Leeds’ latest lord mayor, Stephen Holroyd, is out and about in his robes with local dad and Leeds Dads’ founder, Errol Murray for Dadstastic Day. (main image)
Stephen is one of many councillors and local leaders making an appearance today. They are not just here to show support but also to receive it… As well as being an engaging, free day for children of all ages, this annual Fathers Day event is a showcase of everything Leeds has to offer dads.
If you have not yet heard of the award-winning Leeds Dads before, it is a longstanding voluntary organisation created in Leeds that brings together all kinds of dads, step dads and father figures (as well as mum’s, grandmas and other caregivers) with free year-round activities, from soft play sessions to family walks and seasonal parties. It has also campaigned for dads, families and men’s health in Leeds and beyond.
Taking place across multiple floors of Leeds City Museum and sprawling into the open space of Millennium Square, Leeds Dads have once again created a wonderland by mixing volunteers who share their passions, the resources of local libraries and museum collection alongside the talents of community based organisations. Each year, you can expect fantastic local cultural activities and creative play for all ages as well as opportunities to explore technology and to connect across generations… and I took my son along to enjoy the fun.
It is hard to fully appreciate the joyful and welcoming chaos of most Leeds Dads events at the best of times and when you go in parent-mode you are inevitably led by your child to what they think is most interesting. These were three highlights for us:
Nillanthie, Tutor and Choreographer at North Leeds’ RJC Dance, led the dance workshop inspired by the recently released ‘Michael’ biopic. With a selection of beats, about ten black fedoras and a group of children aged from two to ten years old and some confusion (especially from me as I don’t know my left from my right) we were ready to go. In about 15 minutes we are sliding, clapping rhythmically and doing something closer to anti-gravity leaning and moon walking than we have ever done before. My son rated this as “really cool” and was excited to learn about the free RJC Summer Dance Camp starting in July (for ages 9+) – see the end of this review for more information.
After I recover from the high energy dancing I find myself in conversation with local dads who remembered Michael Jackson’s 30th birthday concert at Roundhay Park in 1988 when they were the age their children are now. Some who had lived close enough proudly said they could hear the set without leaving their home. It reminds me that people and global events that seem far from Yorkshire – like the controversial King of Pop, Michael Jackson – can actually have their own local meaning and long-lasting impact.
One of the unexpected activities was making music from unusual objects. Kirsty at Leeds Libraries has a coding activity where you could use a device called Makey Makey, a tablet and (using your own body to conduct electricity) make music with a banana, carrot and grape … I find this magical and wanted to know all about it. My son, however, prefers meeting Luke, who shows children how to make rattles from plastic eggs and spoons and guitars from paper cups and elastic bands. He says he loves the chance to be independent and creative “in an easy way” both to make music and make the instrument… and also says
Luke is “a really nice guy”.
We chat to Luke about how he had encountered Leeds Dads through working at South Leeds theatre company Slung Low and had been impressed by their work. It was clear that he is talented at making spaces for dads and their families – I watch tired and grumpy toddlers become smiling and happy as they grasp the rattling spoons (they have created themselves) tightly in their hands.
We experience many magical things from dinosaurs on VR headsets to plasticine animation and carnival crafts, from story time to family photography, football and facepainting… but it is on our way out that we encounter Mr Bubbles, a man surrounded by industrial quantities of washing up liquid, sticks, rope and washing up bowls and children creating the largest bubbles I have ever seen. My son says they are “massive” and the best bit was that they lasted ages and reached the top of Leeds’ Civic Hall. Mr Bubbles explains that the secret was his special recipe, based on a passion for science, and the ingredients
are revealed at the end.
What I found myself experiencing over and over again was how valued the overall event was, with dads I had never met before telling me how much they appreciated an event with them in mind. For a City with a historic reputation of being ‘dirty Leeds’, I also really appreciate the chance to come together with other parents for a day of “anything goes” and – in the words of Mr Bubbles – of “good, clean fun”.
Learn more at
RJC Dances’ Free Kids Summer Dance Camp – Exciting 5-Day Dance Experience for Ages
9–17
https://www.rjcdance.org.uk/event/dance-camp-rjc-dance-summer-2026/
Leeds Code Club and other events in Libraries across Leeds
https://www.ticketsource.com/leedslibraryevents
Leeds Dads
https://leedsdads.org/
Mr Bubbles’ secret bubble mixture recipe here:
4 pints water
120g washing up liquid (such as Fairy Liquid)
½ tsp glycerine
½ baking powder
Plus thickener e.g. ½ tsp guar gum or lubricant (such as J-lube or KY jelly)
Photography by Geraldine Montgomerie.
