Dazzling displays return to brighten campus

Date

Light Night celebrates its 20th anniversary this year with the University presenting its most exciting programme yet from 24-25 October.

Visitors to campus can experience the University’s 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

For the list of installations on campus, please visit Light Night University Zone.

To find out more about visiting campus, including locations for refreshments, a calm zone, and travel and parking information, please visit Light Night 2024 at the University of Leeds.

A person wearing a blue and yellow mechanical style costume and headwear.

Ubuntu

Multisensory artwork is hung from trees with visitors looking at the art.

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

Read the full programme for Light Night 2024. For more information, please email the University of Leeds Press Office at pressoffice@leeds.ac.uk.