Bristol Light Festival returns for 2024 with ten beautiful illuminations

Bristol Light Festival has returned for 2024 with ten illuminations across nine sites in some of the city's best-known locations.

The free event, now in its fifth year of operation, include illuminations such as giant, iridescent bubbles, tunnels of pulsating light and an untethered astronaut floating through space.

Curated by creative director Katherine Jewkes, the festival was founded by Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) and is presented in partnership with Redcliffe & Temple BID.

Speaking after the opening night on Friday (February 2), Jewkes said: “Opening night always feels a bit like watching a friend open a present; seeing people explore the installations for the first time is so special.

"I loved watching families play with the projected penguins at WildLight, taking a peaceful moment in Temple Church listening to Hannah Peel and Paraorchestra's gorgeous music set to light, escaping into an imaginary intergalactic world at Studio McGuire's Ascendance, dancing under giant bubbles at Evanescent and through tunnels of light at Pulse. Dave Buonaguidi's immortal words hold true; Bristol is Always a Good idea.”

Vicky Lee, head of Bristol City Centre BID, added: “As February can be a quieter time for footfall in the city centre, Bristol Light Festival draws people into the city and gives businesses a much-needed midwinter boost.

"We hope that more people continue to not only visit the installations before the festival ends, but to continue supporting the surrounding businesses who have so much to offer.”

The 2024 edition of Bristol Light Festival will run until February 11, with installations setting the city aglow between 5 to 10pm every evening.