• Swindon & Wiltshire Culture
• Tuesday November 18 2025

Bristol BID confirms Bristol Light Festival 2026

Bristol Light Festival will be returning to the city in 2026, organiser Bristol Business Improvement District has confirmed.

The event will bring light to dark evenings between Thursday, February 19 and Saturday, February 28.

Thanks to the newly unified Bristol Business Improvement District (BID), the festival programme will span the city, including Redcliffe, Cabot Circus, Park Street, Spike Island and Portland Square

As well as the featured artworks, the 2026 edition will feature a more participatory and interactive programme, encouraging more of Bristol’s venues to get involved by hosting their own accompanying events so audiences can experience the city like never before.

Due to popular demand, the first days of 2026’s Bristol Light Festival coincide with school half term, allowing families more time to explore the installations together, says the BID.

Steve Bluff, chief operating officer of Bristol BID, said: “By coming together as one BID, we’re able to deliver an inclusive event that brings creativity and connection right across the city centre.

“We hope that by expanding the footprint of the festival, we encourage people to explore more corners of, and businesses within, the city than ever before.”

Katherine Jewkes, creative director of Bristol Light Festival, added: “At Bristol Light Festival, we want to bring light and joy to a traditionally dark time of year.

“2026’s programme will feature incredible artists and some very special local collaborations we can’t wait to share with you over the coming weeks.”

Bristol Light Festival 2026 will run nightly from 5pm to 9.30pm.

The 2025 event delivered a record-breaking £11 million boost to the city’s economy.