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 UK Aids Memorial Quilt is set to go on display across Wakefield this summer.
The quilt - consisting of 42 quilts and 23 individual panels, representing over 384 individuals affected by HIV and AIDS - will go on display at WX Wakefield from Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 June 2026.
All 42 quilts will be on display, with WX working in partnership with the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt Conservation Partnership.
Across the same weekend, selected individual panels will be displayed at different venues across the city including The Hepworth Wakefield, The Art House Wakefield, Theatre Royal Wakefield, Pontefract Castle and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Part of the world’s largest community art project, this is a huge opportunity for the city of Wakefield. The project started in the USA back in 1985 by activist Cleve Jones, commemorating friends, family and loved ones lost to AIDS.
Individual panels were then stitched together to create larger quilts, which were shown outdoors as a form of protest to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS.
Today, the quilt stands as a crucial reminder of those who were lost and of the continuing affect that HIV and AIDS has on the people of today.
At WX Wakefield, viewing the quilt is completely free and on Friday 5 June there will be a special late night opening up until 10:30pm to view the exhibition.
And on Saturday 6 June at 2:30pm, there will be a very special and poignant reading of the names of those commemorated on the quilt.
Featured image - UK AIDS Memorial Quilt, installation view at Tate Modern, June 2025. Photo: AM Hanson
News
Leeds’ first frozen yoghurt bar is opening in Headingley this weekend
Clementine Hall
The frozen yoghurt craze is on its way to Leeds as Kefiyo is set to open in Headingley in just a few days.
It's a phenomenon that has caught the attention of the TikTok and Instagram girlies as of late, with frozen yoghurt bars popping up in Manchester and going viral online.
The ice cold sweet treat is supposedly 'healthy' and with a slogan of 'eat Clean. feel Light. live Better.' - this new spot in Leeds seems to be going down that route too.
Kefiyo will be opening in the old Sixes site on Ash Road in Headingley, and they've just announced that they'll be soft launching this Sunday 19 April 2026.
The space is already sporting a super cute pastel green and pink exterior, and it's exactly matching the aesthetic that you'd expect with froyo.
Kefiyo will offer a range of frozen yoghurt flavours with a whole bunch of toppings for you to customise to your tastebuds, as well as fresh acai bowls.
Situated slap bang in the centre of Headingley, we've got a feeling it'll be very busy with students on their way to their morning lecture or at night for those looking for a sweet treat that doesn't feel too naughty.
We'll keep you updated on more Kefiyo updates as and when we find out.
But in the meantime, you can keep an eye on their socials here. We'll see you soon for a scoop Leeds.
Georgina Pellant -
3rd September 2021 
