FAQs
Have a read of our frequently asked questions.
What is Birmingham Light Festival?
Birmingham Light Festival is an annual event that transforms the city-centre into a gallery of illuminated artworks. Free to access, it connects curious audiences with the city in a positive, creative and playful way.
Do I need a ticket?
No - the festival is free and no tickets are required.
How much is the Birmingham Light Festival?
Birmingham Light Festival is free to enjoy. There is an accompanying Events Programme delivered by fantastic organisations across the city-centre, these may have a charge. Please see the Events page for these. You can also take advantage of some brilliant food and drink deals during your visit. Take a look at the Offers page for these.
When will Birmingham Light Festival take place?
12 - 15 February 2026, from 6pm - 10pm each evening.
Where will Birmingham Light Festival take place?
Where can I find information on the night?
You will find our Information Point (open 5pm - 10pm during the festival) on Central Street at the Bullring (near to Bill's). Our friendly staff and volunteers will be on hand here, and around the festival, with information and advice to help you make the most of the event. Keep an eye out for them wearing United By 2022 uniforms - they are here to help!
Have Birmingham City Council funded this event?
Birmingham City Council have not directly funded Birmingham Light Festival. However, Birmingham City Council manage and distribute the UK Government's ‘UK Shared Prosperity' funding for the city, and it's with thanks to them and this funding that the Legacy Programme continues for another year.
How big is Birmingham Light Festival?
Birmingham Light Festival stretches across the city centre and beyond, with multiple routes available to explore the artworks. You might choose to start your evening at Bullring, where maps will be available from our festival information point to help plan your route. A short five-minute tram journey from New Street or Victoria Square connects the city centre to Edgbaston, where you can explore additional installations and events. With so much to see and do including the wider events programme, we recommend allowing plenty of time to explore, or even returning for a second or third night to fully experience the festival. We encourage visitors to travel by public transport where possible and enjoy discovering the city on foot.
Will there be photography at the event?
Official photographers and videographers will be covering all of our installations and activities for marketing and publicity purposes. By attending these events in both the public realm and privately owned spaces, you are consenting to your image being recorded by OPUS who are the Producers of Birmingham Light Festival and by the five city-centre BIDs. We will also share images with our partners and artists for their use for future marketing purposes, either online and in print. Photographers and videographers will be recognisable in pink hi-vis vests so please feel free to approach them if you would like to request that you / your children do not appear in any event photography. As the event takes place in outdoor spaces we cannot control other people taking images on their phones or cameras. If you do take photos at the event, we ask that you be mindful of others, especially children or vulnerable adults, that are not part of your group.
What should I wear to Birmingham Light Festival?
We encourage everyone to get involved with accessorising with battery powered fairy lights and any light up items you might have - rather than single use glow sticks. Most importantly however, please dress warmly and appropriately for the weather, as all lighting installations are outdoors. We will not be selling light up plastic toys, wands or single use items such as glowsticks. If you have items at home, please do bring your own with you to the event to reuse them.
Where have the artworks come from?
We have a combination of artworks from national and international artists - find out all about these on the Artworks page.
What happens if it rains?
Birmingham Light Festival will still go ahead in the case of rain so please dress for the weather. Should there be high winds or adverse weather, some light installations may need to be temporarily closed, or walkabout acts postponed. Please keep an eye on our Instagram for any live updates, due to the changing nature of the weather, we may not be able to provide updates until the night of.
Are there toilets at Birmingham Light Festival?
Public toilets can be found at New Street Station, Grand Central and Bullring Shopping Centre (open until 8pm Thursday-Saturday only). There are toilets at Birmingham Botanical Gardens if you are visiting Tipping Point.
Where is the nearest changing places toilet?
There are changing places at New Street Station and Bullring (open until 8pm Thursday-Saturday only).
Will there be any fireworks?
No, there will not be any fireworks at this event.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, but please be mindful there will be some amplified music installations and potential for large crowds. Take a look at the Events page for an event for your four legged friends!
Can I bring my drone?
No, drones are not permitted at this event.
General access information
We have provided accessibility information specific to each installation on the individual artwork pages, if you have any specific enquiries, please email hello@birminghamlightfestival.co.uk and we will be happy to help.
I have a conditions which is triggered by light or sound – is there anything I need to be aware of?
Please note that some installations include amplified music as part of the artwork.
FORGED, located at Bullring, is a live performance installation and includes loud amplified music. Flashing lights and rapid lighting changes feature throughout the 20-minute performance.smoke/haze, sound effects and fire performances.
Our Beating Heart, located at Mailbox, includes reflected moving lights and amplified music. It is gently moving lights, and does not include any flashing lights or strobe effects.
If you have any questions and would like to speak to a member of the team, please contact hello@birminghamlightfestival.co.uk
I would prefer to avoid busy crowds of people, when is best to attend?
We do anticipate larger crowds, however each installation will have staff and security to manage this. We expect peak times to be between 6-8pm. so you may want to avoid a visit around these times. Security will be on hand to help manage the crowd and look after you, and will start a queue system if needed.
Where can I find information about travelling into and around Birmingham?
You can read our travel guide here.
Will there be any road restrictions or closures due to the installations?
We have no planned road closures for Birmingham Light Festival 2026.