Light Night Leeds Dates Changed to Avoid Premier League Clash

The dates for this year’s Light Night Leeds have been moved to October 22 and 23 to avoid conflicting with Leeds United’s Premier League match against West Ham at Elland Road on October 24. The change was made to prevent overwhelming the city's public transport and road networks, as tens of thousands of people are expected to attend both events. Leeds City Council, after consulting with artists, stakeholders, and sponsors, decided against holding Light Night over the weekend due to concerns about overcrowding and higher event management costs. Councillor Salma Arif emphasized the importance of balancing the needs of both fans and visitors to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience. Light Night Leeds, a major cultural event featuring illuminated landmark buildings, projections, performances, and installations, aims this year to highlight the city's architectural heritage under the theme "landmarks." Last year, the event attracted over 210,000 attendees, marking a 5% increase from the previous year.