Festival of Learning

Change your fortune through the Festival of Learning

We’re holding two special, fun-focused information days in the heart of Leeds to raise awareness and highlight the many benefits of adult learning.

The interactive events will take place at White Rose Shopping Centre on Tuesday 31 May and at Trinity Leeds on Wednesday 1 June.

The star of the show on both occasions will be Zoltar, an eye-catching, mechanised fortune teller who shoppers can approach to receive cards featuring fun facts about lifelong education.

Everyone who approaches Zoltar will also be presented with a Festival of Learning branded tote bag filled with leaflets containing information about adult learning provision across our region.

Opening up a world of opportunities

Zoltar’s messages will shine a light on the many benefits lifelong learning can bring. Those include:

• The chance, through upskilling and reskilling, to secure better qualified or higher paid jobs
• Enriching the lives of learners by giving them more options and a greater ability to respond to the unexpected
• A boost to wellbeing and self-esteem through meeting new people and rising to challenges 

Arrangements to fit all lifestyles

Shoppers will also find out about the wide range of support that is available for adult learners, including:

• Flexible study arrangements and timetables to fit in with childcare, work and other commitments
• A range of financial support
• Support with language and English speaking skills
• A safe learning environment

More on the Festival of Learning

We’re proud to be part of the Festival of Learning - a national campaign that celebrates the achievements of, and opportunities available to, adult learners.

As part of our support for the Festival in 2021, we held a Have a Go Fortnight to let adults sample some of the many and varied activities our courses include.

The Festival of Learning seeks to promote the benefits of lifelong learning and help adults aged 19 and over discover their passion.

Whether you want to learn essential skills, upskill and reskill for your career, or pursue a hobby – there is something for everyone, regardless of age and at all levels from beginners to higher education.

Through the Festival of Learning, we hope to shine a light on all kinds of adult education by creating inclusive opportunities for those who want to return to education for the first time, try something new or improve their skills.

Our partners

Luminate Education Group, which comprises Leeds City College, Keighley College, Harrogate College and University Centre Leeds, is working with local partners to deliver programmes that develop skills and support the mental health and wellbeing of adults in Leeds City Region.

• West Yorkshire Combined Authority
• Leeds City Council
• Bradford Metropolitan District Council
• West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges
• Lifelong Learning Centre, University of Leeds
• The Prince’s Trust
• Northern College
• Yorkshire Centre for Training and Development

We know that many adults across the region have other commitments, such as families and jobs. Together, we will provide flexible learning approaches which accommodate your commitments, encouraging you to upskill and reskill in a Covid-19 safe environment.