Illuminating festival returns to brighten up the dark nights

This popular programme delivered by Gloucester City Council, partner of Together Gloucester, supported by Gloucester BID, Strike a Light and GL4, is set to entertain local people over February half term.

The festival kicks off with the stunning Twist and Shine exhibition from creative collective Kaleider, from February 13-19 in Kings Square.

This immersive light installation invites visitors to let their imaginations run wild and create an endless variety of shapes with the coloured prisms that twist and turn with every touch.

Perfect for families, this hands-on experience encourages creativity, offering a unique way to interact with light art.

It will be followed by a new experience from creative studio, Air Giants, who will light up Kings Square with mystical light creatures, which stand at over three metres tall.

Called The Whilers, these strange beings, part sloth, spirit, and dragon, will illuminate the night sky and mesmerise visitors.

Powered by robotic air control and sensing technology The Whilers are truly interactive, and even dance and perform songs for lucky onlookers.

Both Twist and Shine and The Whilers are free, with no booking required.

Finally, from April 10-11, The Redwell Centre in Matson will play host to award-winning circus company Nikki and JD in collaboration with Lost Dog, who will bring their dark retelling of Beowulf to delight and unsettle audiences in equal measure.

Fireside is an outdoor show that combines circus, dance, theatre and live music to re-enact this the original horror story.

Visitors should expect a dark, comic and physically breath-taking show. It is free but booking is required.

Councillor Caroline Courtney, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure at Gloucester City Council, said: “This year's Bright Nights festival again promises to be an unforgettable experience for families and visitors of all ages with high quality, free and accessible events. From the stunning, interactive light installations by Kaleider to the enchanting, larger-than-life creatures by Air Giants, Gloucester is set to shine brighter than ever. I would invite everyone to come and explore this magical combination of light and art.”

For more information visit the Bright Nights website