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.
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.
Beloved Leeds bistro ‘over the moon’ after being named one of the best restaurants in the UK
Clementine Hall
It's just another accolade for Bavette as the neighbourhood bistro is crowned one of the best in the UK.
And they're just as excited as we are.
Voted for by the industry's best, the National Restaurant Awards include a list of the country's top 100 restaurants every single year.
Although the official awards ceremony and numbered list will take place in June, last week the restaurants that will be included received an adorable box of confetti through the post.
And one of our very own, unsurprisingly, received just that.
Ever since opening back in 2024, Bavette Bistro nestled in the leafy suburb of Horsforth has made waves across the country for its sheer brilliance.
It's pretty much received five star reviews across the board and been handed awards from left, right and centre. And rightly so.
The Good Food Guide crowned Bavette the best local restaurant of 2024, and Michelin handed them a well deserved Bib Gourmand - so it's safe to say it's not just us who think it's really something special.
And now, they've earned themselves a coveted spot in the top 100 restaurants in the UK.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Here's what Bavette had to say after discovering the news: "Over the moon to get the news we’ve made it into @nationalrestaurantawards top 100 for this year.
"A list we’ve long since hugely admired and such a massive honour to make it this year. Voted for by industry grandees, the full list will be announced at their awards ceremony in June which we’ll be there for. Allez."
Congratulations Sandy, Clement and the wonderful team - this is absolutely so well deserved and we'll be cheering you on in June from the sidelines.
Clementine Hall -
22nd September 2023 
