Prepare for a dazzling spectacle as Light Night Leeds 2025 unveils its magic, with the iconic Queens Hotel becoming a canvas for the UK debut of “One Second Lovestory” by German artist Dirk Rauscher. This enchanting festival transforms Leeds into a city of light, celebrating its landmarks and fostering vivid international artistic collaborations for all to behold.
What is Light Night Leeds and what makes the 2025 event special?
Light Night Leeds is an annual festival that transforms the city with large-scale light installations, projections, and performances. The 2025 event features the UK debut of “One Second Lovestory” at The Queens Hotel, celebrating Leeds’ landmarks, community engagement, and international artistic collaboration.
The Transformation of a City Landmark
Every October, Leeds is bathed in a dazzling array of lights and creativity thanks to Light Night Leeds, an event that draws artists and visitors from across the globe. This year, one of the city’s most iconic buildings, The Queens Hotel – adjacent to Leeds train station – takes center stage as it is transformed into a canvas of animated romance. The landmark will host the UK debut of “One Second Lovestory,” a large-scale animated graphic novel projected onto its grand façade.
“One Second Lovestory” is the creation of German artist Dirk Rauscher. The installation brings to life the story of two strangers whose lives intersect in a fleeting but unforgettable moment at a bustling train station. Originally showcased in Lyon, France, the piece has been specially adapted and extended for Leeds, honoring the city’s deep ties to rail travel and celebrating the bicentennial of the modern passenger railway. Sponsored by Markel, the projection will run from 6.45pm to 10pm on October 22 and 23, offering audiences multiple opportunities to witness the visual poem.
Rauscher describes his work as a reflection on the impact of brief, serendipitous encounters. He explained, “This is a visual poem about the perceptions of time, offering a lyrical reflection on how fleeting moments shape our reality. Dressed as a graphic novel, it’s telling the story of how the blink of an eye can make all the difference.” The piece resonates with Light Night Leeds’ 2025 theme of Landmarks, inviting visitors to contemplate both physical and personal milestones.
Artistic Highlights and Thematic Explorations
Light Night Leeds has long been revered for its diversity in artistic expression, and 2025 promises a particularly rich program. The festival collaborates with venues and outdoor spaces across the city, filling Leeds with a spectrum of large-scale projections, interactive light sculptures, street performances, and immersive installations. This year’s overarching theme – Landmarks – celebrates historic buildings, modern architectural feats, and significant public spaces, while prompting reflection on the places that shape individual and collective identities.
Other highlights include a new commission by Portuguese artists Ocubo, entitled “Portals: The Machine of Worlds.” Hosted at Leeds Civic Hall and co-produced by the British Library, this projection incorporates fantastical imagery drawn from the library’s vast collection. Visitors are invited to embark on a journey through universes of science, illusion, and discovery, making the experience both intellectually and visually stimulating.
The city’s cultural vibrancy and enthusiasm for the arts are evident in the festival’s ever-growing attendance. In 2024, Light Night Leeds attracted a record-breaking 210,400 visitors, a five percent increase from the previous year. The event’s inclusive appeal and innovative programming continue to draw diverse crowds, from local families to international tourists, all eager to participate in the city’s luminous celebration.
Community Engagement and Civic Pride
Light Night Leeds is not just an artistic spectacle – it is a unifying force for the city, fostering community engagement and shared cultural pride. Leeds City Council plays a pivotal role in supporting and promoting the event. Councillor Salma Arif, the council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles, and culture, emphasized the festival’s impact: “As always, we are very excited to be hosting Light Night Leeds again this year, an event that brings thousands of people together to experience and celebrate artistic ingenuity and our city.”
The festival’s ability to transform public spaces into interactive works of art encourages residents and visitors alike to explore Leeds with fresh eyes. Local businesses, artists, and volunteers collaborate to ensure the event’s success, showcasing the city’s talent and hospitality. The partnership with sponsors like Markel further underscores the importance of public-private cooperation in realizing ambitious cultural projects.
Light Night Leeds also prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity. With a wide range of free installations and activities spread throughout the city, the event ensures that people of all backgrounds can enjoy and participate in the festivities. Social media campaigns and an informative website keep the public engaged and informed, making it easy for everyone to plan their visit and immerse themselves in the city’s luminous transformation.
The Evolution of Light Night Leeds and Looking Forward
Since its inception, Light Night Leeds has evolved from a single evening event into a multi-day festival that encompasses the entire city. Each year, the program grows in scope and ambition, reflecting Leeds’ commitment to fostering artistic innovation and public engagement. The inclusion of internationally renowned artists like Dirk Rauscher and Ocubo demonstrates the festival’s international appeal and its status as a key date in the cultural calendar.
The event’s success is measured not only by visitor numbers but also by its broader impact on the city’s cultural landscape. By illuminating landmarks such as The Queens Hotel and Leeds Civic Hall, Light Night Leeds brings attention to the city’s architectural heritage and invites ongoing dialogue about the importance of public spaces. The festival also inspires participants to contemplate their own personal landmarks – moments, places, and experiences that shape their identities.
With plans already underway for future editions, Light Night Leeds continues to push boundaries and set new standards for urban cultural celebrations. Those interested in learning more or participating in upcoming events can stay updated via the official website and the festival’s active social media channels, ensuring that the spirit of discovery, creativity, and community remains at the heart of Leeds’ brightest nights.
- The Light Night Leeds 2025 festival will feature the UK debut of “One Second Lovestory” by German artist Dirk Rauscher, projected onto The Queens Hotel.
- “One Second Lovestory” is a large-scale animated graphic novel that depicts the intersection of two strangers’ lives at a train station.
- The artwork has been specially adapted for Leeds to honor the city’s railway heritage and celebrate the bicentennial of the modern passenger railway.
- Light Night Leeds 2025’s overarching theme is “Landmarks,” celebrating historic buildings, modern architecture, and significant public spaces.
- Another highlight for 2025 includes “Portals: The Machine of Worlds” by Portuguese artists Ocubo, projected at Leeds Civic Hall.