Leeds’ packed cultural calendar continues throughout March. From art and photography to theatre and dance, there are exceptional performances and exhibitions taking place at venues across the city. Here are some of our cultural highlights this month.
IDP x Punchdrunk: The Ministry, Left Bank, 12th – 21st
The Ministry is an immersive dance and theatre production created by students of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, in collaboration with Punchdrunk’s Maxine Doyle. Staged inside the beautiful Left Bank, this striking performance invites audiences into a shared environment for a sensory experience. Through movement, spoken word and song, The Ministry explores modern interpretations of the seven deadly sins, touching on themes such as power, belief, excess and grief. A unique and memorable evening awaits.
Photo North Festival, Carriageworks, 13th – 15th
Returning to Carriageworks, Photo North Festival celebrates documentary photography and film from established and emerging talent, with a focus on real stories and underrepresented voices. Alongside exhibitions, the festival includes talks and screenings, plus a dynamic new strand curated by Leeds International African Arts Festival. An inspiring weekend of bold photography.
Gentleman Jack, Grand Theatre, 7th – 14th
Northern Ballet brings Gentleman Jack to Leeds Grand Theatre this month, telling the story of Anne Lister through contemporary ballet and newly commissioned live music. Based on Lister’s diaries, this stunning production explores identity, independence and defiance of social convention, continuing Northern Ballet’s tradition of narrative?led theatre rooted in Yorkshire history.
Small Island, Leeds Playhouse, 11th – 28th
Small Island adapts Andrea Levy’s powerful novel for the Leeds Playhouse stage. The production follows the lives of Windrush?generation migrants navigating post?war Britain, exploring themes of belonging, displacement and cultural change in a moving tale of love and hope.
Ones to Watch 2026, Sunny Bank Mills, 1st – 29th
After arriving at Sunny Bank Mills for its 13th year in January, March is the last chance to discover some of this year’s most exciting emerging artists from across Yorkshire at Ones to Watch 2026. Featuring work across painting, sculpture, film, photography and design, the exhibition offers a great snapshot of new creative talent and is free to visit.
Beyond the Visual, Henry Moore Institute, 1st – 31st
Since opening in November, Beyond the Visual has been the UK’s first major sculpture exhibition in which blind practitioners are central to the curatorial process and participating artists. Continuing through March and into April at the Henry Moore Institute, the exhibition invites visitors to experience sculpture through touch, sound and movement, challenging traditional gallery conventions and offering a more inclusive way of engaging with art.
Portrayals of Women, Leeds Art Gallery, 29th – 31st
At Leeds Art Gallery, Portrayals of Women draws from the gallery’s works on paper collection to explore how women have been represented from the 17th century to the present day. Bringing together historic and contemporary works, the display highlights changing perspectives and voices across time.
Botanically Beautiful, Lotherton Hall, 1st – 31st
Opening at the start of March and running until October, Botanically Beautiful at Lotherton Hall explores how nature has influenced art and design, from historic textiles and ceramics to furniture and decorations. Enjoy beautiful and remarkable objects inspired by flowers, fruit, leaves and trees, and elevated from garden to gallery.
Images – @lotherton, @henrymooreinstitute, Elly Welford
