Yorkshire’s tech sector is attracting global attention as Leeds Digital Festival, the second largest digital sector event held in the UK, prepares to welcome an influx of overseas visitors ahead of its official start date in April.

The festival, which is the biggest UK tech event of its kind after London Tech Week, will host more than 60 events and expects to attract over 20,000 attendees which will include tech industry specialists from Europe, south east Asia and the US.

Festival director, Stuart Clarke, explained: “Leeds Digital Festival has grown rapidly in recent years to become one of the most significant digital events in the UK. Its reputation in the tech sector, like that of Leeds itself, has also grown internationally which we are seeing represented again in 2019.”

Among the keynote events already arranged are: Women in Leeds Digital, Super Connect Venture Lab for startups plus the return of Code. Global tech giants Amazon and Google are also planning to attend in order to present the latest tech news and innovations, and collaborate with local firms.

Leeds Digital Festival will run from Tuesday 23rd April to Friday 3rd May, and has already generated business in the area ahead of its official opening. Local creative agency Tall is partnering with the event as its official sponsor and marketing strategist..

The event’s lead sponsors are University of Leeds and Leeds City Council, and other sponsors include BJSS, Sky Betting and Gaming, Crisp Thinking, law firm Womble Bond Dickinson and the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership.

Adam Hildreth, founder and CEO of Crisp Thinking, added: “The Leeds Digital Festival has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and has put the spotlight on the incredible tech talent and innovation in the city.”