Posted on: 9th June 2026

Leeds Sanctuary is launching a new series of Sketch Walks for 2026, inviting people to discover the city’s rich history of activism through creativity. The Sketch Walks, led in collaboration with local artist and historian Clifford Stead, offer a unique opportunity to explore key sites across Leeds city centre while learning about the people and movements that have shaped the city’s present. Participants are encouraged to pause, reflect, and sketch what they see along the way—no artistic experience required.

Each Walk explores a different theme, highlighting stories of justice, activism and social change woven into the fabric of Leeds. This year, we’ll be celebrating Refugee Week, Pride, Kirkstall Abbey, the Suffragette Movement, and Black History Month. The upcoming programme of Walks will create space for participants to connect with the city, it’s stories and each other in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Each session runs as a Guided Walk through the city centre, with materials provided and no prior experience necessary. The emphasis is on participation, curiosity and reflection, making the Walks suitable for beginners and experienced creatives alike. Open to people of all backgrounds and beliefs, the Sketch Walks aim to make creativity, history and community accessible to everyone.

Leeds Sanctuary hosts communities and events, and creates campaigns and resources, so that belonging, flourishing and transformation can take place within and around the people of Leeds. Through the development of sanctuary spaces for those on the margins, we enable supportive relationships to develop and bring about change in people’s circumstances and society. They first introduced Sketch Walks in 2023 as a means of combining creativity with learning and community.

Tickets are available on a flexible pricing model, including lower-cost and pay-it-forward options to support wider participation and the ongoing work of the charity. For more information, please visit www.leedssanctuary.org.uk/sketch-walks

Booking and further information
Full details of dates, themes and booking can be found at: https://www.leedssanctuary.org.uk/sketch-walks