This is why you might see lasers and lights in the skies over Wakefield this week

Dozens of people in Wakefield have reported spotting strange beams of light across the night sky this week - but where have the lights come from, and why are they there?
Dozens of people in Wakefield have reported spotting strange beams of light across the night sky this week - but where have the lights come from, and why are they there?Dozens of people in Wakefield have reported spotting strange beams of light across the night sky this week - but where have the lights come from, and why are they there?
Dozens of people in Wakefield have reported spotting strange beams of light across the night sky this week - but where have the lights come from, and why are they there?

People across the city have shared photos of the strange lights in the night sky over the last few days, sharing theories about their origins including aliens, superheroes and more.

But the lights have a far less mysterious (and arguably more exciting) source.

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They are part of a new art exhibition in Leeds city centre, and will be controlled by residents across the city, using phones, tablets and computers.

Located on the top of seven landmark buildings, the lasers are visible for miles around.

Residents will also be offered the chance to control the colour, shape and position of the beams over the course of the weekend.

The light show has been created by BAFTA winning artist Seb Lee and will run from Thursday, October 22 to Saturday, October 24.

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Seb said: “Arts events have become so few and far between recently because of coronavirus, and I wanted to do something that enables people to express their creativity in a unique and playful way.

“When else in your life would you have full control of huge sky lasers using your phone? It will be the first time we have done something of this scale in a city, and I hope it will be a spectacular and memorable experience for people of all ages in Leeds.”

Leeds' annual Light Night events have been running for 15 years, but have this year been adapted to suit the Covid-19 restrictions currently in place.

Rather than travel into the city centre, people are encouraged to enjoy the lights from a distance or remotely via livestreams.

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Though Light Night is taking place in Leeds city centre, it has been promised that the lights will be visible "from miles around" - and some people in Wakefield have already reported spotting the beams of light shining in the night sky.

Find out more, or sign up to control the lasers, on the Laser Light City website here.