In an unprecedented celebration of its cultural heritage, Leeds is set to become the world’s first city to host a city-wide Monopoly ‘takeover’ event. The iconic board game, beloved by many, will transform Leeds into a life-sized game board from 27 July to 1 September, inviting residents and visitors to embark on a unique and engaging adventure across the city.
The ‘Monopoly Leeds Takeover’ pays homage to the city’s historical connection to the game. Leeds was once the home of Waddingtons, the pioneering British manufacturer of board games and playing cards, who produced the UK version of Monopoly in the 1930s. Waddingtons’ contribution to Monopoly’s design included the famous London properties that have become iconic parts of the game. This event thus serves not only as an exciting city-wide scavenger hunt but also as a tribute to Leeds’ rich heritage in the gaming industry.
The city centre will be divided into eight themed zones, each representing different coloured sections of the Monopoly board. Participants will traverse 22 key locations, solving puzzles, playing mini-games, and discovering giant tokens scattered throughout. Among these tokens are the familiar battleship, boot, duck, iron, racing car, Scottie dog, top hat, and wheelbarrow, all of which will be located at prominent retail spots.
In an innovative twist, real streets and landmarks will serve as the game board, including notable transport hubs such as Leeds City Station, Leeds Bus Station, Wellington Place Lifting Tower, and Leeds Dock Water Taxi. The game’s utilities will be represented by unique photo opportunities, such as a floating tap and a giant light bulb. Additionally, participants might find themselves in a ‘Go to Jail’ cell, adding an element of the unexpected to their journey.
Players can easily participate by picking up a map highlighting the main game areas. The map will guide them through a series of puzzles and challenges as they navigate the city. Clues will be hidden in plain sight across various locations, and each property featured in the game will have an associated value. Participants can tally these values to determine how much it would cost to ‘buy back’ the city.
To enhance the immersive experience, students from the Leeds Conservatoire will be dressed as characters inspired by the Monopoly tokens. These guides will assist participants by checking puzzles, handing out stamps for correct answers, and providing hints. Prizes will be available at Community Chest and Chance locations, with additional getaway prize packages at the red hotel located at The Junction.
Further activities will complement the Monopoly takeover. Weekend workshops at Waterstones, hosted by the Bank of England, will offer educational fun, while MathsCity, an interactive discovery centre in Leeds, will feature mathematical games for visitors. This array of events ensures there is something for everyone, adding an extra layer of engagement and learning to the festivities.
In a statement, a local official expressed their excitement about the event, noting that it provides an innovative way to celebrate the city’s heritage while enlivening the city centre. By integrating the local streets and landmarks into the Monopoly game, the event creates a family-friendly activity that will not only entertain but also support local businesses by encouraging people to explore and engage with the city.
The ‘Monopoly Leeds Takeover’ promises to be an engaging and memorable experience, blending the nostalgic charm of the traditional board game with the vibrancy of modern-day Leeds. As participants navigate through this large-scale event, they will not only enjoy a fun-filled adventure but also connect with the historical and cultural fabric of the city.
Looking ahead, this innovative event could serve as a model for other cities, showcasing how cultural heritage can be celebrated through interactive and family-friendly activities. As Leeds embarks on this Monopoly-inspired journey, it sets a precedent for how urban spaces can be creatively utilised to honour local history and engage communities.
With the city poised for this unique transformation, the ‘Monopoly Leeds Takeover’ is set to become a highlight of the summer, offering an extraordinary blend of play, history, and community spirit.
