Harehills ❤️ Love

Welcome to Day 15 of the 2025 Harehills Good News Advent Calendar.

Back in October, Light Night Leeds 2025 transformed our city centre into a dazzling playground of lasers, projections, and neon. But amidst the high-tech spectacles, one installation at Holy Trinity Church on Boar Lane offered a different kind of illumination—one that shone a light on the history of Harehills.

That installation was “Stitching Light” (or Ala Diye Gantha), a breathtaking collaboration that placed the women of Shantona Women’s Centre centre stage.

A Thread Running Through History For this project, women of Bangladeshi heritage from Shantona joined forces with groups from across the UK to share something deeply personal: their migration stories. But these weren’t just written down; they were woven into art.

Working with traditional folk artists in Dhaka and the creative team at Emergency Exit Arts, their stories were transcribed onto sixteen massive 3-metre-high textile panels. The women then hand-stitched these panels with special light-reactive thread. When illuminated, the thread didn’t just glow; it revealed the journeys, the struggles, and the triumphs of women who have made Leeds their home.

Why It Matters Often, migration is discussed in terms of statistics or politics. “Stitching Light” reclaimed the narrative, turning personal history into public art. By taking these stories out of Harehills and placing them in a prime city-centre location during Leeds’ biggest cultural festival, Shantona ensured that the experiences of these women were seen, honoured, and celebrated by thousands.

It was a powerful reminder that the “landmarks” of our city aren’t just buildings—they are the people who live here.

About Shantona Based right here in Harehills, the Shantona Women’s Centre has been a pillar of support since 1998. They provide everything from family support and domestic violence advocacy to simply being a safe space for women to learn, grow, and connect.

Find out more:

Shantona Women’s Centre: shantona.co.uk

For further information see Stitching Light আলো দিয়ে গাঁথা | EEA : https://eea.org.uk/events/stitching-light-ala-diz%E0%A6%BCe-ganntha-light-night-leeds