Bristol is bracing for the start of Bristol Light Festival 2023 which is set to take over the city from this Friday (February 3). The ten-day event is the festival's longest edition yet and will see eleven installations located in different corners of the city centre produced by acclaimed artists from Bristol, the South West and across the world.
Local artists Davy and Kristin McGuire will be bringing an incredible mermaid installation to Bristol Harbourside as well as a piece entitled 'Orphelia' at St Mary Redcliffe Church. Marcus Lyall, known for his work with The Chemical Brothers and Metallica, has also created a new installation for this year.
Katherine Jewkes, Creative Director said: “This year we are bringing some exciting artworks to the festival, all designed to surprise and delight people. There’s something for everyone in this year’s programme - many of the artworks this year are interactive, pieces like ‘Scream the House Down’, ‘Halo’, ‘Trumpet Flowers’ and returning favourite ‘Swing Song’ all encourage audiences to play – whether that is by screaming, tapping, dancing or swinging.
Read more: Map of all the incredible installations you can see at Bristol Light Festival 2023
“There are more reflective experiences like Continuum, Sirens and Ophelia for audiences who want to slow down and take a quieter magical moment in the busy city, and there are lots of beautiful immersive spaces too with Morag Myerscough’s ‘Let us Shine’, PYTCH’s ‘Beam’ and ‘Overheard in Bristol’."
The event is the perfect opportunity to spend a winter’s evening exploring the city with friends, family and colleagues, enjoying a diverse range of food, drink and hospitality offerings along the way. Visitors are encouraged to plan for their visit, considering sustainable travel arrangements as well as places they may like to eat, drink or stay in the city.
Vicky Lee, Head of Bristol City Centre BID said: "We want to bring a sense of fun, togetherness, and joy to the city whilst encouraging visitors to explore Bristol at night, enjoying the centre’s rich selection of night-time economy businesses along the way. We look forward to welcoming visitors to Bristol Light Festival to enjoy the city centre and all that it has to offer.”
Organisers have partnered with businesses in the area, including St Nicks Market, who have extended their opening hours until 9pm on Saturday, February 4 and 11, allowing some late-night weekend browsing and shopping. Left Hand Giant Brewpub has created a limited edition ‘Bright Beams’ pale ale, brewed exclusively to celebrate Bristol Light Festival and the perfect light refreshment in between walking the light festival trail.
Hey Dude bar will have a special offer on Bristol Beer Factory’s Laser Juice between 5-8pm across the festival duration and St George’s Bristol will be creating a Bristol Light Festival inspired cocktail ‘The Lumen’ which will be available at the venue’s bar throughout.
Timings
Bristol Light Festival takes place for ten days from Friday 3 – Sunday 12 February 2023, including two weekends. The city-wide event is free of charge and no ticket is required to enter.
The light installations will be switched on between 5pm and 10pm each day of the festival. Organisers have advised those visiting with small children would be best suited to weeknights before 7pm.
Locations
You can see a map of all of the locations for the festival here.
Here is a list of all of the locations you can see the installations throughout the course of the festival:
'Swing Song' - College Green
'Sirens' - Cascade Steps
- 'Alright My Luvver' - Queens Square
- 'Cheers Drive' - Bristol Bus Station
'Trumpet Flowers' - Quakers Friars
'Continuum' - Temple Church
'Halo' - The Podium (Broadmead)
'Ophelia' - St Mary Redcliffe Church
'Scream the House Down: Bristol' - The Corn Exchange
'Let Us Shine' - King Street
'Beam' - Castle Bridge
Some of Bristol's most recognisable buildings will be lit up specially for the opening night on February 3. This includes Victoria Rooms, the Wills Memorial Building, Millennium Square, Bristol Hippodrome, Temple Meads train station, PRYZM and City Hall.
Transport
Organisers are encouraging visitors to plan for their visit, considering sustainable travel arrangements, by either walking or cycling to the festival. Over 300,000 people live within a 20-minute cycle of Bristol city centre.
Train
All the Bristol Light Festival installations are a short walk from Bristol Temple Meads. The Severn Beach line now runs twice an hour, making it possible for those visiting from Avonmouth, Shirehampton, Sea Mills, Stapleton Road and Lawrence Hill.
Bus
Bristol is well served by a number of national and regional coach services. If you are coming to the city from further afield, Bristol Bus & Coach Station is a walkable distance to Bristol Light Festival installations.
Car - Park and Ride
The park & ride in Bristol offers a comfortable and easy way of travelling to Bristol.
- Portway, North West of Bristol
- Long Ashton, South West of Bristol
- Brislington, South East of Bristol
- Lyde Green, North East of Bristol
More things to do around Bristol:
- Valentine's Day 2023 in Bristol includes speakeasy dining experience and a 'love tour'
- Bristol Light Festival 2023: Map of all the incredible installations you can see
- Love Saves the Day 2023 line up first look including Fatboy Slim and Years & Years
- Big Jeff to perform first comeback show in Bristol since fire
