Light Festival fires up Bristol’s visitor economy by lifting mid-winter gloom

Bristol’s annual Light Festival sparked a near-£11m boost for the city’s economy this year, with spending in the shops soaring by 118%.

Taking place this year between 31 January and 9 February – a traditionally quiet time for the retail and hospitality sectors – the festival transforms the city centre with immersive, interactive and vibrant light installations.

Visitor spending surge to £9.4m this year, an increase of 30% on 2024, with 200,000 people coming to the city during the festival, generating an estimated overall economic impact of more than £11m.

Average visitor spend this year, the festival’s fifth, reached £46.69, almost double 2024’s figure of £26.20, according to organisers Bristol City Centre BID and Redcliffe & Temple BID.

They said the festival had proven itself as a major driver of footfall and consumer spending during the traditionally quieter winter months.

As well as the 118% increase in shopping expenditure, spending on food and drink also chalked up significant growth, the BIDs said.

More than 50% of visitors surveyed said they would not have shopped dined out in Bristol without the festival, demonstrating, said the BIDs, its vital role in supporting local businesses.

Accommodation spend also rose, with more than £1m generated by overnight visitors, bringing total direct spending in the city to £10.4m.

This year’s Light Festival highlights included the world premiere of Anthems Volume One, an immersive laser installation celebrating Bristol’s Drum & Bass legacy, a new artwork by local artists Air Giants called The Whilers, and the return of the Swing Song interactive swings that light up and play music as they go back and forth.

Bristol City Centre BID director Vicky Lee said the festival had firmly established itself as a powerful economic driver for the city.

“Visitors are spending more time here, supporting local businesses and experiencing everything Bristol has to offer,” she added.

“The surge in visitor spending, longer dwell times and increase in overnight stays all highlight the festival’s immense value. It’s fantastic to see this event providing such a crucial boost at a time when businesses need it most.”

Redcliffe & Temple BID director Steve Bluff said the festival demonstrated how cultural events could directly benefit the local economy, encouraging people to explore different areas of the city and increasing trade for businesses.

“The continued growth in visitor spend proves just how valuable events like this are for Bristol’s economic resilience,” added.

Bristol Light Festival creative director Katherine Jewkes said this year’s festival had been hugely successful in once again bringing people together to experience art in an accessible and engaging way.

“Seeing the city come alive at night, filled with colour, light and joy, is what makes this event so unique,” she added.

“The response from visitors has been overwhelmingly positive and it’s incredibly rewarding to know that the festival not only brightens the winter months but also generates meaningful economic benefits for Bristol’s businesses.

“Knowing that our work both lifts spirits and drives real impact for the local economy makes it even more special.”

Information about the 2026 edition of the festival will be announced soon.