The unmissable Bright Festival returns from 15 to 18 February to illuminate the capital of Europe in the depths of winter. On the programme: two routes through some of Brussels’ most emblematic locations, highlighted by over twenty original artistic installations from near and far. And that’s not all! This year, to mark the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Europe will take centre stage, with a range of activities and installations.
Additional programming will also be organised by the museums and shops of the neighbourhoods concerned.
Bright Festival, Brussels’ festival of lights, will be illuminating the capital from 15 to 18 February 2024.
This year’s event will shine the spotlight on several districts along two routes: the Royal Route and the European Route. The routes will be punctuated by majestic, immersive and poetic works created by Belgian and international artists. It’s a wonderful way to escape the cold of winter.
New As well as a host of new and original installations, the festival will also feature a dedicated children’s zone. This will welcome the youngest visitors with specially adapted installations and activities so that they too can enjoy the show.
And that’s not all! To mark the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, activities and installations all along the European route will focus on the
theme of Europe in all its various forms.
A whole host of activities Visitors of all ages will be spoilt for choice, with illuminated artworks, museum activities, shop open days and guided tours. It’s a night-time discovery of the capital’s streets that promises to be a truly multi-sensory experience.
On the initiative of Minister-President of the Brussels-Capital Region, Rudi Vervoort, and Brussels Minister for Mobility and Public Works, Elke Van den Brandt, visit.brussels is coordinating this event in the heart of the capital.
“In just a few short years, Bright Festival has become one of our region’s unmissable tourist events! I’m delighted to announce this new edition and proud of the work accomplished by the visit.brussels teams”, declared Rudi Vervoort, Minister-President in charge of the Image of Brussels and Tourism.
“This 2024 edition will, once again, illuminate our region’s neighbourhoods and put Europe in the spotlight to mark the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU. Visitors from Belgium and abroad, as well as the people of Brussels, will be able to stroll through our capital for four evenings and marvel at the works created by artists from EU member states, among others. I wish them all a wonderful journey through the streets of Brussels!” “Bright Festival transforms our public space into a place of encounters, dreams and joy – that’s the magnificent gift it gives to the people of Brussels. I’m also delighted that visit.brussels is working hand in hand with the artists to find sustainable technologies that will reduce the energy consumption of this magnificent festival as much as possible”, enthused Brussels Minister for Mobility and Public Works, Elke Van den Brandt.
For several years now, Bright Festival has been an eco-responsible event thanks to a number of initiatives:
The selection of projects using energy-efficient lighting or lighting produced from renewable sources.
The festival is easily accessible by public transport and encourages visitors to use alternative forms of transport and to walk to take in the festival.
The selection of artists who, for the most part, take an eco-responsible approach.
Since 2021, Bright Festival has been financing low-carbon projects to neutralise the emissions that could not be reduced.