Ready to See Brussels in a Whole New Light? The Bright Brussels Festival Will Leave You Speechless

The tenth edition of the Bright Brussels Festival attracted a staggering 420,000 visitors to Belgium’s capital, transforming the historic city centre into an illuminated wonderland. This annual festival, celebrated for its innovative light installations and vibrant cultural events, continues to grow in popularity, drawing both locals and international tourists to experience the magic of Brussels like never before. With over 20 light installations and animations by Belgian and international artists, the festival provided a spectacular display that illuminated the heart of the city.

A City Transformed: More Than Just Light Installations

This year, Bright Brussels Festival showcased the incredible talent of over 20 artists, with light installations spread across central Brussels. The installations illuminated iconic landmarks, streets, and squares, creating a stunning visual narrative that connected various neighborhoods of the city. Sibelga, a key partner in the festival, helped light up the route between artworks, creating a continuous thread of light that guided visitors through the city.

To mark the festival’s 10th anniversary, Beliris inaugurated the redesigned Place Royale with a monumental light show, providing a new and exciting way for visitors to experience the square’s historical architecture. This dazzling display made Place Royale one of the festival’s key highlights, ensuring that visitors could enjoy both the artistic installations and the beauty of the city’s iconic structures.

New Additions to Bright Brussels Festival 2026

The 2026 edition of the festival introduced several new and exciting programme elements. One of the standout features was the Bright Brussels Market, located at Place de l’Albertine. This market offered a blend of design items and repair initiatives, including an opportunity for visitors to refurbish old lamps, giving the festival an eco-conscious twist. The market allowed visitors to take home unique design pieces while engaging with sustainable practices—something that resonated with the growing demand for environmentally-friendly tourism.

Additionally, Bright Brussels Kids brought a delightful family-oriented experience to Place du Musée from Friday to Sunday. This dedicated section of the festival featured interactive activities designed for younger audiences, ensuring that families could enjoy the magic of light installations while keeping children entertained. These kid-friendly attractions helped make the festival an inclusive experience for all age groups, enhancing its appeal as a family destination.

Cultural and Artistic Collaborations Across the City

The festival was not just about stunning light installations but also about cultural collaborations. Additional partners contributed their light installations and façade animations across Brussels, enriching the event’s offerings and making the entire city feel alive with light. A notable installation was Antoine Goldschmidt’s video mapping on the Pavilion of Human Passions in Cinquantenaire Park, which brought the park’s iconic structures to life through cutting-edge technology.

The festival also featured special cultural events, with the Brel Foundation organizing special openings during the festival period. These events allowed visitors to immerse themselves in Brussels’ artistic and cultural heritage, with guided tours provided to help participants explore the light installations from alternative perspectives. These tours offered unique insights into the relationship between art, light, and the city’s history, enriching the overall festival experience.

Tourism Impact: Bright Brussels as a Major Travel Attraction

The Bright Brussels Festival is a prime example of how cultural tourism can significantly impact a city’s economy. With 420,000 visitors, the festival not only attracted art and light enthusiasts but also boosted the local tourism industry. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses saw increased traffic, as visitors flocked to Brussels to experience the festival and explore the city’s other attractions.

For tourists, the festival is an excellent opportunity to explore the charm of Brussels during the winter months. The illuminated cityscape offers an enchanting experience that blends modern art with historical architecture, providing a fresh perspective on the city’s cultural landmarks. Whether it’s walking along the Grand Place, admiring the beauty of the Atomium, or enjoying a meal at one of the city’s renowned restaurants, Brussels offers a dynamic experience for travelers.

The festival’s growing popularity also aligns with Brussels’ wider strategy to promote itself as a year-round cultural destination. With world-class museums, historic sites, and vibrant events like the Bright Brussels Festival, the city continues to position itself as a must-visit European destination.

What’s Next for Bright Brussels Festival?

As the festival celebrates its 10th anniversary, the future of the Bright Brussels Festival looks even brighter. Organizers are already looking ahead to future editions, planning even more immersive light installations and new features to enhance the visitor experience. The festival’s blend of art, culture, sustainability, and innovation has made it a staple of Brussels’ event calendar, and its increasing popularity among international tourists signals a growing appreciation for the city’s ability to merge creativity with history.

For those planning to visit Brussels in 2026, the Bright Brussels Festival offers a chance to experience the city in a unique light—literally. Whether you’re a local resident or a tourist, the festival provides a perfect opportunity to see Brussels from a fresh perspective, showcasing the city’s incredible artistry and spirit of innovation.

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