City shines as Light Night Leeds makes memorable return

With its huge programme of spectacular light projections and captivating sounds, Light Night Leeds will transform the city again tonight (29 Oct) to celebrate Leeds and its people.

One of the UK’s largest light festivals, this year’s event has the theme of ‘A City Speaks…’, forming part of Leeds 400 which marks 400 years since Leeds was granted its first Royal Charter by King Charles I.

Using light, projection, performance and immersive experiences, audiences are invited to see Leeds in new ways, celebrating everything that makes the city unique.

This is the first year that Light Night Leeds is held during half term, making it easier for families and visitors of all ages to experience everything on offer, stretching from Aire Park through the city centre and up to University of Leeds’ campus.

On Briggate, ‘Far, Far Away’ by Lightspray Visual, is a storybook creation in partnership with the British Library, sponsored by LNER. Taking visitors on a magical trip into the world of fairytales, the piece is inspired by the library’s own collection and the ideas and drawings of primary schoolchildren in Leeds.

At the Civic Hall, the large-scale projection ‘In Dual Light’ by Nele Fack and Niels Blondeel is a collaboration with the City of Maths, exploring the mathematical idea of duality through shapes dividing, overlapping and reconnecting across the building.

For another key projection at The Queens Hotel a beautiful ode to a life lived in Leeds takes centre stage with five decades of memories unfolding. ‘Call My Name, Call Me Home’ by ‘imitating the dog’ with Hope & Social showcases the city’s streets, bars and homes as they change throughout a life.

Several artworks are creating immersive experiences through a combination of lights and music, like ‘Eternal Ensemble’ at Leeds Minster, by ONYVA! Studio. The piece sees a cellist appearing to perform across multiple points, as spatial audio and immersive projection repeat, layer and transform the performance.

At Centenary Square in the SOYO zone, visitors can pick up a pair of headphones and step beneath a giant mirrorball for a silent disco with Stellar Creates’ piece ‘Happy as the Day is Long’. Thousands of coloured reflections dance across the night as the slowly turning sculpture transforms its surroundings into a landscape of moving light.

Light Night Leeds is organised and delivered by Leeds City Council with additional funding from Arts Council England, alongside support from sponsors, trusts and foundations based in Leeds, across the UK and internationally. 

Celebrations for Leeds 400 have taken place across the city throughout the year, marking 400 years since Leeds was awarded its first Royal Charter by King Charles I on 13 July 1626. 

Light Night Leeds has also welcomed international visitors, with an official delegation from Japan on a study visit to Leeds, and representatives from Leeds’ partner city Brno in the Czech Republic.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, said: “What a brilliant first night of Light Night Leeds we had, always a stunning evening bringing people together to experience something out of the ordinary.

“These beautiful artworks have transformed Leeds for an event which is hugely important for the city. It really showcases the community and creative spirit that we are so proud of, and it’s a massive credit to all the people, organisations and businesses who have shown their support and helped create it.”

For details of the full programme visit lightnightleeds.co.uk and follow Light Night Leeds on social media for more information. The programme runs from 6pm to 9.30pm.

ENDS