Embedded Files
Welcome to our LUU Cultural Calendar Archive, which includes key international and national events alongside LUU staff events and dates which have happened over the previous months.
June 2024
June 2024
Saturday 1 June - Sunday 30 June
Gypsy, Roma & Traveller History Month
Through celebration, education and raising awareness, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month helps to tackle prejudice and amplify the voices of Gypsies, Roma and Travellers in wider society.
Find out more about the 2024 theme- "What does family mean to you?"
Saturday 1 June - Sunday 30 June
Pride Month
Pride Month is a month-long celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their achievements. Since the first pride parade in 1970, the month has grown to include more of the LGBTQ+ community and continues to grow. It is also an important opportunity to highlight the continued inequality for LGBTQ+ people across the globe and get involved in making a difference, whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or are an ally.
Monday 3 June - Sunday 9 June
Volunteer's Week
Volunteers' Week celebrates the contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK. It’s a chance to recognise, celebrate and thank the UK’s volunteers for all they contribute to local communities, the voluntary sector, and society as a whole.
Explore: Volunteering Stories
Saturday 8 June
World Oceans Day
On World Ocean Day, people around our blue planet celebrate and honour our one shared ocean, that connects us all.
Find out more: World Ocean Day
Monday 10 June
Dragon Boat Festival
A celebration of a Chinese poet named Qu Yuan for his patriotism and contributions to poetry. His remorse for the violence in China's capital led him to disappear into the Mi Lo River where today, partakers in the festival race boats and eat rice dumplings.
Find out more here.
Monday 10 June
Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib
The day commemorates the anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh guru. Approximately 30 million Sikhs around the world celebrate and remember the religious figure that gave up his life for the Sikh people.
Monday 10 June - Friday 14 June
Global Inclusion Week
Led by Inclusive Employers, Global Inclusion Week is an annual awareness week that aims to shine a light on inclusion in a global context. This year's theme is " Cultural Intelligence: Inclusion Across Cultures".
Monday 10 June - Sunday 16 June
Carer's Week
Led by Carers UK, the week aims to raise awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges unpaid carers face, and acknowledge the huge contribution carers make. It’s also a time to help people who don’t think of themselves as carers, to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
Watch: Carers' Stories
Monday 10 June - Sunday 16 June
International Men's Health Week
International Men's Health Week is an annual event that aims to raise awareness of preventable health problems that disproportionately affect men and encourage them to seek help.
Find out more: Inclusive Employers
Monday 10 June - Sunday 16 June
Loneliness Awareness Week
Hosted by Marmalade Trust, Loneliness Awareness Week is an annual campaign which raises awareness of loneliness, encourages discussions on loneliness, and empowers people to make connections.
This year's theme is "Random Acts of Connection"
Tuesday 11 June - Thursday 13 June
Shavuot
Shavuot is a Jewish celebration known as the "Feast of Weeks". It takes place seven weeks after Passover and commemorates the spring harvest and the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai.
Find out more: Shavuot
Thursday 13 June
Social Mobility Day
Launched in 2022, Social Mobility Day is an initiative organised by Making The Leap which exists to help raise the awareness of social mobility and encourage organisations to share their social mobility stories with the public.
Explore: Social Mobility Day
Friday 14 June
Remembering Grenfell Tower
Today marks seven years since the fire which destroyed Grenfell Tower, taking the lives of 72 people.
Friday 14 June
World Blood Donor Day
World Blood Donor Day provides a special opportunity to celebrate and thank voluntary blood donors around the world for their gift of blood and has become a major focus for action towards achieving universal access to safe blood transfusion.
This year’s theme is 20 years of celebrating giving: thank you blood donors!
Find out more: World Health Organisation
Friday 14 June - Wednesday 19 June
Hajj
The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims.
Read: What is Hajj?
Sunday 16 June
Fathers Day
Father's Day is a holiday of honouring fatherhood and paternal bonds, as well as the influence of fathers in society.
Sunday 16 June -Tuesday 18 June
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is the second and the larger of the two main holidays celebrated in Islam. It honours the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah's command.
Read: What is Eid al-Adha?
Monday 17 June - Sunday 23 June
Refugee Week
Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts & culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Established in 1998 in the UK, this annual festival aligns with World Refugee Day, celebrated globally on 20 June.
Watch: Refugee Week Film Programme
Tuesday 18 June
Autistic Pride Day
First celebrated in 2005, Autistic Pride Day is a global celebration that raises awareness among those who are not on the autistic spectrum so that they recognise individuals not as requiring treatment, but as unique individuals, and it creates a space for autistic people to freely and confidently express their true selves.
Find out more: Autistic Empire
Wednesday 19 June
REACH- Mix 'N' Mingle
From 12pm-1pm in Room 6, the Race Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage Staff Network are running a speed friending event. This event is a great opportunity to come meet other members of staff and make some new friends.
This event is open to REACH members, non-members and allies.
Thursday 20 June
Litha
Otherwise known as Summer Solstice or Midsummer- the day celebrates the beginning of summer and is the loggest day of the year.
Find out more: English Heritage
Thursday 20 June
World Refugee Day
This day celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.
Find out more: UNHCR
Saturday 22 June
Windrush Day
It's been 76 years since the Empire Windrush ship docked at the port of Tilbury bringing the first of the Windrush Generation to the UK. This day celebrates the people of the Windrush Generation and their descendants in the UK.
Watch: Windrush Generation
Monday 24 June- Sunday 30 June
World Wellbeing Week
World Wellbeing Week celebrates all areas of wellbeing, ‘From meaningful and purposeful work to financial security, physical, mental, and emotional health, social resilience, empathic corporate and civic leadership, community relations, and environmental care.’
Tuesday 25 June
Staff Craft Lunch
From 1pm-2pm in Room 1 there will be a Staff Craft Lunch. This is a chance to bring along a project, a hobby, or something you’re wanting to give a go, and spend some time cracking on with that whilst nattering to fellow art and crafters.
For any questions, or to join the google chat group, please contact Anna Winter.
July 2024
July 2024
Monday 1 July - Wednesday 31 July
Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month focuses on and celebrate the disabled community and their pride. It is a month that encourages self-acceptance and embraces all disabilities, as well as accepting and honouring each persons' uniqueness.
Watch: BBC Newsround
Monday 1 July - Wednesday 31 July
Plastic Free July
Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities.
Monday 1 July
International Reggae Day
A day to celebrate the history of Reggae music, the culture and people of the Caribbean.
Find out more here.
Monday 1 July
Staff Craft Lunch
From 12pm-1pm in Room 1 there will be a Staff Craft Lunch. This is a chance to bring along a project, a hobby, or something you’re wanting to give a go, and spend some time cracking on with that whilst nattering to fellow art and crafters.
For any questions, or to join the google chat group, please contact Anna Winter.
Wednesday 3 July
Staff Choir
The Staff Choir will be taking place from 12pm-1pm in Room 5. The Staff Choir is open to everyone to come along. Whether you are a singing pro or a singer-in-the-shower kind of person, the Staff Choir is a chance to come along, sing your heart out with fellow staff, and most importantly, have fun!
To find out more, or to get the calendar invite, please contact Tasha Pickles.
Thursday 4 July
Independence Day (USA)
It is the anniversary of the publication of the declaration of the USA's independence from Great Britain in 1776. Patriotic displays and family events are organized throughout the country.
Saturday 6 July
Omnisexual Visibility Day
Omnisexual Visibility Day was created to recognise and celebrate people who identify as omnisexual. It is an opportunity to learn and share information about the diversity of gender identities, sexual orientations, and expressions.
Learn more: Joshua Lloyd
Tuesday 9 July - Wednesday 10 July
Martyrdom of the Báb
This major holy day is celebrated on Tuesday 9July at noon and commemorates the 1850 execution of the co- founder of the Bahá'í faith, the Báb. His teachings are the foundation of the Bahá'í faith, and the Martyrdom of the Báb is one of nine holy days.
Find out more here.
Sunday 14 July
International Non-Binary People's Day
This day is aimed at raising awareness and organising around the issues faced by non-binary people around the world.
Tuesday 16 July - Wednesday 17 July
The Day of Ashura
This marks the death anniversary of Hussain ibn Ali, a revolutionary leader who was killed for taking a dignified stand for moral and social justice and against oppression.
Thursday 18 July
Black Leaders Awareness Day
Black Leaders Awareness Day (BLAD) aims to inform and educate people from all walks of life about the cultural impact of the world’s most celebrated Black leaders. Through sharing the wisdom of Black leaders, both past and present, via quotes, speeches, and videos, organisations are reminded of the importance of diverse leadership where all voices are valued and heard.
Find out more: Author's Edition
Thursday 18 July
Mandela Day
An annual international day to celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela on his birthday. The day is characterised taking action and inspiring change in your local community.
Find out more: Mandela Day
Thursday 18 July - Saturday 17 August
South Asian Heritage Month
It seeks to raise the profile of British South Asian heritage and history in the UK through education, arts, culture and commemoration, with the goal of helping people to better understand the diversity of present-day Britain and improve social cohesion across the country.
Find out more here.
Sunday 21 July
Dharma Day
Dharma Day is celebrated in Theravada countries on the full moon day of July. It marks the beginning of the Buddha's teaching. It is usually celebrated with readings from the Buddhist scriptures, and is an opportunity to reflect deeply on their content.
Watch: What is Dharma?
Sunday 21 July
Leeds Pride
Leeds Pride is one of the biggest one-day festivals in Leeds City Centre- celebrating LGBTQ+ life in Yorkshire.
Each year, the colourful parade kicks off at Millennium Square, winding its way through the city streets and culminating on Lower Briggate by The Calls, where the festivities begin.
Stay up to date: Leeds Pride
Thursday 25 July
National Schizophrenia Awareness Day
A day to shine a light on the everyday challenges the millions of people living with a diagnosis of schizophrenia face and how we can tackle the stigma and discrimination around it.
How to get involved: Healthline
Friday 26 July
Staff Craft Lunch
From 12pm-1pm in Room 3 there will be a Staff Craft Lunch. This is a chance to bring along a project, a hobby, or something you’re wanting to give a go, and spend some time cracking on with that whilst nattering to fellow art and crafters.
For any questions, or to join the google chat group, please contact Anna Winter.
Tuesday 30 July
International Day of Friendship
The International Day of Friendship celebrates the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.
Find out more: United Nations
August 2024
August 2024
Thursday 1 August
Cycle to Work Day
An annual event that promotes the bicycle as an option for commuting to work.
Find out more about bikes around Leeds: Five Things on a Friday
Thursday 1 August
Lughnasadh
Also known as Lammas, it is a Pagan holiday that marks the beginning of the harvest season. Originating in Ireland, people celebrate this day with bread making, corn dollies and a feast.
Find out more: Druidry
Thursday 1 August - Wednesday 7 August
World Breastfeeding Week
WBW is a global campaign to raise awareness and to promote action, with this year's theme being "Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All"
To find out more, head over to the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action website.
Wednesday 7 August
Staff Choir
The Staff Choir will be taking place from 12pm-1pm in Room 5. The Staff Choir is open to everyone to come along. Whether you are a singing pro or a singer-in-the-shower kind of person, the Staff Choir is a chance to come along, sing your heart out with fellow staff, and most importantly, have fun!
To find out more, or to get the calendar invite, please contact Tasha Pickles.
Friday 9 August
International Day of World's Indigenous Peoples
It’s a day to reflect on the challenges Indigenous peoples face all over the world and to take steps toward promoting and protecting their rights. The event recognises and honours their achievements, and is also a time to reflect on and celebrate Indigenous culture, tradition, and heritage.
Find out more: United Nations
Sunday 11 August
UK Black Pride
Taking place in London, it is the world's largest pride celebration of LGBTQIA+ people of African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin America and Middle Eastern descent.
Stay up to date: UK Black Pride
Monday 12 August
International Youth Day
First observed in 2000, it's awareness day designated by the United Nations to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding youth.
Saturday 17 August
Marcus Garvey Day
Today commemorates Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican-born Black political activist, publisher, and journalist.
Garvey popularized, and is credited for, the phrase “Black Is Beautiful”, giving his followers and supporters a sense of hope and power.
Watch: Marcus Garvey
Sunday 18 August
Ghost Festival
The Ghost Festival is a traditional Taoist and Buddhist festival that’s held in several different East Asian countries. This is a holiday on which people believe that the gates of hell open up and the dead are allowed to walk among the living in search of food.
Monday 19 August
World Humanitarian Day
Each year, this day focuses on a theme, bringing together partners from across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers.
Find out more: World Humanitarian Day
Monday 19 August
World Photography Day
An annual, worldwide celebration of the art, craft, science and history of photography.
Monday 26 August
Krishna Janmashtami
This Hindu festival celebrates the birth of the god Krishna. Also known as Gokulashtami, Janmashtami, or Krishanashtami- people fast on the day, breaking the fast the next day after midnight. They also workship Krishna by singing songs, decorating Hindu temples and the idol of Krishna.
Find out more: BBC
Monday 26 August
National Dog Day
The day celebrates all dogs and seeks to encourage people to adopt more dogs instead of buying them from pet shops. The day was founded by Animal Welfare Advocate and Pet Lifestyle expert Collen Paige.
Click here for more information (and dogs).
Monday 26 August - Tuesday 27 August
LUU Closed Days
LUU is closed for the August Bank Holiday on the 26, and Tuesday 27. LUU will be back open as usual on Wednesday 28.
To find out more about LUU's closed days, head to the HR for Everyone page.
Wednesday 28 August
Remembering Chadwick Boseman
On this day in 2020, Chadwick Boseman passed away from Cancer. Chadwick played The Black Panther in a movie that is historically known for having a majority black cast - a rarity in Hollywood Movies.
Watch Marvels Tribute to Chadwick.
September 2024
September 2024
Sunday 1 September - Monday 30 September
East and South East Asian Heritage Month
This year's theme is "Changing Seasons", which offers a reflection on the cyclical nature of life.
Find out more: besea.n
Sunday 1 September - Monday 30 September
World Alzheimer's Month
World Alzheimer's Month is a global opportunity to raise awareness around, educate, encourage support of and demystify dementia.
Explore: Alzheimer's Research UK
Sunday 1 September
Pahila Prakash Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Pahila Prakash Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji commemorates the very first Prakash, which means, opening ceremony of the Guru Granth Sahib at the Golden Temple (Amritsar) in 1604.
Thursday 5 September
International Day of Charity
Declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, International Day of Charity is an opportunity to support charitable works and volunteer, as well as for charities to raise awareness of the work they are doing.
Thursday 5 September
Staff Voice
Our next Staff Voice Group is on Thursday 5 September.
The Staff Voice Group is a group of staff representatives who come together to receive info on key organisational matters, as well as provide feedback to LUU, give suggestions, and share company wide concerns.
Want to become a Staff Voice Rep? Contact the People Team.
Friday 6 September
REACH Safe Space
The REACH Network will be running a hybrid safe space from 12-1pm in the Martin Luther King Office on Level 1. They will be providing colouring in sheets both physically and virtually as well as drinks and snacks.
These sessions are on a drop-in basis and so there is no pressure to attend for the whole hour.
Monday 9 September - Sunday 22 September
Fairtrade Fortnight
During Fairtrade Fortnight, join us in spreading a simple message: choose Fairtrade now and help save our favourite foods.
Find out more: Fairtrade Fortnight
Tuesday 10 September
World Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day is hosted on 10 September each year by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and provides the opportunity for people, across the globe, to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention.
Visit: Samaritans
Click here to complete the course "Dealing with Suicidal Feelings"
Tuesday 10 September
Book Club
The Women’s Collective Network will be meeting up on Tuesday 10 September from 11am-12pm in Room 2 to discuss the book “Glittering a Turd by Kris Hallenga”.
Everyone is welcome to attend- whether you’ve read the book, read a chapter, or you haven’t read it yet and you are thinking of giving it a go. To find out more about the book and to grab a copy head to World of Books. Content Warning: cancer and terminal illness
Sunday 15 September
World Afro Day
Founded by Michelle De Leon in 2017, World Afro Day is a global day of change, education and celebration of Afro hair, culture and identity.
Click here to complete the Clear Lesson course- Hair & Racism.
Sunday 15 September - Monday 16 September
Mawlid al-Nabi
Mawlid al-Nabi is an annual festival and holiday commemorating the birthday of the Islamic prophet, Muhammad.
Monday 16 September - Sunday 29 September
International Orientation Week and Welcome Week
International Orientation Week and Welcome Week involve a wide range of events and activities to welcome new and returning students to university, and to build a sense of belonging.
To find out more, head to the LUU website.
Monday 23 September - Sunday 29 September
Tea, Toast and Tea Time Treats
From 9am - 10am, Monday to Friday, pop down to the Staff Room where a member of SLT will be running a tea & toast hour where, as it says on the tin, you can grab yourself some tea and toast to start the day.
After 5pm, there will be treats put in the Staff Room for staff working evenings/nights. On Friday at 5pm, there will also be treats put out for staff working the weekend too.
Tuesday 17 September
Moon Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival is the second most important festival in China after Chinese New Year. Chinese people celebrate it by gathering for dinners, worshiping the moon, lighting paper lanterns, eating mooncakes, etc.
Find out more here.
Wednesday 18 September
International Equal Pay Day
Established by United Nations, International Equal Pay Day is a day that aims to bring awareness and legitimacy to the issue of gender-based pay discrimination worldwide.
Saturday 21 September
International Day of Peace
This years theme for this day was "Cultivating a Culture of Peace". Check out this page to read more about it.
Sunday 22 September
Mabon
Mabon is a pagan holiday, and marks the autumnal equinox. It is one of the eight Wiccan sabbats celebrated during the year.
Find out more: Sky History
Monday 23 September - Friday 27 September
International Week of Happiness at Work
This week aims to raise the nation’s happiness levels, promoting happiness at work as a necessity
Monday 23 September
Bi Visibility Day
Marked each year since 1999, Bi Visibility Day raises bi awareness and challenges bisexual & biromantic erasure.
Thursday 26 September
World Maritime Day
“Navigating the future; safety first!” has been chosen as the IMO World Maritime Theme for 2024.
Monday 30 September - Friday 18 October
Pulse Survey
From Monday 30 September, the Pulse Survey will be open for staff to complete until Friday 18 October.
Filling out our staff pulse survey is really important as it allows us to gain a better understanding of how our People are feeling. We use all your feedback and work with Managers and the Senior Leadership Team to make improvements for all our staff here at LUU.
October 2024
October 2024
Tuesday 1 October - Thursday 31 October
Black History Month
Black History Month is both a time to celebrate and a time to learn about and understand Black history and culture. This year's theme is Reclaiming Narratives.
To find out more click here.
Tuesday 1 October - Thursday 31 October
ADHD Awareness Month
ADHD Awareness Month is a time to reflect on what ADHD is, how it affects people, and celebrate neurodiversity in general.
Tuesday 1 October - Thursday 31 October
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to spread awareness and access to resources to support people living with cancer, as well as take action.
Tuesday 1 October - Thursday 31 October
Dwarfism Awareness Month
October marks Dwarfism Awareness Month which aims to raise awareness and share facts to challenge misconceptions around Dwarfism.
Click here to find out more about Dwarfism and the different types of Dwarfism.
Tuesday 1 October
International Day of Older Persons
This year’s UK theme is: “The part we play”- Celebrating the integral role of older people in our communities.
Wednesday 2 October - Friday 4 October
Rosh Hashana
Rosh Hashana is the first of the Jewish High Holy Days and marks the new year on the Hebrew calendar. This festival has many traditions including special foods, blowing shofar or ram’s horn and special services in synagogues.
Watch: What is Rosh Hashanah?
Wednesday 2 October
LUU Craft Lunch with REACH
LUU Craft Lunch with REACH
From 12:30pm - 1:30pm in Room 4, REACH will be joining the Staff Craft Lunch.
This is a chance to get creative with an existing/new hobby, chat to fellow art and crafters, and find out what the REACH co-leads are planning for the Network and Black History Month.
Thursday 3 October - Saturday 12 October
Navratri
Navaratri is a biannual and one of the most revered Hindu festivals observed in the honour of goddess Mahadevi. It spans over nine nights, first in the month of Chaitra and again in the month of Sharada.
Monday 7 October - Friday 11 October
National Work Life Week
National Work Life Week is an annual campaign to get both employers and employees talking about wellbeing at work and work-life balance.
Click here to explore LUU's Health and Wellbeing, and the Mental Health Support we offer to staff.
Monday 7 October - Sunday 13 October
Dyslexia Awareness Week
This year’s theme is “What’s Your Story?” which has three key messages: every story is different, a strong opening sets the scene, and it's never too late to change your story.
Tuesday 8 October
International Lesbian Day
International Lesbian Day is celebrated annually on the 8 October to recognise and celebrate lesbian culture, history, and diversity. It's also a day to raise awareness of the lesbian community and the challenges they face.
Find out more: Joshua Lloyd
Tuesday 8 October
LUU Women's Collective Member's Meeting
From 3:30pm-4:30pm, either online or in the Martin Luther King Office, the Women's Collective Network will be meeting up to discuss what’s coming up and what members would like to see the Network do.
Wednesday 9 October - Tuesday 15 October
Baby Loss Awareness Week
Baby Loss Awareness Week is a time for everyone in the baby loss community and beyond to come together, to remember our much-loved and missed babies, and raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss.
For more information and support, click here.
Information: Miscarriage Association
Thursday 10 October
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma.
Thursday 10 October
World Sight Day
World Sight Day is an annual event to raise awareness of blindness and the importance of eye care.
Did you know that LUU staff who use Display Screen Equipment for their role (DSE Users) are entitled to a free eye examination. Click here to find out more.
Friday 11 October - Saturday 12 October
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur is the holiest day in Judaism and Samaritanism.
Friday 11 October
National Coming Out Day
National Coming Out Day is celebrated annually and is a day to raise awareness about the challenges people face with coming out, and supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people to ‘come out of the closet’.
Sunday 13 October - Saturday 19 October
OCD Awareness Week
OCD Awareness Week aims to raise understanding and awareness of what OCD is, and how it affects people.
Visit: OCD Action
Sunday 13 October - Saturday 19 October
Dyspraxia Awareness Week
Created by The Dyspraxia Foundation, the week aims to raise awareness about Dyspraxia and educate people on how to support people with Dyspraxia.
Find out more: Inclusive Employers
Monday 14 October - Sunday 20 October
Anti-Slavery Week
Anti-Slavery Week is an awareness campaign that takes place in the UK and Europe to raise awareness of modern slavery and the need to eradicate it. The week includes Anti-Slavery Day, which is on 18 October every year.
Wednesday 16 October - Wednesday 23 October
Sukkot
Also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or the Feast of Booths, Sukkot commemorates the years that the Jews spent in the desert on their way to the Promised Land, and celebrates the way in which God protected them under difficult desert conditions.
Find out more: Chabad article
Wednesday 16 October
International Pronoun Day
Celebrated on the third Wednesday of October, International Pronoun Day seeks to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace.
Thursday 17 October
World Values Day
World Values Day is an annual campaign to increase the awareness and practice of values around the world. The theme for this year’s campaign is Bringing Values To Life.
Thursday 17 October
Spirit Day
Starting in 2010 by Brittany McMillan, Spirit Day is set up to to support LGBTQIA+ youth and to spark a global conversation around the prevention of bullying.
Find out more: GLAAD
Friday 18 October
Wear Red Day
With 2024 marking the 10th Anniversary, Wear Red Day is an annual event created and organised by the charity Show Racism the Red Card. The day is an opportunity to wear red in support of calling racism out. SRtRC continues to utilise the high-profile status of football and football players to help tackle racism in society and has also expanded into other sports.
Explore: Show Racism the Red Card
Complete: Clear Lessons- Eradicating Racism
Friday 18 October
World Menopause Day
The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing.
Sunday 20 October - Saturday 26 October
Asexual Awareness Week
Also known as Ace Week, it is a time to support and better understand the experiences of asexual or ace individuals- with the importance of recognising that asexuality has often been marginalized, overshadowed, or even erased from discussions about identity and sexuality.
Find out more: The Trevor Project
Monday 21 October - Sunday 27 October
National Adoption Week
National Adoption Week celebrates adoptive families and their unique life stories. It also gives the opportunity to challenge misconceptions around adoption, and raise awareness of how adoption has evolved significantly over the past 50 years.
Tuesday 22 October
International Stammering Awareness Day
Also known as International Stuttering Awareness Day, the day intends to raise awareness of the issues faced by people who stutter, or stammer. It is also an opportunity for communities and associations to come to together and campaign, challenge negative attitudes and discrimination, debunk myths, and celebrate.
Explore: National Stuttering Association
Saturday 26 October
Intersex Awareness Day
Intersex Awareness Day is an internationally observed day designed to highlight human rights issues faced by intersex people, and recognise the strength and diversity of human experience and biology.
Watch: What it means to be intersex
Sunday 27 October
National Mentoring Day
National Mentoring Day
The purpose of this day is to educate, connect, support, and celebrate mentors and mentoring initiatives across the world. Working together through collaboration and connections to support everyone.
Find out more by heading to the National Mentoring Day website.
Tuesday 29 October
Mix 'n' Mingle Lunch
Mix 'n' Mingle Lunch
From 12pm - 1pm, the REACH Network are running a Mix 'n' Mingle session. Bring your lunch along and join them for a classic Speed Friending to wrap up the month. Network memebrs and allies are welcome!
Wednesday 30 October
Women's Collective Lunchtime Social
Meeting at 12:30pm in the Foyer, the Network will be taking a lunchtime trip to Leeds Art Gallery to take a look at their free exhibitions.
To find out more, contact Emily Noble (E.Noble@leeds.ac.uk) or Katie Fox (K.Fox1@leeds.ac.uk).
Thursday 31 October - Friday 1 November
Diwali
Diwali is well known for its beautiful firework displays but this 5 day celebration includes family feasts, dressing up in finest clothes, decorating homes and worship.
Thursday 31 October
Halloween
Halloween
Halloween is on the eve of the Christian festival All Saints Day, but many Halloween traditions originate from the ancient Celtic celebration of Samhain. Nowadays traditions include trick-or-treating, wearing scary costumes, and carving pumpkins.
Find out more: Halloween Origins, Meanings & Traditions
November 2024
November 2024
Friday 1 November - Saturday 30 November
Islamophobia Awareness Month
Islamophobia Awareness Month highlights the threat of Islamophobic hate crimes, and showcases the positive contributions of British Muslims to society.
Friday 1 November - Saturday 30 November
Movember
Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men's suicide.
Friday 1 November - Saturday 30 November
National Diabetes Month
National Diabetes Month a time when communities across the country seek to bring attention to diabetes. This year's focus is on taking action to prevent diabetes health problems.
Friday 1 November - Saturday 30 November
Transgender Awareness Month
Transgender Awareness Month is recognised worldwide as an opportunity to raise awareness about the issues faced by transgender people, advocate for trans rights and celebrate the trans community.
Friday 1 November
All Saints' Day
All Saints’ Day, is a Christian holiday that commemorates all the saints of the church, both known and unknown, who have attained heaven.
Find out more: Catholic Online
Friday 1 November
Bandi Chhor Divas
Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas to commemorate the release of Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, who was freed from imprisonment by the Mughal emperor in 1619.
His release was not just about his own freedom; he also secured the liberation of 52 kings who were unjustly held captive. This day symbolises justice, freedom, and the Sikh values of compassion and equality.
Find out more: Touchstone
Saturday 2 November
Day of the Dead
The Day of the Dead (el Día de los Muertos), is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration.
Explore: dayofthedead.holiday
Saturday 3 November
Birth of Bahá'u'lláh
For Bahá'ís, the Birth of Bahá'u'lláh is a Holy Day celebrating the rebirth of the world through the love of God. `Abdu'l-Bahá, the son of Bahá'u'lláh, stated that during this holy day the community should rejoice together to increase the unity of the community.
Tuesday 5 November
Bonfire Night
"Remember, remember, the fifth of November" - sound familiar?
Read: History of Bonfire Night
Wednesday 6 November
National Stress Awareness Day
National Stress Awareness Day is an opportunity to think about the effects of stress, physically and mentally, as well as how we can manage feelings of stress.
Friday 8 November
Intersex Day of Remembrance
The Day marks the birthday of Herculine Barbin, a French intersex person whose memoirs were later published by the philosopher Michel Foucault, along with contemporary texts and a later fictionalized account.
Intersex Solidarity day is used to bring awareness to the issues faced by Intersex people and remember those Intersex people who we have lost along the way.
Learn more: interACT
Sunday 10 November - Sunday 17 November
Interfaith Week
Inter Faith Week aims to strengthen good interfaith relations, increase awareness of the different and distinct faith communities, and increase understanding between people of religious and non-religious beliefs.
Sunday 10 November
Remembrance Sunday
Held on the second Sunday of November, this day commemorates those who have lost their lives in wars and other military conflicts.
Monday 11 November
Armistice Day
Armistice Day commemorates the day in which an agreement was made to end the fighting of the First World War as a prelude to peace negotiations, which began at 11am on 11 November 1918.
A two minute silence will be held at 11am.
There will be a ceremony held outside Leeds University Union from 10:50am - 11:05am.
Wednesday 13 November - Tuesday 19 November
Transgender Awareness Week
The week is focused on highlighting both the steps forward and the unfinished work in the fight for transgender and non-binary equality.
It leads up to Transgender Day of Remembrance, which is on the 20 November.
Explore: glaad.org
Wednesday 13 November
World Kindness Day
A global recognition of the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself and to the world.
Here's some ideas if you want to think of something new - Kindness Ideas.
Thursday 14 November - Friday 20 December
UK Disability History Month
The aim of DHM is to celebrate lives as Disabled People now and in the past, challenge Disabilism and achieve equality.
Visit: DHM
Thursday 14 November
World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness of diabetes as a global public health issue and what needs to be done, collectively and individually, for better prevention, diagnosis and management of the condition.
Saturday 16 November
International Day of Tolerance
Starting in 1995 by UNESCO, International Day for Tolerance is an annual observance day which aims to generate public awareness, emphasise the dangers of intolerance and react with renewed commitment and action in support of tolerance promotion and education.
Monday 18 November - Friday 22 November
Winter WU Fest
The World Unite Festival (WU Fest) is an opportunity for UK Students and International students to make friends and share their culture, faith and traditions. Celebrating the diversity of Leeds, the festival will offer a selections of activities and events that will encourage students to consider differing perspectives on a variety of topics relevant to internationalisation.
Tuesday 19 November
International Men's Day
A day to celebrate and raising awareness of the contribution men and boys make to their communities, and raise awareness of men's mental health and wellbeing.
Visit internationalmensday.com to find out more.
Tuesday 19 November
Purple Tuesday
Purple Tuesday is a global social movement and initiative initiative that focuses on raising awareness about the challenges faced by disabled consumers and the need for accessible shopping and service environments.
Find out more: purpletuesday.co
Wednesday 20 November
Trans Day of Remembrance
A day to honour and remember the trans and gender-diverse people who have been murdered over the past 12 months.
To find out more visit tdor.tgeu.org/
Wednesday 20 November
World COPD Day
World COPD Day is a global healthcare event to raise awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Thursday 21 November
World Pancreatic Cancer Day
On World Pancreatic Cancer Day shines a light on pancreatic cancer and building awareness of it through facts, stories, and what you can do to make an impact.
Find out more by visiting pancreaticcancer.org.uk
Sunday 24 November - Monday 25 November
Day of the Covenant
The Day of the Covenant is a Baha’i holy day honouring the Covenant of Baha’u’llah and, in particular, ‘Abdu’l-Baha (1844–1921) as the “Centre of the Covenant.”
Learn more: bahaiteachings.org
Monday 25 November - Tuesday 10 December
16 Days of Actions
Also known as 16 Days of Activism, it is a global campaign fighting against gender-based violence.
Find out more: 16 Days 16 Stories
Monday 25 November
White Ribbon Day
White Ribbon Day is a global movement of men and boys working to end male violence against women and girls.
Tuesday 26 November
Staff Winter Painting Session
From 1pm - 2pm in Room 6, there will be a craft session opened to all staff members. Come along to this session to paint your own bauble, or paint a mug or coaster.
Tuesday 26 November - Wednesday 27 November
Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha
The Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is a Baha’i holy day that commemorates the death of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
Thursday 28 November
LUU Women's Collective Book Club
Open to members and allies, the Book Club is an opportunity to gather together and discuss the bimonthly chosen book. The chosen book for this bimonthly is How the Pill Changes Everything by Dr Sarah E. Hill
To find out more, head over to the Women's Collective Intranet Page.
Saturday 30 November
Shining Stars Deadline
The Shining Stars scheme is LUU’s way of ensuring that we recognise staff who have positively impacted their team and others in the organisation.
Nominate your colleagues for the categories of Inclusive, Empowering and Fun, and the winner in each category receives £100 to spend on a gift card of their choice.
Get your nominations in before Saturday 30 November. Click here to submit your nominations
Saturday 30 November
St. Andrew’s Day
Also known as the Feast of Saint Andrew, it is a Scottish celebration that celebrates the country's patron saint - St Andrew.
Find out more: visitscotland.com
December 2024
December 2024
Sunday 1 December
World AIDS Day
It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.
Monday 2 December - Sunday 8 December
National Grief Awareness Week
National Grief Awareness Week is dedicated to raising awareness about grief, providing support to those who are grieving, and fostering a better understanding of the grieving process.
Find out more: Five Things on a Friday
Monday 2 December
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is dedicated to commemorating the adoption of the United Nations "Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others". This day serves as a call to action to end all forms of slavery, including forced labour, child labour, and human trafficking.
Learn more: United Nations
Tuesday 3 December
Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is a global initiative that encourages people and organisations to donate to charitable causes.
Tuesday 3 December
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The day aims to promote an understanding of issues disabled people face, and mobilise support for their dignity, rights and wellbeing.
Wednesday 4 December
Paper Stained Glass Making
From 11am- 12:30pm in Room 4, there will be a Paper Stained Glass Drop-In Activity.
Get into the festive spirit and pop along to create your own stained glass decoration. You can take this home, or it can be placed in one of the LUU Office Windows!
Thursday 5 December
Staff Voice
Our next Staff Voice Group is on Thursday 5 December.
The Staff Voice Group is a group of staff representatives who come together to receive info on key organisational matters, as well as provide feedback to LUU, give suggestions, and share company wide concerns.
Want to become a Staff Voice Rep? Contact the People Team.
Sunday 8 December
Bodhi Day
A Buddhist celebration commemorating the day that the historical Buddha, formerly Prince Siddhartha Gautama, experienced enlightenment.
Find out more at Learn Religions - Bodhi Day
Sunday 8 December
Pansexual Pride Day
Pansexual Pride Day is day for individuals and organisations around the world to come together and celebrate Pansexuality and raise further awareness to Pansexual people and their community.
Learn more: Heckin Unicorn
Tuesday 10 December
Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day is an annual event that commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly.
Find out more: United Nations
Thursday 12 December
Christmas Jumper Day
Christmas Jumper Day is an annual fundraising campaign organised by Save the Children. People are encouraged to raise funds for Save the Children by wearing a Christmas jumper and making donations.
Thursday 12 December
National Workplace Day of Remembrance
Is a day to honour workers who have lost their lives in the workplace. It is also a day that encourages organisations, colleagues, and families to pause, remember, and reflect on the importance of safety in the workplace.
Click here to find out more about the day.
Want to learn more about LUU's health, safety and wellbeing? Click here.
Thursday 12 December
Staff Winter Lunching
From 12pm - 1pm in the Staff Room, there will be a Staff Winter Lunching
Staff are invited to come along, b.y.o.l (bring your own lunch!), catch-up with fellow LUU staff members, and grab a festive treat or two!
Friday 13 December
Staff Network's Winter Social
From 5pm in the Winter Tent, the Staff Networks are holding a Winter Mix ‘N’ Mingle Social. Head on down for a classic speed friending, casual get together, and festive treats!
This social is for Network Members only. If you would like to join the Staff Networks, head over to the Staff Networks page on the Staff Intranet to find out more about the Networks and sign up.
Monday 16 December - Tuesday 24 December
Las Posadas
Las Posadas, celebrated yearly from December 16-24, is a religious festival traditionally held in Mexico and parts of Latin America.
Watch: Las Posadas
Tuesday 17 December
Staff Cookie Decorating
From 2pm - 3pm in Room 4, come along and get into the festive spirit by decorating some cookies!
Pick from a variety of biscuits to decorate, there will be vegan and gluten free options as well.
Tuesday 17 December
Staff Pizza & Games Night
From 5pm- there will be a Pizza & Games Night taking place in Crossroads
Pop on down for an evening of fun, games, socialising and as the name says- pizza!
This is open to all LUU Staff members. If you are coming along, please write your name and info on the sign-up sheet.
Wednesday 18 December
International Migrants Day
Coinciding with the adoption of the "International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families", it is a day to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of millions of migrants worldwide.
Find out more: IOM
Friday 20 December
International Human Solidarity Day
International Human Solidarity Day is a day to celebrate the world’s unity in diversity, as well as to raise awareness about the importance of solidarity.
Learn more: United Nations
Saturday 20 December - Wednesday 1 January
LUU Closed Days
LUU will be closed from Saturday 20 December through to Wednesday 1 January. LUU will be back open as usual on Thursday 2 January.
To find out more about LUU's closed days, head to the HR for Everyone page.
Saturday 21 December - Wednesday 1 January
Yule
Yule
Yule is a Pagan celebration otherwise known as Winter Solstice, marking the shortest day of the year and the beginning of longer days ahead.
Wednesday 25 December - Thursday 2 January
Hanukkah
An eight day Jewish festival of lights, celebrated with the nightly lighting of the menorah.
You can find out more about the festival here - Jewish Holidays Chanukah
Wednesday 25 December
Christmas Day
Christmas Day
A Christian celebration celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Visit whychristmas.com/cultures to find out how Christmas is celebrated around the world.
Thursday 26 December - Wednesday 1 January
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day.
Tuesday 31 December
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve is the last day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, where people say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new one.
Find out more: Britannica
January 2025
January 2025
Wednesday 1 January - Friday 31 January
Red January
RED January is a community charity initiative that invites and welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds and physical abilities to set a realistic movement goal for the month of January.
Wednesday 1 January - Friday 31 January
Veganuary
Veganuary is a non-profit organisation that encourages people worldwide to try vegan for January and beyond.
Find out more: Veganuary
Saturday 4 January
World Braille Day
World Braille Day is an international day that celebrates and raises awareness for the importance of braille as a means of communication in the full realisation of the human rights for blind and visually impaired people.
Explore: BrailleWorks
Monday 6 January - Friday 24 January
Pulse Survey
From Monday 6 January, the Pulse Survey will be open for staff to complete until Friday 24 January.
Filling out our staff pulse survey is really important as it allows us to gain a better understanding of how our People are feeling. We use all your feedback and work with Managers and the Senior Leadership Team to make improvements for all our staff here at LUU.
Monday 6 January
Birth day of Guru Gobind Singh Gurpurab
This day commemorates the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, who established the Khalsa and reinforced Sikh values. Sikhs honor his legacy through prayer, gatherings, and acts of service.
Monday 6 January
Epiphany
Epiphany is a Christian holiday that marks the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus, symbolizing the revelation of Christ to the world. It’s celebrated with various traditions that emphasize light, hope, and new beginnings.
Tuesday 7 January
Christmas
Celebrated by Coptic and Eastern Orthodox Christians, this Christmas celebration follows the Julian calendar and honors the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s a day of reflection, worship, and community gatherings with family and friends.
Read: National Geographic
Wednesday 8 January
LUU Staff Winter Conference
Friday 10 January
Asarah B’Tevet
Also known as the 10th of Tevet, it is a Jewish holiday of fasting, mourning and repentance and is one of the minor fasts observed from before dawn to nightfall.
Read: Jewish Virtual Library
Friday 10 January
World Hindi Day
Otherwise known as Vishwa Hindi Divas, this day marks the anniversary of first World Hindi Conference which was organized on January 10 ,1975 in Nagpur.
Monday 13 January
Lohri
Observed the day before Makar Sankranti, Lohri is celebrated to mark the beginning of the harvest season for winter crops.
Monday 13 January
Maghi
Maghi is an annual festival celebrated by Sikhs commemorating the memory of forty Sikh martyrs.
Tuesday 14 January
Mahayana New Year
Mahayana New Year
Mahayana Buddhism is the largest sub-division of the Buddhist religion, and they celebrate the new year by honouring Buddha and other deities.
Read more at World Religion News: New Year Traditions
Tuesday 14 January
Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, signalling longer days and the end of winter. Celebrated with great enthusiasm, this festival symbolises the onset of the harvest season and is a time for gratitude, joy, and community bonding.
Read: Isha
Tuesday 14 January
Pongal
Pongal is a multi-day Hindu festival celebrated primarily in South India, marking the end of the winter solstice and the harvest season. It’s a time of gratitude, with offerings to the Sun God and festivities centered around food, family, and tradition.
Watch here: WSLS 10
Wednesday 15 January
Women's Collective Lunch
From 12pm-1pm in Room 2, the LUU Women's Collective Network will be holding a Women's Collective Lunch
This is a chance to bring your lunch along, or order a group takeout from somewhere, and basically have lunch together and a good old catch-up!
This is open to Women Collective members and allies.
Sunday 19 January
World Religion Day
World Religion Day takes place each January, aiming to promote understanding and peace between all religions as well as mutual understanding and tolerance between peoples from different backgrounds.
Head to the "Religion & Belief" page on the Staff Intranet for more information and resources around different religions and beliefs.
Monday 20 January
Martin Luther King Jr Day
A federal holiday in the United States marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year. Born in 1929, King's actual birthday is January 15.
21 January
National Day of Racial Healing
Observed the day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day, this day promotes truth-telling, racial healing, and solidarity, inviting communities to come together in acknowledgment and understanding of racial histories and disparities.
Saturday 25 January
Burns Night
Burns Night is widely renowned as a commemoration of the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns' birthday. It is celebrated with a feast showcasing the best of traditional Highlands cuisine.
Sunday 26 January
Al Isra’ wal Mi’raj
Al Isra wal Miraj (27th Rajab) is believed to be the night in which the beloved Prophet embarked on the famous night journey and ascension, also known as Shab-e-Miraj.
Monday 27 January
Holocaust Memorial Day
A national commemoration day dedicated to the remembrance of those who suffered in the Holocaust, under Nazi persecution, and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.
Wednesday 29 January
Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is celebrated across East and Southeast Asia. Families gather for festive meals, traditions, and cultural activities, welcoming the Year of the Snake with hopes of prosperity and good fortune.
Explore: National Museum of Asian Art
February 2025
February 2025
Saturday 1 February - Friday 28 February
LGBTQ+ History Month
The overall aim of LGBTQ+ History month is to promote equality and diversity for the benefit of the public.
To find out more click here.
Saturday 1 February - Friday 7 February
World Interfaith Harmony Week
World Interfaith Harmony Week was established by United Nations as a way to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith.
Saturday 1 February
Imbolc
Imbolc is a Pagan holiday celebrated from February 1 through sundown February 2. Based on a Celtic tradition, Imbolc marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice (Yule) and the Spring Equinox (Ostara).
Saturday 1 February
World Hijab Day
World Hijab Day is an annual event to raise awareness about the hijab and promote religious tolerance and understanding.
Find out more: worldhijabday.com
Sunday 2 February
Candlemas
Also known as the Presentation of Christ, this day commemorates the presentation of the infant Jesus at the Temple, symbolizing his dedication to God. It’s a time for Eastern Orthodox Christians to reflect on faith, family, and renewal
Sunday 2 February
Vasant Panchami
Also known as Shri Panchami and Saraswati Panchami, Vasant Panchami is a Hindu celebration that marks the arrival of Spring, and is dedicated to the Goddess Saraswati.
Find out more: drikpanchang.com
Monday 3 February - Sunday 9 February
Race Equality Week
Race Equality Week is an annual UK-wide movement uniting hundreds of thousands of organisations and individuals to address the barriers to race equality in the workplace.
Find out more: Race Equality Matters
Monday 3 February - Sunday 9 February
Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Week
Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week is the UK’s national week to raise awareness of sexual abuse and violence and to provide an opportunity for any organisation or individual to engage in dialogue.
Read more: Welsh Women's Aid (TW: Sexual abuse and violence)
Tuesday 4 February
World Cancer Day
World Cancer Day aims to raise awareness, improve education, and inspire action for a future without cancer, supporting patients and advancing research efforts worldwide.
Thursday 6 February
Time To Talk Day
Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation.
Make space in your day for a conversation about mental health this Time to Talk Day.
Find out more: Time To Talk Day
From 9:30am- 4pm in the Staff Room, the People Team will be running activities, food, and Q&A sessions about the wellbeing benefits LUU has to offer. To find out more, click here
Monday 10 February - Sunday 16 February
National Apprenticeship Week
Part of the Department for Education's ongoing "Skills for Life" campaign, the week aims to shine a spotlight on apprenticeships and highlight why they are a great option for career progression.
Tuesday 11 February
International Day of Women & Girls in Science
This day celebrates the achievements of women and girls in science, advocating for greater gender equality in STEM fields and inspiring the next generation of female scientists.
Explore: womeninscienceday.org
Wednesday 12 February
Lantern Festival
Also known as Shangyuan Festival or Cap Go Meh, is a Chinese festival that marks the first full moon of the new lunar year and the end of the Chinese New Year.
Wednesday 12 February
Love your Networks & Find Your Place at Leeds Lunch
Nothing says we appreciate you better than pizza 🍕
From 1pm - 2pm in the Martin Luther King Office, the Staff Networks will be running a Love your Networks and find your place at Leeds Lunch. Grab a slice of Domino's pizza and dessert and have a go at our Valentine’s quiz, we’ll have prizes for the winners.
All staff members- network members and allies are welcome, we’ll be catering for Vegans, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free and Gluten Free dietary needs.
Get in touch with Nicole (n.c.cal-akpuogwu@leeds.ac.uk) if you have any specific requirements or questions you would like to discuss.
Wednesday 12 February
Magha Puja
Magha Puja is a Buddhist festival that is celebrated on the full moon day of the third lunar month, and marks the spontaneous gathering of Buddha and 1,250 of his disciples.
Friday 14 February
Valentines Day
Valentine's Day, also called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually.
Saturday 15 February
Nirvana Day
Nirvana Day
An annual Buddhist festival that remembers the death of the Buddha when he reached Nirvana at the age of 80.
Find out more at learn religion:
Sunday 16 February - Saturday 22 February
Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week
Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week spreads awareness and acceptance of the Aromantic community, highlights the issues they face, and celebrates their experiences.
Find out more: arospecweek.org
Wednesday 19 February
LUU New Starter Meeting
From 10am - 11am, there will be a New Starter Meeting in Room 5. This is for all new and recent joiners in LUU to come along, meet fellow new staff and meet our Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Employee Experience. You will find out about our LUU Strategy, as well as the support that is available to staff, ways you can get involved, and ask any questions you might have.
To attend, please get in touch with Katie Fox (K.Fox1@leeds.ac.uk) .
Thursday 20 February
World Day of Social Justice
The day highlights the need to address issues such as poverty, discrimination, gender equality, workers' rights, and access to education and healthcare for all. It's an opportunity to reflect on the steps needed to build a more just and equitable world.
Monday 24 February - Sunday 2 March
Eating Disorders Awareness Week
1.25 million people in the UK are living with an eating disorder right now - but behind every one is a network of loved ones struggling too. Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) is hosted by BEAT. To find out more click here.
Tuesday 25 February - Friday 28 February
Ayyam-i-Ha
Also known as Intercalary Days, Ayyam-i-Ha is a Baha'i period of celebration devoted to charity, gift-giving and festivities prior to the annual period of fasting
Read: Baha'i Blog
Wednesday 26 February - Thursday 27 February
Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri honors the deity Shiva, celebrating his divine power and significance in Hinduism. Devotees fast, chant, and hold night vigils, dedicating the day to reflection and spiritual growth.
Friday 28 February - Wednesday 19 March
Nineteen Day Fast
The Nineteen-Day Fast is a nineteen-day period of the year during which members of the Baháʼí Faith adhere to a sunrise-to-sunset fast.
Find out more: bbc.co.uk
Friday 28 February - Sunday 30 March
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community.
Friday 28 February
International Stand Up to Bullying Day
Observed both in February and November, International Stand Up to Bullying Day aims to create empathy and end bullying and harassment.
Click here to read LUU's policies on Whistleblowing, and Dignity at Work.
Head over to Love to Learn to see our course on Workplace Bullying.
March 2025
March 2025
Saturday 1 March - Monday 31 March
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Every March we put ovarian cancer in the spotlight and work with our community to raise our voices, raise funds and create change for early diagnosis, research and support.
Find out more here.
Saturday 1 March - Monday 31 March
Endo The Night
Support those affected by endometriosis during awareness month this March by getting together for a night in!
Find out more: Endo The Night
Saturday 1 March
UN Zero Discrimination Day
UN Zero Discrimination Day highlights how people can become informed about and promote inclusion, compassion, peace and, above all, a movement for change. Zero Discrimination Day is helping to create a global movement of solidarity to end all forms of discrimination.
Monday 3 March - Saturday 19 April
The Great Lent
The Great Lent is a period of fasting, prayer, and repentance, leading up to Easter in the Coptic Orthodox faith. It’s a time of spiritual discipline, reflection, and seeking closer communion with God.
Tuesday 4 March
Shrove Tuesday
Observed in many Christian countries through participating in confession and absolution, the ritual burning of the previous year's Holy Week palms, finalizing one's Lenten sacrifice, as well as eating pancakes and other sweets.
Wednesday 5 March
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday, in Western Christianity, is the first day of Lent, occurring six and a half weeks before Easter. The day is a solemn reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God.
Thursday 6 March
Staff Voice
Our next Staff Voice Group is on Thursday 6 December.
The Staff Voice Group is a group of staff representatives who come together to receive info on key organisational matters, as well as provide feedback to LUU, give suggestions, and share company wide concerns.
Want to become a Staff Voice Rep? Contact the People Team.
Friday 7 March
Employee Appreciation Day
Employee Appreciation Day is a day where employers and managers take a moment to showcase their appreciation for the efforts and contributions of their employees. It’s a day to foster a positive work environment and strengthen the bond between employers and employees.
Click here to learn more about the recognition schemes we have here at LUU.
Saturday 8 March
International Women's Day
A worldwide celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements and contributions made by women.
Watch: #HerVoice
Thursday 13 March - Friday 14 March
Purim
Purim
Purim commemorates the time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination by the courage of a young Jewish woman called Esther.
Read more: Judaism - Purim
Friday 14 March - Sunday 16 March
Hola Mohalla
Hola Mahalla begins on the first day of the lunar month of Chet in the Nanakshahi calendar and follows the Hindu festival of colours, Holi.
Friday 14 March
Holi
Holi is a Hindu festival that has been celebrated since ancient times. The Holi Festival is celebrated as a way to welcome in spring, and also is seen as a new beginning where people can release all their inhibitions and start fresh.
Watch: Holi
Saturday 15 March
International Day to Combat Islamophobia
Designated by United Nations in 2022, the day aims to foster a culture of tolerance and peace, and highlights the importance of respecting human rights and diversity of religion and beliefs.
Monday 17 March - Sunday 23 March
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
A worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences.
Find out more here.
Monday 17 March
St Patricks Day
Celebration of the patron saint of Ireland.
Here is a typically St Patricks Day celebration in Dublin, Ireland.
Tuesday 18 March - Monday 24 March
Sign Language Week
A week of events celebrating 'Pride in BSL' and the culture and achievements of the people who use British Sign Language, 'the UK's fourth indigenous language'.
Find out more: Sign Language Week
Thursday 20 March
International Day of Happiness
This campaign is a global celebration to mark the United Nations International Day of Happiness.
Find out more: International Day of Happiness
Thursday 20 March
Naw-Rùz
Naw-Rúz is the Bahá'í new year festival and falls at the spring equinox. It symbolises the new life of spring and is usually observed with meetings for prayer and celebration.
Thursday 20 March
Ostara
Ostara (known as Spring Equinox) is a pagan celebration where the day is an equal balance of day and night. Ostara celebrates new beginnings and spring awakening.
Sunday 30 March - Monday 31 March
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is the earlier of the two official holidays celebrated within Islam. The religious holiday is celebrated by Muslims worldwide because it marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan.
Sunday 30 March - Monday 7 April
Vasant Navratri
Vasant Navratri is a nine-night Hindu celebration that honours Goddess Durga and her divine manifestations, and culminates the birth of Ram Navami, also known as Rama Navaratri.
Sunday 30 March
Mothers Day
A day to honour mothers and other mother figures, such as grandmothers, stepmothers and mothers-in-law.
Monday 31 March
Transgender Day of Visibility
International Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual event that is dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide, as well as a celebration of their contributions to society.
April 2025
April 2025
Tuesday 1 April - Wednesday 30 April
Stress Awareness Month
The aim of Stress Awareness Month is to help individuals and organisations recognise and reduce stress, fostering a happier, healthier, and more resilient world.
This year's theme is #LeadWithLove
Wednesday 2 April - Wednesday 30 April
Autism Acceptance Month
Beginning on Autism Awareness Day, the month is an opportunity for everyone to come together and raise awareness, foster acceptance, and create a society where autistic people are supported, understood, and empowered.
Wednesday 2 April
World Autism Awareness Day
The UN General Assembly declared this day to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.
Find out more: World Autism Awareness Day
Sunday 6 April
Rama Navami
Rama Navami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birthday of the god Rama- hero of the Ramayana and seventh avatar of the god Vishnu. It is also the ninth and final day of the spring Vasant Navratri festival.
Learn more: Rudra Centre
Monday 7 April
World Health Day
World Health Day is celebrated annually and draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world.
This year's campaign is on maternal and newborn heath, titled "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures"
Friday 11 April
World Parkinson's Day
#StartAConversation Every April, the Parkinson's Foundation engages the global Parkinson's community to support Parkinson's Awareness Month.
Find out more: World Parkinson's Day
Saturday 12 April - Sunday 13 April
Hanuman Jayanti
Hanuman Jayanti is a Hindu celebration that marks the birthday of the Lord Hanuman.
Saturday 12 April - Sunday 20 April
Passover (Pesach)
Passover (Pesach)
A major Jewish spring festival, celebrating freedom and family. The Passover story is of Moses and The Ten Plagues, you can read a summary here - The Passover Story in a Nutshell.
If you want to find out more visit - Everything you need to know about Passover.
Saturday 12 April
The Memorial of Jesus’ Death
Also known as the Lord's Evening Meal, it is an annual Jehovah’s Witness' commemoration of Jesus' death.
Sunday 13 April - Tuesday 15 April
Songkran
Songkran
Songkran is an annual Thai festival. Events during the festival include water throwing, the ritual bathing of Buddha images, processions and performances. The final day of Songkran marks Thai new years day.
Find out more: Songkran
Sunday 13 April
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is a Christian holiday that celebrates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem the Sunday before his resurrection. It also marks the beginning of Holy Week, the remembrance of Jesus' last days.
Sunday 13 April
Theravada New Year
Theravada New Year is a Buddhist celebration that marks Buddha's birth, death, enlightenment. It is observed 3 days after the first full moon appears in April every year.
Read more: DharmaCrafts
Monday 14 April
Vaisakhi
Vaisakhi (also known as Baisakhi) is a festival that signifies the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh, founding the Khalsa Panth in 1699. It also coincides with the traditional Punjabi festival that celebrates the start of the harvest season.
Friday 18 April
Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian observance which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Sunday 20 April
Easter Sunday
Easter is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
Monday 21 April - Thursday 3 May
The Festival of Ridvàn
The Festival of Ridvàn is a Bahá’í 12- day festival that celebrates Baháʼu’lláh’s declaration that he was a Manifestation of God
Tuesday 22 April
Earth Day
Earth Day is an annual event to demonstrate support for environmental protection.
Find out more: Earth Day
Tuesday 22 April
Stephen Lawrence Day
The Stephen Lawrence Trust wants young people to have a strong voice in building a fairer and more inclusive society. The aim of the day is for events to take place that inspire young people about what they can achieve in their own lives.
Visit: Stephen Lawrence Day
Wednesday 23 April
St George's Day
St. George’s Day, observed annually on 23 April, commemorates the life and legend of St. George, the patron saint of England.
English Heritage: 9 Things You Didn't Know About St George
Thursday 24 April - Wednesday 30 April
Global Intergenerational Week
Global Intergenerational Week is an annual campaign celebrating all things intergenerational and is an opportunity for workplaces to celebrate good inclusive intergenerational practices.
Saturday 26 April
Lesbian Visibility Day
Lesbian Visibility Day takes place on 26 April every year as part of Lesbian Visibility Week which starts on 22 April and runs through to the 28 April. It is a time to celebrate progress and to raise awareness and visibility of lesbian women and non-binary people.
Monday 28 April - Sunday 4 May
MS Awareness Week
MS is unpredictable and different for everybody. Symptoms can come and go and change over time, and it’s difficult to know how your condition might progress. MS Awareness Week helps to raise awareness of the uncertainty of MS.
Visit: MS Society
Monday 28 April
World Day for Safety and Health at Work
Beginning in 2003, World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an annual international campaign to promote safe, healthy and decent work.
Click here to learn more about LUU's commitments to safe workplaces.
May 2025
May 2025
Thursday 1 May - Thursday 8 May
Time for a Cuppa
Time for a Cuppa is Dementia UK’s annual tea party event that aims to raise funds for families facing dementia.
Visit: Dementia UK
Thursday 1 May
Beltane
Beltane is a pagan celebration that marks the return of summer. Like Samhain, which lies directly opposite from Beltane on the Wheel of the Year, this was seen as a time when the veil between worlds was at its thinnest.
Find out more: Beltane
Monday 5 May - Sunday 11 May
Deaf Awareness Week
This year's Deaf Awareness Week theme is “Beyond Silence''. The aim of this year's Deaf Awareness Week s to break down the barriers that are holding back full accessibility for those with hearing loss.
Find out more: Signature
Monday 12 May - Sunday 18 May
Black Inclusion Week
Black Inclusion Week is an annual event which aims to celebrate and highlight the importance of Black inclusion and uplift Black voices.
Find out more: blackinclusionweek.org
Monday 12 May- Sunday 18 May
Learning at Work Week
Learning at Work Week is an annual event that promotes lifelong learning at work and aims to build learning cultures. This year's theme is 'Get Connected!'.
Explore: Learning at Work Week
Monday 12 May- Sunday 18 May
Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week is an opportunity to come together to focus on mental health, tackling stigma and helping people understand and prioritise their and others' mental health.
Monday 12 May
Buddha Day
Also known as "Buddha's Birthday", it is a Buddhist and Hindu festival that is celebrated in Nepal, in India, and in most of South and East Asia, commemorating the birth of the prince Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Gautama Buddha and founded Buddhism.
Find out more: Nan Tien Temple
Monday 12 May
Vesak
A Theravada Buddhist festival that observes the birth, death, and enlightenment of the Buddha. Vesak, also known as Buddha Jayanti, Buddha Purnima, Buddha Day, and Phật Đản, is a holiday traditionally observed by Buddhists in South Asia and Southeast Asia, as well as Tibet and Mongolia.
Find out more: Behind the News
Wednesday 14 May
National Day for Staff Networks
The National Day for Staff Networks is a nationwide day dedicated to recognising networks/resource groups and the incredible value they add to the workplace.
Learn more about it here: National Day for Staff Networks
Thursday 15 May - Sunday 15 June
Tourette's Awareness Month
A month dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of Tourette Syndrome, it's focus is to educate the public, reduce stigma and advocate for individuals and families with Tourette Syndrome.
Saturday 17 May
Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia
Founded in 2004, this aims to raise awareness of violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people to drive positive change.
Wednesday 21 May
UN Cultural Diversity Day
UNESCO leads the celebration of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development highlighting not only the richness of the world's cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.
Wednesday 28 May
Ascension of Baha'u'llah
Ascension of Baha'u'llah commemorates the passing of Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith
Wednesday 28 May
Menstrual Hygiene Day
MH Day is a global campaign thats goal is to promote good menstrual health and hygiene through the aims of breaking taboo, raising awareness, and encouraging leaders to prioritise and act on mental health.
The theme for this year is “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.”
Thursday 29 May
Ascension Day
Ascension Day is a Christian celebration that commemorates Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven. It is officially celebrated on the 40th day of Easter.
Friday 30 May
Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib
The day commemorates the anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh guru. Approximately 30 million Sikhs around the world celebrate and remember the religious figure that gave up his life for the Sikh people.
Saturday 31 May
Dragon Boat Festival
A celebration of a Chinese poet named Qu Yuan for his patriotism and contributions to poetry. His remorse for the violence in China's capital led him to disappear into the Mi Lo River where today, partakers in the festival race boats and eat rice dumplings.
Find out more here.
Report abuse