Landmark city building under spotlight as Light Night returns
A projection capturing the history and heritage of Leeds will illuminate one of the city’s most famous buildings when Light Night Leeds returns this October.
Leeds Civic Hall will be the canvas for the digital arts display called Out of the Aire, which has been created by Ross Ashton and Karen Monid of The Projection Studio.
Together, they have been speaking to people across Leeds, researching some of the colourful characters and events both past and present that have helped shape the story of the city.
The projection is still being finalised but will feature images and figures from the worlds of entertainment, sports and engineering, accompanied by music from local artists and bands.
Among those who will be included will be big top pioneer Pablo Fanque, Britain’s first black circus owner, who is buried in Leeds alongside his wife.
The city’s own cycling legend Beryl Burton, who won more than 90 domestic championships and seven world titles during a glittering career, will also be part of the display.
Monid said: “We really want this piece to be Leeds talking about Leeds, something meaningful and emotional for the city and the people who live here.
“It’s going to be bright and colourful, like nothing that people have seen before and we’ll also be delving into a lot of archive material and telling some of the secret stories of Leeds that people might not know as much about.”
She added: “When you speak to anyone in Leeds about Light Night, they all love it and Leeds does have this amazing history of hosting big events and really adopting them as part of life in the city- and that all comes from the people and what they want.
“There’s a real colour, energy and passion all around Leeds and I think harnessing that will also give the city a great chance of becoming European Capital of Culture in 2023.”
Out of the Aire will be among more than 40 arts events that will transform the city centre on Light Night, which is now in its thirteenth year and takes place on October 5 and 6.
This year’s event will celebrate the people of Leeds, with other highlights including a series of giant lamps along the length of Briggate, presented in association with LeedsBid, and an illuminated parade featuring performers from Leeds West Indian Carnival.
