This December, Leeds is set to dazzle with the return of the highly anticipated Christmas projection at The Queens Hotel. Running from 12th to 22nd December, the festive spectacle promises to captivate audiences with a brand-new animated story titled “To Leeds, With Love.”
With 187 showings across 11 days, the projection will once again transform the iconic art deco façade of The Queens Hotel into a canvas for a magical Christmas story. Narrated by the talented Richard Armitage, the animation reimagines the beloved “12 Days of Christmas” song with a whimsical twist, bringing to life a festive tale that celebrates the spirit of Christmas and the unique character of Leeds.
A Christmas Adventure with the Gingerbread Man
The star of this year’s animation is none other than the Gingerbread Man, who returns to Leeds for another Christmas adventure. The animation follows the cheerful Gingerbread Man as he embarks on the task of decorating The Queens Hotel’s towering Christmas tree. However, he soon discovers that such a grand tree requires more hands to help. Luckily, a host of festive special guests, including some familiar faces from a classic Christmas Carol, join the fun to bring the tree to life.
TV writer Lisa Holdsworth said, “It’s all about the joy of Christmas and coming together to create something magical. We wanted to capture the festive spirit of Leeds while reimagining a classic Christmas tale.”
Bigger, Bolder, and More Interactive
Following last year’s success, which saw over 200,000 people gather to watch the Gingerbread Man’s Christmas journey, this year’s projection promises to be even more enchanting. LeedsBID has once again partnered with Onionlab, a Barcelona-based digital art studio known for creating stunning audiovisual and interactive installations. Together, they’ve designed a projection that combines stunning visuals, a compelling narrative, and moments of audience interaction, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all ages.
The projection will utilise the beautiful architecture of The Queens Hotel, showcasing the building’s grandeur while weaving in festive themes and Christmas magic. It’s not just a display; it’s an invitation to the people of Leeds and beyond to come together and experience the magic of the season.
Bringing Leeds Together
For Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID, the projection is a perfect example of how the city continues to innovate and deliver unique experiences for its residents and visitors. “Last year, A Magical Night at The Queens became one of the standout attractions in Leeds. This year, we’re excited to bring a brand-new animation that reimagines The 12 Days of Christmas, with the added sparkle of Richard Armitage’s narration,” he said.
Alistair Campbell, General Manager of The Queens Hotel, said, “We’re absolutely thrilled to be working with LeedsBID again. The projection has quickly become a key highlight of the festive calendar in Leeds, and we’re privileged to play a part in bringing the magic of Christmas to the city. It’s more than just a light show – it’s an invitation for the community to come together and celebrate the season.”
A Personal Touch from Richard Armitage
For Richard Armitage, the opportunity to narrate the projection is a special one. The award-winning actor, who hails from Leeds, shared his personal connection to the project: “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 this beautiful festive installation. Happy Christmas everyone!” he said.
A Sparkling Invitation to Celebrate
LeedsBID’s commitment to showcasing the city’s culture, creativity, and community spirit shines through in this unique visual experience. As To Leeds, With Love lights up The Queens Hotel, it serves as a beacon of Christmas cheer, inviting everyone to gather and celebrate the magic of Christmas in the heart of the city.
With 187 showings scheduled between 12th and 22nd December, this is an event not to be missed. Whether you’re a local or visiting from further afield, the Christmas projection is the perfect way to kick off the festive season in Leeds.
For more details, visit www.welcometoleeds.co.uk or follow LeedsBID on social media for updates and information on showtimes.
Let the Christmas magic begin!
