News / Bristol Light Festival

Bristol Light Festival returns for its fifth edition

By Karen Johnson  Friday Jan 31, 2025

For ten days, ten sites in the city centre will be illuminated with artistic installations to celebrate the annual Bristol Light Festival.

The fifth edition of the festival that started on Friday is an effort by BID and Redcliffe & Temple BID to showcase the “best of this vibrant city”.

Each of the ten light installations has been conceptualized and created by independent artists to tell an individual story that can only be best experienced by visiting the sites that extend from Queen Square to Broadmead.

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The newest edition to the festival is Marcus Lyall’s Anthems: Volume One – a choreographed laser installation, synchronized with Drum and Bass music.

The Anthems: Volume On is a synchronised display of laser animation and a high-quality sound system – photo: Rob Browne

Talking about the installation, Lyall’s said: Bristol has played a key part in drum and bass since the very start of the genre. RUN Collective have put together an epic soundtrack that takes you on a journey from the early roots to the present day.

“My part has been to amplify the energy of the music using light and movement, and represent the emotions that this music holds for so many people.

“The music will be played at a ‘listening bar’ volume level rather than nightclub levels, so the craft of the music can really be appreciated. It’s an accessible experience for those who wouldn’t necessarily go to a rave but still want to feel the vibes.”

More often than not, parents can be seen waiting with desperate children in queues for the ‘Swing Song’ – an installation that has been a family favourite. However, to speed up things organisers have introduced fast-track tickets for those who wish to ditch the queue to enjoy the swings.

Through these ten days, the city will also see several fringe events – including art clubs, photography walks and walking tours – to celebrate the spirit of the festival.

The installation is inspired by the idea of “shared love” and the ability of a disco ball to bring people together – photo: Karen Johnson

The “subtly immersive installation” can be seen best from Castle Bridge – photo: Rob Browne

There are plans to take Swing Song on a tour across the world – photo: Rob Browne

After a roaring success in 2024, this artwork has made a return for the festival’s fifth edition – photo: Rob Browne

Over 1,000 flamingos are now flocking outside the City Hall – photo: Rob Browne

Spectators can enjoy an immersive experience by touching this artwork in Broadmead – photo: Rob Browne

Meet ‘The Whilers’ in the grounds of St Mary Church in Redcliffe Hill – photo: Rob Browne

Main photo: Rob Browne

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