Leeds is all set for an unprecedented Advent this year, with an immersive art and lights trail bringing added sparkle, originality and innovation to the city over the festive season.
Christmas In Leeds is something new; a trail of art, light and magic for all ages, designed to guide people around Leeds whilst simultaneously showcasing both local creatives and shining a light on all of the city’s corners.
From the ethereal SPIRIT flying high at Leeds Station, to the inspiring The Northern Lights projections at the Corn Exchange, to the simple beauty of The Wishing Tree and the family fun on offer at Santa’s Post Office, this is a hugely ambitious project created and funded by LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District).
The BID has worked in collaboration with key partners - East Street Arts, Leeds College of Art, NEWSUBSTANCE, Lumen, Northern Ballet, Trinity Leeds, Corn Exchange, St John's Centre, Harvey Nichols and Leeds City Council – to create the installations on the trail.
Running from 1st December -3rd January, travellers on the trail can enjoy: a gigantic and surreal semi-human shining high over commuters in Leeds Station, a shower of lights cascading down Holy Trinity Church’s façade, some added sparkle in Park Square’s trees, and a 4x4 box art experience which captures unique scenes of festive humanity. There are also performances from Northern Ballet, festive light projections from Leeds College of Art, some helpful elves and some sleeping polar bears!
Members of the public can pick up maps from key locations across the city centre, including hotels and the Leeds Visitor Centre and also download a digital version from Christmas.welcometoleeds.co.uk.
The year-long project started back in January with an ambitious creative group, including Leeds College of Art, East St Arts, Trinity Leeds and Hammersons, who wanted to do something a little different for Christmas 2016, with a campaign to engage local audiences and bring Christmas to different key areas of the city.
Andrew Cooper, LeedsBID Chief Executive, said:
“{{LeedsBID is delighted to launch this innovative, interactive Christmas in Leeds trail, bringing that added sparkle to the festive season in the city.}}
We hope that it provides an essential added element for people to come to Leeds this Christmas - to stay, shop, explore and enjoy the city.”
David Maddison, General Manager of Trinity Leeds, said:
“This is a brilliant initiative introduced by LeedsBID bringing yet further excitement to Christmas with a spectacular art and lights trail throughout the city. Along with the other participants we are delighted to be working with the LeedsBID team in bringing new and exciting emotions to the people of Leeds.”
Welcome to Leeds proudly presents Christmas in Leeds — a trail of art, light and magic. From 1st December you are invited to explore the 15 spectacular installations around Leeds city centre – by the city, for the city.
Join in at Christmas.welcometoleeds.co.uk
#christmasinleeds
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Simon Fogal
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