Leeds will be illuminated in neon lights this week, and that can only mean one thing.
The return of Light Night.
As one of the official markers of the autumn season,Light Nightis one of the key calendar events to bring people together across the city and celebrate an array of beautiful installations and pieces of artwork, all of which can only be seen once the skies go dark.
Over atThe Junction, the celebrations will be taken to a whole new level, with an on-site bar serving drinks, live circus performers and street food pop-ups serving delicious grub to get stuck into.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This has got to be one of the cosiest spots to take in the wonders of Light Night.
The Junction will be a standout location over the two spectacular nights, Thursday 24 and Friday 25 October.
The first installation at, ‘Globoscope’, is a magnificent immersive display of over 200 luminous spheres dotted across the landscape of the gardens. Located over Monk Bridge Viaduct, the light and sound pulse sequences will transform the gardens into a glowy, otherworldly landscape sure to awe visitors.
Image: Supplied
The second art installation, ‘Reflect’, is nestled in The Arches under Monk Bridge Viaduct, and is a mindful and meditative experience where shafts of light dance and bounce off moving water. Guided by an ambient soundtrack, attendees will trail their hands across the water and watch as ripples are reflected off the archway.
Beyond the incredible art instillations, The Junction will also welcome the Roller Girl Gang from 6:30-7:30pm, and Yorkshire Circus, hosting their event ‘Starlight Developing Artist LED Show + LED ‘have-a-go' area’ on the Multi Use Sports Pitch.
Younger visitors (and older, we don't judge) can also get involved with UV Face Painting, ensuring the whole family can take part in the festival fun.
Local Leeds traders Neighbourhood Fried Chicken and The Savvy Baker will be there to keep you fuelled up, and at The Junc Shed New Citizen will be hosting a bar serving up all the tipples.
Deliveroo and Coco Robotics are set to bring robot deliveries to Leeds through a new strategic partnership.
Next time you order a takeaway...let's just say, it could look a little different.
In the new exclusive partnership, Deliveroo and Coco Robotics are launching in multiple locations, beginning with Canary Wharf in London this October, before launching here in Leeds as well as Milton Keynes, Stockton on Tees and Nottingham in the coming weeks and months.
The rollout marks Coco Robotic's entry into the UK, extending the company’s broader expansion across Europe.
While the majority of orders will continue to be fulfilled by Deliveroo’s rider network, Coco’s fully electric robots are suited to short-distances and navigating urban environments, offering additional flexibility to local businesses on Deliveroo’s platform.
The robots operate at walking place, meaning they're able to move safely through busy streets whilst carrying orders directly to customers.
Image: Supplied
Miki Kuusi, CEO at Deliveroo and Head of DoorDash International: “London is where Deliveroo was born, so it feels fitting that we’re launching our first UK autonomous delivery service with Coco Robotics here before expanding our exclusive partnership to more towns and cities nationwide, building on our partnership in other geographies.
“We see huge potential in autonomous delivery and we are looking forward to working with Coco to bring more flexibility to our delivery network, helping local restaurants and shops meet increasing consumer demand. We firmly believe that robot and drone technology should benefit High Street businesses of all sizes, helping them remain competitive and meet consumers in new ways.”
Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning, said: "Our council is determined to embrace the opportunities offered by emerging technology. This approach has already helped establish Leeds as a location for hosting and advising on robot delivery trials.
“Supporting innovation means attracting investment. That's why we are now pleased to be working with Coco Robotics regarding the city’s future involvement in the UK rollout of their partnership with Deliveroo.
“We look forward to exploring the benefits that the rollout can bring to Leeds and its residents.”
Leeds microbrewery launches Crowdfunder campaign to open city centre taproom
Clementine Hall
A popular microbrewery in Leeds has launched a £40k Crowdfunder campaign to help them open a new taproom in the city centre.
Born in 2020, Tartarus Beers set out with the aim to produce high quality craft beer with a 'mythical edge'.
From a 100L kit to a 2500L brewery in Sheepscar just outside of Leeds city centre, they have grown to have a small cult following over the years.
They closed their Sheepscar taproom back in 2025, and now they're setting their sites on another location in the city centre so customers can enjoy a freshly poured pint of their lager, IPA or stout.
Images: Tartarus Brewery
And to help them get there, Tartarus have launched a Crowdfunder campaign of £40k asking their following to donate whatever they can to help them reach their goal.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Tartarus said: We are opening a bar in Leeds and would love your help!
"So many of you have asked when we would be opening our taproom or bar! We are excited to say the time is now!... or, well soon. Location to be announced but we can confirm it's in Leeds.
"We have launched a crowdfund and would love for you to get involved...We hope to see you all soon, at the Tartarus Tap!"
Images: Tartarus Brewery
"Expect international beers on tap and in the fridges, plus special events where we will be hosting international breweries! We will of course have a wide range of Tartarus Beers available on tap & in the fridges, plus meads, wines & no-low options. Oh and don't forget the rare bottles from our secret cellar."
So far, the campaign has raised £7,000 with prizes such as a branded t shirt, vouchers and discount cards available as incentives depending on how much you donate.
You can donate to the Tartarus Tap Crowdfunder here.
Clementine Hall -
21st October 2024 
