Birmingham’s city centre will once again be transformed into a spectacular gallery of illuminated artworks, as Birmingham Light Festival returns from 12-15 February 2026, inviting residents and visitors to see the city in a different light.

Following the success of the inaugural Birmingham Light Festival earlier this year, which saw 11 artworks and a full programme of events illuminate the city and generate over 64,000 visits, all five city-centre BIDs are collaborating once more to deliver the second year of celebrations.

Led by City Curator, Alex Nicholson-Evans; Colmore BID, Central BID, Southside BID, Westside BID and The Jewellery Quarter BID will work together to brighten up February’s dark nights, with Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces (OPUS) reappointed as festival producers. The 2025 festival also saw 48 United by 2022 volunteers bring the illuminated gallery to life each night and the organisation is set to support once again.

This year’s festival will take place over Valentine’s Day weekend, giving visitors plenty of chances to fall in love with the city. Even more streets, squares, and public spaces will be re-imagined with light this February, with Bullring and Edgbaston Village also joining the city-wide collaboration.

There are now even more opportunities to get involved with Birmingham Light Festival. Last year’s Legacy programme saw three permanent artworks installed for the Festival, which all still remain in the city centre, as part of a commitment from festival organisers to brighten the city more permanently over time. This year, local artists and creatives will have the chance to design a new permanent installation. The continuation of the Legacy Programme has been made possible with thanks to the support of Birmingham City Council, using funds from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Applications for artists are open now, via the Birmingham Light Festival website.

Today has also seen the launch of an Open Call to businesses based within the festival footprint giving them the opportunity to host official Festival events, which last year included a wide variety of programming from a Culinary Trail and the Paws of Light group dog walk to crafts and textiles sessions and even a nighttime kayak tour. More details on the Open Call are also available on the Birmingham Light Festival website.

To be the first to hear about Birmingham Light Festival 2026’s artworks, and programme of events, sign up to the mailing list at birminghamlightfestival.co.uk, or follow on Instagram at @birminghamlightfestival.