Wonderland Awaits: Leeds Transforms into a Magical Playground This Summer
Leeds is set to tumble into a world of wonder this summer as LeedsBID brings a beloved literary classic to life with Wonderland Awaits – an immersive, city-wide celebration inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass.
Running from Saturday 26th July to Sunday 31st August 2025, this free, family-friendly event promises to fill the city with magic, curiosity, and colour, following on from the phenomenal success of last year’s MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover, which saw over 550,000 visitors.
This year, LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) invites visitors to journey down the rabbit hole for an unforgettable adventure. With interactive installations, larger-than-life characters, theatrical performances, puzzles to solve, and plenty of surprises, Wonderland Awaits is set to spark the imaginations of all ages.
Explore Leeds Like Never Before
Pick up a special trail map and step into a dreamlike version of Leeds, where iconic locations across the city (including the Merrion Centre) become scenes from Carroll’s world.
Whether you’re sipping tea with the Mad Hatter, or spotting the grinning Cheshire Cat, adventure awaits around every corner.
There’s even a puzzle woven into the trail, with weekly prizes to be won, adding a layer of playfulness and discovery to the experience. Additional themed events and activities will pop up throughout the summer, giving lovers of the books plenty to explore.
A City-Wide Collaboration
Wonderland Awaits is a truly collaborative event, with key partners across Leeds bringing the magic to life, including the Merrion Centre, Aire Park, Leeds Corn Exchange, Royal Armouries, Trinity Leeds, Victoria Leeds, and Leeds Conservatoire, whose students will take part in live theatrical performances.
Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID said,
“LeedsBID creates a portfolio of inspired events across Leeds city centre to animate it for key holiday periods like the summer, which has created an expectation of what is to come.
“This summer Wonderland Awaits will inject creativity and colour into the city centre for five weeks to delight and entertain families and visitors, encouraging them to embark on their own mini adventures. People really won’t want to be late to join in the fun.
“Collaborating to bring unique events like Wonderland Awaits to Leeds, which are freely accessible to all, makes coming to Leeds different to other locations, making it a place people want to be.”
James Broughton, Head of Marketing Communications at Town Centre Securities PLC, owners of the Merrion Centre, added:
“LeedsBID’s events always bring energy and vibrancy to the city. These creative activations are hugely popular with our visitors and truly enhance the shopping and leisure experience. We’re thrilled to support another unforgettable summer.”