Now in its 19th year, the theme for this year’s event will be “Future Dreaming”, inspired by LEEDS 2023 and with a series of pieces from around the globe which will imagine how Leeds and the rest of the world might look in the future.
Highlights for this year will include the impressive Evanescent, hosted by Leeds Dock and The Royal Armouries, which has been created by Australian design studio Atelier Sisu.
Standing more than eight metres tall, the remarkable artwork will give visitors the chance to walk amongst a series of large, illuminated and colourful bubbles accompanied by a spellbinding soundscape.
Elsewhere the iconic white facade of Leeds Civic Hall will see the return of one of Light Night’s most popular projections, with the building acting as the backdrop for Theatre of Illumination by artist Will Simpson.
Originally commissioned for the 2014 event, the mesmerising digital spectacle features a series of 3D optical illusions and projection mapping, combined with a thrilling soundtrack which together, will take visitors on a journey through time and space.
At Trinity Leeds, Yorkshire Circus will present Portals, which features a one-of-a-kind acrobatic performance inside an illuminated wheel.
On Park Square, a magical installation co-produced with the British Library will go back in time to the ancient forest of Leodis, with visitors strolling through a tranquil glade filled with glowing flowers, fairies, and mystical stone circles.
The piece, entitled Enchanted Glade, is inspired by British Library’s upcoming exhibition Fantasy: Realms of Imagination and features work by several artists.
With LEEDS 2023 and the Empire of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Light Night will also present works by two Netherlands-based artists – Studio Toer and Jonas Vorwerk, as well as collaborating with creative studio NOVAK on a unique activation of Making A Stand in City Square.
And at The Tetley, artists Harriet Lumby and Alan Hayes will present Emergence, a new large-scale sculpture incorporating moving light and an original soundscape by the NYX: electronic drone choir. The installation is sponsored by Aire Park.
Regularly attracting more than 100,000 people to the city centre over its two nights, Light Night’s installations take place in a series of zones across the city centre, with a number generously sponsored by a local business or organisation.
The Light Night team has also been working to make sure this year’s event is as energy efficient as possible as well as working with artists to encourage them to use energy efficient equipment in their installations.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “The stunning spectacle of Light Night is always one of the most anticipated occasions in our city’s events calendar, bringing tens of thousands of people together to enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience.
“It also exemplifies the very best of culture in Leeds, celebrating the power of the arts to engage and inspire while reinventing some of the city’s most celebrated and best-loved locations.
“Light Night also plays a huge part in supporting our local businesses and economy, generating important footfall and inward investment. As we continue to celebrate our landmark LEEDS 2023 Year of Culture, I’m sure this year’s event will be one to remember.”
A number of events will also take place outside the city centre including Harehills, Chapeltown, Meanwood and Burley.
For more details about Light Night Leeds, visit: https://www.lightnightleeds.co.uk and follow Light Night Leeds on social media.
