On Tuesday 08 July 2025 Leeds Civic Trust officially launched its 2025 Heritage Open Days (HODs) booklet with a special event held at the iconic Hyde Park Picture House, marking the first time we have has hosted a formal launch event for the popular guide. Over 80 guests joined in the celebration, enjoying an evening that combined film, architecture and the heritage of Leeds.
Guests gathered with their popcorn and settled into the historic cinema to watch a series of short films compiled by the talented Graham Relton of the Yorkshire Film Archive. The films explored key moments from Leeds’ history, including the construction of the Lewis’s Building, life in the Quarry Hill Flats, the devastating Kirkgate Market fire, 1980s redevelopment plans, and vintage footage of filming in front of Leeds Town Hall.
The event also featured a captivating talk by Mark from Page\Park Architects, who led the recent award-winning restoration of the Hyde Park Picture House. Attendees were fascinated to hear about the detailed conservation work including efforts to preserve the cinema’s original gas lamps.
The evening was opened by Sarah Holloway from the national Heritage Open Days team in London, alongside a warm welcome from the new Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Dan Cohen.
Following the film and talks, attendees were invited to collect this year’s Heritage Open Days booklets. The 2025 HODs booklet will now be making its way to local cafés, community organisations, libraries, and museums across the city ready for another exciting celebration of Leeds’ diverse heritage this September.
The 2025 Heritage Open Days booklet is now available online here
