Next month, Leeds, a city renowned for its diversity and creativity, will host Leeds City of Languages Festival. This festival will be celebrating the rich tapestry of languages and cultures across Yorkshire.
A Celebration of Connection
What began as Leeds Languages Week in 2023 has grown into a city-wide festival now in its third year. It’s led by Bettina Hermoso-Gómez and Sofia Martinho, with support from Professor Emma Cayley and the Arts & Humanities Outreach Team. The festival offers a range of events that bring language to life. From interactive workshops to hands-on learning experiences, the festival provides opportunities for everyone to engage with languages in meaningful ways.
One standout event is the ‘Laterne, Laterne’ Open Day at the German Saturday School Leeds on 8 November. Participants can learn about traditions in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland through a short lantern walk, immersing themselves in the cultural practices that make these regions unique.
Online Events to Explore
For those who cannot make it in person, Leeds City of Languages offers several online and in-person events that bring together educators, students, and language enthusiasts from across the region.
- Languages for All: School Collaborations to Boost A-Level Numbers – 10th November, online.
This interactive webinar explores how schools and universities can work together to encourage more students to take modern languages at A-Level. It features case studies and practical ideas to help strengthen language learning pathways. - An Alphabet Adventure Through Languages and Times – 10th November, online.
Hosted in partnership with the British Library, this online workshop delves into the fascinating history of alphabets and writing systems across cultures. Participants can discover how scripts have evolved and what they reveal about human communication. - Introducing the UK Linguistics Olympiad – 10th November, online.
Designed for teachers, this session provides an introduction to the UK Linguistics Olympiad, a competition that challenges students to solve linguistic puzzles. It offers tips on how to get involved and inspire pupils to explore the science of language.
While many events are online, there are also opportunities to celebrate in person.
One highlight is the Leeds International Film Festival (6–17 November), featuring films in many languages.
The festival is a chance to experience storytelling through different cultures and see how language connects people globally.
A Growing Network
The festival isn’t just about events. It’s about building a community. It brings together schools, universities, cultural organisations, and local businesses across Yorkshire. This helps to cultivate partnerships that celebrate learning, collaboration, and inclusion. Through these collaborations, the festival highlights the role of language in building community and celebrating diversity.
Why It Matters
At Web-Translations, we’re proud to be based in and to represent Leeds, a city that recognises and celebrates the power of language. Initiatives like Leeds City of Languages resonate with us. This festival serves as a reminder that translation and languages are not just about converting words. They’re about conveying meaning, preserving culture, and building bridges between communities and cultures.
If you are interested in exploring how language can connect your organisation with a global audience, get in touch with us to see how we can help your message resonate across cultures.
23 October 2025 09:03