🗞️ Join us for a Magical Night at The Queens

LeedsBID to Illuminate Leeds with Spectacular Christmas Projection as the landmark Leeds building brought to life, with Hollywood actress Celia Imrie to voice stunning new city centre animation

This December, Christmas in Leeds isn’t just something to be seen… it’s something to be a part of. 

With the festive season fast approaching, the Leeds Business Improvement District (LeedsBID), in collaboration with the renowned Barcelona-based creative studio Onionlab, is set to captivate the city with a magical Christmas projection on the iconic Queens Hotel in Leeds. This awe-inspiring event will be the first of its kind in the UK for Onionlab, and will take place from December 15th to December 23rd, 2023.

The landmark installation is set to showcase the arrival of Christmas at The Queens Hotel, taking spectators on a tour around their many festive rooms with the help of a very special guest – The Gingerbread Man. Unique and innovative, the extravaganza will showcase festive themes and stunning visuals on the elegant architecture of Queens, transporting you through a newly transformed Queens Hotel. Through state of the art technology combined with world class design, passers by will witness the true magic of Christmas take over Leeds.

To further enhance the experience, the LeedsBID team has joined forces with British actress Celia Imrie CBE. The Olivier-award-winning actress, best known for her roles in Bridget Jones, Nanny McPhee, and Calendar Girls, is set to do a dedicated voice-over for the visual piece. Speaking recently, she said: “Hats off to The Queens Hotel in Leeds – I have very happy memories of staying there during the filming of The Darling Buds of May. I was always impressed by its welcoming reception, and I am excited to be working alongside them this Christmas. I love how the ravishing Art Deco designs have been so lovingly preserved and can’t wait to see what LeedsBID does to enhance these further. I am delighted to be revisiting this entirely unique hotel and the wonderful city it’s in.”

Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive, LeedsBID said “We are thrilled to be working with Barcelona agency Onionlab in what will be a first for Leeds and the UK. They’ll take us on a journey through the magic of Christmas – leaning into the art deco characteristics of the iconic Queens Hotel – transforming it into a large-scale gingerbread house. Narrating the show will be a very special guest who is no stranger to icing! Christmas, as for all places, is a key trading period but also a time for community, so over these nine nights we hope to bring some festive cheer to all.” 

As the festive season approaches, LeedsBID and Onionlab’s Christmas projection promises to be a visual spectacle like no other, adding a touch of magic and wonder to the heart of Leeds. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to come and witness this enchanting display at The Queens Hotel.