The evenings are drawing in, which can only mean one thing: West End Lights is on its way. Mark your calendars, because West End Lights 2026 will take place on Friday 4 December, from 6 pm to 9 pm.
For those new to the area, West End Lights is our home-grown festival of light. For one night only, front windows become cinema screens, shadow puppets step out of the darkness and light sculptures bloom in gardens across the neighbourhood. It is created entirely by volunteers and local residents, and last year more than 40 illuminations and contributions lit up the West End, despite the wind and rain.
What’s happening this year?
Our poster design competition with local schools is under way again. This year children from two local schools are designing our posters and postcards, and we will reveal the winning designs soon. Keep an eye on your letterbox!
We are very grateful to The Sycamore and Anna’s Place for sponsoring West End Lights 2026. Both are planning something special for the night, so watch this space for details.
Get involved
Whether you are a seasoned illuminator or thinking about taking part for the first time, we would love you to join us. All you need is a house in the West End and a willingness to give it a go. The only rule: your creation should be suitable for families and make people smile on a cold winter’s night.
If you are already on our illuminators mailing list, there is nothing to do: you will receive updates as we get closer to the night. If not, or if you have friends and neighbours who might be interested, please sign up on our Illuminators page. Not sure where to start? Our tips and advice will help.
We also welcome charitable contributions on the night, such as warming drinks, home-baked treats or handmade crafts, offered for free or in return for a donation to a named charity.
Closer to the date we will open the form to put your illumination or contribution on our map, so visitors can find you on the night.
Stay connected
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and keep an eye on this website for news.
Start thinking about how you might light up your corner of the West End this December!
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