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Christmas Wrapped: Richard Armitage voices “To Leeds, with Love” at The Queens as the spectacle launches

16th December 2024

LeedsBID Illuminate Leeds with Spectacular Christmas Projection as the landmark Leeds building is brought to life, with stunning new city centre animation

Projection: The Queens, LeedsBID, Victoria Leeds and Onionlab

Leeds Business Improvement District (LeedsBID), in collaboration with the renowned Barcelona-based creative studio Onionlab presents the perfect free family Christmas gift to the city: To Leeds, with Love.

This breathtaking Christmas projection transforms the iconic Queens Hotel in City Square into a festive wonderland, running from December 12th-December 22nd, 2024.

Projection: The Queens, LeedsBID, Victoria Leeds and Onionlab

To Leeds, with Love brings the Christmas spirit to life with an enchanting tale based on the 12 days of Christmas that takes spectators on a magical tour of the historic hotel and a secret mission, led by the beloved Gingerbread Man. Scripted by acclaimed TV writer Lisa Holdsworth, the story brims with festive cheer and heartwarming surprises.

Holdsworth shares more information: “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.”

Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive, LeedsBID said “Our Christmas projection is all about adding some seasonal cheer to the city centre, providing an illuminating attraction for everyone coming into Leeds to enjoy at this time of year.

‘To Leeds, With Love’ really is a stunning audio-visual treat that is not to be missed which once again lights up one of the city’s landmark buildings in such a spectacular fashion. We do hope people stop to experience a little of the festive magic it brings to Leeds this Christmas.”

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!”

Alistair Campbell, General Manager, The Queens Hotel, said: “It was an absolute delight to see the much-anticipated Christmas animation light up City Square once again, with The Queens at the heart of the festivities. The stunning visuals and festive storytelling continue to delight guests and visitors of all ages. What an incredible way to create a wonderful sense of togetherness and festive spirit across Leeds at this time of year.”

Jo Coburn, Senior General Manager of Victoria Leeds, a partner on the projection, said: “It was fantastic to see the first screening of ‘To Leeds, With Love’ at the launch. It has been a long time in the making by the team at LeedsBID and their creative partners, with the sole aim of bringing even more joy to the city at such a magical time of year. Building on the success of last year’s projection, it was wonderful to see so many people gather together for the reveal and it is an absolute privilege for Victoria Leeds to be a part of bringing this placemaking festive production to life.”

Projection: The Queens, LeedsBID, Victoria Leeds and Onionlab

To Leeds, With Love

Dates: 12th December – 22nd December 2024

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

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