Light Night Leeds to Feature Storybook Knight on Briggate

Fairytale-themed projections set to illuminate Leeds city centre

Leeds is preparing for the return of Light Night Leeds on 28 and 29 October, with a range of light-based artworks transforming the city centre. Among the highlights is a new storybook-inspired projection titled Far, Far Away, which will be displayed on Briggate and bring a fairytale adventure to life using analogue projection techniques.

‘Far, Far Away’ projection brings children’s stories to Briggate

The six-part projection, co-produced by Light Night Leeds, the British Library, and Hungarian art collective Lightspray Visual, invites visitors to follow a group of children as they journey through enchanted woods towards a magical palace. Along the way, they encounter dragons, spells, and other fantastical elements inspired by classic fairytales from the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen.

The artwork draws on ideas contributed by Leeds primary schoolchildren about what a fairytale should include. Notably, a knight character originally drawn by one of the children has been incorporated into the final piece. The projection is unique in its use of repurposed overhead projectors, creating an analogue visual experience above the shopfronts of Briggate.

Kenn Taylor, Senior Culture Manager at the British Library, commented on the project’s connection to the library’s collection and the involvement of local children, describing the result as “truly magical.”

Additional projections highlight Leeds’ cultural themes

Another major installation will be projected onto the Civic Hall, created in collaboration with City of Maths, an initiative celebrating mathematics in Leeds during 2026-27. Belgian artists Nele Fack and Niels Blondeel have designed a piece inspired by the mathematical concept of duality, featuring shapes that divide, overlap, and reconnect to explore the idea of different expressions of the same form.

The projection aims to encourage viewers to appreciate the creative side of mathematics and discover connections in the world around them.

Light Night Leeds 2026 details

• Dates: 28 and 29 October 2026 (during half term)
• Theme: ‘A City Speaks…’ – exploring stories, people, and places that have shaped Leeds
• Number of artworks: Over 40 installations by local, UK, and international artists
• Cost: Free entry

Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, Councillor Salma Arif, highlighted the event’s role in supporting local businesses and raising the city’s cultural profile.

For the full programme and further information, visit lightnightleeds.co.uk and follow Light Night Leeds on social media.