LeedsBID to Illuminate Leeds with a new Spectacular Christmas Projection at The Queens

Brand new enchanting animation “To Leeds, With Love”, bringing landmark Leeds building to life for 11 days voiced by British actor Richard Armitage

This December, LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) is set to transform The Queens Hotel once again, as it hosts the highly anticipated Christmas projection. Running from 12th December to 22nd December, this festive spectacle will feature an original animated story entitled “To Leeds, With Love,” with a massive 187 showings across 11 days.

Narrated by renowned British actor Richard Armitage, this year’s animation reimagines “The 12 Days of Christmas” in a whimsical tribute to the famous song. Back by popular demand, the beloved Gingerbread Man makes his return to the city’s iconic Queens Hotel, embarking on a holiday adventure which captures the spirit of the season and the unique character of Leeds.

LeedsBID is working again with the Barcelona-based digital art powerhouse Onionlab to create a one-of-a-kind projection for the city. Onionlab is celebrated for its expertise in designing installations, audiovisuals, and interactive experiences tailored for institutions that aspire to bridge technology, design and art.

TV Writer Lisa Holdsworth who has penned the script says: “The Queens Hotel is buzzing with holiday spirit as preparations are underway for a grand Christmas party. At the heart of the festivities, the ever-cheerful Gingerbread Man takes on the delightful task of decorating the hotel's towering Christmas tree. But he soon realises that such a magnificent tree requires an extra pair of hands – or a few! Luckily, he isn’t alone. A cast of festive special guests soon arrives to lend their help, each one as joyful as the next, and you may just recognise a few from a beloved Christmas Carol.”

In 2023, the projection drew collective crowds of 200,000, who watched as the Gingerbread Man journeyed through the hotel, showcasing festive themes and stunning visuals using the elegant architecture of the hotel as a canvas and giving audiences a tantalising glimpse through the doors of The Queens at Christmas. This year promises an even more enchanting experience, with vibrant visuals, a compelling narrative, and moments of interaction designed to engage audiences of all ages.

Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID commented: “A Magical Night at The Queens” became one of the standout attractions in Leeds last Christmas. LeedsBID will continue to be innovative in bringing these inspirational free events to the city for everyone to enjoy. They also bring attention to Leeds locally, nationally, and internationally.

“This year we look forward to delivering some Christmas cheer to the city centre with a spectacular brand-new animation “To Leeds, With Love” on this iconic building, inviting audiences to experience “The 12 Days of Christmas” reimagined, with Richard Armitage’s narration providing some extra sparkle.”

Alistair Campbell, General Manager, The Queens Hotel, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be working again with LeedsBID to bring Leeds City Square Christmas animation back to life for a second year! This dazzling display has quickly become a key highlight in the community festive calendar, and we are truly privileged to play our part in attracting and welcoming guests and visitors alike to experience the magic of Christmas at The Queens. We’re eagerly looking forward to City Square buzzing with festive excitement, the joy it brings to people of all ages, and the sense of unity it creates across Leeds.”

“This is more than just a visual display, it’s a sparkling invitation to celebrate this wonderful time of the year as one community. We simply can’t wait to share the magic with everyone once again!”

Richard Armitage, multi-award winning stage and screen actor says “What an absolute honour to be supporting this year’s Christmas projection at The Queens Hotel in Leeds. My late father was a Leeds Lad and I’m sure my extended Yorkshire family will be as excited as I am about the beautiful festive installation. Happy Christmas everyone!”

The Queens Hotel’s grand art deco façade will serve as the canvas for To Leeds, With Love, projecting a captivating blend of holiday charm and city pride. LeedsBID’s commitment to showcasing the city’s culture, creativity, and community spirit shines brightly in this unique visual treat, inviting viewers to gather and celebrate and enjoy the city centre at this time of year.

For more details on the project, visit www.welcometoleeds.co.uk or follow LeedsBID and Welcome to Leeds on social media.

To Leeds, With Love

Dates: 12th December - 22nd December 2024

Times: 4:30 - 8:30pm - every 15 minutes (film lasts 8 minutes)

Cricket, anyone? Immersive gaming venue sixes to open In Leeds next week

A new virtual gaming bar that celebrates the sport of cricket hopes to bowl over customers when it launches in Leeds on Friday 15th November.

Sixes is an immersive hospitality experience that aims to create the world’s biggest cricket party. Situated in Headingley just 300 meters from the iconic Yorkshire County Cricket Ground, this new venue promises to bring the excitement of cricket to the heart of Leeds.

Powered by world class sports technology, cricket-lovers can participate in thrilling batting challenges whilst enjoying delicious pizzas, burgers, sharing platters, craft cocktails and beers, making it the perfect spot for families, friends, and anyone looking for a fun and social outing.

The new venue will be the brand’s 12th opening in the UK and its sixth opening in the last 12-months and will occupy the site previously home to Manahatta in the popular student suburb.

Set across two floors, Sixes will boast three nets where its world-class cricket games can be enjoyed. There are multiple game modes available at five skill levels that all test hand eye skill, upper body reflexes, power and speed. Plus, there’s no experience necessary so anyone can test their batting skills against some of the world’s finest ‘virtual’ bowlers.

Alongside this, the fun continues with bar games, arcade machines, shuffleboards and live big screen action showing all major events. The venue also offers private hire options perfect for team building and corporate events.

The Sixes concept is the brainchild of friends Calum Mackinnon and Andy Waugh, who devised the concept in 2020 with a mission to create a place where customers could ‘play sport in a party bar’. With a successful background as restaurateurs both agreed that the uniting nature of cricket, its British heritage, and the thrill of the game made it the perfect partner for their new hospitality venture.

Commenting on the brand’s new Leeds venue, Mackinnon said: “We are extremely excited to be bringing the Sixes concept to Leeds. It’s a city that loves a good party but is also renowned for its love of cricket, which makes it the perfect fit for us.

“Being located in the heart of Headingley, a place that is so synonymous with the sport, is the icing on the cake and we can’t wait to throw our doors open and welcome everyone next week.”

Sixes will open its doors on Friday November 15 and bookings are now open. To find out more or make a reservation visit www.sixescricket.com

Launch date and £10k giveaway announced for hedonistic cocktail bar coming to leeds this month.

The highly anticipated opening of Leeds’ first erotica-themed cocktail bar has been revealed. Behind Closed Doors, located on Call Lane, will open its decadent doors on Friday August 23.

Furthermore, to mark its launch the bar will be holding a huge £10,000 Instagram giveaway, with £250 bar tabs for 40 winners up for grabs. Enter the £10k giveaway via the Instagram page @bcdlds.

Established in 2015 in Manchester's eclectic Northern Quarter, Behind Closed Doors is known for its salacious atmosphere with sexuality and pleasure-seeking playing centre stage. 

After ringing a bell and entering through a secret door, customers can expect 60s/70s inspired design, erotic pictures, sexy mannequins and adult tv emblazoned on the walls. 

The cocktail menu is equally tantalising featuring the best-selling Love Bite, a pink gin, raspberry and cucumber slushie; Smoke my Sweet, a barrel stave smoked old fashioned and Chocstar Martini, a chocolate espresso martini with whipped cream top. Other tasty tipples include the penis colada and schlong island iced tea.

The bar also puts a retro twist on dating. With phones on every table, you can say goodbye to swiping right and simply turn the dial for the person that catches your eye! All this is set to a discerning musical backdrop with live DJs from across the north playing vinyl only, funk, soul and disco.

Director and creator of Behind Closed Doors, Nick Parr, said: “We have a totally unique concept that has to be experienced to be truly appreciated. We have designed the space with plenty of seating, an easily accessible bar area, and a dancefloor for our livelier patrons. 

“With late nights and DJs every night, excellent drink selection and an atmosphere second to none, a night at Behind Closed Doors is one you won’t forget in a hurry. We are very excited to open our doors in time for the summer bank holiday weekend and show the people of Leeds a great time.”

Behind Closed Doors is open seven days a week with Happy Hour every day from 5-7pm. For private events the Mayfair Bar can host up to 25 guests.  To find out more or to make a booking click here.