Birmingham Light Festival Makes a Dazzling Return to Brighten the City
The Birmingham Light Festival has made a spectacular comeback, transforming the city centre into a radiant spectacle of light and art. This free festival, perfect for families, friends, and couples celebrating Valentine's Day, offers a vibrant escape during the darker winter nights.
Festival Details and Schedule
Running from Thursday, 12 February, to Sunday, 15 February, the festival operates daily from 6pm to 10pm. It features nine temporary light installations scattered across Birmingham, complemented by four permanent pieces, all accessible at no cost. Now in its second edition, the event has expanded to include a variety of activities such as club nights, craft sessions, and group runs, with participation from over 50 local businesses.
Artistic Highlights and Interactive Experiences
Among the standout installations is My Heart Belongs in Birmingham by Jack Quddus and NeonCow, located on Lower Temple Street near New Street Station. Interactive pieces add an engaging twist, including a fire-flaming organ on St. Martin's Balcony at the Bullring and a silent disco outside the town hall, drawing crowds regardless of weather conditions.
Additional attractions include the newly accessorised town hall, adorned with googly eyes and rainbow lights, a bejewelled heart in the Mailbox, and neon hearts on Lower Temple Street. Just outside the city centre, visitors can explore the Tipping Point exhibition at the Botanical Gardens and the Firefly Field at St Paul's Churchyard in the Jewellery Quarter.
Permanent Installations and Community Impact
While many pieces are temporary, one new permanent installation shines day and night: Richard O'Gorman's Where the Trees Begin in Edgbaston Village. City Curator Alex Nicholson-Evans emphasised the festival's significance, stating, "Culture is the glue for us all. These are just spaces we walk through if we don't bring them to life." He added, "The festival is great for well-being, it's great for people's general happiness, and it's great for the city too."
Nicholson-Evans highlighted the joy art brings, especially during winter, noting that the festival encourages dancing in Victoria Square and provides much-needed cheer. The event not only enhances the city's aesthetic but also fosters community spirit and supports local businesses, making it a key cultural highlight for Birmingham.
