Marking its 20th year, Light Night Leeds will return transforming the city into a dazzling array of illuminated artworks.
Light Night Leeds is the UK’s largest annual arts and light festival and will return next Thursday 24 and Friday 25 October 2024, from 6 - 10pm.
Celebrating its 20th year in the city, this year's festival will welcome a mesmerising array of new creations as well as some popular artworks from previous years making a comeback.
With a colossal programme of artworks to view, we've highlighted ten of the best pieces covering all locations which you won't want to miss out on.
Monad at Leeds Dock
Image: Leeds City Council
Created by Norwegian artist Anastasia Isachsen, Monad, will be projected onto the water at Leeds Dock.
Inspired by the circular nature of life, rebirth and the universe, the piece will be accompanied by a compelling soundscape.
Where: The Dockside, Leeds Dock, LS10 1EG When: Thursday and Friday 6.45-10pm
Parallels at Aire Park
Image: Leeds City Council
Parallels will see thousands of multi-coloured laser beams pulse and flicker overhead to an amazing electronic soundscape.
Inspired by dynamic movement and tones from the natural environment, the stunning artwork is sure to be one of the highlights of this year’s event.
Where: Aire Park, The Tetley, Hunslet Road, LS10 1JQ When: Thursday and Friday 6.30-10pm
The Bookbinder at The Queens Hotel
Image: Leeds City Council
A magical journey into the realm of fiction and fairy tales The BookBinder is set to be one of the highly-anticipated cultural event’s most spectacular installations when it is projected onto the façade of the iconic Queens Hotel.
A collaboration with the British Library, the enchanting, large-scale artwork is inspired by their vast collection, and features a stunning, specially commissioned animation and an immersive soundscape.
Where: Queens Hotel, City Square, LS1 1PJ When: Thursday and Friday, 7pm-10pm. Performance duration: 10min (repeats throughout the evening)
Out of the Aire at Leeds Civic Hall
Image: Leeds City Council
The fantastic Out of the Aire returns after first being shown during a memorable Light Night 2017. With some updated content, the piece celebrates Leeds as a centre of innovation, engineering, sports and the arts.
Featuring Leeds singers and bands, Out of the Aire includes tributes to the testing of rocket powered torpedoes on Waterloo Lake, the world’s first motion picture and the city’s many sporting achievements.
Always one of the most popular performers at Light Night, The Spark Drummers return to Trinity Leeds for what’s sure to be a showstopping spectacle.
A mix of high-impact drumming, stunning costumes and kaleidoscopic lighting design the drummers interacts with the crowd during each performance.
Where: Trinity Leeds Main Atrium, LS1 5AR When: Thursday and Friday: 6pm 7pm, 8pm, 9pm (20min performances)
Dragon Heart Beats at The Royal Armouries
Image: Leeds City Council
Featuring a five metre fire-breathing dragon, this spectacular piece is inspired by carnival from Trinidad and Tobago.
Accompanied by high energy percussion and special fire effects, it’s set to be a magical performance.
Where: Armouries Square, Armouries Drive, LS10 1LT When: Thursday and Friday, 6.30pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm. Duration 15 minutes.
NocturnFox: The Silent Observer on Cookridge Street
Image: Leeds City Council
A striking illuminated fox will prowl the city centre, adorned with floral mandalas representing life cycles in nature.
One of a number of illuminated animals that can be spotted at this year’s event, including a giant hedgehog at Leeds Bus Station and two huge glowing owls at the Stourton Park and Ride.
Where: Cookridge Street, LS1 8TL When: Thursday and Friday, 6pm-10pm
Valkyrie at Soyo Square
Image: Leeds City Council
Crafted from recycled plastics, Valkyrie is a huge suspended glowing orb which responds to sound and voices.
Inspired by the Northern Lights, visitors will be able to create their own aurora by speaking into the sculpture, creating new colours to ripple across its surface.
Where: Soyo Square, LS2 7PA When: Thursday and Friday, 6pm-10pm
Ghost Caribou on Briggate
Image: Leeds City Council
A stunning street performance, Ghost caribou features giant illuminated creatures, part caribou, part spirit which roam a mystical world after dark.
With music, song and shadow puppets they tell stories of lost homes, impossible migrations and seeds of hope.
Where: 58 Briggate, LS1 6AS When: Thursday and Friday 6.10pm, 7.35pm and 9pm.
Celestial Sound Cloud at Wellington Place
Image: Leeds City Council
Celestial Sound Cloud is an interactive digital sound and light sculpture inspired by cosmic clouds and nebulas – the clouds of dust and gases in which stars are formed. Underneath the suspended sculpture, you can sing, move or dance to create your own visual and sound experience.
Where: Rose Walk Frames, 5 Wellington Place, LS1 4AP When: Thursday & Friday 6-10pm
The 2026 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon (RBLM) is nearly upon us.
And with thousands set to flood the region, we thought we'd round up all the important information you need to know, from waves and start times to the route and more.
Getting underway this weekend, this year marks just the third-ever edition of the modern Leeds Marathon, which was set up in honour of Rhinos legend and MND champion Rob Burrow in 2023.
In addition to over 12,000 locals, marathon enthusiasts, fantastic fundraisers and casual runners alike taking part in the 2025 RBLM , there are set to be even more spectators expected to line the streets, so it's best you're all kept in the loop.
So, without further ado, here's our comprehensive guide for the 2026 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon.
Hosted by Run For All yet again, this year's Leeds Marathon is set to be just as special.
What is the route?
Where else to start other than, well, with where the run will be starting?
Getting underway once again from the Headingley Stadium, the 26.2-mile slog will see Yorkshire's finest pass through the busy student district, as well as around Golden Acre Park, towards Bramhope, around Otley, into the city centre and back.
You can see the full route map down below.
Leeds Marathon Map 2026
If you're running it, you'll also be glad to see that there are a total of eight different toilet stops and water stations, meaning you'll have the opportunity to take any necessary breaks every few miles.
How to get there?
For those travelling to the start/finish line (yes, it finishes back at the iconic cricket ground too), it is advised that people avoid driving and use public transport where possible to avoid further congestion.
Upon arriving, the only way to access the start line on race day is via Gate G behind the western terrace of the cricket stadium off Kirkstall Road.
Spectator shuttles will also be running between Queenswood Drive and the two main spectator hubs: Adel and Otley. You can find out more details on where to watch HERE.
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon waves and start times
Now, as for start times, participants will be set off in waves depending on their estimated finish time, which corresponds to the colour of their bib.Wave start times
Blue – 09:00
Red – 09:04
Green & Yellow – 09:10
MND Wave – 09:19
Purple - 09:21
Meanwhile, those doing the half-marathon distance and fun runners will be starting at 10am.
Leeds Marathon road closures and travel advice
Now, it goes without saying that setting up a major marathon that spans all the way from Headingley to Leeds, passing through some of the busiest parts of West Yorkshire, involves quite a lot of logistical planning.
Luckily, Leeds City Council have worked closely with the event team to make the marathon route run as smoothly as possible whilst also trying to minimise the impact on traffic and general travel.
You can find a full breakdown of all the road closures for this year's Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon here.
So, for everyone taking on the Leeds Marathon to honour not just Rob Burrow but whoever they might be running it for, we wish you the best of luck and just know that you've already done him, us, yourselves and everyone else SO very proud.
Now go and smash it!
Featured Images — Run For All (supplied)
Feature
All of the best places to get matcha in Leeds City Centre
Clementine Hall
The Japanese green tea is having its moment, and we're absolutely here for it.
So, we've taken it upon ourselves to venture out and explore the city for the best matcha spots and trust us, we've found some good ones.
From your classic matcha latte to blue banana matcha, there's a tea-riffic matcha beverage to suit everyone (sorry).
So keep reading and pick out your next spot which you're keen to try.
RAW Coffee
10 Mill Hill, LS1 5DQ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're a bit of a matcha snob then this is the place to go as owners Anya and James pride themselves on serving up only real, authentic matcha.
And they're constantly coming up with unique specials too including the beautiful banana blue matcha which is the perfect gateway matcha for those of you who find the green stuff a bit too 'grassy'.
It's such a lovely spot and the staff are super friendly and will be happy to help you decide which matcha you're going to go for, to drink-in or takeaway.
Federal
Boar Lane, LS1 5DA
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Not only does this Aussie-style brunch spot make fantastic food but their matcha is flipping fantastic too. Coming in a range of flavours and perfect for on the go as they come in these adorable cans that look almost too good to crack open.
MADE
165 Lower Briggate, LS1 6LY
Image: The Hoot Leeds
New to Lower Briggate, this lovely new opening is home to super fresh acai bowls, hand-whisked matcha, Erewhon smoothie dupes, split cups, tuna-cado sarnies and wonderful staff to help you decide on your order.
Tsujiri
Leeds Kirkgate Market, Ludgate Hill, LS2 7HZ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now it wouldn't be a guide to matcha without Tsujiri, would it? These guys are committed to giving the people of Leeds some of the highest-grade Japanese green tea you can get your hands on.
It's the most authentic you'll find in the city, and you can even get it in the form of soft serve ice cream and decadent crepe cakes. Yum.
Cup + Lid
29 The Headrow, LS1 6PU
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Four words - White Chocolate Matcha Latte. Yep, that's what these hot chocolate specialists on The Headrow make and they're absolutely delicious.
You can also get your hands on loads of other matcha lattes, both hot and cold, including strawberry matcha, matcha milkshakes and vanilla matcha.
The Savvy Baker
27 Albion Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Famed for their epic bakes, The Savvy Baker on Albion Street also has a dedicated matcha bar inside it serving up some of the most creative flavours in the city. I mean they even do a cereal milk flavoured matcha, need we say more?
Pole Pole
60 North Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This calming little spot is serving up beautiful homemade cakes alongside fresh matcha; nestled just outside the city centre, it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle.
Sonder
27-28, Grand Arcade, 20 Merrion St, LS1 6PG
Images: The Hoot Leeds
For the most aesthetic matcha in Leeds, head to Sonder. The interior here will get you feeling like you've been transported to Ibiza as you relax on their beautiful boucle sofa and drink out of trendy glasses.
But it's not just all for show, the matcha is expertly made and you can even treat yourself to a matcha croisssant whilst you're at it.
Hii Grind
King Edward St, LS1 6BR
Matcha is known for its multiple health benefits, but if you want to multiply that then head to Hii. GRIND. This new spot inside Flannels specialise in bright, colourful and most of all healthy dishes that make you glow from within.
We're talking matcha lattes, vibrant acai bowls, juice and smoothies.
Clementine Hall -
17th October 2024 
