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Bristol Light Festival 2025: First Look at Dazzling New Artworks
Bristol’s most anticipated winter event is back!
The Bristol Light Festival 2025 returns for 10 nights of pure magic, lighting up the city streets from Friday, January 31 to Sunday, February 9 . As the first festival of the year, it’s the perfect way to brighten those long winter evenings with an extraordinary array of light-based art.
This year promises even more spectacular displays, with the first three announced artworks already generating major buzz. And if you’re planning to attend, here’s an exciting offer: book your stay 8 weeks ahead , and you’ll save 15% at any of our Bristol Serviced Apartments .
Meet the Artists: The First Three Artworks Unveiled
The 2025 festival kicks off with a bang, featuring a world premiere installation and the return of much-loved favourites. Here’s a closer look at the incredible works set to illuminate the streets:
Somnius
Returning to Bristol Light Festival after captivating audiences in 2023 with their double feature, Illumaphonium is back with Somnius , a cosmic installation that will transform the way you experience light and sound.
Imagine being surrounded by a glowing field of light that reacts to your every move, accompanied by an evolving soundscape that grows more complex as more people join in.
Somnius is designed to be entirely interactive, putting the crowd in control of the atmosphere. This will be the South West debut of the piece, and it’s set to immerse you in a playful, almost hypnotic experience where every participant shapes the final artwork.
The Whilers (World Premiere)
Prepare to be wowed by The Whilers , an otherworldly creation brought to life by Air Giants , experts in interactive soft robotics. Making their world premiere at Bristol Light Festival, these curious, whimsical creatures are stopping in Bristol on their journey into the unknown.
Controlled pneumatically, the robotic beings communicate through non-verbal sounds and movements, creating an immersive, dreamlike experience as they interact with both the audience and each other.
The team behind Air Giants, based in Bristol, brings together talents in theatre design, software development, and accessibility, creating an installation that speaks to the heart of connection and companionship. Expect to be mesmerized as The Whilers move through the streets—don’t be surprised if you feel a sense of awe (and perhaps friendship) as they respond to your presence!
Ramandu’s Table
Inspired by CS Lewis’ literature and the classic pink flamingo lawn ornaments, Ramandu’s Table will bring a whimsical twist to traditional outdoor art.
Be awestruck by a flock of illuminated white flamingos , each one glowing in hues that shift from soft dawn pinks to fiery sunset reds. This installation, by renowned artist Bruce Munro , transforms a kitschy icon of American front yards into something ethereal and magical.
Named after a character in Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia , Ramandu’s Table reimagines nature in a new light, blending a playful homage to Don Featherstone (the creator of the plastic flamingo) with a more thoughtful, enchanting experience.