The much-loved Birmingham Light Festival is set to return in February 2026, transforming the city centre into a spectacular open-air gallery of light and sound. Following its acclaimed debut, the festival's second annual edition promises to be even bigger, with a completely free illuminated trail of artworks designed to brighten the dark winter nights.
A City Aglow: Key Installations and Events
Running from Thursday, February 12 to Sunday, February 15, 2026, the festival will feature an array of breathtaking installations. St Paul's Square, the city's last Georgian square, will be transformed into a magical Firefly Field by Studio Toer, filled with drifting, flickering lights. Over at the Bullring, the Birmingham Hippodrome will present FORGED, a high-energy fire performance set to a soundtrack of local heavy metal from band Insurgent, complete with an interactive fire-breathing organ.
In a romantic nod to the coinciding Valentine's Day weekend, neon hearts will light up Lower Temple Street in an artwork titled 'My Heart Belongs In Birmingham'. Meanwhile, a giant glittering discoball will illuminate the city's famous canals, and luminous arches named Reunion by Kumquat Lab will grace the area outside New Street Station.
Interactive Experiences and Lasting Legacies
The festival is not just about viewing art; it's about participation. On Victoria Square, giant eyes will watch over the Colmore Business District in an installation called The Look of Love: All Eyes on Town Hall. Beneath it, festival producers Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces will host a silent disco and giant games of musical statues. A poignant nationwide project, Matters of the Heart, will connect softly glowing boxes of light in Brindleyplace to the real-time heartbeats of local residents, sharing Brummie stories.
A highlight of the 2025 festival was the creation of permanent legacy artworks, and 2026 will add a fourth. Where The Trees Begin, a new mural by Birmingham artist Richard O'Gorman inspired by the region's ancient forests, will be installed in Edgbaston Village with support from Birmingham City Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Beyond the Lights: Activities and Partnerships
Alongside the core light trail, over 50 additional activities are planned. These include a group run visiting all installations, a Paws of Light dog walk, a night market on Greenfield Crescent, and the return of the Bringing The Light Lantern Procession on the canals, created with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Many pubs and restaurants will also host themed candlelit evenings and special menus.
City curator Alex Nicholson-Evans expressed excitement about the 2026 programme, stating it showcases "thought-provoking, internationally renowned works alongside original creations from incredibly talented local artists." The festival is a collaborative effort supported by numerous city partners, offering a vibrant and free cultural highlight for the winter.
