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.
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.
Ryanair to be investigated for over charging parents to sit with their children
Emily Sergeant
Ryanair is being investigated by the Government’s leading regulator over charging parents to sit with their children.
Currently, Ryanair ’s terms and conditions require at least one parent to sit with their children aged two-11 when they fly, but this is done through what the airline calls a ‘mandatory family seat’, meaning the parent must pay in order for them to secure a seat next to their child.
This fee applies to both outbound and return flights, and typically costs around £8 each way – but for all other passengers, reserving a seat is optional.
And it’s this that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation .
Ryanair is being investigated over charging parents to sit with their children / Credit: Gerrie van der Walt (via Unsplash)
CMA evidence suggests this approach to seating is used across the majority of Ryanair’s UK routes, and the watchdog understands that Ryanair is the only major airline flying out of the UK to impose this charge.
Other airlines offer to seat children with a parent or guardian without the need for a paid-for adult seat reservation, or they allocate seats together automatically during booking for free.
The CMA says it’s investigating, in particular, whether Ryanair’s approach to seat reservations may mean parents are being charged for the airline to meet its child safety and disability‑related obligations as set out under aviation rules.
The watchdog wants to determine whether or not this practice is in line with consumer law, and whether the airline’s contract terms are ‘unfair’ if they put customers at an unfair disadvantage.
Under consumer law, businesses must show a total price that includes all unavoidable charges, rather than adding extra charges separately or later in the process, as this ensures consumers can effectively compare prices and understand the true cost of what they are buying.
“Lots of families save up to afford a summer holiday and we know that extra charges can quickly bump up the price,” commented Hayley Fletcher, who is the Senior Director of Consumer Protection at the CMA.
“Our investigation will consider Ryanair’s approach to family seat reservations and how the cost is presented to consumers to determine whether they comply with consumer law.
“For the past year, we’ve told businesses to ensure their customers are shown the total price upfront – those who don’t face the very real possibility of action from the CMA.”
At present, the CMA is currently at the beginning of its investigation, and has reached no conclusions about whether Ryanair has broken the law.
Daisy Jackson -
17th August 2026 
