We are thrilled to announce that the Bristol Light Festival has been shortlisted in the Tourism Event/Festival of the Year category at the Bristol Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards! This recognition is testament to the immense efforts that go into making the festival a success year on year and the positive impact it continues to have on our city centre.
From Friday 2nd – Sunday 11th February 2024, the Bristol Light Festival brightened up the winter nights with 10 evenings of stunning installations, welcoming 275,000 visitors to explore Bristol’s streets and landmarks. The event was not just a visual delight but also an economic boost, contributing £10.4 million to the city’s economy, with £8.7 million of that directly attributed to the festival.
We are proud to see the impact this event has had on local businesses, which experienced a significant increase in footfall and customer spending during the festival. For many visitors, the festival offered a reason to discover or return to Bristol, making it a much-anticipated highlight on the city’s calendar. The increase in overnight stays and visits to local businesses reflects the importance of events like this in supporting Bristol’s hospitality and retail sectors during traditionally quieter months.
Vicky Lee, Director of Bristol City Centre BID, said:
“This nomination in the Tourism Awards underscores the value of collaborative efforts in bringing these large-scale events to life. It’s rewarding to see how the festival has grown since its inception in 2020 and the vibrancy it brings to the city each year. We’re grateful to all our partners, artists and supporters who continue to help make the Bristol Light Festival a key event in the city’s winter season.”
The next edition of the Bristol Light Festival will take place from Friday 31st January – Sunday 9th February 2025. Information about the first three artwork announcements can be found here.