Leeds 2023 is backing the light fantastic

The city’s new international cultural festival is throwing its weight behind one of Leeds’s most spectacular annual arts events.

Leeds 2023 has this week been announced as the headline partner for October’s incredible Light Night Leeds, setting the stage for a dazzling demonstration of the city’s world class cultural offering.

Taking place over two night son October 4 and 5, the 14^th annual Light Night Leeds will see prominent locations across the city centre transformed by a stunning array of light and sound installations.

This year’s programme also includes work by a huge spectrum of more than 60 local, national and international artists and installations from countries including Spain, France, Germany, Belgium and Australia.

Sharon Watson, chair of the Leeds 2023 steering group, said the event represented a unique opportunity to show support for a cultural festival celebrating the best of arts in Leeds as well as celebrating the city’s impressive international links.

She said: “Light Night encapsulates the very best of culture in Leeds, bringing together artists from around the world for a stunning celebration of diversity, innovation and creativity.

“As we begin building our momentum towards 2023, we’re incredibly proud to be supporting this year’s event and to be laying down such a strong marker about our intention to invest in Leeds and help build on the city’s reputation as a global cultural city.”

Leeds 2023 will see the creation of a five-year, £35 million cultural programme of events and activities, culminating in a year of celebration in 2023.

The festival itself will showcase the unique cultural life of Leeds and bring the best global arts to the city in an international celebration.

Taking place on October 4 and 5, Light Night Leeds will see light and sound pieces taking place city centre landmarks around Leeds including The Queens Hotel, Kirkgate Market, Leeds Town Hall and Leeds Civic Hall.

Last year’s event attracted more than 80,000 people to the city centre, with this year’s Light Night having the theme of progress and innovation celebrating history, technology and social change.

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “We’re delighted to see Leeds 2023 and Light Night Leeds coming together to give our city’s world class cultural offering the platform it deserves.

“Each and every year, Light Night brings together tens of thousands of people from all of Leeds’s communities to experience an inspirational evening of beauty, creativity and ingenuity.

“There could be no better example of our city’s passion and enthusiasm for the arts and no stronger statement of intent about our determination to create a lasting cultural legacy over the next five years.”

For more information about light Night Leeds, visit: lightnightleeds.co.uk

For details about Leeds 2023, visit: http://leeds2023.co.uk/

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

Stuart Robinson

Communications Officer

Leeds City Council

Tel: 0113 378 9182 (please note my new number)

Email: stuart.robinson@leeds.gov.uk

www.leeds.gov.uk