Leeds ‘transformed’ as stunning Light Night festival returns

Leeds is set to shine again tonight with the return of the city’s annual dazzling light festival.

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

This is the first year that Light Night Leeds is held during half term.

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.

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. The programme runs from 6pm to 9.30pm.