Now in it’s nineteenth year, the UK’s largest annual arts and light festival returns to Leeds next monthwith the theme 'Future Dreaming'.
The streets of Leeds will be transformed into an incredible illuminated playground when Light Night returns to the city this October.
Across Thursday 12 and Friday 13 October 2023 from 6:30 to 10:30pm, more than 50 breathtaking light installations, dynamic projections and spectacular interactive artworks are set to wow thousands of visitors to the highly anticipated, annual cultural event.
Here’s where you can find all the incredible pieces of art work and captivating performances by local, national and international artists around the city.
Millennium Square Zone
Image: Light Night Leeds
There are five beautiful art pieces to view in this zone, the most unmissable being the Theatre of Illumination at the Leeds Civic Hall which was originally commissioned for Light Night back in 2014. This digital spectacle of light and sound propels the historic architecture of Leeds Civic Hall into the next century with the explosive energy of a firework display.
Headrow Zone
Image: Light Night
The Headrow will welcome five installations, two more than last year's event andmake sure you head to the Leeds Art Gallery to see 'Journey into the Light' - a beautiful art piece by Chila Kumari Burman MBE who studied at Leeds Polytechnic.
Briggate Zone
There's a whopping seven installations to view at the Briggate Zone, including Harp -an immersive audio-visual outdoor installation which invites passers-by to form an orchestra for a moment.
Opera North will also be presenting 'The Drop' - where the companies talented musicians will transform the Howard Assembly Room into the depths of the ocean, plunging visitors below sea level.
Station Zone
Image: Light Night
Head to the Station Zone and be wowed by four illuminations. Don't miss out on 'Balloomi' - a breathtaking instillation that consists of balloons filled with air and white light that creates a glowing pyramid with simple light sequences. 'Public Trust' will also ask passers by to make a vow and examine the value of your word, this will be recorded and projected onto a giant board along with others.
Wellington Place Zone
Image: Light Night
Over in Park Square, step back in time to the ancient forest of Leodis which once existed where the city of Leeds now stands and enter an 'Enchanted Glade' filled with glowing flowers, fairies, and mystical stone circles.
And who can resist some free UV face paint? If you’re looking to really embrace the Light Night way of life, then head to the Family Friendly Fun area at Wellington Place.
For The Junction's Light Night debut, the area around the new neighbourhood will be covered in a lit-up installation entitled Droplets (pictured above), plus a huge projection from northern wellness organisation, Feel Good Club.
In addition to the installation, there will also be UV live artwork and face painting to get involved in, as well as food from Homeboy Pizza Co. and Threes A Crowd, live music from local artist BRANDER.
Those attending on the Friday night will also see the on-site bar with signature cocktails and a donation to LATCH: Leeds Action to Create Homes, will be made with every purchase.
South Bank Zone
Image: Light Night
Inspiring charity Simon on the Streets invites you to take 'A Walk in Their Shoes'. Embark on a journey across The David Oluwale Bridge to learn about homelessness, the impact of stigma and what we can all do to help.
Here you will also find a whopping eight other instillations, including a late-night entry to The Tetley and an invigorating 'Shipwrecked' pop-up production at The Royal Armouries which will have audiences captivated.
SOYO Zone (Quarry Hill)
Make sure to keep your eyes peeled and look up when around Quarry Hill as you don’t want to miss out on a huge illuminated pear outside The Playhouse named 'The World has gone Pear-shaped'. There's four other pieces to see here including 'The Service of Light' at the Leeds Minster which will see the Choir of Leeds Minster, accompanied by the Minster’s famous Harrison & Harrison organ, reciting beautiful British choral music.
University Zone
Fancy playing a game? Then head to the University Zone and have a go at 'Pixelate' which will transform gaming into a theatrical, immersive experience. You can also have a go at playing the piano with 'Piano Is A Nocturnal Animal', captivating music and light installation, inspired by the piano.
This zone is interactive as it gets, so don't be afraid get stuck in.
Outside the Centre
Image: Light Night
Venture outside the city centre and we're sure you'll love what you will find. With seven exhibitions spanning across Leeds' suburbs, there's something for everyone to spot venturing in and out of the city.
Explore the illuminated 'Ginnel' in Chapeltown which will be lit up with beautiful lanterns or venture to Elland Road to see the 'Luminosi Trees' - a large scale light and sound art installation featuring two six metre high light trees.
There's a gothic hall in the heart of the Peak District where you can enjoy a staycation with a difference - because it's completely TV-free.
Get ready to cosy up by the fire while soaking up everything this screen-free property in the Peak District has to offer.
This two bedroom, three bed gothic hall looks out onto some stunning views through its unique framed windows.
If you're up for a stroll, this staycation has many popular walking routes to the unique village of King Sterndale, Cheedale Stepping Stones and more.
There's a gothic hall in the Peak District that's completely TV-free / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
Only 10 minutes from Buxton and 15 minutes from Bakewell, this historic property is the perfect location for anyone wanting to explore more of Yorkshire.
Pictor Hall has a gorgeous landscape that can be enjoyed simply by opening the front door with an abundance of foliage and greenery surrounding the property.
And if you're still worried about the idea of being stuck without a TV, the Airbnb host has noted that the property has a variety of board games, books and free wifi.
Although, with Pictor Hall dating back to the 1700's, you'll probably spend a considerable amount of time gawking at all the impressive features and characteristics throughout.
Pictor Hall is an impressive 1700s property where you can have your own Yorkshire staycation / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
There's striking wooden beams, a vintage writers' desk, tables with old-timey carvings etched into the side, an array of big clay pots and a carved log that greets you upon arrival.
Previous visitors to this property have commented on Pictor Hall's "peaceful location", listing it as "amazing spot for a woodland getaway" and labelling the property as a "storybook cottage".
If you're up for staying in this gorgeous gothic Airbnb property while also having a mini digital detox, you can find out more and book your stay HERE.
Struggling to book a date? It's probably because our whole office is scrambling to enjoy their own staycation in this gothic hall.. sorry not sorry.
Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cruz | July 2026
Thomas Melia
July already? We're Cruz-ing through the year. Meet this Northern Indie rock band who've been crowned Audio North's latest Artist of the Month.
Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known by band-name Cruz, are well and truly making a name for themselves with a whole host of gig dates scattered throughout the Summer.
Live music lovers are about to become very familiar with the 'Disco Colour Beams' songwriters, as Cruz' Summer schedule includes Isle of Wight Festival, Truck Festival and two Sheffield dates.
The Sheff-based shows are special for the fourpiece as they're hometown shows at both Everywhere At Once Festival and the incredible Tramlines Festival - Congrats lads.
Cruz are feeling the love, as the reason they're heading out to Tramlines is because they were voted the Fans' Pick, and this recognition continues as they've been chosen by Audio North to be our Artist of the Month.
An interview with Cruz | Audio North's Artist of the Month: July
Cruz-ing there way from festival to festival this Summer, the Sheffield band sat down with Audio North to talk Artist of the Month title / Credit: Press Shots (supplied)
For those who don't know, introduce us to Cruz
Tom and Sam were jamming in early 2022 before deciding to start a band while looking for other members, with Ethan and Jamie finding out through friends of friends.
Ahead of their first live gig, Cruz were drummer-less, Ethan's recruitment was lifesaving for the band as he stepped up a week before and never looked back since, four years strong.
How has Sheffield shaped you as a band?
It's such a rich city full of creatives, music-based as well as even broader to art and culture, Sheffield isn't just a city, it's a support system.
When we were starting out we got involved with all the local gig venues, who are always on the lookout to champion upcoming bands, it was so nice.
Do you feel any connection to this city's musical heritage?
Pulp, Arctic Monkeys and Richard Hawley of course, Human League and Def Leppard, the list goes on.
Growing up in Sheffield and going to gigs at The Leadmill was so incredible too.
What have been some of your favourite live shows so far?
Sidney and Matilda is prominent to us because it's where we played our very first headline date. We also supported Overpass, which was our fifth show ever as the band as we know it, then playing our headline in the same room was awesome.
Sam, Tom, Jamie and Ethan, better known as Cruz, are making waves in the Sheffield music scene / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
If someone wanted to experience the Sheffield music scene, where would you take them?
The Washington does free shows with bands and acoustic sets, making it accessible for everyone. The majority of venues in Sheffield are always hosting gigs.
Kelham Island has a lot of free entry venues too, it's great, getting to watch four or five bands playing out all on one night in this current economy is top tier.
Tramlines and Tramlines Fringe is chaotic in the best way, you never know what to expect but you'll leave with a buzz of energy every single time.
What's some of your favourite songs by these artists?
'Soundcheck Your Soul' by The North they've got so many great tunes, they're an amazing band. Montello's 'Suit and Tie', 'Runaway Instead' The Rosadocs.
Playing out at various festivals across the UK, for this Sheffield act it's Tramlines which is the most important to them / Credit: Press Shot (supplied)
What's your favourite track off your newest EP?
Jamie picked 'Man of the People' quoting it as a 'Proper anthem', 'I Get By' is Ethan's pick, it's a track which has been in the works for a while but now the band have finally cracked the code.
While Sam's favourite song is 'Amsterdam' as it's the most personal to him and it's a chilled out number.
Clementine Hall -
22nd September 2023 
