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.
Trinity Leeds is transforming Trinity Kitchen into the ultimate space to watch all the World Cup 2026 action together.
Looking for somewhere to cheer on England in the 2026 World Cup? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
Foodie hotspot Trinity Kitchen has been completely transformed into the ultimate fan zone with space for up to 1,000 cheering fans.
And they’ve made sure that nobody misses out on the action.
There are three super-sized 5x3m screens dotted around the space, so wherever you go you won’t miss out on a goal.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There’s also a brand-new bar courtesy of local favourites Northern Monk named the ‘Northern Monk Trinity Tap’.
The tap will feature two, seven-metre bars with a whopping 20 beer taps to keep you refreshed and hydrated during the tournament, because cheering the lads on really can be thirsty work.
If you don’t fancy a beer there’s also cocktails, wine and soft drinks on offer as well - so nobody has to miss out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Feeling peckish? Of course there’s 11 street food vendors serving match day meals and snacks to keep you fuelled through the games.
Choose from Caribbean jerk chicken from Jerk Junction, Indian street food from Rolawala and loads more.
Entry is completely free but if you’re after a reserved seat on a table, tickets cost just £10.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “Trinity Kitchen will operate as normal during the day, transforming into a football fan zone in the evening.
“It will be one of the biggest World Cup venues in Leeds with three huge screens showing the games live and more dotted around Trinity Kitchen. There will be live roaming brass bands and DJs turning every England fixture into a true celebration.
“Fans can turn up and grab a space for free and we will also be offering table bookings for England games for those who want to guarantee the best spots to watch the drama unfold.
“Our line-up of street food vendors will serve bold flavours from around the world, while the all-new Northern Monk Trinity Tap will pour award-winning craft beers across 20 taps, making Trinity Kitchen the ultimate place to eat, drink and experience every unforgettable World Cup moment."
It’s all kicking off on Wednesday 17 June for England v Croatia. So rally your mates together, get your England shirts on and grab your tickets here.
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
News
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Sophie Smith -
9th October 2023 
