Birmingham Light Festival: What and when is Birmingham Light Festival? All you need to know
Watch the video: Birmingham city centre is set to transform into a dazzling open-air gallery as the Birmingham Light Festival returns this February.
From captivating artworks to interactive tours of iconic city landmarks, the Birmingham Light Festival promises to illuminate the heart of the city with light, art, and community spirit. Running from 19th to 22nd February, this spectacular event will transform Birmingham’s city centre into a dazzling open-air gallery.
The festival boasts 11 stunning light installations, bringing Birmingham’s streets, squares, and public spaces to life from 6pm to 10pm. Among the highlights:
- Flux by French studio Collectif Scale at Snow Hill Square—a hypnotic dance of light beams accompanied by electronic music.
- Centenary Square will host playful experiences like Floor is LAVA x Silent Disco, blending music, dance, and light into an unforgettable participatory event. Visitors can also twist light prisms in Twist & Shine by Kaleider or enjoy a game of Night Badminton, courtesy of Badminton England.
The festival’s art installations offer opportunities for interaction and awe:
- Mycelium Network by Stevie Thompson in St. Paul’s Square recreates nature’s underground fungal networks with fiber-optic light.
- Positive Spin by Liz Harry, at The Mailbox, merges fortune-telling and artistry in a towering 5-meter interactive sculpture.
- Un-Reel Access by Kappa, a glowing locked door at New Street Station, teases the imagination with mysteries beyond.
- Peace Poem by Emergency Exit Arts at Hippodrome Square illuminates Robert Montgomery’s poetic words, animated by fluttering butterflies.
Three legacy artworks will remain in place beyond the festival:
- Alright Bab!, celebrating Birmingham’s iconic greeting.
- Ideas Happen Here, a Jewellery Quarter tribute to the city’s innovative history.
- Roof of Stars, inspired by the Hippodrome’s history and performers.
A vibrant programme of more than 50 events will give visitors countless ways to experience the festival:
- Run the Lights: A 5km jog with The Goodsyard Run Club, showcasing illuminated artworks.
- Neon Paddle: A £40pp guided nighttime kayak tour along the city’s canals.
- Cuddle Paws: A glowing dog walk through the Jewellery Quarter supporting Birmingham Dogs Home.
Culinary experiences will add a delicious twist:
- Culinary Light Trail (£48pp) at The Mailbox features exclusive snacks and cocktails across three restaurants.
- Candlelight Dinner (£45pp) at Otto in the Jewellery Quarter offers a cosy, three-course meal.
- Themed cocktails at Aluna and Isaac’s Restaurant provide refreshing stops during the festival.
Music and nightlife events include the Bringing the Light lantern procession by CBSO and the Canal & River Trust, and neon-themed dance parties at Snobs and Rosie’s nightclubs.
Workshops and interactive activities are integral to the festival:
- Lantern making workshops at Ikon Gallery lead to the "Clipping the Ikon" procession.
- You Light Up My Life by Quartermasters showcases engraved gold ingots celebrating loved ones.
- Artsy Party invites participants to create glow-in-the-dark masterpieces in family-friendly and adults-only sessions.
Alex Nicholson Evans, City Curator, emphasised the festival’s collaborative spirit: “We’re proud to deliver a spectacular event that lets people see Birmingham in a whole new light. With so much on offer, we’re excited to welcome visitors for what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable experience.”
Caroline Davis, Managing Director of OPUS, added: “Our city centre will come alive with art and activities for everyone. We hope visitors from near and far will embrace the festival’s magic—and return to explore everything it has to offer.”
For the full list of artworks, events, and ticket information, visit the Birmingham Light Festival website: www.birminghamlightfestival.co.uk.
Don’t miss this chance to see Birmingham in a brilliant new light!