Hidden Histories of New Briggate Walking Tours

Join us this summer for a specially created series of tours as we dig deeper into the Hidden Histories of New Briggate, and regeneration of the street progresses as part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone.

Each tour will be led by a local expert exploring the street’s rich history, bringing the stories of those who have lived, worked or spent time on the street to life. We’ll explore jazz, food, architecture, nightlife, lost cinemas and Jewish histories, the theatre and much more. We will also introduce you to some of the renewal and regeneration projects taking place in the street, as well as the people working on them.

Tours are free to attend and will be running throughout the summer. We have announced the first of these events which you can book below. We will be announcing further events throughout the summer via our social media channels and our newsletter, so watch this space!

The tours and talks are part of the Hidden Histories of New Briggate and the New Briggate High Street Heritage Action Zone Project, brought to you by East Street Arts, Leeds City Council and Historic England.

Schedule of walking tours

Book your place below, spaces are limited so be quick! Access information for each event is available via the Eventbrite booking forms or email Alice.bb@esamail.org.uk with any questions.

Funded by:

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Walk, Talk, Make! with Yaku Stapleton
Saturday 30th July, 11-12pm

Join artist, Yaku Stapleton, on a trip to investigate the rich history of New Briggate in a way you haven’t before. Yaku is one of two commissioned artists exploring New Briggate, as part of the Hidden Histories project. He’ll talk about his research into clothing manufacturing and tailoring across Leeds, and on the street, and then will ask participants to take a specially created ‘make pack’ to explore the imagery and history of the street in creative and practical ways.

Access information: The tour will take place outdoors. This means the ground may be uneven and there will be noise from some building works, traffic and cafes and bars. The tour will start on New Briggate and move into St. John’s churchyard. There is step-free access to the churchyard via an alternative entrance, which staff can assist you with on the day. The churchyard has uneven flooring. There will be no formal seating on the tour but there are places to sit down in the churchyard. You will be doing some simple making using plasticine, using your hands but this isn’t mandatory and staff will be able to assist you with this should you want.