Reasons to visit Leeds this October
It’s happening; the nights are getting longer, the clothes are getting chunkier and the weather is creeping into its darker seasons. But in Leeds we embrace the end of summer, we know that glorious Autumn doesn’t mean bleak!
We light up the season with the return of Light Night Leeds and we celebrate Leeds' status as the centre of the goth universe with our 'Alternative Day'
Goth History
This October you can explore key spots in the city with a new walking tour and celebrate Leeds’ Alternative Day (19 October) with two festivals.
The Leeds Festival of Gothica Alternative Market held in Kirkgate market, showcasing over 80 traders of curios, antiquities, alternative fashion, homeware, horror and magic paraphernalia
The ‘Black Pilgrimage’ music festival featuring 8 of the best goth and dark alternative acts in Boom, one of Leeds best underground venues.
The city has always welcomed those inclined to the melancholic and mysterious, whether it’s through the music - Sisters of Mercy & The March Violets were both formed in Leeds - or the clubs. The world’s first goth club started here - Le Phonographique.
Leeds has its share of gothic architecture, think Kirkstall Abbey, Temple Newsam and for shopping we've got Damaged Society, Giant Kitten, and Outrage Jewellers.
It's clear to see just how the city staked a claim to being the goth capital of the UK as outlined in the book by frontman of post-punk band The Membranes John Robb, entitled ‘The Art of Darkness’.
Lean in to the dark days of winter and let your inner goth run wild!
Light Night 2024
If you're more drawn to the light, we've got you covered too. October 24th & 25th sees the city dazzle with the return of the UK’s largest light art festival, Light Night.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the festival is bringing back some of the previous two decades most loved installations and projections. In 2023 alone over 200,000 people were dazzled and enchanted by the event, and once more the city is divided into zones, each with their own unique displays.
You can find all the information that you need on the on the Light Night website
Visit Leeds this October and join the fun!
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