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 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.

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.  

Bristol Light Festival is free and open to all.

What's happening?

For the first time, we’re spreading the magic across Bristol, stretching from Redcliffe and Cabot Circus to Park Street, Spike Island and Portland Square

Due to popular demand, our opening nights will align with half term, giving families more time to explore together.

Alongside Our Colour by Liz West, the acclaimed artist will also transform the 7th floor of Cabot Circus car park into a luminous, ever-changing environment with Our Colour Reflection. 

Composed of 765+ coloured acrylic mirrored discs, the floor-based work reflects light, architecture and visitors to create a playful and contemplative sensory experience.

Plus don't miss...

Jacob’s Wall - Parker Heyl’s hypnotic artwork will see ever-changing cascades of light transform one of Bristol’s most atmospheric locations, Redcliffe Caves.

The Electrical Age - Illuminos present a large-scale audiovisual installation, using the Grade II-listed Clockwise Generator Building as a canvas to bring Bristol’s electrifying history to life.

Swing Song - Our very own light-and-sound-controlled swings return for 2026, rebuilt and refreshed following a UK tour - head to Portland Square to create your 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.

Find out more https://bristollightfestival.org/

Fantastic photography from 📷 ShotAway.com