Bristol Light Festival is on the hunt for new artists to be part of the event’s 2026 edition, inviting bold, brilliant and imaginative creatives to help transform the city centre into a glowing spectacle next February.
Those interested can submit their ideas here: https://form.jotform.com/251134107597052.
Image: Ramandu's Table, credit Mark Pickthall
Following a record-breaking 2025 festival, which attracted over 200,000 visitors and generated more than £11 million for the city, organisers are now seeking proposals for light-based artworks that can surprise, delight and connect with audiences of all ages. Artists, designers, technologists, students and creative institutions from Bristol, across the UK and beyond are encouraged to apply before the deadline on Friday 30 May 2025.
Submissions are welcomed for both brand new ideas and existing works that can be reimagined for Bristol’s cityscape. The festival’s curators are particularly interested in pieces that embrace technology, interactivity and sustainability and that are suitable for installation in high footfall public spaces during winter evenings.
2025’s line-up reflected the breadth of creativity welcomed by Bristol Light Festival - from immersive audio-visual experiences to joyful large scale sculpture. Highlights included Anthems: Volume One, celebrating Bristol’s Drum & Bass heritage, The Whilers, soft robotic creatures that gently interacted with audiences and Ramandu’s Table, a glowing flock of flamingos by Bruce Munro Studio. From the cosmic soundscape of Somnius to the ever-popular Swing Song, the festival demonstrated how works can be playful or poetic, interactive or reflective, all united by a shared ability to spark wonder.
Image: Somnius, credit Illumaphonium
Katherine Jewkes, Creative Director of Bristol Light Festival, said: “This year’s festival showed just how much Bristol embraces moments of light and joy during the darker months. We’re incredibly proud of the impact the festival has, not only creatively, but economically too. For 2026, we’re looking for joyful, surprising and engaging work that connects with people, sparks wonder and reflects the unique energy of our city. If your idea invites interaction, explores technology or reimagines how we experience light, we want to hear from you.”
With next February marking the festival’s sixth year, Bristol Light Festival has become one of the city's most beloved winter events, with the 2025 edition driving record visitor spend and over £1 million in accommodation revenue alone. The festival offers a high profile platform for both established and emerging creatives to present work in a city known for its bold culture and vibrant public spaces.
Shortlisted artists will be invited to discuss their proposals further over the summer, ahead of the festival's return in February 2026.
For more information or to submit an idea, visit: www.bristollightfestival.org
Related
Comments
Nobody has commented on this post yet, why not send us your thoughts and be the first?
