Alternative Music in Leeds

A self-guided city centre audio trail with puzzles to solve. Find the codes to unlock the stories of alternative music in Leeds

Have you ever noticed that we’re surrounded by words, letters and numbers? They’re painted on signs, cast in metalwork and carved in stone. What if they were passwords that could unlock stories from our past?

Alternative Music in Leeds is a self-guided city centre audio trail created for Heritage Open Days 2026, with funding from Leeds Civic Trust.

The trail explores important moments of Leeds’ alternative music heritage. Discover passwords and codes to unlock stories at each location.

Each of the 21 locations on the trail has its own audio story. But there’s a twist in the trail: every story requires a code to unlock it.

Alternative Music in Leeds runs throughout the Heritage Open Days festival, from 11 to 20 September 2026.

Bookmark this page and join during the festival.

Clues and access to the audio stories

Expand each box below to access the clues and enter codes to unlock the audio stories.

Wellington Bridge

Clue

Clock the tower for news in the evening. Not nope? (3)

Enter Code

Monk Bridge Viaduct Garden

Clue

According to the map by the lift, which quarters do you reach first? (5)

Enter Code

Monk Bridge

Clue

By night, I can be seen in the sky. By day, you'll see me carved in stone. In Leeds, I come in threes. (4)

Enter Code

Whitehall Riverside Bridge

Clue

How many cables hold me up? Don't keep me in suspense! (2)

Enter Code

The Dark Arches

Clue

The sign is an insult to bridges. Give me strength! (4)

Enter Code

Victoria Bridge

Clue

The lamps give the bridge character. They all share the same three. (3)

Enter Code

Victoria Bridge

Clue

The lamps give the bridge character. They all share the same three. (3)

Enter Code

Victoria Bridge

Clue

The lamps give the bridge character. They all share the same three. (3)

Enter Code

Victoria Bridge

Clue

The lamps give the bridge character. They all share the same three. (3)

Enter Code

Victoria Bridge

Clue

The lamps give the bridge character. They all share the same three. (3)

Enter Code

David Oluwale Bridge

Clue

How many owls can you count on? (2)

Enter Code

Leeds Bridge

Clue

The Reverend Tunnicliffe formed a band. What's his Christian name? (5)

Enter Code

Centenary Bridge

Clue

Painted just above the water line, it beckons you to the landing place. (5)

Enter Code

Crown Point Bridge

Clue

How many segments make up the rim of the arch? Both sides count. (2)

Enter Code

Knight's Way Bridge

Clue

On 2 November, as if by magic, the bridge was declared open. By Mr Who? (4)

Enter Code

Citu Bridge

Clue