The University is playing a key part in next week's city-wide Light Night celebrations, with events ranging from live coding to a marvellous mushroom adventure.
Light Night is one of the UK’s largest annual arts and light festivals, transforming some of the city's most recognisable indoor and outdoor spaces over two special nights with spectacular artworks and captivating performances by local, national and international artists.
This year, the free event celebrates the themes of progress and innovation, kicking off with a vibrant illuminated parade celebrating 100 years of social change since (some) women got the vote.
There will be 60 arts events across 10 zones in the city centre; from large-scale light projections and interactive artworks, to music, dance and street performances.
The University will focus its Light Night activity on next Friday, from 6-10pm, welcoming members of the public alongside staff and students to enjoy performances and interactive activities coordinated by its Cultural Institute.
Erica Ramsay, a project manager at the Cultural Institute, said: "Light Night is a fantastic community event that we're proud to be a part of, and a great opportunity to see our wonderful campus in a different light."
For full details of the Light Night festival across the city, which takes place over two nights – Thursday as well as Friday – visit this Leeds City Council page. Help keep the Light Night free by purchasing an official festival guide for £2.
University events
The Time-Travelling Circus: Electrolier Service 051018
A site-specific audio performance from artist Katrina Palmer. Inspired by the story of Susannah Darby, who died in a circus accident and is buried in Woodhouse Cemetery (now St George's Field) on campus.
Brotherton Library, Parkinson Building. Performances at 8pm and 9pm, Friday 5 October.
Limited space, booking essential. For details, see here.
More than a mushroom
Join Grow Wild, an outreach initiative of Kew Gardens funded by National Lottery players, on a Fungi Quest to discover the hidden depths of the fungi kingdom.
Outside Leeds University Union. Continuous activity, 6pm–10pm, Friday 5 October.
The remote viewer: windows on a lost city
The Remote Viewer presents contrasting views of Leeds using images from Godfrey Bingley’s photographic archive and uses rephotography, to create haunting images
Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery, Parkinson Building. Continuous activity, 6pm–10pm, Friday 5 October.
Observe
By creating a dynamic Pyramid of LED light, artists Chris Burgess and Richard Wells will target the audience perspective towards a glass pyramid and beyond. Depart from city life and take a moment to contemplate our small position in an ever increasing galaxy.
Pyramid Theatre, Leeds University Union. Continuous activity, 6pm–10pm, Friday 5 October.
Discover live coding: innovation in music
A special evening of electrifying, body‐shaking sounds and incredible, hypnotic visuals. Learn about live coding from researchers in the School of Music, then take the controls and see your visuals projected on the big screen.
Clothworkers' Centenary Concert Hall, School of Music. Continuous activity, 6pm–9pm, Friday 5 October.
Talking moving heads
An original short play looking at the life of the theatre after dark. Love, loss, and talking lights all feature in this debut performance.
stage@leeds, School of Performance and Cultural Industries
Performances at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm, Friday 5 October.
- Car parking is available on campus. Pay stations are located in the multi-storey car park, outside the Ziff building and in The Edge car park. Charges start at £2 for up to two hours. Refreshments will be available at various bars in or near the venues.
Further information
Media enquiries should be directed to pressoffice@leeds.ac.uk or +44 (0)113 343 4031.