The full programme of partner events and supporting experiences taking place alongside the 2026 edition of Bristol Light Festival has been announced, inviting audiences to enjoy ten unforgettable nights of light, creativity and culture from Thursday 19 to Saturday 28 February 2026.*
Alongside the free outdoor exhibition of ten large-scale installations and immersive illuminated artworks across the city centre, festival-goers can also explore two new for 2026 partner programme strands: BLF Events and BLF Plus.
Image: Swing Song at Bristol Light Festival, credit Shotaway
BLF Plus expands the festival footprint with a city-wide map of light-based highlights that can be enjoyed throughout the festival run, including illuminated landmarks, glowing window displays and unexpected encounters after dark. Locations include displays of heritage, light and creativity, illuminating the city throughout the festival at the Ken Stradling Collection, Sparks Bristol, the John Sebastian Lightship, Puppet Place and the Watershed.
BLF Events offers a vibrant schedule of bookable performances, workshops and one-off experiences hosted by Bristol’s leading cultural organisations, from circus and cabaret to community celebrations and skills activities.
Image: Circomedia
A major centrepiece of the BLF Events programme will see Bristol’s world-renowned contemporary circus school Circomedia bring nightly activity to Portland Square, this year’s home to the ever-popular festival installation Swing Song. Audiences can enjoy walkabout performances from stilt-walkers and jugglers as they await a turn on the swings, attend the bold and playful Variety Bungalow Cabaret or even take part in Flying Trapeze Sessions inside Circomedia’s spectacular converted church space.
Zannah Chisholm, CEO of Circomedia, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of Bristol Light Festival, bringing the sparkle of circus and physical theatre to Portland Square. Whether you’re watching a cabaret show or having a go on the flying trapeze, we can’t wait to welcome festival-goers into the world of circus.”
BLF Events also celebrates connection and community. On Sunday 22 February, audiences are invited to gather with handmade lanterns for Songs by Lanternlight at St George’s Bristol, a family-friendly evening led by actress Zoie Kennedy, bringing people together through music and creativity.
As part of this year’s festival charity partnership, St Peter’s Hospice will present a special one-off event in Lantern Hall at Bristol Beacon. On Monday 23 February, Moments of Light: Celebrating Life will blend music, storytelling and live performance in a powerful celebration of care, community and remembrance. Tickets for the show can be purchased online or at Bristol Beacon box office.
Bristol BID and the Bristol Light Festival also offers opportunities for young people and aspiring creatives to explore careers in lighting and event production. Lighting Futures: Spotlight on Skills and Careers takes place at Bristol Beacon on Wednesday 25 February, followed by networking for everyone working with light
Produced by Bristol Business Improvement District (BID) and curated by multi award-winning Creative Director Katherine Jewkes, Bristol Light Festival plays a vital role in supporting the evening economy while offering free, joyful experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Katherine Jewkes, Creative Director of Bristol Light Festival, said: “At its heart, Bristol Light Festival is about how creativity can transform shared spaces and bring people together. It’s been incredibly special to see businesses across the city collaborating to help expand the programme, supporting new experiences that invite audiences to explore Bristol in fresh and surprising ways.”
Sabrina Shutter, Senior Events Project Manager at Bristol BID, said: “This year’s BLF Events and BLF Plus programme is all about variety, joy and discovery. We’ve loved working with so many brilliant Bristol venues, businesses and artists to create experiences that invite people to stay out longer, try something new and see the city in a different light. Whether you’re making lanterns with your children, learning a new craft, laughing at a comedy show or dancing into the night, there’s something here for everyone and that’s down to the passion and creativity of the people who make Bristol what it is.”
With the festival’s opening weekend falling during February half term, the programme offers an ideal opportunity for families, communities and visitors to explore Bristol at its brightest.
Full listings, timings and booking details for all BLF Events and BLF Plus experiences are available at bristollightfestival.org/events, with further updates announced in the coming weeks. Follow @bristol_light_fest on Instagram and Facebook for updates.
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