Light Night Leeds to feature new city-themed projection

Major projection at The Queens Hotel highlights Leeds’ evolving landscape

Light Night Leeds returns on 28 and 29 October 2026, marking the first time the event takes place during half term. The festival will showcase a range of artworks and projections across the city, with a focus on the theme “A City Speaks…”, which explores the history, people, and places that have shaped Leeds over the past 400 years.

‘Call My Name, Call Me Home’ projection

One of the main attractions will be a large projection on the façade of The Queens Hotel entitled Call My Name, Call Me Home. Created by Leeds-based digital storytellers imitating the dog in collaboration with local musicians Hope & Social, the piece presents a narrative combining song and story. It depicts five decades of memories and the changing cityscape of Leeds, including streets, bars, and homes, as seen through the life of one individual.

The projection uses animation to show buildings appearing and disappearing, mapping the personal journey onto the city’s evolving environment. Simon Wainwright from imitating the dog explained that the music and lyrics were developed first, inspiring the visual elements, with the aim of creating a narrative that resonates with many people in Leeds.

The project is supported by Markel and The Queens Hotel.

Other festival highlights

• Leeds City Museum: Holographic installations by Lou Chapelle will feature three owls inspired by the owl on Leeds’ historic city crest. The glowing holograms are accompanied by a meditative soundscape, creating an immersive experience.
• Cookridge Street: Neon artworks based on drawings by children in care, created in partnership with Foster4Leeds, will depict activities enjoyed with their foster carers.
• Leeds City Library: Visitors can explore 400 years of Leeds history through rare manuscripts, maps, photographs, films, newspapers, football fanzines, and books. A virtual reality workshop will offer a new way to experience these collections.

Event details and background

Light Night Leeds is one of the UK’s largest light festivals, attracting over 200,000 visitors in 2025. The event is organised by Leeds City Council, with funding from Arts Council England and support from various sponsors and trusts. This year’s festival is part of Leeds 400, commemorating 400 years since Leeds was granted its first Royal Charter by King Charles I.

Councillor Salma Arif, deputy leader of Leeds City Council and executive member for economy, said the festival is a significant annual event that brings people together to celebrate the city’s stories and community.

For the full programme and further information, visit lightnightleeds.co.uk.