Bristol Light Festival has unveiled the final additions to its 2026 programme - completing a spectacular line-up that will transform the city after dark from Thursday 19 to Saturday 28 February 2026*.
From deep underground in Redcliffe Caves to the rooftops of historic buildings, this final wave of artworks and events invites audiences to experience Bristol in unexpected, sensory-rich ways. Highlights include an immersive installation honouring the city’s electrical innovation, an enhanced illuminated swing set with sound and light (that’s already clocked up more than a million swings!), walkabout circus performers and a powerful new partnership with St Peter’s Hospice, the festival’s official charity for 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 piece transforms one of Bristol’s most atmospheric underground locations, giving visitors a rare opportunity to explore the space in an entirely new way.
The Electrical Age is large-scale audiovisual installation by Illuminos, brothers Matt and Rob Vale, that brings to life Bristol’s electrifying history. 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 who 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.
Bristol’s renowned school of circus and physical theatre, Circomedia, will open up its church venue near Portland Square to festival-goers, offering indoor flying trapeze experiences from 5pm - 8:30pm nightly (small fee per go). Walkabout circus performers will also animate the square throughout the festival, adding even more colour and energy to the outdoor experience.
This year’s festival also partners with an essential local cause: St Peter’s Hospice, which provides end-of-life care and support across Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. Bristol Light Festival and Bristol BID are working with the hospice to help share and amplify its year-round message of ‘bringing light to lives’ through the partnership, 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.
“St Peter’s Hospice is proud to be Bristol Light Festival’s charity partner for 2026,” said Susan Hamilton, CEO at St Peter’s Hospice. “Every day, our teams support patients and families across Bristol, helping people live well with life-limiting illnesses. We’re thrilled to be part of a festival that celebrates connection, creativity and community and hope this partnership helps share our year-round message of bringing light to lives.”
Visitors will be encouraged to learn more, donate, and support the hospice’s vital work throughout the festival. To find out more, visit www.stpetershospice.org.
Founded by Bristol Business Improvement District (BID) and curated by multi award-winning Creative Director Katherine Jewkes, Bristol Light Festival is delivered in partnership with organisations across the city to create free, high-quality cultural experiences in public space.
Katherine Jewkes, Creative Director of Bristol Light Festival, said: “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. With Circomedia bringing circus activity to Portland Square alongside the return of Swing Song, this year’s programme offers even more ways for audiences to engage with light, sound and play.”
Anna Farthing, Interim Head of Place at Bristol BID, said: “As Bristol Light Festival completes its 2026 lineup, it’s fantastic to see artworks and activity that will draw people into different corners of the city centre, supporting local businesses and creating a real sense of winter vibrancy. We’re also proud to be partnering with St Peter’s Hospice this year, helping to share their message of ‘bringing light to lives’ and shining a spotlight on the vital work they do across our communities.”
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. Accessibility information, travel advice and hotel packages will be available at www.bristollightfestival.org. Follow @bristol_light_fest on Instagram and Facebook for artist stories, behind-the-scenes content and programme updates. Bristol Light Festival’s full programme of bookable and companion activities will be announced soon.
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