Brussels’ Bright Festival Of Lights: Experience The Unforgettable Illumination In February 2023

The much-anticipated 7th edition of Brussels’ Bright Festival is just around the corner, taking place from the 16th to the 19th of February 2023 and the festival has just released its highly anticipated fringe program.

This year, the festival will expand to include the Royal district, the European district and the municipality of Schaerbeek, as it showcases more than 30 light installations and 15 night-time activities. This year’s theme is a celebration of Art Nouveau, which will be reflected in the various light installations and events that will be taking place.

One of the highlights of the festival will be the return of the Sibelga Bright Market, a collaboration between Sibelga and Les Petits Riens. This market will offer visitors the opportunity to have their damaged lamps fixed or to purchase second-hand lamps. Additionally, there will be a collection of standalone lamps organized around the work of Philippe Morvan, called “Menschen”. Everyone is invited to bring their working torches to the Info Point on the Royal course from 7 pm to 11 pm during the festival.

The fringe program of the festival will provide visitors with an opportunity to prolong their experience with a wide range of cultural, artistic, and musical events. Several museums and cultural institutions will be open for night visits, including the Comics Art Museum, the Liszt Institute, the KBR Museum, Bozar, the Musical Instruments Museum, RESET, the Art & History Museum, Autoworld, KULT XL Ateliers, and the Schaerbeek Beer Museum. Additionally, the Atomium is offering a discount code for day tickets during the festival, giving visitors a chance to explore its temporary exhibition, Restart.

Guided tours will also be offered during the festival, with organisers such as Pro Velo, Brussels by Foot, and City Runs leading visitors on unique nighttime experiences. The festival will also feature a range of artistic performances, including dance, candlelit gospel concerts, live street art painting, and wandering creatures of the night.

The Bright Festival attracts more than 400,000 visitors each year and provides a unique platform for local brands to showcase their expertise. In addition to the official program, there will be concerts in local bars and brasseries, as well as previews in galleries.

The 2023 Bright Festival promises to be an event not to be missed, with its expansive program, Art Nouveau theme, and opportunities for visitors to experience the city in a whole new light.

Fringe program

Nights at Museums and Cultural Venues: During the festival, several museums and cultural institutions will be open to the public in the evenings. This program includes exhibitions, workshops, and illuminated installations, providing a unique chance to discover the cultural riches of Brussels after dark.

Institutions Involved: Visitors can visit the Comics Art Museum, Liszt Institute, KBR Museum, Bozar, and the Musical Instruments Museum to admire “Unframed by Design Lab.” Other participating institutions include RESET, Art & History Museum showcasing “Utopia by THÉORIZ Studio,” Autoworld, KULT XL Ateliers, and the Schaerbeek Beer Museum.

The Atomium, although not participating in the evening events, still wants to be a part of the excitement. They are offering a discount code for day tickets during the Bright Festival, providing a one-of-a-kind opportunity to view their temporary exhibition “Restart.” This can be done through an online reservation.

Guided tours: During the Bright Festival, Pro Velo, Brussels by Foot, and City Runs are among the tour organizers offering night-time guided tours.

Performances: The Bright Festival showcases art in all its forms, with a plethora of artistic events, including dance performances, gospel concerts by candlelight, live street painting, and wandering nocturnal creatures.