A specialist projection mapping company will transform The Queens Hotel in Leeds into a gingerbread house.
LeedsBID has worked alongside Barcelona-based studio, Onionlab, to create The Magical Night at Queens, which is voiced by actor, Celia Imrie (Bridget Jones, Nanny McPhee and Calendar Girls).
Taking place between December 15th and December 23rd, the projection will use the hotel’s architecture as a canvas.
“We are thrilled to be working with Barcelona agency Onionlab in what will be a first for Leeds and the UK,” said Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive, LeedsBID.
“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.”
✨ We can’t wait to invite you along to something magical this festive season!
— LeedsBID (@LeedsBID) November 16, 2023
"Magical Night at The Queens" is brought to the city by LeedsBID, with @Onionlab_ and @WelcometoLeeds
More details here >> https://t.co/rgIAzV7BNk pic.twitter.com/MIyFVXkT4O
Celia Imrie added:
“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 do to enhance these further. I am delighted to be revisiting this entirely unique hotel and the wonderful city it’s in,” she said.
Onionlab worked on Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, creating projections and visuals for a number of key scenes, including the facade of the Palazzo Ducale in Venice.
“The projection, created by Barcelona design house Onionlab, brings to life key aspects of The Queens, including our iconic red lift and famous ballroom. It’ll without a doubt spread festive cheer and contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of our community,” said Alistair Campbell, General Manager, The Queens Hotel.
“We look forward to sharing this joyous experience with everyone and making this festive season truly special for the city of Leeds.”
