"We’re proud to support an event that celebrates artistic innovation"
Birmingham Light Festival organisers have revealed new programme details and expanded opportunities for local involvement.
Running from February 12 to 15, the festival will transform the city with large-scale light installations, performances and participatory events.
A major highlight will take place at Bullring, where FORGED will set the sky alight with live performances.
The show will feature Birmingham spoken word artist Amerah Saleh and progressive metal band Insurgent.
Performing against the backdrop of a giant flaming organ, the artists will bring a bold contemporary voice to this year’s festival.
Local residents still have time to take part directly through The Matter of the Heart project at Brindleyplace.
Birmingham-born artist Anna West and Davi Callanan, also known as idontloveyouanymore, are leading the installation.
The installation will be based in Oozells Square and is designed to place local voices at the centre of the festival experience.
Birmingham talent also features strongly across the wider programme. Artist Jack Quddus, known as NeonCow, will present My Heart Belongs in Birmingham on Lower Temple Street.
Mural artist Richard O’Gorman will unveil this year’s legacy artwork, Where the Trees Begin, in Edgbaston Village.
A brand-new event has also been added with support from Birmingham City University, the festival’s first Connectivity Partner. Love on the Line will take place at Birmingham New Street Station.
During the festival, visitors will be invited to write love letters to the city. These messages will be displayed in illuminated form across the station concourse.
Outside the station, Reunion will welcome arriving passengers with luminous arches celebrating connection. Royal Birmingham Conservatoire students will also deliver pop-up musical performances inspired by human connection.
The installations form a walkable route across the city. Visitors are encouraged to explore using the Birmingham Light Festival map.
Maps can be downloaded online or collected from the Festival Information Point at Bullring. Group activities including dog walks, running groups and walking tours are also available.
Festivalgoers travelling by tram can take advantage of a discounted travel offer with West Midlands Metro. Visitors can receive up to 15% off day tickets in Zones 1-4 and Zone 1 only.
The offer covers the full route from Edgbaston Village to Wolverhampton. Discounts are available via the MyMetro app and the Birmingham Light Festival website.
At Birmingham Botanical Gardens, visitors can join Climate Conversations alongside the artwork Tipping Point.
Local organisations, including Fruit and Nut Village and Sustainability WM will lead talks and activities.
Professor David Mba, Vice-Chancellor at Birmingham City University, said:
“Birmingham Light Festival captures the imagination and energy of our city, bringing people together through creativity and shared experience.
“We’re proud to support an event that celebrates artistic innovation while transforming familiar spaces into something truly inspiring for residents and visitors alike.
“This speaks to our vision for Birmingham, as set out in our Strategy 2030, and reflects our commitment to creative partnerships that enrich city life, spark new ideas, and open doors for people from all backgrounds to connect, learn, and flourish.”
Alex Nicholson-Evans, Birmingham City Curator and Festival Director, said:
“There are just two weeks to go until Birmingham Light Festival is back and we can’t wait to light up the city once again.”
“This year’s programme is packed with some really exciting artworks and events and we’re so proud that local artists, performers and organisations have played such a huge part in bringing the festival to life.
“We’re counting down the days until we can show everyone what we’ve collectively put together. See you there!”
Birmingham Light Festival is delivered by the city, for the city. It is supported by local partners including OPUS, United By 2022 volunteers, BCU students and businesses across Birmingham.
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