Brand new enchanting animation “To Leeds, With Love”, voiced by British actor Richard Armitage, brings landmark Leeds building to life.

LeedsBID is set to transform The Queens Hotel once again, as it hosts the return of its highly anticipated Christmas projection.

This year’s festive spectacle, running from 12th December-22nd December, will feature an original animated story entitled “To Leeds, With Love,” with a massive 187 showings across 11 days.

Narrated by renowned British actor Richard Armitage, this year’s animation reimagines “The 12 Days of Christmas” in a tribute to the famous song.

Back by popular demand, the beloved Gingerbread Man makes his return to the city’s iconic Queens Hotel, embarking on a holiday adventure which captures the spirit of the season and the unique character of Leeds.

LeedsBID is working again with the Barcelona-based digital art powerhouse Onionlab to create a one-of-a-kind projection for the city. In 2023, the projection drew collective crowds of 200,000, who watched as the Gingerbread Man journeyed through the hotel, showcasing festive themes and stunning visuals using the elegant architecture of the hotel as a canvas and giving audiences a tantalising glimpse through the doors of The Queens at Christmas. This year promises an even more enchanting experience, with vibrant visuals, a compelling narrative, and moments of interaction designed to engage audiences of all ages.

Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID commented: “A Magical Night at The Queens” became one of the standout attractions in Leeds last Christmas. LeedsBID will continue to be innovative in bringing these inspirational free events to the city for everyone to enjoy. They also bring attention to Leeds locally, nationally, and internationally. “This year we look forward to delivering some Christmas cheer to the city centre with a spectacular brand-new animation “To Leeds, With Love” on this iconic building, inviting audiences to experience “The 12 Days of Christmas” reimagined, with Richard Armitage’s narration providing some extra sparkle.”

Alistair Campbell, General Manager, The Queens Hotel, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be working again with LeedsBID to bring Leeds City Square Christmas animation back to life for a second year! “This is more than just a visual display, it’s a sparkling invitation to celebrate this wonderful time of the year as one community. We simply can’t wait to share the magic with everyone once again!”

Jo Coburn, Senior General Manager at Victoria Leeds, said: “Catch the Magic is our Christmas theme this year throughout our twinkling arcades, so we’re absolutely thrilled to support Leeds BID in bringing this spectacular attraction back to the city and capturing that magical time of year.

“We are proud to play a key part in welcoming visitors from far and wide as they tick off items from their gift lists, and it is our pleasure to help give them a reason to pause in the festive excitement to watch the story unfold of the Gingerbread Man’s hotel adventure.

 “We’re lucky to have such beautiful, historic places in Leeds, such as our Victorian arcades and the rich, long-standing heritage of The Queens Hotel, which add to the magic of the season. The Gingerbread Man is a character we’ve become rather fond of, and we can’t wait to see what he gets up to next!”

 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!”

“To Leeds, With Love” is brought to the city by LeedsBID and Welcome to Leeds, in conjunction with The Queens Hotel, Victoria Leeds, Onionlab and Pro Audio Systems.