Light Night Leeds has announced some changes to this year's glittering light festival, along with an exciting new theme.
For the first time in its history, the beloved, free light trail will take place during half term, making it more accessible than ever to families across West Yorkshire.
The streets will be filled with projections, immersive artworks, and light installations across two nights - 28 and 29 October.
Happily, that also means it will fall a week after the clocks have gone back, which means the full programme can benefit from the darker evenings and begin from 6pm.
Leeds City Council has now revealed the theme for its 2026 edition of Light Night, which will be centred around tales of the city's past and future.
With the theme 'A City Speaks…', this year's Light Night will form part of Leeds 400, marking 400 years since Leeds was granted its first Royal Charter by King Charles I.
Contemporary art installations like performances and projections across city landmarks will explore the stories, people and places that have shaped Leeds over the past four centuries.
Familiar streets and buildings will be totally transformed for two very special evenings, with more than 40 artworks to discover.
Light Night Leeds will return on 28 and 29 October 2026. Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Last year, Light Night Leeds attracted more than 200,000 visitors to the city.
The full programme for 2026 is set to be announced at the end of September.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, said: "Light Night Leeds really shows off our city in the best light each year, bringing thousands of people together to enjoy hugely impressive projections and immersive experiences.
"The event is so important for the city, helping to establish Leeds as a cultural destination while making art accessible to everyone.
"The move into October half term, when the evenings are darker and children are off school, will make it easier for even more families to experience everything Light Night Leeds has to offer.
"It's wonderful to see an event that has been such an important part of Leeds since 2005 also play a key role in the Leeds 400 celebrations, using contemporary creativity to explore our past while looking towards our future."
Light Night Leeds 2026 takes place on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 October, from 6pm to 9.30pm.
EasyJet will stop flying from Leeds Bradford Airport, the airline has announced, affecting flights to five popular destinations.
The budget airline has confirmed that flights from the Yorkshire airport to destinations including Paris and Barcelona will cease in the coming months.
EasyJet currently also operate routes to Belfast, Malaga, and Palma, whisking travellers from Leeds to sunnier climes and city breaks.
In a statement, EasyJet confirmed that it will pull out of Leeds Bradford Airport fully on 5 January, 2027.
They said: "Following a review of our routes from Leeds Bradford Airport, we have made the decision to no longer operate flights from the airport after 5 January.
"Our focus is on maintaining and developing routes which prove most popular with customers.
"We value the relationship we have built with Leeds Bradford Airport, and we always keep options for our network under review, with the aim of providing more choice and connectivity where we see demand."
They have stressed that flights will continue to operate as normal until 5 January.
Eight other airlines currently fly from LBA, including Ryanair and Jet2.
You can stay in this beautiful TV-free gothic hall in the Peak District
Thomas Melia
There's a gothic hall in the heart of the Peak District where you can enjoy a staycation with a difference - because it's completely TV-free.
Get ready to cosy up by the fire while soaking up everything this screen-free property in the Peak District has to offer.
This two bedroom, three bed gothic hall looks out onto some stunning views through its unique framed windows.
If you're up for a stroll, this staycation has many popular walking routes to the unique village of King Sterndale, Cheedale Stepping Stones and more.
There's a gothic hall in the Peak District that's completely TV-free / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
Only 10 minutes from Buxton and 15 minutes from Bakewell, this historic property is the perfect location for anyone wanting to explore more of Yorkshire.
Pictor Hall has a gorgeous landscape that can be enjoyed simply by opening the front door with an abundance of foliage and greenery surrounding the property.
And if you're still worried about the idea of being stuck without a TV, the Airbnb host has noted that the property has a variety of board games, books and free wifi.
Although, with Pictor Hall dating back to the 1700's, you'll probably spend a considerable amount of time gawking at all the impressive features and characteristics throughout.
Pictor Hall is an impressive 1700s property where you can have your own Yorkshire staycation / Credit: Airbnb (supplied)
There's striking wooden beams, a vintage writers' desk, tables with old-timey carvings etched into the side, an array of big clay pots and a carved log that greets you upon arrival.
Previous visitors to this property have commented on Pictor Hall's "peaceful location", listing it as "amazing spot for a woodland getaway" and labelling the property as a "storybook cottage".
If you're up for staying in this gorgeous gothic Airbnb property while also having a mini digital detox, you can find out more and book your stay HERE.
Struggling to book a date? It's probably because our whole office is scrambling to enjoy their own staycation in this gothic hall.. sorry not sorry.
Daisy Jackson -
17th August 2026 
