Prepare to be dazzled as Light Night Leeds 2025 transforms the city into a radiant wonderland on October 23-24, illuminating iconic landmarks like the Queens Hotel and Leeds Civic Hall with breathtaking light installations and performance art. This free, citywide festival showcases the brilliant works of local and international artists, including Dirk Rauscher’s “One Second Lovestory” and Ocubo’s “Portals: The Machine of Worlds,” promising an unforgettable spectacle that celebrates art, innovation, and the vibrant spirit of Leeds.
What is Light Night Leeds 2025 and what can visitors expect?
Light Night Leeds 2025 is a free citywide festival on October 23-24, showcasing illuminated artworks, large-scale light projections, interactive installations, and performance art across Leeds’ landmarks. The event highlights local and international artists, celebrates the city’s culture, and draws thousands of visitors annually.
The Return of Light Night Leeds: A Celebration of Landmarks
Every October, Leeds transforms into a vibrant canvas when Light Night Leeds returns, captivating residents and visitors with a spectacular showcase of illuminated artworks. The 2025 event is set for October 23 and 24, promising an even more dazzling display across some of the city’s most iconic locations. This year’s theme, Landmarks, invites attendees to not only admire Leeds’ historic and modern architecture but also to reflect on their own personal milestones and cherished places within the city.
Key installations will punctuate the skyline and city streets, including a notable projection onto the historic Queens Hotel. Titled One Second Lovestory, this work by German artist Dirk Rauscher commemorates the 200th anniversary of the modern railway. Sponsored by Markel, the piece powerfully captures the fleeting romance of two strangers whose eyes meet at a bustling train station, evocatively blending art and local history.
Beyond singular works, Light Night Leeds brings together an extraordinary array of international, national, and Yorkshire-based artists. The event collaborates with cultural venues throughout Leeds to create a festival that is both citywide and inclusive. According to organizers, the full programme will feature large-scale projections, interactive installations, performance art, and immersive light experiences. Further details will be unveiled in the weeks leading up to the festival, with updates available on the official website.
Artistic Highlights and International Collaborations
Among the most anticipated pieces is Portals: The Machine of Worlds, a commission by Portuguese artist collective Ocubo. Co-produced by the British Library, this mesmerizing projection will animate the façade of Leeds Civic Hall. The work draws inspiration from the fantastical realms found in the British Library’s collection, notably the science fiction writings of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne. “We’re delighted that artists Ocubo have taken inspiration for Portals: The Machine of Worlds from science fiction texts in our collection, including classics by H.G. Wells and Jules Verne. We hope visitors of all ages are inspired by Light Night Leeds and the immersive, fantastical visions of other worlds that Ocubo’s artwork will conjure,” shared Jamie Andrews, director of public engagement at the British Library.
The festival’s artistic reach extends well beyond these headline installations. Light Night Leeds 2025 will feature an impressive roster of:
- Large-scale light projections on public buildings and landmarks
- Interactive art pieces inviting audience participation
- Live performance art integrating music, dance, and technology
- Works by emerging and established artists from across Yorkshire and the globe
This international collaboration reflects Leeds’ growing reputation as a cultural capital. The event’s diverse offerings highlight both the city’s architectural heritage and its vibrant contemporary identity.
Cultural Impact and Community Engagement
Since its inception in 2005, Light Night Leeds has experienced remarkable growth in both scope and popularity. Last year’s event drew a record 210,400 visitors over two days, marking a five percent increase over 2023. The festival’s impact ripples well beyond cultural enrichment; it also delivers significant economic benefits to the city. In 2024, Light Night Leeds generated an estimated £5.46 million for the local economy – a 58 percent increase from the previous year.
The festival’s organizing and funding structure is a testament to its community-wide significance. Coordinated by Leeds City Council and supported with funding from Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grant, Light Night Leeds also enjoys sponsorship from the city’s business community. Such support enables the event to remain free and accessible, fostering a sense of shared ownership and pride among residents.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, described the festival as “an event which truly exemplifies the very best of culture and life in the city, bringing thousands of people together for a collective experience which celebrates artistic ingenuity and the power of the arts to unite.” The festival’s ability to boost Leeds’ status as a cultural destination, support local creatives, and stimulate the regional economy demonstrates its multifaceted value.
Looking Forward: New Horizons for Light Night Leeds
The future of Light Night Leeds is closely tied to wider cultural developments in the city, such as the British Library’s plans to establish a new public space in Leeds. As Jamie Andrews noted, “Our collaboration with Light Night Leeds is part of a wider commitment, as we work towards establishing a major new public space for the British Library in Leeds, to engage with local people and partners by opening up our collection through events in the city.” This ongoing partnership promises to further integrate world-class cultural resources into the fabric of Leeds’ community life.
Light Night Leeds consistently emphasizes inclusivity and engagement. Each year, the program expands to incorporate more venues, more artists, and a broader range of artistic disciplines. The 2025 edition is expected to continue this trend, offering audiences a unique opportunity to experience art in unexpected spaces, from grand civic buildings to hidden corners of the city.
In anticipation of the upcoming event, organizers encourage the public to stay informed about the evolving lineup and festival details by visiting the Light Night Leeds website and following the event’s social media channels. With its blend of artistic innovation, community spirit, and celebration of the city’s landmarks, Light Night Leeds 2025 is poised to offer a luminous experience for all who attend.
- Light Night Leeds 2025 is a free, citywide festival taking place on October 23-24, illuminating iconic landmarks with light installations and performance art.
- The festival showcases works by local and international artists, including Dirk Rauscher’s “One Second Lovestory” and Ocubo’s “Portals: The Machine of Worlds.”
- “One Second Lovestory” by Dirk Rauscher will be projected onto the Queens Hotel, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the modern railway.
- “Portals: The Machine of Worlds” by Ocubo will animate the façade of Leeds Civic Hall, inspired by science fiction works from the British Library’s collection.
- Light Night Leeds has significant cultural and economic impact, drawing a large number of visitors and generating millions for the local economy.