The Northern Man Festival focuses on men and men’s health and coincides with Men’s Health Week, taking place from 14 to 21 June 2026.
This year’s festival launches on Thursday 11 June and ends on Father’s Day, Sunday 21 June.
The theme for this year’s festival is:
“What Shapes A Man?”
What makes you you?
What keeps your mind & body well?
“Keep an eye on the programme below – we are updating it with new activities as they come in!”
Got an activity to add? Click on this link!
Northern Man Festival brings together a wide range of activities, conversations and events across Leeds
Please note that some events require you to register in advance.
About Northern Man Festival
Northern Man Festival is coordinated by Space2 and brought to you by Men’s Health Unlocked, the Leeds-based network supporting men’s health and wellbeing across the city.
The festival celebrates the shared work, creativity and collaboration taking place across Leeds to support men’s wellbeing, connection and community.
The programme highlights a wide range of creative, social, active and community-led events delivered by organisations connected to the Men’s Health Unlocked network.
For more information about Men’s Health Unlocked, visit:
https://forumcentral.org.uk/mens-health-unlocked/
Festival Programme
F3 UK Leeds
Peer-led fitness sessions are taking place across Roundhay Park, Manston Park and Bramley Park throughout the week.
More details visit theie facebook.
Thursday 11 June
Manthology Lit Fest Event
12pm to 2pm
A celebration of poetry, creativity and emotional expression featuring male poets connected to Leeds and the Men’s Health Unlocked Manthology project.
“Poetry is for Everyone”
Performances from male poets connected to Leeds. A celebration of our MHU Manthology project.
Be inspired by the men expressing emotions through creativity across a range of themes – with interactive activities also on offer.
Saturday 13 June
Powerleague Football Tournament
11am start
Open Football Event, 16+ Fun Friendly Tournament with trophy & medals on offer.
You must sign up to register so that we can monitor teams and individuals that sign up.
Registration link
https://forms.gle/QvtJAzfo5YBreXQF9
Sunday 14 June
White Rose
Monday 15 June
Nature Walk – Gledhow Valley Woods
A creative and reflective walk exploring nature, wellbeing and expression through a range of activities led by Balbir Singh.
Free Rugby Touch & Pass
Tuesday 16 June
Walk and Talk – Bramley Park
9.30am
A relaxed social walk open to all genders, offering opportunities to meet new people and connect with others.
Wednesday 17 June
Northern Snooker Centre Session
3pm to 5pm
Snooker, pool and darts session in a friendly and welcoming environment.
Advance registration required.
Registration link
https://forms.gle/QvtJAzfo5YBreXQF9
Yoga, Strength and Flexibility Class for Men
8pm to 9pm
Men’s yoga, strength & flexibility class at Bramley Baths
Designed specifically for men, and suitable for absolute beginners with little or no previous experience. This session will help open the body, build strength and improve flexibility.
This class, as part of NMF26 is free – if you enjoy it, future classes will cost £4.
Thursday 18 June
Conversation Cafe
10am
A space for migrants to share stories and experiences connected to the theme “What Shapes A Man?”
Windrush Dominoes Tournament
Hosted by The Wellbeing Hub in Chapeltown.
To register your interest call:
0113 378 4892
Friday 19 June
Northern Man Festival Celebration Event
10:30am -2:30pm
Saturday 20 June
Boxercise at Mike Tobin’s Gym
10.30am to 11.30am
A free Boxercise session open to all aged 18+.
Sunday 21 June
Dadstastic Day
A family-friendly Father’s Day celebration led by Leeds Dads, taking place across Leeds City Museum and Millennium Square.
Additional Activities
Woodhouse Moor Parkrun
9am start (arrive 10 mins before hand)
Enjoy the camaraderie at the largest parkrun in Leeds.
Take part in the 5km Parkrun at Woodhouse Moor in the week before our NMF26 launch on Thurs11th
You need to register with parkrun to run – all info here on their online page – parkrun.org.uk/woodhousemoor/
You must sign up to register (QR code) to let us know that you are running under the MHU Banner – some goodies on offer!
Registration link
https://forms.gle/QvtJAzfo5YBreXQF9
Promotional Materials
Downloadable Assets
Contact
For more information about any of the events please contact the venue organisations, or you can contact:
- Lawrence Glyn, Space2 Community Development Worker, Men’s Health Unlocked – Orion Co-ordinator, on 07784 951318 or email [email protected].
- Damian Dawtry, Men’s Health Unlocked Coordinator, on 07985 442630 or email [email protected].
