Light Night Leeds is a captivating cultural festival lighting up the city on October 24 and 25, showcasing stunning illuminated artworks like The BookBinder at the iconic Queens Hotel. Created by brothers Rob and Matt Vale in collaboration with the British Library, this enchanting installation promises to mesmerize 200,000 attendees while boosting the local economy and celebrating Leeds’ rich cultural heritage.
What is Light Night Leeds?
Light Night Leeds is a cultural festival that transforms the city with illuminated artworks and performances. The event engages the community, enhances local economy, and showcases Leeds’ cultural heritage through digital art. The BookBinder, a key attraction, is a collaboration with the British Library, using their Flickr Commons collection to create a narrative projection on the Queens Hotel.
Enchanting Transformation of City’s Landmarks
The upcoming Light Night Leeds promises to cast a mesmerizing glow over the city, turning architectural masterpieces into canvases for storytelling. The BookBinder, a fusion of animation and sound, will grace the Queens Hotel on October 24 and 25. This spectacle is a product of the creative minds at Illuminos, brothers Rob and Matt Vale, and their collaboration with the British Library. Visitors can anticipate an immersive experience as they witness a whimsical parade of characters dancing on the hotel’s façade.
The Vales have tapped into the British Library’s Flickr Commons collection, which hosts a multitude of images, to design this narrative-driven installation. Rob Vale, representing Illuminos, shared his excitement:
“We’re delighted to be bringing a new and exciting piece to Light Night Leeds, working directly with the British Library to bring some of the remarkable gems that can be found in their Flickr Commons collection to life through The BookBinder.”
The BookBinder is not just an art installation, it represents a clever blend of Leeds’ cultural heritage and the transformative power of digital art in public spaces.
Public Engagement and Economic Impact
Light Night Leeds is more than just an art show; it’s a cultural event that fosters community and promotes economic vitality. Jamie Andrews, Director of Public Engagement at the British Library, emphasizes the value of this collaboration:
“At the British Library, we are thrilled to again be involved with Light Night Leeds, a unique festival that brings art into public spaces in the city, brightening up dark autumn evenings.”
The festival’s impact is significant, with a record 200,000 attendees last year contributing an estimated £3.5m to the local economy. The event not only entertains but also strengthens bonds between local businesses and cultural institutions. Insurance company Markel, The Queens Hotel, and Schroders Personal Wealth have all thrown their support behind The BookBinder.
Speaking on the broader implications of the event, Councillor Salma Arif of Leeds City Council stated:
“Light Night is always an incredible spectacle, which transforms the city and brings thousands of people together to experience something truly special.”
Light Night Leeds is a beacon of the city’s commitment to arts and culture, promising to leave an indelible mark on anyone who witnesses its grandeur.
Festival Highlights and Visitor Information
As Light Night Leeds celebrates its 20th edition, the festival lineup is particularly impressive, with a diverse range of illuminated artworks and performances slated to take over Leeds. Beyond The BookBinder, attendees can look forward to other large-scale projections, interactive installations, and live street theatre. These features are set to populate some of the city’s most iconic locations, offering a transformative and interactive experience for all.
The public is warmly invited to partake in Light Night Leeds 2024, taking place from 6pm to 10pm on the aforementioned dates. This year’s program is supported by Leeds City Council and Arts Council England, among other sponsors. Details of the full program are set to be unveiled soon, and those eager for updates can find more information at:
Additionally, Light Night Leeds maintains an active presence on social media, allowing potential visitors to stay connected and informed.
ENDS
With its ethos of cultural collaboration and community engagement, Light Night Leeds is set to enchant visitors with a creative celebration that highlights the best of the city’s artistic and cultural tapestry. The BookBinder installation, just one piece of this elaborate mosaic, encapsulates the power of art to transform public spaces and foster shared experiences. As this year’s event approaches, it stands as a testament to Leeds’s vibrant cultural scene and the enduring appeal of art in the public domain.
- Light Night Leeds is a cultural festival taking place on October 24 and 25, featuring illuminated artworks like The BookBinder at the Queens Hotel.
- The BookBinder, created by brothers Rob and Matt Vale in collaboration with the British Library, will offer an immersive experience with a narrative projection on the hotel’s façade.
- The festival aims to enhance community engagement and boost the local economy, with 200,000 attendees last year contributing approximately £3.5 million.
- Light Night Leeds celebrates its 20th edition this year, showcasing a diverse range of illuminated artworks, interactive installations, and performances throughout the city.
- The event is supported by various sponsors, including Leeds City Council and Arts Council England, and encourages public participation from 6pm to 10pm on the festival dates.