
Dust off your wildest Hawaiian shirt, grab a deckchair, and soak up the summer’s most skin-tingling experience
After five consecutive sell-outs, Thackray Lates are back! And for one night only, we’re peeling back the science behind the body’s largest organ: skin.
Expect myth-busting talks, craft workshops, and live music. From tattooing to tanning, skincare to scar tissue – you’d be a flake to miss it.
The café will serve hot food, snacks and soft drinks, with a pop-up bar provided by Kirkstall Brewery.
And whatever you do, don’t forget the sun cream.
Here are some of the folks getting involved 👇
Thackray Lates is our series of adult-only evening events, exploring unusual topics and untold stories through talks, medical experiments, workshops and performances.
Feel the Burn: The History of Suntanning in Britain
Ever heard of strawberries, cucumbers, or cow bile as sunscreen?
Dr Charlotte Mathieson takes us on a fascinating (and sometimes daft) journey through Britain’s tanning history – from Victorian times to the mid-20th century.
Left on Red: The Rise and Fall of the Sunbed
Consider tanning culture and technologies in a new light, as Dr Fabiola Creed explores the history of tanning lotions, tablets and injections, as well as tanning ‘medical’ advice and addiction (‘tanorexia’).
The Healing Power of Tattoos
How did a tattoo artist become a key player in NHS patient care?
With over 15 years of experience, Tanya Buxton has made history as the first tattoo artist employed by the NHS, specialising in scar camouflage and 3D areola-nipple tattoos for breast cancer patients.
Enjoy a live demo and a fresh take on getting inked.
Life Drawing Class
Join artist Boris Cruse (North Lights Arts Centre, Chapel Allerton) for drop-in life drawing class – warts and all.
Herbal Skincare Lab
Horticulturist and community gardener Matilya Njau shows you how to craft natural skin balms and creams. And yes, you can take home a sample!
Beauty and The Bleach
Skincare 101
Scientist and award-winning skincare formulator Cheryl Woodman reveals what actually works when it comes to clear, calm, healthy skin.
Type of event: Lates