Leeds city centre will officially transform into a magical playground tomorrow this weekend when Wonderland Awaits opens, offering five weeks of free immersive fun for families and visitors alike. Presented by LeedsBID under its Welcome to Leeds brand, the experience runs until 31 August.
Today, the city is getting a sneak peek of the adventure that awaits with two spectacular reveals.
At Bridgewater Place, the home of The Cheshire Cat, visitors will get their first glimpse of the mischievous feline as part of the seven-location trail. Voiced by the ever-charming Tom Read Wilson, this cheeky cat will help guide adventurers along the way, if they can spot him before he vanishes! The installation is one of the first public pieces of art in what is one of Leeds’ most iconic buildings, home to offices, retailers and some of the most prestigious apartments in the city.
And in a show-stopping moment for the city, Trinity Leeds today unveils an 8m x 11m, specially commissioned piece of Wonderland Awaits artwork, which is featured on the centre’s iconic glass ceiling. The stunning installation offers a bold and beautiful window into the curious world of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, revealing the Cheshire Cat’s huge grin, setting the scene for the adventure that awaits across Leeds city centre.
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Andrew Cooper, chief executive of LeedsBID, said “We are thrilled to unveil this incredible piece of artwork at Trinity Leeds as we prepare to open Wonderland Awaits. From July 26, the city will come alive with imagination, wonder and creativity, inviting everyone to join the adventure and make magical memories together.”
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re thrilled to be teaming up with LeedsBID once again for a summer full of wonder and joy. This year’s Wonderland Awaits experience invites curious minds to follow the trail of imagination, where surprises pop up like a cheshire cat’s smile.
“As part of the city-wide celebration, our giant 60-foot-wide Cheshire Cat grin atop Trinity Leeds provides a cheeky welcome for those bold enough to tumble down the rabbit hole. Our roof installations have become a hallmark of Trinity Leeds, and this one’s purr-fectly designed to charm, delight, and inspire a few selfie grins of its own.
“We’re confident that this year’s adventure through Wonderland will leave visitors grinning like a Cheshire cat.
Richard Clarke, General Manager, Bridgewater Place, said: “Bridgewater Place is thrilled to be a part of bringing ‘Wonderland Awaits’ to Bridgewater Place. This installation promises to be a fantastic experience for families, and we’re excited to welcome the community into our building to enjoy this unique and imaginative event.”
