Art / Bristol Light Festival
Bristol Light Festival 2026 to ‘transform city through light, creativity and play’
Bristol Light Festival returns from Thursday for what promises to be ten magical nights.
The 2026 edition of the free annual event sees locations further across the city than in previous years, with the festival footprint spanning Broadmead, Redcliffe, Clifton, St Paul’s and the wider city centre encompassing everything from car parks to historic sites.
Installations will also be combined with more than 30 activities including circus with Circomedia in Portland Square, a run with Queen Square Run Club and sunset yoga at the Assembly Building.
Where are the installations at Bristol Light Festival 2026?
- The Lite Series by Cameron Balloons & Bristol Light Festival – College Green
- Our Colour & Our Colour Reflection by Liz West – Cabot Circus Car Park
- The Cat That Slept For A Thousand Years by Air Giants – Cascade Steps
- Jacob’s Wall by Parker Heyl – Redcliffe Caves
- The Electrical Age by Illuminos – Generator Building
- Swing Song by Bristol Light Festival – Portland Square
- Jellymonsters by Rob Hodgson – Finzels Reach
- Midnight Ballet by Will Budgett – Royal Fort Garden
- Bell Jar Fairies by Studio McGuire – RWA
Bristol Light Festival creative director, Katherine Jewkes, said: “Bristol Light Festival is about transforming the city through light, creativity and play.
“This year’s programme invites audiences to explore familiar spaces in completely new ways, from caves and car parks to gardens and harboursides.
“Each artwork has been carefully curated to offer a different emotional response, whether that’s reflection, curiosity or joy.
“We can’t wait to see the city come alive after dark.”
Our Colour Reflection by Liz West is coming to level 7 of Cabot Circus Car Park – photo: Alex Koch
Bristol BID interim head of place, Anna Farthing, said: “Bristol Light Festival is a powerful example of how culture can support placemaking and drive real impact for our city centre.
“Alongside the installations, BLF Events and BLF Plus create even more reasons for people to stay longer, explore further and engage with Bristol’s brilliant businesses.
“By extending activity across a wider footprint and into more spaces, and by partnering with charitable organisations across culture and health, this year’s festival not only delivers a vibrant experience for residents and visitors, but also supports the local businesses that make Bristol the fantastic city it is.”
Main photo: The Cat That Slept For A Thousand Years by Air Giants
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