Nottingham Light Night is set to return for its 18th year on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 February 2026.
The city will be illuminated after dark for this free, family-friendly event, allowing visitors to explore landmarks, streets, and hidden corners. More than 30 immersive and interactive light-based installations, performances, and activities will be taking place across Nottingham 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.
Architecture Social Club presents Parallels at Old Market Square, an immersive installation that merges architectural light and sound. Using thousands of laser beams, it creates vivid light environments that surround and engage spectators. Architecture Social Club’s connection to Nottingham runs deep – it’s where a part of the studio’s story truly began. Their return with Parallels is both a homecoming and a celebration of the city that first inspired their fascination with performance, space, and the power of shared experience.
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 at Nottingham Castle, St Mary’s Church and Sneinton Market Avenues, will be announced soon in the full Light Night programme. Attendees will be able to plan their itineraries and read more about all the installations using the free It’s in Nottingham app. Printed guides will also be available from the Tourism Centre on Smithy Row, and at key locations on the day.
Light Night is produced and funded by Nottingham City Council and It’s in Nottingham. Cultural organisations across the city also support the event.
Cllr Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the return of Nottingham Light Night. This year’s theme of home is especially meaningful, as it showcases Nottingham’s creative talent and brings communities together. Light Night invites residents and visitors alike to reconnect with the city, support local businesses, and enjoy a vibrant evening of culture and creativity. 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.”
Alex Flint, CEO of It’s in Nottingham, said: “Nottingham Light Night is a powerful celebration of everything that makes our city exceptional – its creativity, its people and its strong sense of community. It brings thousands of residents and visitors together, lighting up our streets after dark and showcasing Nottingham at its most vibrant. As well as creating unforgettable experiences, events like this deliver real benefits for local businesses and the evening economy, reinforcing Nottingham’s reputation as a welcoming, dynamic and culturally confident city.”