Discover Leeds through David Oluwale's story, from difficult histories to Hibiscus Rising and the city's cultural crossroads.

Follow the crossroads of David Oluwale's life on this guided walking tour of Leeds, exploring the places that shaped his journey, his tragic death and his enduring legacy.

Along the way, we'll explore the crossroads where past meets present, where cultures meet and shape the city, and where difficult histories challenge us to imagine a fairer future. The tour includes Hibiscus Rising, Yinka Shonibare's landmark artwork celebrating Leeds as a meeting place of cultures and reflecting the city's continuing journey towards inclusion and belonging.

Participants are invited to continue the journey the following day at Writing at the Crossroads, a creative writing workshop inspired by the places, ideas and conversations explored on the walk. Whether you're interested in local history, social justice or creativity, this is an opportunity to experience Leeds from a different perspective.

David's story includes themes of racism, homelessness and violence, so the tour is recommended for ages 12 and over.

Contributers

The tour has been researched and developed by Joe Williams of Heritage Corner, Dr Max Farrar, Co-Secretary of the David Oluwale Memorial Association (DOMA) and Professor Emily Zobel Marshall of Leeds Beckett University and Co-Chair of DOMA, and . The walk will be facilitated by Professor Emily Zobel Marshall, Dr Max Farrar and Chloë Hudson, Co-Secretary of DOMA.

Participants are invited to continue the journey the following day at Writing at the Crossroads, a creative writing workshop inspired by the places, ideas and conversations explored on the walk. Whether you're interested in local history, social justice or creativity, this is an opportunity to experience Leeds from a different perspective.

Accessibility

The tour lasts around two hours and follows a wheelchair-accessible route through Leeds city centre. Limited seating is available at some stops, although not throughout the walk, so participants should be comfortable standing and walking for short periods. We will have one or two portable stools available for anyone who needs them.

The tour will be conducted using personal headsets, which will be provided to participants, allowing you to hear the guide clearly as we move through the city. If you have any hearing or other access requirements that may affect your use of the headset, please let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Please wear comfortable footwear and dress appropriately for the weather.

Start and end points

The tour will start outside Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, where we will meet at the foot of the main steps facing the square. Please arrive in good time as the tour will begin promptly from here.

The tour will finish at Hibiscus Rising, Aire Park, Meadow Lane, Leeds, LS11 5BJ — Yinka Shonibare’s landmark sculpture commemorating David Oluwale and celebrating the diverse city Leeds is today.

Being Human Festival

This event is part of Being Human Festival, the UK’s national festival of the humanities, taking place 5-14 November 2026. Led by the School of Advanced Study, University of London, in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the British Academy. For further information please see beinghumanfestival.org

Travel information

Start point – Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 8BH

Leeds City Museum is well served by public transport. Leeds railway station is around a 10-minute walk away, and numerous bus services stop nearby on The Headrow and Woodhouse Lane, both just a few minutes’ walk from the museum.

If travelling by car, there is no parking at the museum itself. Nearby options include Woodhouse Lane Car Park, Q-Park The Light and CitiPark Merrion Centre & First Direct Arena. Accessible on-street parking bays are also available close to the museum.

End point – Hibiscus Rising, Aire Park, Meadow Lane, Leeds LS11 5BJ

Hibiscus Rising is also well served by public transport. There are several bus stops within a few minutes’ walk, including stops around Great Wilson Street, Meadow Lane and Hunslet Lane, with frequent services connecting to Leeds city centre and other parts of the city. Park & Ride services also serve the area.

Leeds railway station is around a 10–15 minute walk from Hibiscus Rising, with a pedestrian route through Aire Park and across the David Oluwale Bridge towards the station and city centre.

If travelling by car, there is parking close to Aire Park, including Hunslet Lane Car Park, as well as a range of city-centre car parks between the start and finish points.

Please note that this is a linear walking tour: it starts at Leeds City Museum and finishes at Hibiscus Rising rather than returning to the starting point. If you are driving, you may therefore find it easier to park centrally and walk or use public transport between your car and the start/end points.

Description supplied by the event organiser.