Leeds Light Night: City lit up with nature theme

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County ArcadeImage source, Leeds City Council
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About 40 landmarks are lit up with art installations over two nights

Thousands of people ventured into Leeds to see the city's buildings illuminated for the annual Light Night festival.

The two-night event, this year themed on nature, features installations at more than 40 locations, with light shows projected onto many of the city's major landmarks.

At Leeds Civic Hall, visitors could try to catch a bolt of lightning in an interactive artwork by Seb Lee-Delisle.

Lanterns decorated Park Square in an installation by The British Library.

Each piece was designed and created by The Lantern Company to represent a range of UK wildlife.

At Leeds Dock, a light sculpture by French artists Pitaya recreated an endangered whale, while Leeds Town Hall's Victoria Hall hosted a light and music performance on climate change, created by artist Richard Evans.

Image source, Leeds City Council
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The Queens Hotel was the backdrop for "Arc", by artists Greenaway and Greenaway

The Queens Hotel was used for a piece called Arc by artists Greenaway and Greenaway, which paid tribute to the power of nature and technology.

The artworks were spread over 10 zones, many supported by local businesses.

Leeds City Council said the event not only brought people together, but helped generate income for the local economy and provided a platform for emerging artists.

The council's deputy leader Jonathan Pryor said: "It's been incredible to see Leeds city centre transformed by these beautiful artworks and to see so many people back together, safely enjoying this extraordinary event.

"Light Night sets the standard for culture in Leeds, showcasing in spectacular fashion exactly why the city is so special and why arts and culture play such an integral part in making Leeds a fantastic place to be."

Light Night Leeds continues on Friday with events running from 18:30 until 22:30 BST.

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Thousands of people visited Leeds to see the buildings illuminated.

Image source, Leeds City Council
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Park Square was filled with illuminated lanterns, like this owl

Image source, Leeds City Council
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This installation was supported by The British Library

Image source, Leeds City Council
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Moving images were projected onto buildings until about 22:30 BST

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One man was dressed in toys and lights for the evening's spectacle

Image source, Leeds City Council
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Thousands of people visited the city centre for Light Night

Image source, Leeds City Council
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The annual event boosts the local economy, the council said

Image source, Leeds City Council
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Light Night continues on Friday evening

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