25 July 2025
Don’t be late – Wonderland Leeds arrives in the city centre
Follow the trail to finish the tale from 26 July-31 August 2025
Leeds city centre has been transformed into a magical playground as Wonderland Awaits arrives, bringing five weeks of free immersive fun this summer.
The free family trail sees the city reimagined through the curious lens of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, with seven larger-than-life installations to discover and experience.
Brought to the city by LeedsBID working with Cuddle Creative Works and city centre partners, Wonderland Awaits has theatrical performances, eccentric characters, a puzzle, and surprises around every corner.
The opening weekend started with two spectacular reveals, with the unveiling of a huge (18m x 11m, almost 200sqm), specially commissioned piece of artwork on Trinity Leeds’ glass ceiling. The stunning installation reveals the Cheshire Cat’s huge grin, setting the scene for the adventure that awaits for people.
The actual Cheshire Cat also settled into its home in Bridgewater Place. Voiced by the ever-charming Tom Read Wilson, this cheeky cat helps guide adventurers along the way, if they can spot him before he vanishes! The installation is one of the first public pieces of art in one of Leeds’ most iconic buildings, home to offices, retailers and some of the most prestigious apartments in the city.
During the summer, adventurers can also go down the rabbit hole, Drink Me, Eat Me, get advice from a caterpillar, enjoy The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, play the Queen’s Croquet and face the Jabberwocky, if they dare. Plus, there’s a host of additional Alice themed activities on offer.
Simply pick up a special map from locations across the city centre to follow in Alice’s footsteps and encounter wonder on the way.
For more information about Wonderland Await click here and follow social media channels @wonderlandleeds to keep up to date with the latest news and activities.
"We’re thrilled to be teaming up with LeedsBID once again for a summer full of wonder and joy. This year’s Wonderland Awaits experience invites curious minds to follow the trail of imagination, where surprises pop up like a cheshire cat’s smile. "As part of the city-wide celebration, our giant 60-foot-wide Cheshire Cat grin atop Trinity Leeds provides a cheeky welcome for those bold enough to tumble down the rabbit hole. Our roof installations have become a hallmark of Trinity Leeds, and this one’s purr-fectly designed to charm, delight, and inspire a few selfie grins of its own. "We’re confident that this year’s adventure through Wonderland will leave visitors grinning like a Cheshire cat.Steven Foster
Centre Director at Trinity Leeds
“Bridgewater Place is thrilled to be a part of bringing 'Wonderland Awaits' to Bridgewater Place. This installation promises to be a fantastic experience for families, and we're excited to welcome the community into our building to enjoy this unique and imaginative event.”Richard Clarket
General Manager, Bridgewater Place