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.
The foodie-favourite restaurant and bar is now under new management.
The eagle-eyed amongst you may have noticed that Woodside has sadly been closed for a few months.
We certainly have, and ever since December we've had a Woodside Sunday roast-shaped hole in our hearts that's been gasping for one of their glorious Marmite glazed parsnips.
But luckily, it has now been confirmed that Woodside isn't going anywhere as Superfriendz, the team behind Headrow House, Belgrave and many other top Leeds spots will be taking over. Hallelujah.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Woodside opened at the end of 2024 from the owners of The Brunswick and The Melbourne.
Labelling itself as a 'neighbourhood eatery and bar', Woodside quickly became a favourite amongst Leeds foodies and was known for its smoked meats, great cocktails and stellar Sunday roasts (do I need to talk about the parsnips again).
The menu was fresh and innovative, with oysters topped with kiwi granita and an incredibly garish banana split standing out as highlights.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
We hope that the new management continues to maintain Woodside's brilliance, but mainly we're just so glad that it's sticking around.
Superfriendz take care of a whole host of spots in the city, including proper Leeds favourites Headrow House, Belgrave Music Hall and Waterlane Boathouse.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Woodside said: "After a longer-than-expected winter break, Woodside is back and will reopen on Thursday 19th March!
"Your favourite neighbourhood bar and eatery returns with the same warm welcome, but an all new management team.
"We can’t wait to see you so keep your eyes on our socials for news on great food and drinks, big screen sports, quizzes and more.
"We’d also like to thank Sam and the original team for all the hard work that went into setting-up the venue. We hope we can do it justice."
A new female-founded business has opened in Leeds and it’s a trinket-lover’s paradise
Clementine Hall
Lisa Angel has just opened inside the Victoria Gate and it’s an Aladdin’s Cave full of jewellery, prints, gifts and everything in between.
The best part? It’s a female-founded brand that has chosen our wonderful city for their first Yorkshire site. We absolutely don't blame them.
Founded in 2004 by Lisa hand making jewellery which she sold at craft fairs local to her Norfolk home, the business has gone from strength to strength every since.
The brand is now a recognised part of the British high street landscape, boasting seven other stores across Norfolk, Suffolk, and the Midlands.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Shoppers can expect beautifully handcrafted jewellery, unique trinkets and wonderful staff who are open to have a natter.
It's the perfect shop for when you don't exactly know what to buy that someone special, just pop in here and you'll be hit with a wave of inspiration immediately.
We could've genuinely spent a good hour in there and come out with a much lighter wallet.
Lisa herself spoke about the opening: “As an independent retailer, we are thrilled to launch in a destination with such a reputation as Victoria Leeds.
"We believe retail should remain grounded in inspiration and discovery, and we look forward to bringing just that to the vibrant city of Leeds, in our first store in the north.”
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Managing Director James Moody said: “We're incredibly excited to be opening our first northern showcase store in such a prestigious location.
"Victoria Leeds represents exactly the kind of vibrant retail destination where we can bring the full Lisa Angel experience to new customers. This is a significant milestone for us as we continue to grow our retail presence."
Georgina Pellant -
3rd September 2021 
