Leeds is hosting one of the biggest events for a number of years over the bank holiday weekend as the Lions come to town. Up to 1,000 delegates are expected generating an estimated £1.3m for the local economy.

Business men and woman who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities across the world as part of the Lions group, will be descending on Leeds from Thursday 27 April to Sunday 2 May at various locations across the city.

The Lord Mayor of Leeds will be attending the various celebration events including officially opening the convention which is taking place at Saviles Hall, Royal Armouries International on Saturday and Sunday.

The main events of the weekend will involve a Diamond Jubilee dinner at the Queens Hotel on Thursday, the international show at the Town Hall on Friday and the annual convention which takes place at the Royal Armouries from Saturday to Sunday . Entertainment will be provided by Irish dancers, a brass quintet, male voice choir and pipe band.

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What: The opening of ceremony for the Lions Diamond Jubilee Convention (am) and/or the Banquet and Ball (pm)
Where: Royal Armouries
When: Saturday 1 May at 8:30am or 6.30pm
Details: Please call 0845 833 8479 or 07801 811857 if you plan to attend

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The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Judith Elliott said:
“This event is the largest of its kind in Leeds for a number of years and is bringing together a group of people who use their business skills to help communities across the world for a number of good causes.

“I look forward to meeting them all and celebrating their work in the diamond jubilee year of the organisation.”

Lion Andy Pemberton, Lions Council Chairman said:
“This is a notable milestone in our history and we are delighted to be coming to Leeds and have been made to feel very welcome in this magnificent city. We have an exciting four days of activities planned with the Convention taking centre stage. Notes to editors:

For further information about the Lions please contact Andy Pemberton, chairman of the Lions, who will be available for interviews from the afternoon of Wednesday 28 April. Mobile no: 07831 558 810.

More information about the events below:

The Diamond Jubilee dinner is being held at the Queens Hotel on Thursday 29 April

The International Show at the Town Hall will start at 2pm on Friday 30 April, with the Annual Convention taking place at the Royal Armouries on Saturday 1 May and Sunday 2 May. The opening ceremony takes place at 9am on Saturday morning.

The Diamond Jubilee Gala Dinner will be held at the Royal Armouries on Saturday 1 May from 6.30pm.