Bright Festival, the capital's light festival, will once again return to the streets of Brussels next month. Alongside more than 20 new light installations, organisers are surprising visitors with a range of novelties.
Brussels will once again light up the dark winter nights during the Bright Festival from Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 February 2024. The two routes through Brussels – the King's Route and the European Route – will once again feature stunning, immersive, poetic and monumental works by artists from home and abroad.
As always, the iconic Mont des Arts will be one of the key attractions. Le Bal des Luminéoles, featuring imaginary birds of light, is an installation created by the French group Porté par le Vent that is dominated by wind and light, bathing the gardens of Mont des Arts in a poetic atmosphere.
Pattern in Nature at the 2023 Bright Brussels. Credit: Bright Festival
Parc Léopold and Parc du Cinquantenaire will also become majestic light forests with several installations set up here, as will several smaller streets and squares in and around the city centre.
Rollerblade parade and sports activities
This year marks a special edition of the beloved Brussels festival. Firstly, special attention will be paid to the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Several installations by artists from abroad will be put in the spotlight while museums and shops on the routes will provide a well-filled side programme.
'The European Constellation' by Belgium's very own magic monkey offers participants a magical walk through the magnificent Galerie de la Reine in the city centre in honour of the Belgian Presidency.
The unique, enchanting, ethereal and compelling work tells the story of the diversity of Europe, reflected in the colours of the 27 EU Member States, which come together and mingle before forming the stars of the EU.
Brussels Bright 2021 edition. credit: Belga / James Arthur Gekiere
There are also several new additions to the programme, including the Kidszone on Place d'Espagne near the Central Station, where special interactive installations designed by La Cambre students will be set up.
Another novelty is the Bright Disco Night, a big party in the nearby Ravenstein Gallery until the early hours, as well as the fresco painting sessions, sports activities and an illuminated roller parade.
Entrance to the festival is free. Find more information here.
