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.
First Bus is partnering with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to support vulnerable women during pregnancy.
The bus operator is providing an incredible 1,000 day tickets to help vulnerable mums-to-be make appointments.
The free travel passes can be provided by maternity teams to women mainly from minority or disadvantaged communities, helping them to attent important check-ups and appointments.
A recent review of records estimates that 100 pregnant women every month struggle to make hospital appointments as they have no access to funding support or face other barriers to transport.
Image: Supplied
First Bus will provide 100 day tickets per month until March 2027 for midwives to distribute to women based on travel needs following a financial assessment which is carried out during their initial appointment with the maternity team.
Nada Abdul-Majid, Specialist Midwife Health Equity at the Trust, said: “I’ve seen first-hand how women struggle to get to their hospital appointments if they don’t have enough money to use public transport.
“Our Haamla team carry out home visits to these vulnerable women however, it is important that families are able to travel to the hospital for scans, doctors’ appointments, labour and obstetric emergencies.”
Zoe Hands, Managing Director of First Bus Franchising which includes the West Yorkshire region, said: “Supporting communities in the areas we serve means, where we can, being able to assist people in all stages of life. Nothing can be more important than helping to ensure the health and welfare of mothers-to-be and the benefits this will bring to their newborn children.
“We’re pleased to be working in partnership with the Trust and seeing the positive impact our travel support can make to the lives of vulnerable women in Leeds.
“We’re really grateful to First Bus for providing these tickets for women so they can receive maternity care without worrying about the cost of travel to and from appointments,” added Nada. “This will make a real difference to mothers and babies.”
Successful Sheffield charity walk returns to Meadowhall to support people living with dementia
Clementine Hall
Sheffield Hospitals Charity and Meadowhall have announced the return of the Red Shoe Walk for 2026.
After a hugely successful debut event last year that brought hundreds of people together and raised over £12,000 - The Red Shoe Walk is back.
The community event returns on Sunday 2nd August and will once again see families and friends walk the accessible route around Meadowhall to raise vital funds for people living with dementia across Sheffield.
The Red Shoe Walk was inspired by one woman's lifelong love of red shoes - a simple memory trigger that helps her connect with her past.
As you lace up, you're invited to take a moment to reflect on your own memories. Photos, music, familiar objects and special places can help bring back older memories and create a sense of connection.
Image: Supplied
Everyone taking part will walk a 2km route round Meadowhall. The walk starts at 10am with registrations open from 9am at the Summer Beach Club. The route is flat, accessible and suitable for all ages - so nobody has to miss out.
After the walk has finished you will get free access and unlimited rides until midday at Meadowhall's Summer Beach Club.
.Not only that, but singer songwriter Joe Carnall Jnr will perform live at the start of this year’s Red Shoe Walk.
Best known as a member of Sheffield-band Milburn and previously Reverend & The Makers, Joe will be joined by cast members from his brand-new musical ‘How Could I Forget?’ as part of the warm-up for the walk.
Image: Supplied
The musical is a heartfelt love letter to grandparents, inspired by Joe’s own family experience with dementia and loss. The show has sold out an impressive three nights at Sheffield Theatres and tickets have recently been released for the Carriageworks in Leeds.
Joe said: “My grandad passed away with dementia over 10 years ago and I got the inspiration for the musical from him. I want to do the walk with my three young children, reminisce and tell stories about him and connect with other people who have their own experiences of dementia.”
Beth Crackles, CEO of Sheffield Hospitals Charity said: “We’re thrilled with how the first ever Red Shoe Walk brought our community together in solidarity and are beyond excited to bring it back for 2026. It will be such a poignant moment to have Joe and the cast from ‘How Could I Forget’ perform live ahead of the walk, and we’re so grateful for their support.
"We hope to see lots of people there, walking together as a community to make a real difference for people living with dementia and their loved ones.”
Image: Supplied
Darren Pearce, Centre Director at Meadowhall said: “Dementia touches the lives of so many families across our local community, and we’re incredibly proud to be working with Sheffield Hospitals Charity to host the Red Shoe Walk for a second time.
“Building on the success of last year’s event – which raised over £10,000 for the charity – it’s brilliant to be welcoming Joe Carnall Jnr to perform this year. The performance will start the event perfectly, as people once again come together to raise vital funds for those affected by dementia throughout the city.”
Not only that, but football legends Tony Currie, John Pearson and John Breckin from Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United have also joined forces to back the walk, raising awareness and funds for dementia care across Sheffield.
Prices are £7 per adult, £4 per child, £18 for a family of four and under 3’s go free. Each ticket includes an exclusive Red Shoe Walk t-shirt to wear on the day, access to a range of exclusive discounts at participating Meadowhall retailers plus free entry and free rides at the Summer Beach Club until midday.
Sophie Smith -
9th October 2023 
