Bell Jar Fairies
Studio McGuire
Bell Jar Fairies, by returning artists Studio McGuire offers a quieter kind of magic. Inside the Royal West of England Academy 11 tiny glowing fairies are displayed within bell jars, each inspired by Bristol’s landscapes, wildlife and hidden corners. During special late-night openings, visitors can wander the gallery, spotting fairies throughout the space.
Midnight Ballet Will Budgett
In the University of Bristol’s Royal Fort Gardens, seven illuminated steel sculptures are precisely positioned so that their shadows reveal the silhouettes of graceful ballerinas. Together, these sculptures create a Midnight Ballet, a captivating encounter where art, nature and light transform the landscape. Figures will magically appear and disappear, turning shadow into the main performer in a quiet, magical experience.
The Lite Series
Cameron Balloons & Bristol Light Festival
Premiering at the Festival this year, The Lite Series brings Bristol’s iconic ballooning heritage down to earth in a playful, interactive installation Created by world-renowned Bristol fabric engineers Cameron Balloons in collaboration with Bristol Light Festival’s Creative Director Katherine Jewkes. The installation combines craftsmanship with playful interaction, turning a beloved part of Bristol’s identity into a spectacle powered by people.
The Cat That Slept For A Thousand Years Air Giants
The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years by pioneering soft-robotics studio Air Giants is a gentle giant curled up beside the water at Cascade Steps. Stretching 10 metres ear-to-tail, the inflatable cat breathes softly and purrs as visitors approach and interact with her. Friendly and tactile, this visitor from another world invites moments of calm and connection.
Jacob’s Wall
Parker Heyl
Jacob’s Wall is a hand-built kinetic installation by Parker Heyl, inspired by the folk toy Jacob’s Ladder and highlighting the beauty of hands-on making. A curtain of wooden tiles flips between timber and mirror surfaces, scattering light into shifting, pixellike patterns. The artwork animates Redcliffe Caves, filling the historic space with rhythmic motion and mesmerising kinetic light.
Royal West of England Academy, BS8 1PX ///slower.pocket.tinsel @studiomcguire studiomcguire.com
Royal Fort Gardens, BS8 1UH ///grand.than.jazz @will.budgett.studio willbudgett.co.uk
College Green, BS1 5UY ///aspect.glory.starts @cameronballoons @bristol_light_fest cameronballoons.co.uk
Cascade Steps, BS1 4XJ ///skins.topped.cubs @airgiantshq airgiants.co.uk
Redcliffe Caves, BS1 6SR ///almost.chill.charm @parkerheyl parkerheyl.com
Swing Song
Bristol Light Festival
Swing Song is a Bristol Light Festival creation and a much-loved icon of the programme. First presented at BLF in 2022 and enhanced for 2025, it has toured events across the country and racked up over one million swings. The experience is simple: each swing controls a different musical element - swing low for gentle beats, or high for a crescendo.
Our Colour
Liz West
First presented in Bristol a decade ago, Our Colour returns to Bristol in a bold new form, reimagined and doubled in scale. Created by internationally acclaimed artist Liz West, the installation uses carefully arranged coloured filters to refract light throughout the space. As visitors move through it, layers of colour shift and overlap, inviting you to step inside a rainbow.
Our Colour Reflection
Liz West
Liz West’s Our Colour Reflection is a floor-based installation made from 765 coloured acrylic mirrored discs, arranged at different heights throughout the space. The mirrors reflect light, architecture and visitors themselves, revealing parts of the building that might otherwise go unnoticed, and filling the interior with colour. As people move through the work, the reflections shift and change.
Jellymonsters
Rob Hodgson
Jellymonsters is a world premiere by Bristolbased illustrator Rob Hodgson, known for creating playful worlds and characters that spring to life in unexpected ways. Set on the waterside, the installation introduces mysterious, wobbly creatures said to live beneath the Avon. Normally hidden, Jellymonsters are drawn out by the sound. Whisper, clap or sing to see them react.
The Electrical Age Illuminos
The Electrical Age, created by Illuminos, is a large-scale projection mapped artwork bringing Bristol’s pioneering electrical history to life. Set on the historic Clockwise Generator Building, first opened in 1899 to power the city’s electric trams, the work traces 150 years of the city’s innovation heritage with its energy future - from early public electrical illuminations to today’s renewable energy.
Portland Square, BS2 8RG ///refers.filed.swung @bristol_light_fest bristollightfestival.com
BS2 9AB ///paints.sits.degree @lizweststudio liz-west.com
///paints.sits.degree @lizweststudio liz-west.com
Left Handed Giant, BS1 6EU ///admiral.spark.fight @berthodgson robhodgson.com
Clockwise Generator Building, BS1 6BX ///neon.eager.agrees @illuminosvales illuminos.co.uk
Cabot Circus Car Park, Level 7,
Cabot Circus Car Park, Level 7, BS2 9AB
BLF EVENTS
Some events require pre-booking and fees apply. For full event information, please visit bristollightfestival.com/events
Lantern Making Craft Cafe Sessions
19 - 28 February, 11am - 3pm - St George’s Bristol
Drop in over lunchtime and create your own lanterns by taking part in this self-directed, mindful craft activity in the inspiring setting of St George’s gorgeous pavilion café. Materials and templates all provided.
Circus in the Square
19 - 21 February, 5 - 9pm - Portland Square Circomedia, Bristol’s world-renowned centre for physical theatre, brings have a go circus activities to Portland Square and walkabout performances from stilt-walkers, acrobats, and jugglers.
Variety Bungalow Cabaret
19 - 21 February, 7.30pm - Circomedia
Variety Bungalow returns with bold, live performances to light up the Circomedia stage. Expect high-quality cabaret, dazzling circus, a touch of burlesque and more, all hosted by Jon Udry, with cabaret style seating and table service throughout the evening.
Cocktails in the Dark
19, 25, 26 February, 6 - 7.15pm - Lost & Found Bristol
A sensory cocktail experience guided by expert bartenders. Sample five carefully crafted cocktails while blindfolded to heighten taste and aroma. This playful, immersive challenge invites guests to taste, guess, and rate each drink. Book your group of 8 - 20.
Kids Neon Rave
20 February, 4 - 7pm - Bambalan
Enjoy a boogie with your children at Bambalan’s kid friendly neon rave, featuring a live DJ, glow sticks and balloons. Food and soft drinks available, with a cocktail happy hour for adults.
Phytogram Printing Workshop
21 February, 10.30am - 12.30pm - Bristol Folk House
Discover a hands-on photography process using vitamin C tablets and washing soda to create light-sensitive chemistry. Make phytogram and chemigram prints using leaves from the courtyard, learning experimental techniques including relief printing and lumen printing.
Community Celebration
21 February, 12 - 6pm - Arnolfini
Join the Diverse Artists Network and local artists for an inclusive day of workshops, live music, theatre and dance. Drop in to take part, watch performances, or simply relax and enjoy a welcoming space for all ages.
Make Your
Own Tealight Holder
21 February, 4- 5.30pm - Cass Art
Celebrate Bristol Light Festival by creating a delightful tealight holder from air-drying clay. Full materials and instruction provided, just bring your imagination. Age 16+.
Bristol Light Festival After Party Hosted by Fluff
21 February, 9pm - 3.30am - After Dark
Continue the night with some of Bristol’s best DJs. Lineup includes Craig Brown, Dave K, Gino Figliolini, The Disruptors, with a happy hour between 9-10pm to get everyone in the mood to groove.
Lantern Making Workshops with Craft with Clare
22 February, various times - St George’s
Create Lunar New Year themed paper lanterns with local artist
Craft with Clare. Then join other lantern making folk to light up your creation at 5pm for an immersive Songs by Lanternlight event with Zoie Kennedy.
Songs by Lanternlight
22 February, 5 - 6pm - St George’s Bristol Led by Zoie Kennedy, this lanternlit event gathers everyone together with songs celebrating light, spring, and renewal. Bring along any lanterns made during the festival or simply come with your own fun lighting creations and join in.
Keeping
it Light
22 February, 5pm - The Gaffe
Family friendly comedy from a mixed bill of local talent. Bring your kids and elders, and light up your Sunday with laughter.
Flying Trapeze Sessions
22 - 28 February, 5 - 8.30pm - Circomedia
The Swing Song artwork gives you the chance to swing in the Square. Inside Circomedia, expert flyers will help you take to the skies on a flying trapeze in one of Bristol’s most breathtaking spaces. Drop-in and swing as many times as you like.
Dark Humour
22 February, 8pm - The Gaffe
Strictly for grown ups. A mixed bill comedy show for those of us with a darker sense of humour. Come and laugh yourself silly at the gags that don’t dare surface in the light of day.
Moments of Light: Celebrating Life with St Peter’s Hospice
23 February, 6.30 - 8.30pm Bristol Beacon
St Peter’s Hospice is Bristol Light Festival’s official charity partner for 2026. At this captivating community event, experience a beautiful blend of choirs, comedy, storytelling, and unforgettable moments. Come for the entertainment, leave with your heart a little brighter, and help bring light to local families when they need it most.
Photography Walk
24, 26 February, 6 - 8pm - Various locations
Explore Bristol Light Festival through a new lens. Capture a selection of stunning Light Festival installations on camera with this immersive photography walk hosted by award-winning photographer, Adrian Wyatt.
Dinner in the Dark: Blindfolded Dinner Experience
24 February, 8 - 9.45pm - Lost & Found Bristol
Indulge your senses in a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Let your taste buds take centre stage whilst shrouded in darkness and enjoy a surprise three-course set menu of food and drink.
Lighting Futures: Spotlight on Skills and Careers
25 February, 2 - 5pm - Bristol Beacon
Lighting Futures offers an opportunity for young people to discover careers in creative lighting and event production, along with hands-on activities and a chance to chat with professionals. Everyone working with light is welcome to join in informal networking at 5pm
Sunset Yoga
25 February, 5.45 - 6.45pm - Assembly Building
Unwind with a free one-hour sunset yoga session high above the city, with sweeping rooftop views of Bristol as day turns to night.
Bristol in Light: Draw a landscape on a lampshade
25 February, 5.30 - 8pm - The Stradling Collection
Capture the essence of Bristol using a lampshade as your canvas. Guided by artist Lisa Malyon, you’ll explore markmaking techniques to create your own original piece of art.
Switched On:
Curators Tour of The Stradling Collection
27 February, 5.30 - 7pm - The Stradling Collection
Join curator Tanya Martin on an after-hours tour. Delve deep into the history of mid-century lighting and discover Bauhaus, Breuer, and Bristol’s pivotal role in bringing international Modernism to Britain.
Bristol Samba Performance
28 February, Time to be announced - College Green
Join the much-loved community band Bristol Samba, celebrating their 40th year, for a one-off performance against the backdrop of The Lite Series installation. This festival finale will lift your spirits as you dance away the winter chills.
Our wider programme of light-based experiences across the city
Mauretania
19 - 28 February - Park Street
Keep your eyes peeled for this lighting landmark, Bristol’s first ever external moving neon sign, glowing since 1938. Did you know the interiors of the RMS Mauretania’s first-class lounge are inside this building?
Oceana Gromit Sculpture Illuminated
19 - 28 February - Rise Technical, Colston Avenue
This sculpture was acquired by Rise Technical at The Grand Appeal’s Wallace & Gromit Charity Auction, which raised £2million for paediatric care across the South West. Spot him in his nautical window set-up.
Street Food Market
19 - 28 February, see venue opening hours
Harbourside Market
The Harbourside Market presents a special nighttime offering during the Bristol Light Festival, featuring all your best-loved street food traders to keep you fuelled throughout the evening.
Shoal of Light
19 - 23 February, 5-9.30pm - Puppet Place
Puppet Place are building light-up kinetic fish puppets of marine life local to Bristol Harbour. The fish are designed to ripple in the wind, with lights pulsating to a soundtrack. Accompanying music comes from Jonathan Eve.
Crafting Hope
23 February - 1 March, illuminated until 10pm - SPARKS
BLF Plus and BLF Events are organised by partners working with Bristol BID, and may be subject to change. Please check Bristol Light Festival and host websites for any updates. For full information, please visit bristollightfestival.com/plus
Switched On: Showcasing Mid-Century Lighting
18 February - 4 March, see venue opening hours
The Stradling Collection
Switched On brings together a dazzling collection of midcentury lighting that defined a generation of modern interiors. From British Studio Ceramic bases to Scandinavian floor lamps, each piece tells a story of innovation, optimism, and the beauty of everyday domestic lighting.
Lighting Up the Basin:
The Historic John Sebastian
19 - 28 February, 5 - 9.30pm - The John Sebastian Lightship
The John Sebastian Light Vessel 55 (LV55) was built by Bristol’s Charles Hill & Sons in 1885 and spent nearly 70 years as a “guiding light,” towed to dangerous hazards to warn sailors and save lives. Admire this historic vessel and enjoy a night of maritime discovery. Bar open for drinks and snacks.
Displayed in the shop window of the former M&S, this hopeful artwork was co-created by students from Bristol City College’s Creative Therapeutic Practice degree, asylum seekers and artist Lucy Reeves-Khan, founder of Window Wanderland.
Window Wanderland at Watershed
23 February - 1 March, illuminated until 11pm - Watershed
Window Wanderland brings together communities to create hopeful, playful window displays. Inspired by Watershed’s “Wild and Generous” project, this creation features paper cut flowers shining out to Anchor Road and bringing nature indoors.
INFORMATION
Information Hut
Located on College Green, the Information Hut is staffed during festival opening hours with a friendly team ready to answer any questions. You can also approach any team member wearing a white high vis jacket for assistance.
Guide AI app
For an audio guide to the festival in English, plus 11 other languages, download the Guide. AI app and search for Guide ID 203
For full information, please visit bristollightfestival.com
FAQs
What time will the artworks be switched on?
All artworks will be illuminated from 5pm to 9.30pm each day. For the best experience, we recommend viewing installations after dark.
When is the best time to visit with children?
Weeknights before 7pm are generally quieter and more familyfriendly, making them ideal for a relaxed experience with children.
How long will it take to see all of the artworks?
The festival is best enjoyed at a gentle pace, and we would suggest spending about 20 minutes at each installation. With 10 days to explore, you can enjoy the festival at your own pace.
Walking the entire festival in one evening takes around 3-4 hours, depending on your walking speed and time spent at each installation, so why not visit over two or three evenings? Please note there may be queues at busier times (Thursday – Saturday).
Is the festival accessible?
We’ve worked hard to make Bristol Light Festival accessible to all. An Accessibility Guide, including information on each artwork and location, is available on our website and to pick up from our Information Hut.
Is Bristol Light Festival sustainable?
We’re committed to reducing the environmental impact of the festival by encouraging sustainable. travel, reducing waste, reusing materials, and using energy-efficient LED lighting.
For full FAQs, please visit bristollightfestival.com/faq
Bristol is a vibrant city, renowned for its creative, rich cultural offer and its uniquely welcoming atmosphere. The festival covers the breadth of the city centre, giving visitors the chance to explore highlights including the city’s bustling harbourside, the atmospheric streets and independent shops of the Old City and shopping destinations such as Broadmead, Cabot Circus, and Park Street.
Take the time to explore the city’s thriving community of independent eateries or immerse yourself in the globally acclaimed street art scene that birthed Banksy. Visitors can learn about Bristol’s storied past at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery and M Shed, while cultural hubs such as Spike Island, Arnolfini, and Watershed provide a glimpse into the city’s vital creative backbone.
Bristol Light Festival 2026 promises to be the most ambitious edition yet, transforming this vibrant city into a glowing playground of light, colour and imagination.
Plan your visit to Bristol at visitbristol.co.uk
