A two-year celebration of patterns, puzzles and play aims to transform how people see and feel about maths
Leeds is making mathematical history as it has launched the UK’s first-ever City of Maths – a two-year celebration designed to show that maths is for everyone: fun, creative, and full of surprises.
Hosted in Leeds throughout 2026 and 2027, City of Maths (much like the established City of Culture programme), is a pioneering initiative that is transforming the city into a vibrant hub of mathematical discovery, play and community engagement – all designed to change how people think and feel about maths.
With its pioneering City of Maths initiative, Leeds is setting a national benchmark in celebrating maths as a joyful, creative force that anyone can enjoy – inspiring schools, communities, and cities across the UK, and hopes to pass the baton to other cities across the UK to host their own City of Maths in future years.
The programme is aimed at everyone – young children, families, students, teachers, schools, businesses, and curious minds – and seeks to showcase how maths underpins everything, from art, sport, technology, and nature to everyday life.
“Maths isn’t just for ‘maths people’ – it’s for curious people,” said Ella Wild, Project Manager for City of Maths. “Leeds is leading a national movement to celebrate maths as something joyful, creative, and deeply human. It’s a chance for everyone to see just how fun maths can be.”
With the support of big names including Asda, Leeds Rhinos Foundation, and legendary broadcaster and mathematics advocate Johnny Ball, the initiative is delivering an engaging calendar of public events, fun resources, immersive experiences, and school projects.
From mathematical buskers, supermarket pop-ups, and even puzzles on beer mats, to light shows, sporting collaborations, and hands-on activities in schools across Leeds, there is something for every age and background to rediscover the magic of maths and boost confidence and curiosity around it.
“What is there not to love about a City of Maths?!” asks Johnny Ball. “Maths is the language of the universe – it’s everywhere you look, from the rhythm of music to the flight of a rugby ball! City of Maths is a wonderful chance for everyone to see just how creative, fun and fascinating maths can be. Everyone should get involved – because once you see the magic of maths, you’ll never see the world the same way again.”
Alongside a fun schedule of public activities, the City of Maths is working directly with schools across Leeds to support teachers, shift attitudes, and create engaged learners both inside and outside the classroom. It is offering grants for maths departments to support engagement, inspiring careers videos, mindset resources, and access to Taskmaster Maths Club – a specially designed maths version of Channel 4’s popular Taskmaster, created by Alex Horne.
The City of Maths will leave a lasting legacy, including the UK’s first permanent Mathematical Playground, an expanded MathsCity activity centre, and new educational resources – a model that other cities can replicate to inspire curiosity, confidence, and creativity in maths nationwide. Dr Katie Chicot, CEO of MathsWorldUK – the maths charity leading on delivery of the City of Maths programme – explains:
“Leeds has always been a city of innovation, imagination and collaboration. We’re thrilled that Leeds is the trail-blazer for City of Maths. Our hope is that, after seeing what’s possible here, other UK cities will want to step forward and host their own City of Maths.”
For more information on how Leeds is transforming the way people experience maths, visit www.cityofmaths.co.uk.
