What a joy the Bristol Light Festival has been to this city. Every deep, dark and depressing February, the streets light up the centre with bold, magical artworks—and next year’s looks to be the boldest edition yet, with 10 illuminated nights of wonder lined up from Thursday, February 19 to Saturday, February 28, 2026.
For the first time, thanks to the newly unified Bristol Business Improvement District (BID), the festival programme will span a wider range of the city, including Redcliffe, Cabot Circus, Park Street, Spike Island and Portland Square, transforming Bristol into a glowing playground of light, colour and imagination.
Steve Bluff, Chief Operating Officer of Bristol BID, said: “By coming together as one BID, we’re able to deliver an inclusive event that brings creativity and connection right across the city centre. We hope that by expanding the footprint of the festival, we encourage people to explore more corners of, and businesses within, the city than ever before.”
So, expect much more than just the featured artworks. The 2026 edition will feature a more participatory and interactive programme, encouraging more Bristol venues to get involved with their own accompanying events. Plus, the first days of Bristol Light Festival coincide with school half-term, allowing families more time to explore the installations together.
Katherine Jewkes, Creative Director of Bristol Light Festival, added: “At Bristol Light Festival, we want to bring light and joy to a traditionally dark time of year. 2026’s programme will feature incredible artists and some very special local collaborations we can’t wait to share with you over the coming weeks!”
This year’s festival is powered by the newly unified Bristol Business Improvement District (BID), a partnership of over 1,000 city centre businesses spanning Broadmead, Redcliffe & Temple and the wider city centre. The BID, launched this November, will invest ~£5.75 million over five years to support events, placemaking and culture across Bristol.
Bristol Light Festival 2026 is free to attend and will run nightly from 5pm to 9.30pm between Thursday, February 19 and Saturday, February 28, 2026. Further details of this year’s featured artworks and installations will be announced in the coming weeks. To learn more about the festival, head here.