From a rainbow of colour in the Cabot Circus car park to a 10-metre-long, inflatable cat at Cascade Steps, Bristol Light Festival is already shaping up to be a spectacular sight. Now, the final installations to the 2026 programme have been announced, completing an exciting after-dark line-up from February 19 to 28.
The new Bristol Light Festival additions include a luminous underground artwork, a projection celebrating Bristol’s electric heritage, interactive swings, and a circus spectacle, plus a new partnership with St Peter’s Hospice—with a special event hosted at The Lantern Hall at Bristol Beacon during the festival week.
“These final installations reflect what Bristol Light Festival does best, transforming unexpected spaces, like the atmosphere of the Redcliffe Caves and the Clockwise Generator Building, inviting people to experience the city in a completely new way after dark,” said Katherine Jewkes, Creative Director of Bristol Light Festival.
What’s new to Bristol Light Festival 2026?
Jacob’s Wall, situated in the underground tunnels of Redcliffe Caves, will see the return of artist-engineer Parker Heyl with a hypnotic artwork inspired by the folk toy Jacob’s Ladder. Hundreds of wooden tiles flip between mirrored and timber surfaces, scattering light into ever-changing cascades.
The Electrical Age is a large-scale audiovisual installation by Illuminos that brings Bristol’s electrifying history to life. Projected onto the Grade II-listed Clockwise Generator Building, the site becomes a canvas for the story of Bristol’s journey from early power grids to renewable futures, including the Electrical Association for Women, a pioneering group that helped power that change
Swing Song is set to return to the festival, following a UK tour and more than a million swings, this time in Portland Square. The interactive set of light-and-sound-controlled swings has been rebuilt and refreshed for 2026, inviting audiences of all ages to play, connect and co-create their own illuminated symphony.
Nearby, Bristol’s renowned school of circus, Circomedia, will open its church venue, offering indoor flying trapeze experiences (from 5pm to 8:30 pm nightly, with a small fee per go). Plus, walkabout circus performers in Portland Square, throughout the festival, add even more colour and energy to the outdoor experience.
Finally, Bristol Light Festival is working with St Peter’s Hospice to help share and amplify its year-round message of ‘bringing light to lives’, reflecting the festival’s themes of care, connection and community. The charity will also host a special event at The Lantern Hall at Bristol Beacon during the festival week, with more details to be announced soon.
Bristol Light Festival 2026 will run nightly from 5pm – 9.30pm between Thursday 19 – Saturday 28 February 2026. Admission is free and open to all. To learn more about Bristol Light Festival head here.