It may be autumn, but light nights are making a comeback in this city

LEEDS CITY centre was transformed into a sensational spectacle of light and sound last night as families flocked to see the return of Light Night Leeds.

The first night of this year’s cultural extravaganza saw some of Leeds’s most well-known landmarks host an array of imaginative light installations created by an acclaimed line-up of international artists.

Featuring more than 60 illuminated artworks, activities and performances across the city centre, last night was the first in a two-night festival which continues this evening. The 13th annual event got under way with a parade of performers including Leeds West Indian Carnival and stunning LED umbrellas by Cirque Bijou. Leeds Civic Hall was the venue for

a powerful projection created by artists Ross Ashton and Karen Monid and paying tribute to some of the people and events that have been part of the fascinating story of Leeds.

A spellbinding recreation of the moon, made using images captured during a NASA mission, hovered above the water in front of amazed crowds at Leeds Dock. The Queens Hotel was lit up by a kaleidoscope of colour during the Harlequin projection, which celebrated the hotel’s 80th year at the heart of Leeds.

Along Briggate a series of 12ft-high desk lamps made by French artists TILT captured the imaginations of visitors. And at Leeds Town Hall, guests were given the chance to don a special EEG headset and play the 50fthigh 160-year-old organ using only the power of their minds.

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “This has been a triumphant and truly spectacular return for Light Night Leeds.”