Returning for its second year, the Birmingham Light Festival is set to brighten February nights with an expanded lineup of free, captivating light installations from Thursday, February 12 through Sunday, February 15. Last year’s standout event is back, even bigger and more spectacular, turning city neighborhoods into a luminous wonderland that invites everyone to explore.
Experience the magic as St Paul’s Square transforms into a mesmerizing field of fireflies with a delicate, flickering display by Studio Toer. At the Bullring, high-energy performances combine fire and heavy metal music for a blazing spectacle produced by Birmingham Hippodrome. Here, visitors can interact with the fire-breathing organ, sending flames soaring into the night sky.
The city’s canals will be illuminated by a giant, glittering disco ball, adding sparkle to the waterways, while the Bullring area also hosts FORGED, a fiery show that sets the night alight. On Lower Temple Street, neon hearts will glow in celebration of Valentine’s weekend with NeonCow’s ‘My Heart Belongs In Birmingham’ installation.
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Returning favorites include “Our Beating Heart” by Studio Vertigo, a giant glittering heart displayed at the Mailbox, reminiscent of last year’s beloved Snow Hill piece. The festival also features Reunion by Kumquat Lab, showcasing luminous arches outside New Street Station, and “The Look of Love: All Eyes on Town Hall” by Designs In Air, where huge glowing eyes peer down on Victoria Square and the Colmore Business District.
Festival-goers can join a silent disco and playful giant games of musical statues beneath the watchful eyes of the Town Hall, organized by Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces. Meanwhile, in Brindleyplace, ‘The Heartbeat of Brindleyplace’ by idontloveyouanymore connects softly glowing light boxes to real local hearts, sharing moving stories from across Birmingham.
Expanding beyond the city centre, the festival reaches Edgbaston’s Botanical Gardens with ‘Tipping Point’ by Luke Jerram—a ticketed immersive experience simulating a forest fire, accompanied by an evocative musical score.
Continuing the tradition of creating lasting legacies, a new permanent installation titled “Where The Trees Begin” by Birmingham-based artist Richard O’Gorman will appear in Edgbaston Village. Inspired by the ancient forests that once thrived here, this artwork is made possible through funding by Birmingham City Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The festival weekend is packed with over 50 accompanying activities, such as a group run from The Goodsyard touring the installations, a Paws of Light dog walk, and a night market at Greenfield Crescent. The Bringing The Light Lantern Procession will again illuminate the canals with support from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the Canal and River Trust.
Local pubs, bars, and restaurants will join the festivities with candlelit evenings, special menus, and bespoke cocktails, all designed to enhance your festival experience.
City curator Alex Nicholson-Evans shared his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to unveil the full 2026 Birmingham Light Festival lineup. Featuring a mix of internationally acclaimed and extraordinary local artworks, this year’s festival promises to illuminate our city and bring warmth and wonder during the cold winter days. The countdown has officially begun!”
Don’t miss your chance to explore this vibrant celebration of light, art, and community across Birmingham.