A DISPLAY of illuminating light paintings created by more than 200 young people will transform windows across Leicester city centre into a huge outdoor gallery.
As part of Light Up Leicester 2025, local schools and community groups have been working with the team at Urban Canvas to paint with light and create vibrant images inspired by the theme ‘My Leicester: Future Stories’
The project, which is led by local arts and cultural charity Art Reach, has involved 230 young people at a series of workshops. Their artworks will now transform almost 80 windows at 17 locations across the city centre into a dazzling art trail.
Paul Steele, CEO of Art Reach – one of the founding partners of Light Up Leicester, said: “We’re excited to be working with Urban Canvas to create an exciting window trail of light paintings across the city for the festival. The young people involved have created some really dynamic light painting images that capture their ambitions, hopes and their visions of Leicester’s future. Now people can see these fantastic works exhibited across business and shop windows during the Light Up Leicester festival.”
Juliet Martin, resident engagement manager at YMCA Leicestershire, said of one of the workshops: "Having Urban Canvas visit us and deliver light drawing workshops with some of our residents was a fantastic opportunity. We work with young people who are often excluded and who don’t get the opportunity to engage in creative workshops, so this was a really great offer and they loved it! They are excited about the festival and can’t wait to visit the city centre to see their artwork on display.”
Light Up Leicester 2025 will focus on the power of creative collaboration, with an incredible programme of community-driven activities accompanying stunning light installations, dazzling performances and colourful festival parades to make the event truly unique.
The festival takes place from 12 to 15 March and is free to attend. Full details of the festival programme can be found be found at lightupleicester.com
From young people creating artwork for the festival, to parades featuring hundreds of local participants, Leicester’s communities are at the heart of making the 2025 event happen.
Leicester City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby said: “Light Up Leicester is a shining example of how communities and creativity can come together to make something truly special. This year’s festival showcases not only world-class light installations, but also the talents, stories and contributions of the people of Leicester. We look forward to welcoming people to our city for this spectacular event.”
Light Up Leicester is proudly presented by Leicester City Council, BID Leicester, Leicester Cathedral, and Art Reach, with the generous support of Arts Council England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Global Streets, PPL PRS, and headline sponsor Highcross.