Due to extreme weather conditions yesterday, and ground conditions now on site, we have made the difficult decision to cancel tonight’s Moon Palace event at Potternewton Park.

Come along and experience our closing ceremony 'The Gifting'!

Don't miss the final chapter of Leeds' Year of Culture...

 We've got hundreds of events happening in Leeds in 2023! 

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Credit - Charles Emerson

"With ‘Moon Palace’ we’re trying to reframe people's experiences of the world around them. When we make new connections, we gain new understandings of the places we live and people we live alongside, as well. That’s how we interpreted Smeaton’s ‘observatory’: we wanted to create a space where people could look at the stars and be amazed at the wonder of the universe, but you could also look very closely at the place they live.” 

“Its’s an artwork that does all sorts of things, under the title of being an observatory. There are lots of moments that enable people to connect with ‘Moon Palace’ in lots of different ways. Some people are more visual, some people are more sonic, some people can appreciate things through touch. So, we’re trying to find all these different ways of creating different experiences for the audience.” 

Ivan Morison and Heather Peak
Credit - Charles Emerson

“Throughout LEEDS 2023 we have committed to revealing the hidden stories and heritage of our great city. We, therefore, could not let the phenomenal story and legacy of John Smeaton pass us by. While the Kaiser Chiefs make reference to John Smeaton in their famous anthem, ‘I Predict A Riot’, many people are unfamiliar with his ground-breaking creativity and the huge impact this East Leeds lad has had on the world. We are delighted to be able to showcase and celebrate his diverse range of his skills, thinking and pioneering practice, in the build-up through to Smeaton 300 next year. Spanning the worlds of science, technology, engineering, arts and maths, Smeaton was a true polymath and used creativity to solve some of the biggest challenges of the day for the public good. We hope that by sharing his story we can inspire others to go and reach for the stars!"

“It is incredibly exciting to see the city’s industrial heritage and the work of Leeds-born trailblazer John Smeaton, celebrated with the launch of the ‘Moon Palace’ that will offer a glimpse into the amazing night sky. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we’re able to support the creative and varied programme of Smeaton300 that will give local people the opportunity to learn more about his influence across the world and help to truly inspire the next generation of engineers.”

“Over the course of this year, we’ve already seen how LEEDS2023 has transformed the perception of culture in Leeds and made us think and feel differently about the city we know.
“It’s incredible to now see an event literally encouraging the people of Leeds to reach for the stars as we celebrate the story of one of the city’s most influential scientific pioneers.
“I’ve no doubt this experience will capture imaginations across the city and that Smeaton’s remarkable legacy will continue to inspire people to see and interact with the world around them in new and creative ways.”

Dazzling new artwork from Heather Peak and Ivan Morison: ‘Moon Palace’ embarks on an epic tour of Leeds

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Dazzling new artwork from Heather Peak and Ivan Morison: ‘Moon Palace’ embarks on an epic tour of Leeds

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