• Date: Tuesday, 20th January 2026
• Venue: Pudsey Civic Hall, Dawson’s Corner, Pudsey, LS28 5TA
• Arrival: From 9:00am for a 9:30am start
• Play-through: 2:30pm (Parents warmly invited)
• Finish: 3:00pm

Who Can Attend?
Students in Year 6 and above, who are Grade 1 standard and above on a woodwind or brass instrument.

What to Expect:

On Tuesday 20th January, Pudsey Civic Hall will come alive with the sound of young musicians working together in full rehearsals and focused sectionals. They will learn from our experienced ArtForms tutors, make new friends, and experience the thrill of playing in a large ensemble.

The day ends with a play-through at 2:30pm, where they will show off what they have achieved – parents and families are warmly invited. It is a fantastic opportunity for the students to improve their skills, boost their confidence, and discover what ArtForms ensembles have to offer.

What to Bring:

• Instrument
• Pencil
• Packed lunch
• Water bottle
• Ear defenders (if required)
• Book / homework / mini games for breaktime and lunchtime (no balls please!)
• Any medication / inhalers etc. (if required)

Students will not be able to leave the building during the day. Students do not need to come in school uniform.

How to sign up:

If your child wishes to take part, please complete the online form by Friday 12th December 2025 – https://forms.gle/Dsjed7YRZndfBUN36

You will receive an email confirmation securing their place after this date. Parents will need to seek approval from schools to attend, and we will contact the schools to confirm their attendance.

If you have any questions, please contact educ.artforms@leeds.gov.uk.
We look forward to welcoming your child for this inspiring musical experience!

This is for schools who have successfully signed up to the Big Samba event. The workshop, led by ArtForms, will cover what is taught to the children participating and teachers will collect the samba kits to take back to school.

Big Samba a CPD and Performance Event from Music Connect led by ArtForms. 

On Friday 10th July, Music Connect led by ArtForms will host our 11h annual Big Samba event for upper key stage 2 children at Pudsey Civic Hall.  This event is partially funded by ArtForms as part of the West Yorkshire Music Hub.  There will now be a charge of £2 per child to take part. 

Teachers from participating schools will attend a twilight Samba workshop at Pudsey Civic Hall on Monday 27th April – 4:00-5:30.  For the first time this session will be led by ArtForms staff featuring Will Fletcher and Jim Gaylard from the Percussion team alongside Sam Mercer and Claire Rivers who lead Music Connect.  They will teach teachers how to use the instruments and how to play and compose Samba grooves.  At this session staff also collect the Samba Kits, provided by ArtForms specifically for the project, to take back to their schools.   

For those of you who don’t know, Samba is a form of Music for untuned percussion that originates from Brazil.  Like Brazilian football, Samba Music has a degree of flare and joy that encourages movement and dance, particularly when you are playing it.   

 The project is a wonderful way of encouraging and inspiring class teachers, to learn new skills and teach a completely new style of Music.  The grooves that staff learn at Pudsey start at a basic level but progress to a good level of challenge for both staff and the children who they will be teaching.  This is brilliantly supported by a full set of YouTube videos produced by our partners, Louder Than Life, with each part clearly broken down, so that staff can use them for reference or to support their teaching.   

Our evaluations show that 100% of the staff who took part have developed new Music teaching skills and feel that their confidence to teach Music has improved as a result of this project.  When asked went well here’s what they had to say –  

‘They loved it! Best event ever was pupil voice.’  Caroline Pattenden – Alwoodley Primary 

‘The children were buzzing when they returned to school and school leaders invited them to perform in an impromtu assembly!’  Marion Barnes – Shakespeare Primary 

Youtube videos really helpful – such high quality. Not onerous. We have high level of SEN (over 50%) and it all still felt really accessible and inclusive. Friendly atmosphere etc.  Sarah Triner – Bankside Primary 

The Little Sing is an interactive Performance Event for Key Stage 1 from Music Connect, with funding from the West Yorkshire Music Hub (WYMH). 

On Friday 20th March 2026, Music Connect, led by ArtForms, will host our ninth annual Little Sing for Key Stage 1. This is an immersive Musical Experience for children, where they are the performers as well as the audience.  

The children always love the session of singing, playing instruments and moving, as do the adults who attend. The theme this year will be all about the sea: a journey over the waves, singing songs as we go. The band and singing leaders will be dressed for the theme and the stage will be filled with sea creatures and colourful backdrops, ready to welcome over 1000 children throughout the course of the day over two sessions.  

Here’s some feedback from Little Sing ’25: 

It was great to have the music beforehand so we could learn with the children. We loved the costumes and the setting of the event. The mini beasts were great! We really enjoyed the choice of music and the fast-moving pace of the event. Children were engaged throughout. It was great to see so many children using the sticks. Y1 teacher, Stanningley Primary School.

Children have been singing the songs in the playground, and they really enjoyed being outside of their classroom environment.  Y1 teacher, Park View Primary Academy 

It was brilliant! Music leader, Pudsey Southroyd Primary 

Feedback from a selection of the young people who attended the event: 

We liked the Minibeast Rave and the opportunity to play the instruments. Daisy 

We liked that the singers came to the back with us to sing and dance. Katie 

We loved the minibeast outfits and singers. Ibraheem 

This is the best day ever! Jacob 

Day: Friday

Time: 8.45am-3.00pm

Venue: TBC

Course Code: –

⭐️ Introducing @childfriendlyleeds‘ 2025 Summer guide to free, pay as you can, and low-cost things to do across the city. Featuring events like Wonderland Awaits and Breeze Leeds in the Park!

With over 70 things to do, their guide can help you plan out a fun and engaging summer, without breaking the bank!

The School holiday guides support Child Friendly Leeds wish 7, which is all about children and young people knowing about things to do and place to go including arts, music, sport, dance and film activities.

Click here for further details: The 2025 Child Friendly Leeds Summer Guide!

This year’s concert will be held on the 1^st July, and marks a triumphant comeback for the bi-annual event, which has become a cherished highlight in Leeds’ cultural calendar. Designed to showcase the talent and hard work of children from both primary and secondary schools, the evening will be a true testament to the power of music in bringing people together. You can see the highlights to the 2023 concert here.

A Stage for Young Talent

The concert offers pupils a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform on the iconic Leeds Arena stage. From choral pieces and orchestral arrangements to energetic instrumental ensembles, the programme will highlight the diversity and creativity of music education in Leeds.

Over 80 Schools United by Music

With participation from more than 80 schools, the concert is a unique demonstration of unity and collaboration. A teacher involved in the previous concert shared: “This concert is about so much more than just the music. It’s about confidence, teamwork, and creating memories that these children will carry with them for a lifetime. Seeing them perform at such a prestigious venue is nothing short of magical.”

Community at its Heart

The Celebration Concert isn’t just about the performers – it’s also a chance for families, friends, and the wider Leeds community to come together and support young people. The City of Leeds Youth music groups will be returning along with ArtForms Music Centres.

Sarah Crowley, event coordinator for ArtForms said “We are thrilled to bring the Celebration Concert back to the Leeds Arena, and this year’s event is bigger than ever. Music has an incredible ability to bring people together, and we’re so proud to see how this concert reflects the spirit and talent of our city’s young people.”

Tickets for the event are expected to sell quickly, so be sure to secure yours when they come on sale soon via the ArtForms website and Leeds arena website, to witness this unforgettable celebration of music, community, and the next generation of talent.

If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact wymh.artforms@leeds.gov.uk.

Tickets are free for this event but we would welcome donations on a pay as you feel basis on the door.

Please note that due to popular demand we now have two performances:

One at 10am-11am

One at 12.30pm -1.30pm

When booking your tickets please ensure you select the correct link as there are two links with 10am and 12.30pm performances!.

Book your Tickets here!

Whilst you’re in our Ticket Source link, take a look at Back Chat Brass who are performing at Wetherby Music centre on 9th November at 10.30am – get your free tickets now!

Wednesday 21st August 10:00am – 3:00pm

A mixture of workshops including, samba, drumming and ensemble.

Book a place, click here.