Leeds has launched a unique city-wide challenge inviting residents to help celebrate 400 years of the city’s history.
The new campaign, called What’s Your 400?, is encouraging people across Leeds to take part in anniversary celebrations marking four centuries since the city was granted its first charter in 1626. Individuals, groups and communities are being asked to come up with their own activities, events or personal challenges inspired by the number 400, with organisers saying ideas can be as big or as small as participants choose.
Suggested challenges could include walking, running, cycling, baking, volunteering, dancing or painting, all themed around the milestone number. People of all ages are being encouraged to get involved and help showcase the creativity, community spirit and energy of Leeds.
Anyone who completes a What’s Your 400? challenge is invited to share their achievement on social media using the hashtag #WhatsYour400 and can also download a certificate online to mark the occasion.
Among the first groups to sign up are the Manbassadors, a men’s health group based in Leeds City Council’s Active Leeds team. The 12-member group, which works to champion men’s health among colleagues, has pledged to walk 400 miles in May while raising money for Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Their challenge will begin at the John Charles Centre for Sport on May 7, with the first walk taking in well-known Leeds landmarks including the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Esholt Woods and the Meanwood Valley Trail.
Group member Neil Jones, who works in the development team for Active Leeds said:
“This is a massive moment in the history of Leeds and we felt it was so important that we get involved and make our mark while also raising awareness of men’s health and a wonderful local charity.
“Leeds 400 is all about taking part, and we wanted to show that everyone can get involved in their own way, get together, have some fun and make this a year that really does bring out the best in Leeds.
“It’s going to be a massive challenge but we’re ready to take it on and we really hope we can inspire other people all around Leeds to join in and have a go at something of their own too.”
The challenge forms part of the wider Leeds 400 celebrations, which will take place throughout the year to commemorate 400 years since King Charles I granted the city its first charter. The historic charter helped shape the future of Leeds, establishing it as a free borough and laying the foundations for the modern city.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture said:
“Leeds has a rich, proud and unique history, but what really makes it such a special place is the people who live here, who have each played their part it making it such a vibrant, diverse and exciting city.
“That’s why we want the people of Leeds to be at the heart of Leeds 400 and for them to have the opportunity to show everyone exactly what this year and this city means to them.
“Whenever there’s a challenge, Leeds never fails to deliver, and we can’t wait to see the many different ways people express themselves and help us make history as part of What’s Your 400?”
A broad programme of events and activities is set to take place across Leeds during the anniversary year, with residents being encouraged to mark the milestone in their own way and play a part in the city’s continuing story. For organisers, the message is simple: whether it is 400 miles, 400 cakes, 400 acts of kindness or 400 minutes spent volunteering, everyone in Leeds has the chance to be part of history.
Anyone in Leeds is invited to be part of What’s Your 400? and participants can find out more about how to get involved and download a certificate by visiting What’s Your 400? | Culture Programmes
More information about Leeds 400 and the events programme can also be found at Welcome to Leeds 400 – A Year of Celebration | Culture Programmes
