Light Night celebrates its 20th anniversary this year with the University presenting its most exciting programme yet from 24-25 October.
Visitors to the University can experience our most ambitious Light Night event, with the heart of campus transforming into large-scale light installations, immersive experiences and participatory activities for families.
The programme showcases cutting-edge research, international commissions, student creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration. It draws inspiration from this year's Smeaton300 programme theme – Inspired by Nature.
Light Night has become a cultural staple of the city, attracting over 1.1 million visitors in two decades, with last year’s event drawing a record 200,000 attendees.
With 15 installations, the programme at the University includes illuminated jellyfish in trees and an animal sound trail, offering a family-friendly and relaxed addition to the hustle and bustle of Leeds city centre.
Professor Ben Walmsley, Dean for Cultural Engagement, said: “This year really marks a step-change in what the University of Leeds can offer the city.
“It has been incredible to witness the efforts behind the scenes to create an inspiring and welcoming environment on campus. We hope many people will visit and create lasting memories here at the University.”
Installations on campus
The programme hosts an array of captivating installations, performances and interactive experiences for all ages. Highlights include:
Impossible Patterns
Laidlaw Library, Hilary Place | Thursday and Friday, 6-10 pm
Projection artist Rebecca Smith (Urban Projections), Professor Alastair Rucklidge and Dr Merin Joseph have created a mesmerising sound and light installation inspired by nature’s mysterious patterns. This artwork explores the intricate, non-repeating patterns found in nature, offering a unique visual and auditory experience.
Ubuntu
Sign for Art Sculpture, Beech Grove Plaza | Performances at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm
From leading this year’s Carnival parade to performing at the University, ‘Ubuntu’ presents a costumed figure performance that blends traditional artistry with modern engineering. The project is a collaboration between High Esteem Carnival Designs, Dr Briony Thomas and poet Khadijah Ibrahiim.
Ubuntu
Be Curious x Light Night
Parkinson Court | Thursday and Friday, 6-10 pm
A family-friendly indoor event featuring games, learning activities, arts and crafts. Be Curious offers a range of educational adventures, transforming the Parkinson Court into a hive of fun and excitement.
The Nectary
Tetley Gardens | Thursday and Friday, 6-10 pm
After touring the country, this installation returns to where it all began. Step inside a giant flower for a mindful listening experience in this multi-sensory light artwork by Alison Smith and Dr Chris Hassall. This family-friendly installation celebrates the vital role of pollinating insects, inspired by research on using bio-acoustics to monitor insect populations.
The Nectary by Andrew Lord
More to Discover
The Light Night programme at the University is part of the Smeaton300 project – a creative events programme in partnership with Foxglove and led by the Cultural Institute and the School of Civil Engineering. The programme is inspired by the work of Leeds born John Smeaton, the UK’s first Civil Engineer.
Further Information
Visit the Light Night University Zone website to find out more about the nature-inspired installations on campus.
Read the full programme for Light Night 2024. For more information, please contact the University of Leeds Press Office at pressoffice@leeds.ac.uk