More than 13,000 visitors including young families, students and staff enjoyed a spectacular Light Night at the University of Leeds.
Over two nights, some of Leeds’ most recognisable spaces were transformed by artworks and performances by local, national and international artists.
Professor Ben Walmlsey, the University’s Dean of Cultural Engagement, said: “Light Night at the University of Leeds brought our campus to life in the most spectacular way this year.
“More than 13,000 visitors – local residents, families, students and staff – experienced a welcoming atmosphere filled with light, design, artmaking and performance and showcasing the power of culture to bring people together in a joyful way.
“The energy on campus was scintillating, with installations inspired by nature that engaged visitors of all ages and offering everything from memorable projections and immersive sound trails to interactive dance.”
Wieke Eringa, Director of the Cultural Institute, said: “This year’s Night Light highlighted the University’s spirit of innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, creating an environment where research and creativity connected with the public in dynamic ways.
“Seeing the campus buzzing with energy and colour as people explored new spaces and connected with our work was a true testament to the impact of art and collaboration.”
James Raven, Elena Wilshire and James McLean, undergraduate students from the School of Physics and Astronomy, talked to members of the public about their work while postgraduate student Kingsley Ahenkora-Duodu worked as a science host aboard the Moon Palace, a converted bus which showcased a large telescope designed to look at planets, stars and comets in detail.
All eight sessions were full so nearly 200 people boarded the bus. Physics student James McLean said: “I really enjoyed the experience of talking to the public. It was such an amazing project.”
Masters student Ben Finlay performed at Smeaton’s Planetarium with galaxies, stars and nebula shooting around him as he played music created by fellow Masters student Harry O’Brien from the School of Music.
The projections were masterminded by immersive video artist Paul Miller and the music was inspired by research conducted by scientists led by astrochemist Dr Catherine Walsh.
The planetarium, organised by Dr Scott McLaughlin and Dan Merrick, attracted 2,800 people over the two nights.
The Laidlaw Library was transformed with a large-scale sound and light installation, displaying patterns inspired both by nature and mathematics.
These were created by Rebecca Smith from Urban Projections alongside Professor Alistair Rucklidge from the School of Mathematics and Dr Merin Joseph, a former Visiting Researcher at the University of Leeds and now a Visiting Researcher at the University of Copenhagen.
Other displays included leaf lanterns and jellyfish in trees, which were made from recycled materials, and large flowers with the sound of buzzing insects in an installation called The Nectary devised by artist Alison Smith and Dr Chris Hassall.
The leaf lanterns were crafted by Dr Robin Hayward on behalf of LEAF and with Smeaton 300, funded by the Festival of Social Sciences.
The University’s Be Curious team invited children to participate in arts and crafts in the Parkinson Court.
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