Bright Festival: Europe in lights

For its eighth edition, the Bright Festival lit up the capital for four evenings from 15 to 18 February. 41 light installations and animations created by Belgian, European and international artists enhanced the Royal Quarter and the European Quarter.

This year, as part of the Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), the theme selected was Europe. A number of majestic works by European artists were showcased in the heart of the EU’s vibrant capital, Brussels.

This year’s event was a huge success, with over 500,000 visitors enjoying this sublime spectacle, half of them Brussels residents, 25% Belgians and 25% tourists.

This year, several countries are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their accession to the EU. This was an opportunity to highlight them through works by artists from these countries. Estonia, Poland, Lithuania, Slovenia, Cyprus, Czechia and Slovakia were represented. Installations by Italian, Austrian and Romanian artists completed the European programme. Bright Festival was an opportunity for these countries to celebrate both their artists and the values of Europe.

It’s another great way to showcase the Brussels-Capital Region on a national and international level. This European programme demonstrates, once again, the region’s openness to the world and its status as the capital of more than 447 million Europeans!

Rainbow-coloured light bulbs illuminate a statue. — “Portal” by Alfredo Barsuglia. The artist uses everyday coloured light bulbs to show you the way. With the support of the Austrian Cultural Forum in Brussels. © visit.brussels

Two large spheres represent the earth during the day and at night. — Visualove’s “Temnalóna and Terralóna”, a celestial work that is sure to impress and arouse interest in the mysteries of astronomy, was programmed with the support of the Representation of the South Moravian Region to the EU in collaboration with the Brno Observatory and Planetarium © visit.brussels

People touch a light installation and leave their mark. — “What’s here, it’s there”, a creation by Elo Liiv, lit up the Parc du Cinquantenaire thanks to the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Estonian Embassy in Brussels and Tartu Valgus. Its message? Every human act and thought leaves a trace. © visit.brussels

Bright Festival looks forward to seeing you again from 13 to 16 February 2025. For more information, visit www.brightfestival.brussels