The City
Leeds is a thriving, passionate city that’s rich in culture and heritage, with plenty to discover and something for everyone to enjoy.
By day, the prosperous business community offers a diverse range of working opportunities. The fast-paced, buzzing city centre is complemented by stunning local countryside, including the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, which lie within easy reach.
By night, Leeds really comes alive with its wide array of restaurants, bars, clubs and other entertainment. There’s a broad range of cultural attractions, including renowned theatre, opera and ballet companies, with something to appeal to every taste.
Sport is central to the culture of the city, and football fans around the world are familiar with the rich history of Leeds United and Elland Road. Chairman Ken Bates and manager Simon Grayson are currently building the team up from its position in Football League One and are aiming for a return to the Coca-Cola Championship as the club looks to take its first step towards regaining a place in Barclays the Premier League.
In other sports, the successes of Leeds Rhinos in Rugby League and Leeds Carnegie in Rugby Union have made them amongst the best supported teams in the country. They share their home at Headingley Carnegie Stadium with Anthony McGrath’s Yorkshire County Cricket Club.
The city has lots to offer families of all ages too, from the award-winning Royal Armouries, to the gardens of Tropical World, and Leeds’ finest stately home, Harewood House. You'll find one of the country's most impressive collections of contemporary British art at the newly refurbished Leeds Art Gallery, including works by Henry Moore, Francis Bacon and Antony Gormley.
The region
As well as being the second largest Metropolitan District in the UK, Leeds is also the nucleus of a ‘city region’ with a population of around 2.8 million.
Leeds City Region covers the area of 11 local authorities: Barnsley, Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Harrogate, Kirklees, Leeds, North Yorkshire, Selby, Wakefield and York. It’s a diverse place, with vibrant modern cities, historic market towns and leafy suburbs. The population is almost 3 million and its total economic output is in excess of £46 billion – around 5% of national GVA, making it a major player in UK plc.
Barnsley FC are currently in the Coca-Cola Championship and, like Leeds, Huddersfield Town are aiming to join them. Neighbouring Bradford City play host to the biggest crowds in League Two and, under the guidance of former Scotland international Stuart McCall, they too have promotion in their sights this season.
You can pledge your support for England 2018 and Leeds by backing the bid at: http://www.england2018bid.com/support/register.aspx