Stuck in Leeds for longer than expected, or having to hurry back after Boxing Day to finish off work for that January deadline? In celebration of the Christmas season the Leeds Business Improvement District has planted a number of sculptures and attractions across the city in collaboration with Leeds College of Art to create a trail of art, available to view until the 3rd of January. Officially known as the Trail of Light project, make the build-up to Christmas that more exciting, while drawing the attention of tourists to key landmarks in the centre of Leeds. Chances are that many students here in Leeds have stumbled across at least two stops on the trail without realising it was just a small part of a much wider project, but if you need something to help you procrastinate, or you’re curious to find out what’s at each stop, then just read below.
Trinity shopping centre
The lights switch-on at Trinity had a bit of a twist this year, with the addition of a very large tree complete with mistletoe and a counter. For each pair that shared a kiss under the tree this year, the score of kisses on the counter went up, until finally reaching 999,999 last week. A fun way to get into the holiday spirit with a loved one, and there’s the chance to win a £1,000 voucher to spend in Trinity just for having a cheeky snog.
o2 Academy Leeds
Something might feel off queuing for Projekt this month, but if you manage to crane your neck enough, or leave the queue altogether, you might notice that the big round window near the top of the building is lit up through gorgeous stained glass. As one of the busiest walkways in Leeds, especially with the Christkindelmarkt still planted in Millennium Square, it’s possible passers-by have glanced at the gothic building of a night time and wondered what’s different.
Leeds Corn Exchange
The Corn Exchange has blessed the people of Leeds with the best date idea ever. Grab some food from Humpit or Primo’s, take a seat on one of the deck chairs on the ground level, and relax. Normally this would seem like the weirdest date ever, except a creative duo called the Glass Cyphers have created a lantern-like sculpture shaped like a Christmas cracker that projects light onto the glass roof of the building, creating a local Northern Lights.
Leeds train station
The train station technically hosts two different attractions as part of the Trail of Light project: the first is the Christmas tree in the main foyer before you reach the barriers, decorated with the Royal Ballet – who performed in Trinity centre earlier this month – in mind. The second, you may have already seen, is a giant man about to crash down on you before you get the chance to order a quick KFC.
There are 15 different stops across the city, and you can find out where they’re mapped, and more information about them, at www.christmas.welcometoleeds.co.uk
Georgia Ryan
(Image: Georgia Ryan)