Bristol Light Festival returns in 2026 with its boldest edition yet, for ten magical nights between Thursday 19th - Saturday 28th February*. For the first time thanks to the newly unified Bristol Business Improvement District (BID), the festival programme will span the city, including Redcliffe, Cabot Circus, Park Street, Spike Island and Portland Square, transforming Bristol into a glowing playground of light, colour and imagination.
As well as the featured artworks, the 2026 edition will feature a more participatory and interactive programme, encouraging more of Bristol’s venues to get involved by hosting their own accompanying events so audiences can experience the city like never before. Due to popular demand, the first days of 2026’s Bristol Light Festival coincide with school halfterm, allowing families more time to explore the installations together.
This year’s new approach 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 in November 2025, will invest ~£5.75 Million over five years to support events, placemaking and culture across Bristol.
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.”
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!”
The award-winning festival is backed by Bristol’s business community and continues to shine a light on the city’s creativity while supporting the evening economy during the winter months. Details of this year’s featured artworks and installations will be announced in the coming weeks.
Bristol Light Festival 2026 will run nightly from 5pm - 9.30pm* between Thursday 19th - Saturday 28th February 2026*. Admission to the event is free. Travel advice, hotel packages and accessibility information will be available at: www.bristollightfestival.org Follow @bristollightfestival on Instagram and Facebook for sneak peeks, artist stories and behind-the-scenes content.
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