As the nights draw in and the city seeks warmth, wonder and connection, Bright Nights Gloucester returns with a spectacular programme of free light-based events across the Gloucester area. From illuminated landmarks to lantern processions, this year’s edition invites residents and visitors alike to “enter a world of colour and light.”
What is Bright Nights Gloucester?
Bright Nights is a city-wide celebration of light, art and community. Since 2021, it has transformed Gloucester’s dark winter months into vibrant displays of creativity, bringing together visual artists, performance makers, and local communities. The mission is simple: to offer hope, connection and joy through immersive light installations and events during the darkest time of year.
Poppy Fields by Luxmuralis — opening Friday 17 October; a sweeping, moving installation of light and memory.
This immersive installation marks the much-anticipated return of Luxmuralis to the Cathedral, following the sell-out success of Light Eternal in 2023 and reflects on the sacrifices of the First and Second World Wars, offering a message of peace and hope for the future. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day and approach the season of Remembrance, this moving experience invites you to pause, reflect and remember. – Adult £9.50 | Child £4.50
Tuesday 28 October, 1.30 – 3.30pm – The Folk, Westgate Street
Saturday 1 November, 11am – 3pm – The Folk, Westgate Street
Join local artist, Ally Goff to create a lantern from recycled materials.
Inspired by how nature lives in community and how we can work together to protect it, the lanterns will use recycled materials and be inspired by the lanterns that will process through the streets at this year’s lantern parade.
Gloucester Lantern Parade & Carol Service — Saturday 15 November | across Gloucester city centre.
Enjoy a community focused Carol Service at Gloucester Cathedral before heading outside to listen to bands while the procession assembles. 16:00-16:30
The Lantern Parade returns starring ‘Community in Nature’ magical lantern creations by local schools and community groups.
Enjoy a carol service at the Cathedral followed by the Lantern Parade inspired by how community is found in nature, lighting the way through the City Centre, and inspiring us to think about how coming together as a community is our superpower.
The procession will be illuminating the city centre as it moves through the gate streets and around the University of Gloucestershire building in King’s Square, finishing at Blackfriars Priory. 16:50-17:40
A programme of music and entertainment, hosted by BBC Radio Gloucestershire’s John Smith, including The Salvation Army Band and the Gloucestershire Youth Wind Orchestra. Starting 16:30
This will culminate in the light switch-on at 17:30.
Keep your eyes on the website for the 2026 programme coming soon: https://www.brightnightsgloucester.co.uk/
