80,000 flock to '˜unforgettable' Leeds Light Night

Some 80,000 people flocked to the centre of Leeds to marvel at the dazzling displays of the city's Light Night festival, the council revealed.
PIC: Simon HulmePIC: Simon Hulme
PIC: Simon Hulme

For two nights over October 6 and 7 the city was transformed into a sea of colour as iconic landmarks were illuminated by more than 50 installations, events and performances.

And in Victoria Gardens hundreds of families gathered to see the culmination of the city’s first light triathlon, which included a water-themed lantern parade, brightly-lit cyclists and runners with glow sticks.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Other highlights included a 100ft digital waterfall beamed on to Queens Hotel on City Square while Merrion Gardens was filled with giant illuminated dandelions.

Leader of Leeds City Council Judith Blake said: “Light Night was an unforgettable occasion, bringing thousands of people of all ages together at the heart of the city centre for a truly unique experience.”

Leeds Civic Hall was lit up with a ‘Phoenix in the Stone’ display created by brothers Rob and Matt Vale.

The projection told the story of the mythical bird which symbolised the different parts of Yorkshire working together.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Light Night was organised by Leeds City Council in association with the Leeds Business Improvement District and last week was the first time it was held over two nights in its 12-year history.

It was also broadcast online with live videos of the event on Facebook receiving nearly 20,000 views.

Coun Blake added: “The unprecedented breadth, scale and scope of this year’s event has made a huge statement about Leeds’s credentials as a city which embraces artistic invention, creative ingenuity and cultural diversity.”

“As we continue our efforts to become European Capital of Culture 2023, Light Night will stand as a shining example of how we want to showcase exactly what culture means to Leeds and the people who live here.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Have you downloaded the free YEP app available on Android and iphone?