Three South Leeds schools explore their city's history through music, dance, drama and spoken word.

Welcome to the next 400… is a showcase of performances from the three secondary schools that are part of the Cockburn Multi-Academy Trust. The production celebrates the diversity of the students in South Leeds, explores Leeds’ history, and focuses on young people as the future of the city.

Musical performances, dance pieces, drama work and spoken word allows the students to explore and celebrate what makes them who they are, how their families are part of Leeds’ history and how they can shape the next 400 years.

This event is part of Open Season, the Playhouse’s annual festival of community creativity. The theme for 2026 is Happy Birthday, Leeds! commemorating the milestone 400th anniversary of our hometown receiving its royal charter and becoming a city.