Now in it’s nineteenth year, the UK’s largest annual arts and light festival returns to Leeds next monthwith the theme 'Future Dreaming'.
The streets of Leeds will be transformed into an incredible illuminated playground when Light Night returns to the city this October.
Across Thursday 12 and Friday 13 October 2023 from 6:30 to 10:30pm, more than 50 breathtaking light installations, dynamic projections and spectacular interactive artworks are set to wow thousands of visitors to the highly anticipated, annual cultural event.
Here’s where you can find all the incredible pieces of art work and captivating performances by local, national and international artists around the city.
Millennium Square Zone
Image: Light Night Leeds
There are five beautiful art pieces to view in this zone, the most unmissable being the Theatre of Illumination at the Leeds Civic Hall which was originally commissioned for Light Night back in 2014. This digital spectacle of light and sound propels the historic architecture of Leeds Civic Hall into the next century with the explosive energy of a firework display.
Headrow Zone
Image: Light Night
The Headrow will welcome five installations, two more than last year's event andmake sure you head to the Leeds Art Gallery to see 'Journey into the Light' - a beautiful art piece by Chila Kumari Burman MBE who studied at Leeds Polytechnic.
Briggate Zone
There's a whopping seven installations to view at the Briggate Zone, including Harp -an immersive audio-visual outdoor installation which invites passers-by to form an orchestra for a moment.
Opera North will also be presenting 'The Drop' - where the companies talented musicians will transform the Howard Assembly Room into the depths of the ocean, plunging visitors below sea level.
Station Zone
Image: Light Night
Head to the Station Zone and be wowed by four illuminations. Don't miss out on 'Balloomi' - a breathtaking instillation that consists of balloons filled with air and white light that creates a glowing pyramid with simple light sequences. 'Public Trust' will also ask passers by to make a vow and examine the value of your word, this will be recorded and projected onto a giant board along with others.
Wellington Place Zone
Image: Light Night
Over in Park Square, step back in time to the ancient forest of Leodis which once existed where the city of Leeds now stands and enter an 'Enchanted Glade' filled with glowing flowers, fairies, and mystical stone circles.
And who can resist some free UV face paint? If you’re looking to really embrace the Light Night way of life, then head to the Family Friendly Fun area at Wellington Place.
For The Junction's Light Night debut, the area around the new neighbourhood will be covered in a lit-up installation entitled Droplets (pictured above), plus a huge projection from northern wellness organisation, Feel Good Club.
In addition to the installation, there will also be UV live artwork and face painting to get involved in, as well as food from Homeboy Pizza Co. and Threes A Crowd, live music from local artist BRANDER.
Those attending on the Friday night will also see the on-site bar with signature cocktails and a donation to LATCH: Leeds Action to Create Homes, will be made with every purchase.
South Bank Zone
Image: Light Night
Inspiring charity Simon on the Streets invites you to take 'A Walk in Their Shoes'. Embark on a journey across The David Oluwale Bridge to learn about homelessness, the impact of stigma and what we can all do to help.
Here you will also find a whopping eight other instillations, including a late-night entry to The Tetley and an invigorating 'Shipwrecked' pop-up production at The Royal Armouries which will have audiences captivated.
SOYO Zone (Quarry Hill)
Make sure to keep your eyes peeled and look up when around Quarry Hill as you don’t want to miss out on a huge illuminated pear outside The Playhouse named 'The World has gone Pear-shaped'. There's four other pieces to see here including 'The Service of Light' at the Leeds Minster which will see the Choir of Leeds Minster, accompanied by the Minster’s famous Harrison & Harrison organ, reciting beautiful British choral music.
University Zone
Fancy playing a game? Then head to the University Zone and have a go at 'Pixelate' which will transform gaming into a theatrical, immersive experience. You can also have a go at playing the piano with 'Piano Is A Nocturnal Animal', captivating music and light installation, inspired by the piano.
This zone is interactive as it gets, so don't be afraid get stuck in.
Outside the Centre
Image: Light Night
Venture outside the city centre and we're sure you'll love what you will find. With seven exhibitions spanning across Leeds' suburbs, there's something for everyone to spot venturing in and out of the city.
Explore the illuminated 'Ginnel' in Chapeltown which will be lit up with beautiful lanterns or venture to Elland Road to see the 'Luminosi Trees' - a large scale light and sound art installation featuring two six metre high light trees.
The North is full of amazing artists, and we’re spotlighting one every single month – it's time to go 'Rollin' with Cole LC
Leeds' own Cole LC has got very far doing his "little music thing" and has seen him reach all new heights as his upcoming project suggests with its title West Yorkshire to Westend Show
This musician has built a pretty distinctive artistic style that fuses rap, all while making sure his West Yorkshire identity was kept in the forefront.
That's because, all of Cole's visuals have been filmed across the city at some pretty recognisable spots like Kirkgate Market, City Varieties and Belgrave Music Hall.
So far, this local lad has captured the attention of music lovers with songs like 'Westbrook' and 'Your Tings My Ting' both having over one million streams.
Now, Cole LC sits down to talk all about being Audio North's ‘Artist of the Month’ and shares more teasers about his highly-anticipated EP.
An interview with Cole LC - Audio North's Artist of the Month
Audio North's Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026 / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
What can we expect from your upcoming EP?
This is my first big release in quite a while after the release of Favourite Version in 2023 and I've done a lot of growing. I started writing last Summer when I was going through a tough period but it's gone onto create some of my best songwriting stories. It's a one big note to self that I hope helps other people out.
What is it like being a Northern independent artist?
I grew up in Roundhay with my family and Leeds as a city has had a monumental impact on what I do as an artist. By being close to the city centre, it has allowed me to be exposed to different types of music, soaking up all these genres has helped influence what I do now.
How do you think Leeds is shaping the UK music scene?
This city is a big credit to music and it's a testament to the musicians of Leeds having that talent but also being hardworking. It's also about authenticity and that's what we've got. The climate of music in general is very intense and there's lots of competition but the sheer talent here in Leeds makes it impossible for us to go unnoticed.
Cole LC has played a key part in Leeds' music scene / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
Who are some up and coming artists you're checking out?
Ellur and you spell it "Ell-uh" because she's from Bradford. She's an Alt-pop artist who I've been listening to a lot. I've also loved Charlotte Plank, especially her latest single 'crybby blue'. There's even Aaron Rowe who supported Lewis Capaldi.
What does a performance day look like for you?
I don't have a specific routine before a show. Practicing my lyrics is a big one and having a mint tea too.
What is your ultimate dream musically?
I'd love to perform whenever I like and just know people would be there and support me. I'd love the financial freedom to be able not worry and creative new tracks whenever whereever I want. Music is so powerful and speaks to everyone, I want to keep improving my quality and progress.
If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?
Probably Justin Bieber because of how much I love him, he's the greatest of all time, he just is. When I was 14 I was so fuming watching him and seeing how good he is, I thought he'd put be out of a job forever. He has some unreal albums.
What's next for Cole LC?
I can guarantee you new music every single month for 2026. I know a lot of people have been getting in touch regarding a headline show so I'm hoping to organise a gig. I'm also going to make sure I keep the connection with people who enjoy my music whether that's in person or online.
Neighbourhood Leeds bistro hailed as ‘a bit horny’ and ‘brilliant’ by national critic Camilla Long
Clementine Hall
Food critic Camilla Long visited Leeds for her latest review for The Times with her sights set on Horsforth's finest - Bavette Bistro.
Ever since opening back in 2024, Bavette Bistro nestled in the leafy suburb of Horsforth has made waves across the country for its sheer brilliance.
It's pretty much received five star reviews across the board and been handed awards from left, right and centre. And rightly so.
The Good Food Guide crowned Bavette the best local restaurant of 2024, and Michelin handed them a well deserved Bib Gourmand - so it's safe to say it's not just us who think it's really something special.
So it was only a matter of time until The Times popped in for a review, and this one is truly glowing.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The review labels Bavette as "warm, unmannered and unpretentious" as well as "authentically French".
Long describes the food as "gorgeous, confident, surprising" with a menu that "isn’t too long" and "filled with sturdy, noble dishes, whiffing mightily of the sea and the soil."
It continues: "All of it made with generosity and cheer, served fast by nimble waiters, with a long, if slightly eccentric, wine list. To bang out French dishes with this much fiddly detail and to do it to a full room is not easy. Yet all four courses came in under two hours, for about £75 a head, which in London terms is nothing.
"It’s not that this place was perfect, it’s that it was decidedly not perfect. A bit too much chat about the menus; the oeufs in the meurette not quite runny enough. But the point is: it didn’t matter. All of it came charmingly together. It felt relaxed, just right."
The review is then wrapped up with a pleasing five stars, the cherry on top of the cake.
It's a review only restaurants can dream of, and we can't think of a more deserving team - congratulations Bavette.
Clementine Hall -
22nd September 2023 
