Bristol Light Festival to return
It'll be back in February for its longest stint yet
The Bristol Light Festival will return in February next year, it has been announced.
The event sees eye catching light installations installed around the city centre to encourage visitors into the area, and is organised by the area's Business Improvement District (BID).
The 2023 edition will go ahead from February 3-12, making it the longest edition to date.
It will also span two weekends during the Six Nations international rugby competition and February half term.
Vicky Lee is head of the BID.
“Bristol Light Festival demonstrates the importance of free-to-attend events to support city centre businesses encouraging people to spend leisure time in the city during the quieter months," she said.
"The positive impact it has was evident earlier this year with £3.4 million additional revenue in local businesses reported across the 2022 event, providing an economic boost for businesses when they need it most.
“By increasing the length of the event in 2023, we hope to give even more opportunity for visitors to enjoy the city centre and attract visitors from outside of Bristol to come and experience everything the city has to offer.
"The event embodies everything that Bristol represents and showcases it as the vibrant, playful and creative city that we know and love.”
Across the evenings from dusk till 10pm, the installations will shine a light in a few unexpected places as well as illuminating some of Bristol’s most iconic landmarks across the city.
One of the installations planned, called "Ophelia", will appear at St Mary Redcliffe Church.
It will reference a famous painting, recreating the scene with a life size hologram of Shakespeare's famous character.
Another installation, called Halo, will be interactive, playing music and lighting up in response to being touched.
That installation will be in Broadmead, with several others set to be installed all around the centre.
Katherine Jewkes is the Creative Director.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have some many incredible artists involved with the 2023 event.
"It’s a programme that feels really special and is reflective of the city’s creative spirit.
"Each year we want to bring new and exciting artworks to Bristol, creating spaces for people to play, explore and have new experiences.
“In 2023, visitors can take in each installation across one evening or come across multiple nights and really explore the city.
"We cannot wait to welcome everyone to Bristol Light Festival and once again fill the city with colour and light.”
For more information, a map of the installations and locations, and updates about the event click here.