As the festive lights are packed away and January's gloom sets in, a sparkling beacon of hope is approaching for Birmingham residents. The Birmingham Light Festival is set to return, offering a dazzling and completely free display of public art to lift spirits during the darkest months.
A City Transformed by Light
The festival, which begins on Thursday, 12 February 2026, will see the city centre metamorphose into a glowing open-air gallery. Running from 6pm each night, Thursday through Sunday, the event is a collaborative effort across multiple Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), including the Jewellery Quarter, Southside, Central, Colmore, and Westside. New for this year, Edgbaston and Bullring have also pledged to join the festivities.
This annual celebration was inspired by the immense popularity of a single artwork: a glittering heart-shaped disco ball that appeared outside Snow Hill station in spring 2024. The joy it sparked led to the inaugural festival in 2025, which attracted an impressive 64,000 visitors to see 11 illuminated installations.
Legacy Artworks and New Wonders
Three pieces from the 2025 festival have become permanent 'legacy works' for year-round enjoyment. These include the beloved 'Alright Bab' sign near Snow Hill, which has evolved into a popular community meeting point. Another crowd-pleaser that captivated audiences was the Mycelium Network by Stevie Thompson in St Paul's Square. This delicate work of fibreoptics added a layer of magic and wonder to the historic Jewellery Quarter location.
Other memorable pieces from the previous year include the Thorp Street Roof of Stars, located near the Hippodrome, which continues to enchant theatre-goers. The festival's success demonstrates a strong public appetite for accessible, transformative art that brings people together and beautifies urban spaces.
Free Fun for a Brighter 2026
In a time when finding cost-free entertainment is more valuable than ever, the Birmingham Light Festival stands out as a highlight of the city's cultural calendar. Local businesses and organisations will host supporting events and activities, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the participating districts.
For those seeking a respite from the dreary winter weather and a chance to experience their city in a new, radiant light, the festival offers the perfect solution. It proves that even in the depths of February, Birmingham knows how to switch on the charm and invite everyone to bask in its collective glow.
