Explore Virtual Leeds As Annual Film Festival Returns

Thursday, 3 November 2016 17:20

Commuters in Leeds can step into the world of virtual reality to explore the city in a whole new way as part of this year’s 30th Leeds International Film Festival.

From today (Thursday) the Bruntwood Virtual Reality Booth will be available to try on the North Concourse of Leeds City Station.

The free experience is open to all and offers an exciting range of virtual experiences specially curated for Leeds audiences who are invited to enter the booth, don a headset, and explore the VR phenomenon.

Newly commissioned for the 30th Leeds International Film Festival (LIFF30) is Welcome to Leeds, a City in Bloom: a 360 degree journey through Leeds’ most iconic landmarks. Created by Surround Vision, the UK’s leading specialist in 360º content creation, the experience is narrated through a new poem specially written for the project by Leeds Young Authors’ Khadijah Ibrahiim and Saju Ahmed.

The journey begins at Leeds Bridge, the site of the first ever moving image, and transports viewers through the city’s most beloved landmarks, from the Corn Exchange to Leeds Dock, to the University of Leeds’ Parkinson Building and the newly-opened Victoria Gate.

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “It’s exciting to see the Leeds International Film Festival returning for what will be its 30th year celebrating the very best of the film industry, both locally and internationally."

“Over the last three decades, the festival has grown to become a cornerstone of our cultural offering and a fitting tribute to Leeds’s proud history as a place that not only has a passion for film, but which nurtures and supports those wanting to break into the industry."

“As this year’s eclectic programme shows, the festival organisers also continue to innovate and offer something new and interesting year after year and I’m sure next month’s event will be a landmark occasion.”

More from Local and National News

City presents Windrush pioneer with prestigious Leeds Award

one of the nation’s last surviving HMT Empire Windrush passengers and the city’s only remaining Caribbean Second World War serviceman received the Leeds Award in a ceremony at the Civic Hall.
More Than 10,000 Arrests Made By Team Dedicated To Reducing Violent Crime

A specialist team working to reduce violent crime has started a New Year by passing a new milestone after making more than 10,000 arrests.
Plate expectations as historic registration could be up for sale

A unique gift exchanged by two former Lord Mayors of Leeds more than 120 years ago could be about to help the city with unprecedented budget challenges.
Calderdale: Celebrating over 350 years of service at Council

Fourteen Calderdale Council employees have been recognised for a combined total of over 350 years of service at an event at Halifax Town Hall on Thursday 26 October.
Activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage sentenced

A group of activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage to a service station on the M25 has been sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (27 October)
Appeal Following Collision and Death of Man in Otley, Leeds

Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Leeds in which a man later died.
Vehicle involved in fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire seized by Bradford Council

A vehicle involved in multiple incidences of fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire has been seized by Bradford Council.
Anti-social behaviour funding boost in Clitheroe, Colne and Darwen

As part of the county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) Lancashire Constabulary and Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden have announced a further eight areas set to benefit from additional resources to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Lancashire.
Leeds City Council to launch review on taxi vehicle condition standards

Leeds City Council’s Licensing Committee is to embark on a review of vehicle condition standards for hackney and private hire vehicles, following updates to national guidance.
Man Named After Fatal Road Traffic Collision, Leeds Road, Bradford

Police have named the man who died after a road traffic collision on Leeds Road in Bradford last week.
Over £4,000 raised for Mental Health Charity in Bradford

Visitors to the stunning Van Gogh Alive UK exhibition in Bradford donated more than £4,000 to Mind in Bradford.
Bradford Clean Air Zone and the results of traffic flow monitoring

The Bradford Clean Air Zone has been live since September 2022 and is operating to improve air quality in the district by deterring the most polluting vehicles from entering the zone.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm
Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.