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His Majesty The King has hailed the hard work, generosity and civic pride of the people of Leeds as celebrations for Leeds 400 were given the royal seal of approval.

In a letter to the city to recognise the occasion, The King offered his congratulations before praising the unique history and heritage of Leeds and recalling some warm, personal memories of his most recent visit in 2022.

Primary school pupils in Leeds have sent a thought-provoking message to the children of the future as they help their city celebrate a historic milestone.

Young people attending schools across the city have been hard at work preparing a series of time capsules which will be buried today (July 13), the same day Leeds officially received its first royal charter from King Charles I 400 years ago.

Memories of a pioneering Leeds landmark have been revisited thanks to a historic city restoration project.

Centenary Bridge, which spans the River Aire between The Calls and Brewery Wharf, has been spruced up as the city marks 400 years since being awarded its first royal charter by King Charles I.

Originally constructed in 1993, at that time the bridge was the first river crossing built in the city for more than a century, and its distinctive sweeping design has since become a much-loved riverside feature.

This weekend (July 11-12) will see a spectacular series of events take place across the city as Leeds celebrates 400 years since being awarded its very first royal charter by King Charles I.

Leeds 400 has already seen communities, groups and organisations across Leeds come together to host events and activities to mark the historic milestone.

Here’s a selection of some of the top events people can attend this weekend to celebrate a very special moment in the story of Leeds.

The people of Leeds are being asked to share their treasured mementos, photos and family heirlooms and help tell the story of the city for a historic new exhibition.

Leeds Central Library is calling on residents to be part of their fascinating upcoming display celebrating 400 years since Leeds was awarded its first City Charter by King Charles I.

A popular outdoor activity centre based at a Leeds beauty spot is calling on local people to join their crew as they take to the water and celebrate a historic double milestone.

This weekend, the team at Leeds Sailing and Activity Centre will mark 20 years since they first set sail on the stunning Yeadon Tarn.

The people of Leeds have the chance to be part of 400 years of history by answering the call to take part in a unique new city-wide challenge.

Launching today, the What’s Your 400? campaign has issued a rallying cry to individuals, groups and communities across the city, asking them to get involved in celebrations to mark 400 years since Leeds was awarded its first city charter.

A mysterious coin once used to pay a bus fare in Leeds was minted by an ancient civilisation more than 2,000 years ago, it has been revealed.

The astonishing discovery, handed to an unwitting local bus driver in the 1950s, was produced by Carthaginians, part of the Phoenician culture, in the Spanish city of Cadiz during the 1^st century BC and has now kindly been donated to Leeds Museums and Galleries.

A trailblazing female wrestler and a famous gorilla are among the enthralling Leeds stories being brought into focus in a picture-perfect new exhibition.

In the Picture at Abbey House Museum features a selection of objects, thought-provoking paintings and photographs drawn from the vast Leeds Museums and Galleries collection.

A pair of antique library books written by a renowned 19^th century geologist have finally been returned 50 years late.

Volumes I and II of the esteemed Rev. William Buckland’s Geology and Mineralogy, written almost 200 years ago, were due back at Leeds Central Library in March 1976, but were instead discovered by staff in a charity shop in Beverley, East Yorkshire.

One of the most important documents in the history of Leeds was rescued from being turned into a makeshift lampshade, the city’s archivists have revealed.

The one-of-a-kind copy of the Leeds Royal Charter, written centuries ago, was about to be repurposed as an unusual decorative feature by the unwitting owner of a Canterbury book shop in the 1950s.

Fortunately, a chance consultation with a friendly expert disclosed that the delicately inscribed text was the sole remaining copy of the Royal Charter first granted to Leeds by King Charles I in 1626.

The much-loved Leeds Tapestry celebrating the city’s history has received an inspiring new panel, completely designed and stitched by residents to explore ideas of freedom.