Our city

​Situated in the heart of the UK, Leeds is the third largest and one of the fastest growing, greenest cities in the country.

Children and education

Our vision is for Leeds to be a truly child friendly city. Children and young people here leave school with qualifications well above the national average.

We're also home to five successful universities, with the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University hosting world-class research facilities and two of the top business schools.

As one of the largest teaching hospitals in Europe, Leeds Teaching Hospitals care for more patients than anywhere else in the north of England. 

Culture and entertainment

Leeds can be easily accessed by road, rail and air - making it the perfect place to work and live. The city also houses lots of award-winning parks, with the beautiful Yorkshire countryside right on our doorstep.

The restoration and development of flagship cultural and sporting venues makes Leeds’ cultural offer unrivalled. With something for everyone, from the Opera North, Northern Ballet, Phoenix Dance Theatre and the First Direct Arena.

Leeds is also home to many sporting facilities, including Yorkshire Cricket, Leeds Rhinos, Leeds United and the John Charles Centre for Sport which was used by the Chinese and Dutch Olympic teams.

With the introduction of Trinity Leeds, a £350 million pound retail development, Leeds has been reinforced as one of the finest shopping destinations in the UK. Not to mention, a strong and fast growing production sector that has seen the likes of Channel 4 move to the city to open its national headquarters.

Commitment to Fairtrade

Leeds has been a Fairtrade City since 2004 and we’re committed to supporting this by raising awareness and take up of Fairtrade produce. We do this by:

  • serving Fairtrade drinks at meetings and organising promotional events
  • stocking vending machines in sports centres and other council operated buildings with Fairtrade choices
  • serving and promoting Fairtrade produce within council operated cafes and shops
  • raising awareness of Fairtrade events, such as Fairtrade Fortnight

Get involved

If you would like to get involved in the Leeds Fairtrade City Steering Group, contact us on:

You can also find out more information on the Fairtrade website.