venues – Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House, with the fun expanding to the Howard Assembly Room and Lower Briggate too!
Created primarily for children aged 5–12 and their parents and carers, Explore was a time to imagine, play and learn together.
Explore the full programme here, or download our PDF guide to the festival!
Highlights
The programme featured an exciting line-up of partners, including Aardman, Boomchikkaboom, Leeds Young Film Festival, Opera North, Playful Anywhere, Sonia Sabri Company, Testament and Yorkshire Ghost Tours, creating a playful blend of indoor and outdoor activity across the city.
“So many ways to get involved and explore our local gems“
“This was incredible. So fun, so accessible, and every one of them was engaged throughout”
“This is exactly the sort of theatre magic that kids remember“
“The event was beautiful, incredibly mindful and heart-warming time spent with children that absolutely flew by“
Our partners
42 New Briggate Pop-up
A pop-up family hub at 42 New Briggate, located in one of the original Victorian shop units within The Grand Theatre. Supported by Leeds favourites Northern Bloc Ice Cream, North Star Coffee and Kirkstall Brewery, the space will feature drinks, Northern Bloc ice cream, and a relaxed area with craft activities and games for children, creating a welcoming drop-in spot for families throughout the festival.
Airbnb
We’re delighted to be partnering with Airbnb for the first time, thanks to the new ‘Best of British Fund’, which supports projects across the UK that celebrate the country’s cultural creativity.
This vital funding will enable us to offer a range of interactive family workshops delivered in partnership with creatives from across the city and beyond. Alongside the brilliant programme on our stages and screens, it will help us create more accessible ways for families to get involved. Together, these experiences will generate compelling cultural moments that draw visitors into Leeds, support local businesses, and showcase the city as a vibrant cultural destination.
Cawston Press
Cawston Press will be supporting fun family screenings and activities at Hyde Park Picture House, including special co-branded moments around The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Recently announced as partners of The Picture House’s ‘Hyde & Seek’ screenings, Cawston Press supports our regular Toddler-friendly screenings on Fridays, free crafts on Saturdays, and Autism-friendly screenings on Sundays.
You will find Cawston Press Sparkling Cans and Cawston Press Kids Fruit Water cartons across all three of our venues.
About the artist
Hollie Fuller is a UK-based illustrator, bringing everyday scenarios to life with charming warmth and playfulness, creating distinctive character illustrations with compelling narratives, paired back colour palettes and unmistakable forms and motifs.
Hollie has collaborated with clients including The National Portrait Gallery, The Tetley, The Hepworth Wakefield, NSPCC, The Guardian and more.
Any budding artists can have a go colouring in the artwork here!
Hollie Fuller
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Leeds Heritage Theatres Engagement Fund
Every year, we work with over 10,000 young people across the city, in schools, youth groups and other sessions to help them build skills, confidence and pride through our creative learning and engagement programme. All donations to this fund will help us to continue our work and reach more people across the Leeds City Region.