Christmas in Leeds set to get brighter thanks to new lights and art trail experience

OLD AND NEW: A modern twist at Trinity Church. IMAGE: Jordan Harrison-Reader

From an angel spirit hovering over commuters in Leeds railway station to 20,000 LED lights twinkling in the trees of Park Square and a waterfall of light cascading down the 18th century Holy Trinity Church, there are 14 spectacles that will be  created around the city for shoppers, families and visitors to enjoy.

The installations and sculptures have been created by city artists in conjunction with Leeds Business Improvement District (BID) and other city organisations such as Leeds College of Art, East Street Arts, Visit Leeds and the Corn Exchange.

A trail map has been produced which will be available later this month for people to follow.

The key aims behind the project are to bring the festive feeling to wider parts of the city with more decorations, encourage visitors to parts of Leeds they wouldn’t normally go, encourage footfall to shops and businesses and provide an attraction for the whole family to enjoy.

Martin Dickson, head of marketing for Leeds BID said: “Last year there was not enough magic or enjoyment and the offering was not clever enough. There were some people in parts of Park Row that did not even know it was Christmas.

“We are trying to do something bold and innovative but where there is something for everyone.

“We were also surprised which bits of the city centre people didn’t know about or don’t go to so we are moving people around.”

Those looking to get into the festive spirit nice and early can do so tonight when the public will be given an idea of the sort of spectacular installations set to light up the city centre. A waterfall of lights will cascade over the Georgian Church combining old and new. Other Christmas crackers will include a 60 ft Trinity Kissmass Tree which lights up red with a ‘Christmas kiss’ below and an enchanted forest which leads to a world of haute couture will form the window display at Harvey Nichols. Across the city, Leeds College of Art brings a 3D interplay and projection to the O2 Academy.