What is Bristol Light Festival?
A 10-day light trail that will illuminate various locations throughout Bristol city centre. It showcases collection of local, national and internationally-renowned light artists.
When will Bristol Light Festival take place?
The Bristol Light Festival 2025 dates are yet to be announced. The 2024 festival took place from Friday 2 – Sunday 11 February 2024 from 5-10pm, including two weekends.
Do I need to book a ticket?
There are no tickets or booking required, as Bristol Light Festival is a city-wide free event for all to enjoy.
Is Bristol Light Festival free to attend?
Bristol Light Festival is and always will be 100% free for the public to attend, with the festival being put on for everyone to enjoy.
Where will Bristol Light Festival take place?
Bristol Light Festival takes place across the city centre, with installations in locations across the city centre.
Is there a map that shows where all of the installations are?
Yes, a full map of the festival can be found here. Alternatively, you can pick up a physical version at one of our pickup points:
- Our info hut on Queen Square
- Arnolfini
- Bristol Old Vic
- Watershed
- Left Handed Giant
- 6 O’Clock Gin Glass Boat
- Cabot Circus
- Bristol Beacon
- Temple Meads Station
- Bristol Coach Station
What time will the light installations be switched on?
The installations will be illuminated from 5 – 10pm, we recommend any projection based installations are viewed when it is fully dark.
When is the best time to visit with children?
Weeknights before 7pm tend to be quietest and therefore, a recommended time to visit with children.
Is there information available at the installations about the artwork?
Each location will have large signage, that includes details about the installation.
Are there any age restrictions for any of the light installations?
No, Bristol Light Festival is designed to be family friendly and all inclusive. It is advised that small children are accompanied by an adult at all times.
Can I bring my dog?
Absolutely, all of our installations and the trail itself is accessible to dogs. We love to see your furry friends enjoying the festival!
Will there be food and drink available?
There is a huge variety of cafes, bars, restaurants and other eateries along the Light Festival trail for you to enjoy throughout your visit.
Is the event accessible?
We have worked to ensure Bristol Light Festival is accessible to all. Our accessibility guide will be released closer to the festival and will contain notes on each of the artworks, helping you to plan your visit.
Are all installations wheelchair and pushchair accessible?
How long does it take to go around the trail?
1-1.5 hours to walk depending on speed, plus time to take in each installation. Please note, depending on when you visit, there may be queues to access some of the installations, especially at busier times (usually after 7pm Thursday to Sunday).
Who do I contact if I need help?
What is the best way for me to travel to Bristol Light Festival?
Is there parking at the event?
How can you justify putting on the Bristol Light Festival when there is a cost of living crisis?
Over the years, Bristol Light Festival has consistently brought tangible benefits to the local community, building the local economy, investing in local businesses, creating accessible training opportunities and inspiring local children and putting Bristol firmly on an international culture map. In these challenging times, it is all the more important that families have events to look forward to without having to worry about what it will cost to attend.
What is the Festival doing to ensure that it is sustainable?
We aim to reduce the environmental impact of the festival by encouraging and enabling people to travel sustainably and by reducing energy and waste. We also have taken the ‘Vision 2025 pledge’ which means we have committed to significantly reducing the event’s climate impact by 2025. More info on this can be found here.