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 Night is 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 of Dreaming, this year’s Light Night is all about ‘Future Dreaming’.Over at The 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.
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 to LATCH: 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.
And of course it wouldn’t be an evening out at The Junction without some live music. Local songwriter BRANDER will be keeping the feel-good atmosphere alive on both nights with a curated list of tunes, whilst The Face Paint Parlour will keep the kids (and grown ups) entertained with UV face painting.
Read More:
- Don’t Settle. Live. – Take a look inside The Junction
- How to get exclusive discounts at local Leeds independents
- The best things to do in and around Wellington Place: the thriving neighbourhood in the heart of Leeds city centre
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.
Don’t Settle. Live – About 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.
Feature Image – Ulf Pedersen
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