Four free nights of light art are coming to Bolton: what residents need to know
Bolton’s town centre will become a route through illuminated artworks and roaming performances from 19 to 22 November. Put Big Light On 2026 is free to attend and runs from 5pm to 9pm each evening, with installations across the town centre for all ages.
Organised by Bolton Council and Things That Go On Things, the festival brings together large-scale light works, interactive experiences and street performers. Thursday is expected to be the quietest evening, which the organisers recommend for people with SEND and anyone who prefers a more relaxed visit.
Follow the light across Bolton town centre
At Victoria Square, Loom of Light by dbnAudile draws on Bolton’s textile heritage. Visitors can walk through its illuminated threads, while Helios by Luke Jerram—a six-metre sculpture of the sun—will be at Bolton Central Library.
Other installations are spread across several locations. DUNDU’s illuminated puppets will roam Le Mans Crescent with live music, while Event Horizon creates shifting reflections at Newport Street. At the Octagon Theatre, Kaleido combines light, lasers and sound.
The programme also includes Flux at Elizabeth Park and Hula Hoop at Newport Street, both kinetic light installations. Le Mans Crescent will host the mirrored artwork Happy as the Day is Long and its silent disco experience. Visitors can add wishes to The Wishing Dress at Elizabeth Park, make sounds and movement with Celestial Sound Cloud at Victoria Square, or see the animated Street Aquarium at Octagon Court.
Roaming performers and places to eat
Street performances will bring illuminated characters into the town centre. Eye of Newt Theatre’s Meandering Goat invites encounters with a gentle illuminated beast; Spark! brings illuminated drummers, while Sashimi features stilt-walking jellyfish. Show Globes will send giant shimmering spheres along the festival route, and Star Bears features a mother bear and cub with gentle music.
Food options include vendors in Victoria Square, Café Crescent in Bolton Central Library, Bolton Market Food Hall and the Octagon Theatre Café.
Dates, times and entry
Put Big Light On 2026 runs Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 November, 5pm–9pm daily, across Bolton town centre. Entry is free, and the event is for all ages. The source does not specify booking arrangements or transport details. For a quieter visit, Thursday is the organisers’ suggested evening for people with SEND or those who prefer a less busy setting.
Source: Bolton Council News
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The dates, daily hours, free entry and listed programme details were checked against Bolton Council’s event notice.
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- Bolton Council News
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- Bolton
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- 2026-10-19 10:46
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