Cutting arena's ribbon

The formal official opening honours at the First Direct Arena were performed by Leeds City Council leader Councillor Keith Wakefield, who cut a ribbon across the main entrance to symbolically welcome in the crowds.

He was joined by Lord Mayor councillor Tom Murray and the arena's general manager Ben Williams. It marks the beginning of an opening fortnight of varied events, featuring diverse acts such as the legendary Leonard Cohen, local rock heroes Kaiser Chiefs and classical supremo Andrea Bocelli.