News / Bristol Light Festival

In photos: Bristol Light Festival returns for 2023

By Betty Woolerton  Friday Feb 3, 2023

The city’s annual free light spectacular has landed in Bristol and is here to enjoy until February 12.

2023’s Bristol Light Festival sees internationally acclaimed artists and the best of South West talent brining corners of the city centre to life in an explosion of light and colour.

There are several brand-new commissions for this year’s festival, including Let Us Shine from Morag Myerscough, and Beam by PYTCH, which has transformed Castle Bridge into an ever-changing light sculpture, criss-crossed by lasers.

Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
Keep our city's journalism independent. Become a supporter member today.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CoN1UK4qmDG/

Here are just some of the highlights:

Halo by illumaphonium is a dynamic, interactive installation that lights up and plays music in response to touch

Trumpet Flowers by Amigo and Amigo

Scream the House Down, by Marcus Lyall, is a voice activated installation that saw the Corn Exchange illuminate in response to voices

Lyall is known for experimental film and interactive moving-image projects

Beam by PYTCH uses lasers and haze to create an ever-changing light sculpture on Castle Bridge

Ambient music forms part of the experience

Continuum by illumaphonium invites visitors to walk between 25 mirrored monoliths, exploring a maze of reflection and light

Continuum was installed at Temple Church, which has been closed to the public for 30 years

illumaphonium is a duo of artists based in the South West

Ophelia by Davy & Kristin McGuire, Studio McGuire, is a life-size hologram of Shakespeare’s famous character

The artwork is installed inside St Mary Redcliffe Church

Alright my Luvver in Queen Square in neon pink

Swing Song has appeared on College Green

Bristol Light Festival 2023 runs from February 3-12, at 5-10pm daily. For more information, a map of the installations and locations, and updates about the event, visit www.bristollightfestival.org.

All photos: Betty Woolerton

Read next:

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:

Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing Permissions

Bristol24/7 will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us:

We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - www.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at meg@bristol247.com. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Bristol24/7 is an independent media outlet and community interest company. We're not owned by a large corporation and your contribution will help keep it this way. It will also help us grow and improve our content. By supporting us you will:
  • Support young people, charities and environmental projects in Bristol
  • Shape a Better Bristol
  • Enjoy exclusive perks
  • Comment on articles

Related articles

Choose payment frequency
Choose payment method
Credit/Debit
Apple Pay
Google Pay
By signing up to become a member you agree to our privacy policy and terms & conditions.
Fill in this form or email partnerships@bristol247.com and a member of the team will be in touch.
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning