Leeds will be lit up in neon lights next 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.
Tying in nicely with the LEEDS2023 theme ofDreaming, this year's Light Night is all about‘Future Dreaming’.Over atThe Junction, the celebrations will be taken to a whole new level, with an on-site bar serving signature cocktails, live music and even a hog roast to tuck into.
This has got to be one of the cosiest spots to take in the wonders of Light Night.
The brand new neighbourhood has not only taken a spot on the Leeds skyline this year, but it's quickly becoming a go-to for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre, but still with close access to all the amenities and less than a ten minute walk from Leeds Train Station.
For the area's debut Light Night, The secret garden (yes, there's even a secret garden here) will be transformed by the work of UK-based artist Ulf Pedersen, with an installation entitled ‘Droplets’.
But there's far more here to explore than just the installation.
Wander over to Canal Quarters of The Junction to find a huge projection from northern wellness organisation,Feel Good Club.
Founded by wives Aimie and Kiera Lawlor-Skillen, the organisation has been projecting feel-good messages across cities, as well as owning their own cafe in Manchester. Feel Good Club does exactly what it says and shares important topics into the mainstream, like accepting that it's okay to talk about your mental health or putting yourself first, so we're excited to see what the organisation projects into Leeds on Light Night.
In addition to this, there will be a UV artwork collective taking place where visitors can add handprints or fingermarks to a giant canvas to create a unique piece of art.
UV interactive artwork and face painting will be available. / Image: Unsplash
For those looking for a bite to eat, Leeds indie favourites Homeboy Pizza Co. will be firing up the pizza oven on both nights, serving up those cheese-laden, tomato-covered slices of goodness that have been earning the pop-up pizzeria a glowing reputation around town.
And if that's not enough to get you drooling, local gastropub Three's A Crowd will be going mobile for the evening to bring a full hog roast down to The Junction and brownies from The Savvy Baker.
Drinkswise there will be a selection of proper winter warmers available. On the first evening, Thursday 12 October, visitors can grab a hot cider, beers and Prosecco whilst wandering through The Junction neighbourhood, and on Friday 13 October, the second day of Light Night, the winter warmer will be served alongside signature cocktails and all your usual bar favourites.
Every cocktail purchased on the Friday will give a donation toLATCH: Leeds Action to Create Homes, a local Leeds-based charity that helps to transform derelict and run-down houses in suburbs like Chapeltown, Harehills and Burley. There will also be the option to donate to LATCH at Thursday's events too.
All money raised will go towards sending the children supported by LATCH to a watch Show White at the Carriageworks Theatre this Christmas.
Homeboy Pizza Co. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
Three's A Crowd. / Image: The Hoot Leeds
And of course it wouldn't be an evening out at The Junction without some live music. Local songwriterBRANDER will be keeping the feel-good atmosphere alive on both nights with a curated list of tunes, whilst The Face Paint Parlourwill keep the kids (and grown ups) entertained with UV face painting.
Whilst the rest of Light Night is going to be a truly exciting night with plenty to explore around the city centre, we're certainly going to be spending plenty of our time down at The Junction.
The new green neighbourhood, featuring 665 apartments to rent, has emerged just moments from Leeds city centre – and it has some seriously swoon-worthy features.
Outdoor event spaces, private dining rooms, green spaces, 24 hour security, and the coolest walk to work in the city – that’s just the beginning.
Check out some of these amenities that everyone living at The Junction will be able to take advantage of right here.
From nights out to trips to the beach, Rebel Roots Theatre Company's latest production explores how spiking can change lives and why young people need to hear its message.
Imagine heading out with your mates, having what should be a brilliant night, only for one decision to change everything.
It's an uncomfortable thought, but it's one that Leeds-based Rebel Roots Theatre Company is bringing to the forefront with Aftermath, a play written by Lottie Burns that explores the devastating impact of spiking on individuals and their families.
At the centre of the story is Layla, a young woman preparing to leave home for university, and her father, David, who must confront the realities of women's safety as his daughter prepares to start a new chapter.
But Layla isn't the only one affected. Her brother Ethan is also spiked by his own friends during a trip to the beach, opening up another side to a conversation that often focuses predominantly on women.
His experience challenges the assumption that spiking is exclusively a women's issue, highlighting how men can also become victims, sometimes at the hands of people they trust. It raises important questions about male friendships, peer pressure and the way harmful behaviour can be dismissed as a joke.
Written by Burns while studying at Leeds Conservatoire, the play was inspired by growing concerns about spiking in 2021 and the way these fears were changing women's experiences of nights out.
Through Layla, Ethan and their father, David, Aftermath looks beyond the incident itself to explore its wider consequences, from damaged relationships to the difficult conversations that follow.
And it's exactly why this production deserves to reach young people in colleges and universities.
For many, heading to university means newfound independence, making new friends and experiencing student nightlife for the first time. Taking Aftermath into educational settings could help open young people's eyes to the realities of spiking, encouraging conversations around consent, trust, peer pressure and supporting those affected.
Rather than simply telling students to watch their drinks, the production offers an opportunity to understand the human consequences through a story they can connect with. It could also challenge audiences to reconsider their own behaviour and recognise when something that seems like a joke can have serious consequences.
The project has also received support from anti-spiking organisation CounterSpike. Rebel Roots Theatre Company is passionate about taking theatre beyond traditional venues, bringing new writing and important stories into pubs, community spaces and other accessible settings.
Ultimately, Aftermath is about more than one night out. It's about trust, family and the lasting impact of experiences that can affect anyone.
And if bringing this story into a college or university helps even one young person rethink their actions or better understand what someone else might go through, it's a conversation worth having.
We’re sure this production will enjoy another run thanks to its important message and core values. But if you want to catch it for yourself, you can see it this Saturday, 24 October, at The Attic in Leeds. It’s a pay-what-you-can event, starting at 7:30 pm, so don’t miss out.
Featured image - Supplied
News
A new bar dedicated to Guinness and games is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Sophie Smith -
9th October 2023 
