Leeds braced for launch of two years as UK’s first City of Maths

Leeds is set to become the UK’s first City of Maths, a new two-year initiative aimed at transforming the way people think and feel about the subject.

Launching in January, it will bring events including a month-long puzzle hunt and installations like a maths-themed play park to the city.

As part of the programme, schools, teachers and community groups across the city will also be delivered free maths resources.

Dr Katie Chicot, CEO of MathsWorldUK said: “Over the next two years, we aim to spark curiosity, boost confidence, and help people see maths differently.”

She said: “Leeds has always been a city of innovation, imagination and collaboration.

“We are thrilled that Leeds will be the trailblazer for City of Maths.

“We want people to feel good about maths.”

As well as free resources for schools, teachers and community groups, grants and funding will be made available to support maths education across the city over the next two years.

Cultural events and installations, including light shows, trails and even maths busking will also take place.

The UK’s first ever mathematical playground, which will be a permanent outdoor space in a park, will also be installed in the city, dedicated to exploring maths through play.

City of Maths is supported by TV personality and mathematician Johnny Ball who called the initiative a “wonderful chance for everyone to see how creative, fun and fascinating maths can be”.

“Maths is the language of the universe, it is everywhere you look, from the rhythm of music to the flight of a rugby ball,” he said.

“Once you see the magic of maths, you will never see the world the same way again.”

In celebration of the accolade, the city is to play host to a month-long puzzle hunt.

Puzzles will appear on 20 digital screens as well as billboards on key routes into the city.

Buses covering the 61 route travelling to and from the centre will also feature puzzles on their sides.

Ella Wild, project manager for City of Maths, said: “These puzzles capture what City of Maths is all about – having a go, getting curious, and discovering that maths can be fun.

“Maths isn’t just for ‘maths people’ – it’s for curious people.”