The Birmingham Light Festival, running from 19th to 22nd February, promises to transform the city with 11 stunning illuminated artworks and over 50 exciting events.
The festival offers a unique blend of interactive art, outdoor activities, and unforgettable experiences that will brighten the winter nights. Here’s what you can expect.
The ‘Roof of Stars’ installation at Thorp Street is set to shine a light on the stars of the Hippodrome stage
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A Light-Filled Experience Awaits
Flux, a captivating light display by Collectif Scale at Snow Hill Square
This year, the festival will showcase a series of extraordinary light installations across Birmingham, creating an open-air gallery from 6pm to 10pm each evening. Among the highlights is Flux, a mesmerising display by French design studio Collectif Scale at Snow Hill Square, featuring light beams paired with electronic music.
Floor is LAVA x Silent Disco at Centenary Square
At Centenary Square, visitors can enjoy participatory artworks such as Floor is LAVA x Silent Disco, where dancers leap to avoid the “lava” track. Other interactive experiences include Twist & Shine by Kaleider, where visitors can reshape light prisms, and Night Badminton, a glowing badminton game presented by Badminton England.
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A Taste of the Festival
Mycelium Network by Stevie Thompson at St. Paul’s Square
The streets of Birmingham will be filled with creative installations, such as Mycelium Network by Stevie Thompson at St. Paul’s Square, which mimics underground fungal networks with fibre-optic lighting; Positive Spin by Liz Harry at The Mailbox, combining tarot readings with animated fortunes; Un-Reel Access by Kappa at New Street Station, featuring a glowing locked door that sparks curiosity; and Peace Poem by Emergency Exit Arts at Hippodrome Square, bringing Robert Montgomery’s message of peace to life with floating butterflies.
Positive Spin by Liz Harry at The Mailbox
Three legacy artworks, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, will remain long after the festival ends: Alright Bab! celebrates the Brummie greeting, Ideas Happen Here highlights the Jewellery Quarter’s innovation history, and Roof of Stars at Thorp Street shines a light on the stars of the Hippodrome stage.
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Over 50 Events to Explore
In addition to the light installations, the festival offers over 50 events across the city. Highlights include Run the Lights, a free 5km run hosted by The Goodsyard Run Club, and the Neon Paddle kayak tour by Roundhouse Birmingham. Dog owners can join the Paws of Light walk in support of Birmingham Dogs Home. Music of the Night will feature a lantern procession with music from CBSO, while nightclubs like Snobs and Rosie’s offer neon-lit fun. The festival also presents unique culinary experiences such as the Culinary Light Trail and Otto’s Candlelit Dinner.
