It’s that time again - Light Night! For one night every year the entire Leeds city centre is overtaken by culture, arts and music. Light Night is unique in that, well, anything goes. Unlike other celebrations and events in Leeds, there’s no particular aim as such - there’s no cause, there’s no real point apart from rediscovering the city and getting up close and personal with many of the city’s landmarks and institutions.

Almost all of the events are free, so on Friday, 7^th October, why not get involved and celebrate lighting up the city with creativity? There’s over 70 events on all in one night - so take a bit of time to read through the guide and pick your favourites and must sees. My recommendation is to start up at University and to work your way through town to the bar at West Yorkshire Playhouse. Stop at one of the stalls at Millennium Square for some food on the way too!

Simon is a Light Night virgin so I’m looking forward to showing him the sights, and if you’re finding it hard to choose what to see, here’s my pick of the crop:

1. Brother ineaux knows best: Tim Ineaux

Tim is a visual artist who I met when he presented at Bettakultcha at the Corn Exchange. He’s an excellent video DJ and I recently attended one of his YourTubes evenings, which involved lots of video mash ups and cool music. For Light Night he’s projecting a giant face onto arguably one of Leeds’ most iconic buildings - the Parkinson at Leeds University. He’ll be creating a giant dystopian Big Brother on the tower and issuing instructions and all sorts of creepiness onto the pedestrians in the streets below. Ace.

2. Ghost Stories in The Brotherton Library

Anyone who has been into the Brotherton Library at Leeds University will know how creepy and scary this place is! Always a good spot for a ghost story and an atmospheric tale or two. Book a spot online for this one.

3. If anyone wonders why rocks breakdown: David Shearing

Another friend of mine, David Shearing is a visual and performance artist who specialises in immersive audio visual art. I’ve seen two of his performances before and they were thought provoking and interesting to say the least. This performance is one in one out solo experience so should certainly be not only popular, but also very different to anything you’ll have seen before.

4. Hip Hop Visionaries : William Blake Remixed : Homecut

The best thing about Light Night is the diversity of things on - you can go from high brow opera to urban street art in about 100 yards. I’m looking forward to seeing how hip hop and William Blake combine in this piece outside the FAB café.

5. In the Footsteps of Hercules : Eleanor OKell

One for Simon here - you get to dress up like Hercules! And then play along with a whole host of mythological characters. This is at Leeds City Museum so a perfect spot to grab some food after.

6. The Caravanatron : Rayon Rose

One of the more intriguing and mysterious on the bill, Rose invites you to join space angels in her caravan for a futuristic and intense sensual experience. Will either be weird, or fantastic. Or both. In Millennium Square.

7. Clocktower Tours

Undoubtedly the BEST thing about Light Night is that you get to go explore places you pass every day  that are normally off limits. The massive clocktower at Leeds Town Hall is one of those places, but on Friday you’ll be able to climb to the top (stairs only unfortunately) and enjoy the view, and the novelty of being able to say ‘I’ve been up there!’

8. O Let Me Weep: Titania’s Dream at Opera North

Free interactive opera! Explore a giant maze whilst a woman dressed as a magical queen sings opera at you.

9. The Tunnel

Again, this is one I know little about but it’s description interested me. Described as an interactive sensory installation, you’re invited to enter to The Tunnel - if you dare! It might sound like the drunken games I used to play with my ex-housemate in The New Penny, but I hope it’s a more pleasant experience…

10. Playhouse Party: West Yorkshire Playhouse

Always a fun night, and where I imagine most people will end there night, with further performances and music. A great opportunity to swap stories with others who’ve been out exploring Light Night.

If you’re planning to go to Light Night, I’d love to hear your recommendations and experiences - you can e-mail me at martin.carter@gayleeds.com or tweet me @martinloves.