Temple Newsam will host Northern Lights, West Yorkshire's newest seasonal attraction.
Following sellout success in Newcastle last year, the acclaimed event is now making its debut in Leeds and it is going to be nothing short of spectacular.
Expected to attract over 100,000 visitors, a spectrum of illuminations and unique musical instalments will be set among the heritage gardens and picturesque woodlands of Temple Newsam.
Running from Thursday 21 November to Tuesday 31 December 2024, the jaw-dropping festival of light will take visitors on a journey of the beloved surroundings but in a new magical new light.
Images: Supplied
Visitors can expect a showcase of exclusive art installations and special effects from the UK’s leading lighting designers , along with interactive elements and festive photo moments, along a 90-minute route.
Approximately one mile in length, the light trail will feature 14 distinct illuminated zones along the way as well as vintage fairground rides and stalls serving a variety of festive treats, including mulled wine, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows.
Image: Supplied
Roxy Robinson, Creative Director at From the Fields said: “It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to deliver a completely new trail at such an iconic location, with so much history and heritage.
"We have big plans and cannot wait to deliver an experience like no other; one that welcomes everyone from all ages and backgrounds to come together. We’re proud to have an incredibly experienced and talented team of creators behind Northern Lights, who will help make this an unforgettable experience for all, while remaining as inclusive and accessible as possible.”
Images: Supplied
Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for resources, said: "We're delighted to be bringing the Northern Lights trail to Temple Newsam this Christmas, with stunning light installations and plenty of festive treats to be enjoyed.
"The people behind these lights are incredibly talented so we're looking forward to a full transformation of Temple Newsam's iconic grounds. It's going to be a great one for the whole family!"
Tickets for Northern Lights Leeds will go on sale Wednesday 3 July with prices starting from £13.95 for children and £19.50 for adults.
You can sign up to early bird access here to grab 20% off your tickets.
The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival has announced the dates for this year's festival.
This year's festival will explore the words of the celebrated Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour: "To make art is to say we are here."
These words will reflect the content of this year's festival, which aim to keep Palestinian stories alive; defy the erasure of history; and bring voices from the depths of destruction.
The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival will open Friday 13 November at the iconic Hyde Park Picture House with Life Support, a documentary about doctors in Gaza directed by Daniele Rugo.
Image: Supplied
The screening will be followed by a live Q&A with the director and doctors from the film, chaired by Healthworkers4Palestine.
Early programme highlights include the UK premiere of Conversation with the Sea, Muayad Alayan's family drama in which a 60-year-old Palestinian man in Jerusalem, ordered by an Israeli court to pay a debt allegedly owed by his son who drowned decades ago, sets out to discover what happened.
Also showing will be Maggie Lemere's documentary, Land of Canaan, follows Palestinian farmers and their olive trees, some more than 1,000 years old, and the fair-trade movement led by Dr Nasser Abufarha to protect them.
Image: Supplied
Frances Bernstein, Festival Director, said: “To make art is to say we are here. We chose the words of the celebrated Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour as this year's theme because they reflect what the programme is for: keeping Palestinian stories alive, defying the erasure of Palestinian history, culture and identity, and bringing voices from the depth of destruction to audiences in Leeds."
The full programme, guests and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks. You can find out more here.
Viral Yorkshire shop urges visitors to avoid weekends as huge queues form
Clementine Hall
A viral apothecary shop in Yorkshire has warned visitors about huge queues forming outside its doors, urging people to visit during the week if they want to avoid the crowds.
The Cabinet of Curiosities in Haworth has become a popular destination for those looking to really get into the autumn spirit.
And it seems like there's a lot of people who are looking to do so, as huge queues have been forming along the quaint cobbled streets of Haworth.
So much so, that owner Carolin had to issue a statement via The Cabinet of Curiosities Instagram page.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It reads: "Weekends in Haworth have become particularly busy during Autumn and we are so grateful to all those lovely souls who have patiently queued to visit the shop.
"We are so honoured that you are happy to wait to come in to our magical apothecary shop, and I can’t quite believe it when I look out of the windows and see the queue snaking up the cobbles. Be assured that the queue does move fast and it makes for a far more pleasurable visit if there are fewer people in the shop at once.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"If you would rather avoid the busy times it’s best to visit during the week if you can. Our shop is open 7 days a week 10-5, but to make sure all the shops in Haworth are open then Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are probably the best days to visit.
"We are doing our best to keep up with restocking and our fabulous workshop witches are busy blending, filling and packing every day to keep to keep the shelves stocked. We are humbled and forever grateful that you love our little shoppe, and hope you enjoy your potions and your visit to The Cabinet of Curiosities."
Clementine Hall -
22nd May 2024 
