I can cope with cold, dark nights at Christmas. It’s once they take the festive lights down that the winter blues set in. What a mood-saver the inaugural Birmingham Light Festival was then, which, earlier this year, saw 11 artworks illuminate an often gloomy and depressing city centre in February.
I’m so thankful to learn, then, that we’re doing it all again in 2026—with even more city spaces being brought to life with lights from February 12 to 15, 2026. Across Valentine’s Day weekend, Birmingham’s streets, squares, and public spaces will become a spectacular gallery of illuminated artworks.
This time, both the Bullring and Edgbaston Village will be joining in on the city-wide celebrations, as all five city-centre BIDs (Colmore BID, Central BID, Southside BID, Westside BID and The Jewellery Quarter BID) work together to brighten up February’s dark nights.
“We were overwhelmed at the response to the first festival earlier this year,” said Alex Nicholson-Evans, City Curator. “The visitor figures and feedback proved that some light relief is exactly what the people of Birmingham and beyond needed during those dark winter evenings.
“99% of that audience said they wanted the festival to return, so we’ve worked incredibly hard with some really dedicated and passionate organisations to make that happen! It’s been fantastic to have all five BIDs continue their commitment to Birmingham Light Festival, and we’re thrilled to welcome back fantastic partners like The Mailbox, too.”
This year saw over 64,000 visits to Birmingham Light Festival, but we’re expecting the glowing event to be ever bigger, better and brighter in 2026, with a full programme of events to illuminate the city. But there are now even more opportunities to get involved with Birmingham Light Festival yourself.
How do I get involved with Birmingham Light Festival?
Last year’s Legacy programme saw three permanent artworks installed for the Festival, which all still remain as part of a commitment from festival organisers to brighten the city more permanently. This year, local artists and creatives will have the chance to design a new permanent installation—with applications for artists open now.
Plus, an Open Call to businesses based within the festival footprint has launched, allowing them to host official Festival events, which last year included a wide variety of programming—from a Culinary Trail and the Paws of Light group dog walk to crafts and textiles sessions and even a nighttime kayak tour.
To learn more about both opportunities, head to the Birmingham Light Festival here.