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Birmingham Light Festival returns February 2026.

After a successful first year, Birmingham Light Festival will return from 12-15 February 2026.

See the city in a different light, as Birmingham Light Festival will once again transform city spaces into a dazzling open-air gallery. Falling this year across Valentine's weekend, discover these incredible installations across the city centre.

 

Most of the artworks are temporary installations, but our legacy commissions, will remain in place after the festival, as we seek to brighten city spaces more permanently over time.

 

As Producers for the festival, we are pleased to reveal the full programme for 2026 - a gallery of spectacular, illuminated artworks from internationally renowned and local artists, plus a series of special events, all taking place across the city centre.

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Header Image: Firefly Field by Studio Toer will be at St Paul's Church in the Jewellery Quarter.

Circular Image: The Heartbeat of Brindleyplace by idontloveyouanymore will be in Oozells Square, Westside BID.

Creating a sense of playful curiosity and spark joy, expect 14 extraordinary artworks, all within walking distance of each other or easily accessible via the metro, encouraging visitors to come together and explore the city.

 

4 of the illuminated artworks will remain in place, as Birmingham Light Festival seeks to brighten city centre spaces progressively over time.

 

OPUS approached the programme holistically, and always through the view of the audience experience lens. We programmed a range of artworks, from architecturally designed pieces to interactive activations. 

Festival Evaluation Findings:

       63,839 visits to the inaugural festival

       100% of funders and event partners and 99% of                        audiences want Birmingham Light Festival to return in            2026

        50+ fringe events in Arts Venues and Hospitality                      Organisations and 49 festival partners

        960 Volunteer hours, worth £13,853

        76.8% of audiences travelled sustainably​

  • 71% increase in footfall in city-centre spaces activated during the festival

  • ​85% of visitors agreed that they felt more connected to the city as a result of attending Birmingham Light Festival

Revisit 2025's festival through our post-event video.

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OPUS are responsible for:
 

  • Creative direction, event design and programme producing
     

  • Contract Management and budget management;
     

  • Event Direction and operational planning and delivery
     

  • Production and Technical management, and full supplier management;
     

  • Stakeholder, landowner and City Council / SAG liaison;
     

  • Artist liaison and contracting;
     

  • Evaluation design, onsite surveys and full project data analysis;
     

  • All event documentation including Event Management Plans, full RAMS and adverse weather planning.

Creative Play

Voted visitor's favourite installation at Birmingham Light Festival 2025, the silent disco will be returning! This year, out concept is still as playful but even sillier - find out more about Silly Statues x Silent Disco below.

These playful interventions are part of OPUS’ commitment to transforming public space through light, art, and participation.

 

 

LUCI Creative Lighting Forum, Lyon

In December 2026, our Senior Producer - and Creative Director of Birmingham Light Festival - was invited to speak at the LUCI Creative Lighting Forum in Lyon, in association with Fete des Lumieres.

 

Responding to the theme of play, Bex spoke about her passion for light and play, and how OPUS embed this into our cultural outdoor programming - using Birmingham Light Festival and Floor is Lava x Silent Disco as one of the case studies.

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