Nottingham Light Night is back for its 18th year on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 February 2026.
See the city glow after dark for this free, family-friendly event, and 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.
The programme and map are now available online, and printed guides can be picked up from the Tourism Centre on Smithy Row leading up to the event, and at key locations on the day. Attendees can also plan their itineraries and read more about all the installations using the free It’s in Nottingham app.
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.
In addition to the previously announced works at Old Market Square (Parallels), Robin Hood Statue (Mycelium Network), and Sneinton Market Square (The Cat That Slept For A Thousand Years*), the resident creative community at Sneinton Market Avenues presents Electric Avenues – a myriad of projections, shadow play, live music, candles of remembrance, and much more.
Nottingham College will transform its outside space into a vibrant Creative Showcase, featuring performances from students and local music groups and choirs. Inside the City Hub, see an exhibition of student light installations, projections, and short films.
Obelisk of Connectivity is an illuminated sculpture created by Nottingham-born artist Chloe Smith. After spending nine years in New York developing arts projects, she has returned to her hometown to reconnect with its creative landscape. Intricate, geometric patterns based on vintage lace have been incorporated into the design, to reflect Nottingham’s lace and textile heritage. The Obelisk will be placed outside St Mary’s Church.
Nottingham Light Night has also commissioned a brand-new work at Trinity Square, a collaboration between local artists AyUp Puppets and Made by Raccoons. Move with Marina is a striking 2-metre-tall octopus lantern with moveable limbs that can be puppeteered by the audience.
Another new commissioned work is LIMB at Nottingham Castle – a fascinating light sculpture made from waste plastic, forming a multi-layered, floating molecular structure. Designed by 3 Things Studio, the lighting changes through visitor movement, at times an energetic dance, at others serene and subtle.
It’s in Nottingham presents the much-loved Light It Up Duckie once again, with giant glowing yellow ducks appearing in shop windows. This year, more than 100 local businesses are participating, each adding their own creative flair by decorating and naming their duck. The playful pieces encourage visitors to explore Nottingham’s streets, enjoy the imaginative window displays, and share their favourite ducks on social media using #LightItUpDuckie
There are many more installations and activities to experience across the city centre, including Nottingham Trent University, City Arts, Nottingham Central Library, Broadway Cinema, National Justice Museum, and Nottingham Contemporary.
Light Night is produced and funded by Nottingham City Council and It’s in Nottingham. Cultural organisations across the city also support the event.
Sarah Manton, curator of Electric Avenues, said: “In true Sneinton Market Avenues’ style, the businesses will be pulling together to create a weekend of light-filled games, activities and artworks, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to share the illuminated joy! Light Night is one of my favourite events in the Nottingham calendar. So many families coming into the city after dark creates a wonderful atmosphere and seeing thousands of people (and their dogs!) draped in fairy lights and thoroughly enjoying themselves always brings a smile to my face.”
Marcus Rowlands, creator of LIMB alongside Tom Hughes, of 3 Things Studio, said: “Tom and I are relishing the opportunity to be part of Nottingham Light Night especially as we both live and work from studios in Nottingham. To be chosen to create a light sculpture for the Nottingham Castle bandstand is a wonderful full circle moment as I remember my parents taking me there as a youngster.”
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.”
How to get to Nottingham Light Night
Bus
The £3 single fare cap is available on all Nottingham City Transport and trentbarton services (except for red arrow).
The NCT Grouprider ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) is available for £9 and allows unlimited all-day travel in the City Zone, or for £13 across the City Zone and Outer Zone.
The trentbarton family zigzag ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) is £18.90 across trentbarton services.
Tram
Get one-day unlimited travel with the NET Tram Group Ticket (1 or 2 adults and up to 3 children) for £12, available Monday-Friday after 4pm, and weekends.
Notes to editors
*The Cat That Slept For A Thousand Years is commissioned by Manchester Museum, part of the University of Manchester.
*The Cat That Slept For A Thousand Years has received £15,000 from East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) from funding provided by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is providing £25.17 million of funding for local investment across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire in 2025/26. This funding, distributed by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), aims to boost pride in place and increase life chances in the region. The investment will focus on supporting communities and businesses, as well as developing skills for individuals.
ENDS