This October, the city of Leeds will once again transform into a vibrant canvas of light and creativity for the annual Light Night Leeds festival.
Scheduled for the evenings of October 24 and 25, 2024, from 6pm to 10pm, this event promises to be a spectacular celebration of art and innovation, engaging locals and visitors alike. Light Night Leeds, one of the UK’s premier cultural events, is a free festival that turns the city into an interactive gallery of light installations, projections, and performances. The event spans across various iconic and everyday spaces throughout Leeds, making art accessible to all and turning familiar streets into magical pathways of illumination.
In collaboration with the British Library, this enchanting installation draws inspiration from the library’s extensive collection. It features a breathtaking animation and an immersive soundscape, both specially commissioned for the event. Audiences gathered in the newly redeveloped City Square will be led by a mischievous fairy tale character as they watch a vibrant display of birds, beasts, and boats animate the façade of The Queens Hotel.
The creators behind this spectacle, the artist duo Illuminos — brothers Rob and Matt Vale, have delved into the British Library’s Flickr Commons collection. From millions of images, they crafted ‘The BookBinder,’ bringing a storied fantasy world to life in the heart of the city.
Rob Vale, from Illuminos said:
“We’re delighted to be bringing a new and exciting piece to Light Night Leeds, working directly with the team at the British Library to bring some of the remarkable gems that can be found in their Flickr Commons collection to life through The BookBinder.
“Their Flickr archive is an absolute treasure trove of unexpected, strange and fantastical drawings, prints and images, and we’ve loved diving into this world to conjure up The BookBinder.”
The large-scale projection artworks by Illuminos challenge traditional perceptions of video by deconstructing its narrative and screen elements. They exploit the dynamics of time-based work on whole buildings to engage mass audiences, transforming both urban and rural settings.
Through the integration of light, sound, and projection, the actions of collaborators are woven together, revitalizing spaces and offering new perspectives to audiences. Their work combines multi-screen visuals perfectly synced with architectural elements and composed soundscapes, crafting large-scale, dramatic presentations from modest beginnings. These visual and aural filmworks are imbued with a sense of excitement and wonder, making each viewing a captivating experience.
Jamie Andrews, Director of Public Engagement at the British Library added:
“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. We’re delighted that this year Illuminos has taken inspiration from our Flickr Commons collection, which offers public access to millions of images and has formed the design behind The BookBinder, a beautiful, immersive celebration of storytelling that will delight visitors of all ages.
“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 work with local people and partners to open up our collection through events in the city.”
‘The BookBinder,’ a highlight of Light Night Leeds, is supported by local entities including insurance company Markel, The Queens Hotel, and Schroders Personal Wealth. This installation is a key feature of the UK’s largest light art festival, Light Night Leeds, where the public can explore illuminated artworks by international artists.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the festival will showcase other large-scale projections, live street theatre, and interactive installations across some of the city’s most iconic venues. Since its inception, Light Night Leeds has drawn over 1.1 million visitors, with last year’s edition attracting a record 200,000 attendees and generating approximately £3.5 million for the local economy.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture said:
“Light Night is always an incredible spectacle, which transforms the city and brings thousands of people together to experience something truly special. It is also an occasion which forges important relationships and partnerships between our local businesses and cultural institutions, and we’re particularly thrilled to be working with the British Library and Markel on this year’s event and highlighting the important role they will have in Leeds for many years to come.”
The festival is proudly supported by Leeds City Council and Arts Council England, along with contributions from many generous sponsors. This collaboration underscores a community-wide commitment to promoting arts and culture, vital for enriching the social and economic life of the city.
The festival not only enhances the city’s nightlife but also significantly boosts the local economy. Previous editions have attracted over a million visitors over the years, with record-breaking attendance in recent sessions contributing millions to the local economy. Light Night Leeds not only entertains but also stimulates economic activity, supporting local businesses and enhancing Leeds’ profile as a cultural hub.
As Light Night Leeds continues to grow, it aims to incorporate more innovative technologies and artistic expressions in future editions, maintaining its reputation as a forward-thinking celebration of light, art, and community spirit. For more details on specific installations, performances, and how to get involved, visitors are encouraged to check the official Light Night Leeds website at www.lightnightleeds.co.uk
Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, Light Night Leeds 2024 offers a unique opportunity to see the city in a new light, literally and figuratively, and to participate in an awe-inspiring cultural phenomenon.
