Let's get together as a global community
The World Unite Festival (WU Fest) celebrates the diversity of Leeds. To capture the breadth of cultures in Leeds, the festival offers a great selection of activities, including singing, dancing, language exchanges, workshops, food, academic presentations and discussions. Each event encourages you to consider differing perspectives on a variety of topics relevant to internationalisation.
Our 2025 World Unite Fest will take place on 10 – 14 November.
As part of the Winter World Unite Festival, we'll be hosting the annual Show of Unity on the 12th November, a night of dance and music from Leeds and across the world as well as a society fair full of interactive stalls!
A glimpse into last year's World Unite Festival
Treasure Hunt Escape Room - Provided by the Intercultural Ambassadors
You and your team are trapped inside a treasure room, surrounded by ancient and cultural relics and hidden secrets. But there’s a catch—you only have 45 minutes to uncover the lost treasures and escape before the exit seals shut forever!
Do you have the skills, wits, and teamwork to claim the riches and break free in time? Or will you be trapped among the forgotten explorers of the past?
Form a team of 4 to 6 brave treasure hunters and take on the challenge together!
Join us for the ultimate adventure in conjunction with the World Unite Festival! Filled with cultural puzzles and experiences, for you and your teammates.
K-Pop'd!
LUE present K-POP’D!… A night in celebration of KPOP and the international community.
Hosted in Terrace Bar LUU, this event will be free entry, with the best KPOP DJ’s in the city, drinks deals, decor, and much more.
Chinese Lacquer Fan Making
Chinese lacquerware, known for its vibrant colors, intricate designs, and smooth glossy finish, has been a treasured art form for centuries. In this workshop, you’ll learn the traditional techniques of lacquer painting and get the chance to design a unique fan that blends cultural heritage with your personal creativity.
No prior experience needed – just bring your creativity and curiosity! Don’t miss this opportunity to explore an ancient craft and take home a beautifully crafted fan as a keepsake.
Acoustic Sessions: Koto Performance
Experience the enchanting sounds of the Koto, a traditional Japanese string instrument, in an intimate acoustic performance. This special session will showcase the delicate and expressive melodies of Japan, performed by Aki Kitagawa.
Whether you are a fan of Japanese music or simply looking for a moment of relaxation and cultural immersion, this performance offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty of traditional Japanese sounds.
This event is free and open to all. Join us for a magical hour of music and culture!
World Unite Acoustic Sessions
Take a well-deserved break from study or work and unwind with the soothing sounds of live, acoustic music at Common Ground as part of LUU’s Spring World Unite Festival! This special edition of the WU Fest Acoustic Sessions features the enchanting melodies of the guzheng, seamlessly blending with the smooth, expressive tones of a jazz trio – a unique fusion of tradition and contemporary sound.
Grab a seat and let yourself be transported by the fusion of East and West, where elegant guzheng strings intertwine with rich jazz harmonies.
Get involved!
Getting involved as a club or society for next year
Clubs and societies are invited to host Give It A Go style events and workshops, such as dance classes, language exchanges, and pub quizzes. Student societies will be rewarded with up to £50 incentive funding.
Please get in touch with eventsbystudents@leeds.ac.uk or use the form below to get involved.
Not a student society?
If you are not a member of a club or a society but have an event or a workshop which you think would fit in our programme, please get in touch. In previous years, we hosted academic talks, wellbeing classes, a city chase and film screenings.
Share your ideas with eventsbystudents@leeds.ac.uk