A festive rebellion for Leeds Corn Exchange this Christmas

The Corn Exchange does Steampunk for Christmas.

The historic Corn Exchange has swapped tinsel for top hats and candy canes for cogs as it goes alternative with its Christmas decorations this year.

Taking inspiration from the Steampunk trend, the Grade I listed building in the heart of Leeds is decked with 150 metres of garlands featuring bespoke products.

But the centre piece of the festive switch-up is a 20-foot high tree dressed with 35 handcrafted top hats, more than a dozen bespoke items including clocks and photo frames, gears and cogs as well as 250 baubles and over 50 metres of faux copper piping.

Cogs, pipes and picture frames make for this year's tree decorations.

Many of the features in the display are vintage items picked up from second-hand markets and upcycled products.Adam Warner, centre manager at Leeds Corn Exchange said: “Having had a traditional gold theme at the Corn Exchange for the past three years, we wanted to do something totally different this year and create a standout display to attract shoppers in the run-up to Christmas.

“While steampunk may not be what people traditionally associate with Christmas, the display fits perfectly with the impressive architecture of the building and the creative and independent approach to our retail offering. You won’t see another display like it anywhere across the UK, and the feedback we’ve received from tenants, customers and on social media has been extremely positive.”

Commercial decoration specialists Fizzco Projects kitted out tthe space in time for a Christmas shopping campaign taking inspiration from the annual steampunk festival in the company’s home city, Lincoln.