With just two weeks to go until Birmingham Light Festival returns (12-15th February), more details have been revealed on the programme alongside the Birmingham creatives involved, with even more opportunities for local people to be a part of this winter’s most magical event.
Setting the sky alight at Bullring, FORGED will feature performances from local spoken word artist, Amerah Saleh and Insurgent, a progressive metal band from the city. Performing against the backdrop of a giant flaming organ, these artists will be bringing a powerful contemporary voice to this year’s festival.
Brummies still have time to be at the heart of the festival, as Birmingham-born artist Anna West and Davi Callanan (idontloveyouanymore) bring their The Matter of the Heart project to Brindleyplace. It’s the last chance for local people to apply to be one of the live heartbeats featured as part of The Heartbeat of Brindleyplace. Those with a special story to tell only have until 1st February to apply to be part of the installation, which will be based in Oozells Square. Applications can be made via the Birmingham Light Festival website.
The programme of artworks also features Birmingham talent. Artist Jack Quddus (NeonCow) will be spreading the love on Lower Temple Street with My Heart Belongs in Birmingham and mural artist Richard O’Gorman will be unveiling this year’s legacy piece, Where the Trees Begin, in Edgbaston Village.
Birmingham Light Festival has also added a brand-new event to the programme, with support from Birmingham City University (BCU) as the festival’s first ever Connectivity Partner. Love on the Line will invite festivalgoers to Birmingham New Street, during the festival, to write a love letter to the city. These heartfelt declarations will be on proud display in light, on the station concourse throughout the festival.
Outside Birmingham New Street, Reunion will be the perfect greeting for those arriving into the city by train, inviting them to share in connection underneath the luminous colourful arches. Visitors will also be able to experience pop-up musical performances from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire students, all of which will be inspired by human connection.
The installations create a perfect path across the city, with visitors encouraged to use the Birmingham Light Festival map to explore on foot. Maps are available to download online, or can be picked up from the Festival Information Point at Bullring. For those that would prefer to explore with company, dog walks, group runs and walking tours are also available as part of the Festival events programme.
Festivalgoers heading into the city by tram, or looking to rest their legs between installations, can enjoy an exclusive travel offer thanks to West Midlands Metro. Visitors can get up to 15% off day tickets in Zones 1–4 and Zone 1 only, covering the full route from Edgbaston Village to Wolverhampton. To claim the discount, visitors can download the MyMetro app from the Google Play or Apple App Store and visit the Birmingham Light Festival website to access the code.
Over at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, visitors can join even more local organisations such as Fruit and Nut Village , Birmingham Open Spaces Forum, Sustainability WM and Brum Biosphere for Climate Conversations; a special climate change event featuring stalls, talks and activities running alongside festival artwork, Tipping Point.
Professor David Mba, Vice-Chancellor at Birmingham City University, the Festival’s Connectivity Partner, 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!”
Delivered by the city, for the city, Birmingham Light Festival is being brought to life by a network of local partners including Festival Producers, OPUS, volunteers from United By 2022, placement students from BCU, a whole host of businesses across the city and founding partners Colmore BID, Central BID, Southside District, Westside BID and The Jewellery Quarter BID.
For more information, visit: https://www.birminghamlightfestival.co.uk/