New Light Night zone announced for 2022

Leading urban quarter Wellington Place has been announced as a new zone in Light Night Leeds, the first to be unveiled in the city in four years.

The UK’s largest annual arts and light festival, Light Night Leeds has been running for 17 years, and transforms some of Leeds’ most recognisable indoor and outdoor spaces with spectacular artworks from local, national and international artists.

On the evenings of the 13th and 14th October, the Wellington Place Zone will light up as the dreamlike “Zauberin des Mondes” – a modern take on the Rapunzel fairytale - is projected onto Wellington Place’s iconic Grade II listed lifting tower.

Also featured will be performances from LED-winged ballerinas in Tower Square, and a butterfly installation by UK artist Anne Bennett.

Free UV facepainting will be on offer at the family-friendly exhibition, accompanied by a UV photo station. In anticipation of inclement Yorkshire weather, there will also be 50 free hot drinks up for grabs.

The on-site bars and restaurants will be putting on a host of special offers in to celebrate Light Night, including 2-4-1 burgers at Good Luck Club and a free kids meal with every adult meal at Hoist House. Mexican and Indian street food vendors will also be there on both evenings.

Dominique Murray, head of customer experience at MEPC, the developer behind Wellington Place, said: “As passionate advocates for the city we are delighted to been able to contribute to its further growth and continued success of Light Night with the new Wellington Place Zone.

“Light Night is a wonderful, free family friendly event, and we’re really excited to welcome the Leeds community and visitors alike to get together, interact with world-renowned artwork, and enjoy an illuminated Wellington Place.

“Wellington Place is located just a five-minute walk from the station and has lots of free activities, as well as some great food and drink offers for everyone to enjoy, so do come down and pay us a visit.”

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “As a leading business destination and community hub within the city, we are delighted to welcome Wellington Place as an official Light Night zone. Year after year, Light Night sets the standard for culture in Leeds, showcasing in truly spectacular fashion the very best of our city’s artistic ambition and ingenuity. Light Night is also one of the best examples of the integral role that culture plays in raising the profile of Leeds and acting as a huge catalyst for the local economy.

“This year, we’re especially excited to be encouraging families and people of all ages to come together, play and interact in some of the city’s most well-known locations and spaces. The value of collective experiences and simply being together has become more apparent than ever over these past few years, and we can’t wait to see the city animated and brought to life by both these stunning installations and the people who make Leeds such a special place.”