Light Night Leeds, Leeds annual festival of light and art, will return to the city next month it has been confirmed.
Landing in the city centre across two days in October, the major event will shine a light on the city as it brings with it a host of gorgeous artworks showcasing a. brilliant display of light and art.
For the past 17 years, the festival has long been an annual occurrence in the city and one we always look forward to.
Initially in January organisers had warned that restrictions may get in the way, but with the progress made on the recovery roadmap its now possible for it to go ahead in full swing - with organisers confirming it will return.to the city centre over two incredible nights in October,
Some of Leeds's most recognisable indoor and outdoor spaces will be transformed, with local, national and international artists all contributing new spectacular pieces to this year's festival.
Inviting people to see the city in a new light and discover free arts events across the city centre, the festival will bring everything from large-scale light projections and interactive installations to music, dance and street performances next month.
Confirming the event will go ahead, organisers recently posted to the festival's Facebook page saying:
"*Big News Klaxon* We’re very excited to announce that #LightNightLeeds will be returning on the 14th & 15th October!
"The UK’s largest annual light art festival will be back, and although there will be a slightly reduced programme due to current restrictions, we will once again be shining a light on our amazing city with a whole host of spectacular artworks.
"We’ll have more information for you over the coming weeks including; this year’s theme, sneak peeks at our amazing design work from Lee Goater, a look at which festival partners are supporting this year’s event and, of course, news on what artworks will be featured at this year’s festival.
"So make sure you are following us for all the updates and we can’t wait to see you in the autumn!
Taking place on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 October 2021, the festival is currently also on the hunt for volunteers to assist.
Promising the chance to meet new people and see some great art, if you are interested they've directed people to get in touch via email.
If you’ve been wondering why you’re seeing a lot of free pizza lately, we’re here to explain the current Franco Manca pizza ‘run trend’.
And yes, we were the foolish ones enough to have not quizzed any of our jogging chums until now, meaning we’ve missed out on more money and free pizza. Sigh.
Nevermind, though, because at least we spotted it before the end of the month (this being Franco Manca’s main January deal), and we dare say that now you’ve heard about it, you’ll see plenty others popping up on social media with their free slices.
That’s right, it may be a very thin slice with a very long and thin slice, but that is as much of a pizza slice outline as we needed to qualify for the current deal.
Yes, we’re aware that the actual pepperonis on ours are more square than most – listen, we did our best, and we’ve certainly seen people pulling off better overall shaped pizzas than us; that’s part of the fun/and or challenge.
For instance, we didn’t mean for our picture to come out with one long crust running down either…
So, how does it work, you ask? Well, it’s quite simple, to be fair. All you have to do is run a pizza-shaped route (any pizza shape works, by the way), map your route on the likes of Strava or Apple Fitness, etc., then show your creation at your nearest and claim a quid off for every kilometre you run.
As advertised on the ‘Map My Pizza Run’ page on their website, the aim isn’t about putting pressure or hitting a strict target; you simply get rewarded the longer you go.
Here’s a handy example from a local running content creator for you:
There are some stipulations, such as not being used in conjunction with any other offer, one pizza map being valid per person, and the route has to have been run in January. You can find the full terms and conditions HERE.
Oh, and technically, you can do it however you like: run, walk, cycle – you name it. Other than that, we’ve pretty much given you all the info you need to know, so go and get yourself some free pizza.
UK punk icons The Stranglers announced as latest headliner of outdoor concert series
Clementine Hall
The Stranglers have been announced as the third headliner of 'Live At Tileyard North'.
The new two-week series of outdoor live music will take place in central Wakefield, with The Stranglers taking to the stage on Friday 21 August at the historic courtyard of Rutland Mills.
Formed back in 1974, The Stranglers quickly made a name for themselves by embracing the punk movement of the late 70s.
Their first three albums (Rattus Norvegicus, No More Heroes and Black and White) were released within just 13 months of each other, scoring hit singles with ‘Peaches’, ‘No More Heroes’ and ‘Walk On By’.
Image: Supplied
In 2024 The Stranglers’ 50th anniversary year featured celebratory sell-out tours across the world and headline slots at festivals worldwide, including a sell-out performance at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall.
The Stranglers will be joined by a full supporting line-up including fellow punk legends Buzzcocks as well as alternative-indie quintet FEET and buzzy Irish garage rock trio Adore.
Previously announced Live at Tileyard North headliners include the Vaccines, who will be in Wakefield performing their critically acclaimed 2011 debut album What Did You Expect From the Vaccines? in full to celebrate 15 years since its release on Sunday 30 August, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor who will headline the outdoor venue on Thursday 27 August.
It's safe to say it will be a very fun two weeks indeed, now we just need to wait until summer arrives.
Postcode pre-sale for residents local to Tileyard North (WF1, WF2, WF3, WF4, WF5, WF6) will open at 10am on Wednesday 21 January here with general sale opening at 10am on Friday 23 January here.
Georgina Pellant -
3rd September 2021 
