Events

Final installation and all locations revealed for Bristol Light Festival 2025 + everything you need to know about the ten day event

Newly announced Anthems: Volume One invites lovers of Drum and Bass to experience Bristol’s musical legacy in a unique environment

16/01/2025

Bristol Light Festival will return once again from Friday 31st January to Sunday 9th February*, with ten installations brightening up the city at a traditionally dark time of the year. As well as revealing all of this year’s artwork locations, the final installation has been announced today as drum and bass (DnB) themed audio-visual piece Anthems: Volume One.

Anthems: Volume One by Marcus Lyall and RUN Collective

Anthems: Volume One is an immersive laser installation celebrating Bristol’s epic Drum & Bass legacy, created by artist Marcus Lyall, with a soundtrack compiled by Bristol DnB Collective, RUN. The installation fuses choreographed laser animation and a high-quality sound system to create a synaesthetic experience that brings some of Bristol’s best-loved sounds to life. Taking over an empty shop near Cabot Circus, Anthems: Volume One is designed to be a thrilling but accessible experience, bringing together music and art lovers alike.

Marcus Lyall is an internationally renowned artist who creates large-scale light installations and has worked on live shows for Metallica, The Rolling Stones and the Chemical Brothers. His work finds the sweet spot of sound and visuals, creating immersive environments that elevate the listening experience of music.

Marcus Lyall, artist, 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.”

Ramandu’s Table by Bruce Munro Studio - City Hall, College Green

College Green will become home to a flock of bright and beautiful flamingos, delighting visitors with a whimsical display of nature’s most flamboyant creatures.

Somnius by Illumaphonium - Lloyds Amphitheatre

Shrouding the Amphitheatre in a cosmic blend of light and sound, Somnius will respond to the audience’s every move immersing crowds in a playful environment that puts them in control of their experience.

C-Scales by Bruce Munro Studio - Castle Bridge

Those crossing Castle Bridge during the festival will be painted in reflections of shimmering light as they admire the suspended facade of more than 1800 CDs and DVDs, inspired by the waters of Sydney Harbour.

Swing Song by Bristol Light Festival - Queen Square

Back for another year of musical delights, Swing Song will once again be found in Queen Square. Due to popular demand, Bristol Light Festival organisers have introduced a fast-track ticket for one set of swings at this year’s event. More information around this, including how to book, will be shared on Bristol Light Festival’s social media channels.

Our Beating Heart by Studio Vertigo - St Stephens Church Gardens

Lighting up the gardens of St Stephens Church will be Our Beating Heart, an enormous heart-shaped disco ball that will bring people together in its display of shared love.

Tetra by Ottomata - The Podium, Broadmead

At Broadmead, visitors to the festival will find Tetra, a tactile installation that needs to be engaged with to truly be felt and understood, taking inspiration from the many forces of nature.

Parallels by Architecture Social Club - Temple Church

Temple Church will be illuminated into a world of lasers and mirrors, where moving footage of natural phenomena like flora and the cosmos will transform into floating abstractions of light with Parallels.

The Whilers by Air Giants - St Mary Redcliffe Gardens

The world premiere of The Whilers can be found in St Mary Redcliffe Gardens, where otherworldly creatures will be waiting to greet visitors as they interact with each other in an awe-inspiring experience.

Anthems: Volume One by Marcus Lyall with music from RUN Collective - Quakers Friars, Cabot Circus

Bringing the history of drum and bass to the centre of Bristol, Anthems: Volume One is inspired by the historic connection between the city and DnB music and can be found at Quakers Friars.

David Wait, Operations Manager at Cabot Circus, said:

"We’re thrilled to collaborate with our city’s creative community to transform spaces like Cabot Circus into true destinations, offering a diverse mix of entertainment, leisure, social, and cultural experiences beyond shopping. As a partner and host for the Bristol Light Festival’s return, we’re excited to bring another stunning installation to Cabot Circus, brightening up winter nights and adding to this fantastic event that’s become a favourite in Bristol’s calendar."

Bristol is Always a Good Idea by Real Hackney Dave - Queen Square

Bristol Light Festival’s information hut will be bolder and brighter than ever as this year it will play host to last year’s festival favourite Bristol is Always a Good Idea. The installation, which has been situated at various locations throughout the city since summer, will return to the festival for a ten-day run before continuing on its tour of Bristol.

Katherine Jewkes, Creative Director said:

“Bristol Light Festival is all about bringing people together to experience installations in their own way. Pieces like Anthems: Volume One are a real testament to how light installations can pay tribute to the history and culture of the city and connect with the interests of those within it. We hope that our fifth edition will bring more people to Bristol to see what the city can offer when it comes to a truly unique artistic landscape.”

For the fifth edition of Bristol Light Festival, there will be several Fringe events happening across the city to allow visitors to amplify their experience in unique ways – browse the full list on the festival website.

Partnerships

Bristol Light Festival was founded by Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) and is presented in partnership with Redcliffe & Temple BID. The festival’s Artwork Partners are Broadmead BID and Cabot Circus. Visit Bristol, Visit West’s consumer channel for Bristol, is this year’s media partner. The festival is curated by Katherine Jewkes, Creative Director.

Vivienne Kennedy, Director of Broadmead BID, said:

“Bristol Light Festival is so transformative of our city and it’s always wonderful to see what new work will light up different spaces. This year in particular, Broadmead will be looking spectacular with an immersive installation that we hope encourages people to come and explore Bristol and the amazing venues within it.”

All information about the festival can be found at bristollightfestival.com.