Nottingham’s city centre, particularly in the darker days of January, can be quite grey. There are grey suits, grey pavements, grey skyscrapers and grey skies…you get the picture. But fear not, Nottingham Light Night festival arrives next month to lift the gloom and inject some colour into the city.
Regarded as one of the East Midland’s most mesmerising light art festivals, its back for its 18th year on Friday, February 6 and Saturday 7, 2026.
The city will be illuminated after dark for this free, family-friendly event and visitors will be invited to explore landmarks, streets, and hidden corners.
More than 30 immersive and interactive light-based installations, performances, and activities will be taking place across the city over the two nights.
Many of this year’s commissioned works explore the theme of home – from installations conceived or created in Nottingham to pieces that reflect what home means to us all.
Parallels at Old Market Square is an immersive installation that merges architectural light and sound. It uses thousands of laser beams to creates vivid light environments that surround and engage spectators.
At Sneinton Market Square, discover The Cat That Slept For A Thousand Years. Air Giants’ inflatable, decorated light sculpture invites visitors to stroke or cuddle the huge creature and feel its deep, rumbling purr, as if slumbering by the fire at home.
Outside Nottingham Castle, an intricate fibre-optic display, Mycelium Network, will surround the Robin Hood Statue. The soft, glowing light will spread out from the base of the statue to symbolise the legend of Robin Hood taking root in Nottingham.
More commissioned works, including installations by Nottingham-based artists, will also be on show at Nottingham Castle, St Mary’s Church, and Sneinton Market Avenues
Cllr Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “Events like this play an important role in boosting the evening economy, while also reinforcing our city centre as a welcoming place for families and a lively place to be after dark – best of all, it’s free and open to everyone.”
