Gloucester Bright Nights postponed until later in 2021

Following consultation with the organisers and artists, the decision was made due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and the latest national lockdown with ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions in place. All the projects that were scheduled to take place between now and the end of March have been postponed until the end of the year.

The postponement means that a bigger and brighter series of Bright Night’s events can take place later this year.

The council and the culture trust are currently working with partners on wellbeing packs for local residents with some of the packs themed around Bright Nights allowing people to engage with the project safely from home. The packs will include a range of boredom-busting activities to encourage creativity, physical activity and fun over the coming weeks.

Cllr Steve Morgan, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure at Gloucester City Council, said: “Postponing Bright Nights was a difficult decision, but the right decision. With Coronavirus cases rising rapidly, the health and wellbeing of the public is of the utmost importance. We would like to thank all of the artists and our partners for their hard work, support and flexibility.

“We are delighted that all the artists have expressed an interest in continuing to work with us and we are very excited to see their projects later in the year. I look forward to when we can enjoy Bright Nights when it is safe and sensible to do so.”

Katherine Jewkes, Creative Producer for Bright Nights, said: “We are in a fortunate position that whilst it is disappointing to postpone, we are able to reschedule the Bright Nights programme to later in the year and still bring the city of Gloucester the fabulous light installations we had planned. We look forward to announcing more information and updates this summer.”

Hollie Smith-Charles, Chief Executive for Gloucester Culture Trust, said: “Bright Nights is a major new initiative to bring joy and wonder to local residents throughout the dark winter months. These spectacular light installations will boost the evening economy, connect communities and support our goal to put Gloucester on the cultural map.

“Covid has forced us to delay our plans for this year, but we’re thrilled that local residents in Matson, Podsmead, Westgate and other neighbourhoods were able to enjoy Window Wanderland and Travelling Light in a safe, socially-distanced way, before Christmas. Culture will play a vital role in Gloucester’s post-Covid recovery and we can’t wait to see Bright Nights come to life later in the year.”