United By 2022, the legacy charity of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, will once again support Birmingham Light Festival, returning for its second year in February 2026 to brighten the city’s dark nights with immersive light displays.
The festival, which is set to return from 12th – 15th February 2026, is led by City Curator, Alex Nicholson Evans, and was established last year with thanks to Colmore Business District, Southside District, Central BID, Westside BID and The Jewellery Quarter BID. In 2026, the festival will once again transform streets, squares and public spaces across Birmingham with striking light installations and interactive artworks.
This year, the festival will welcome even more people with Bullring and Edgbaston joining the family of festival supporters. During this year’s Festival, 48 volunteers from the United By 2022 Volunteer Collective contributed nearly 775 hours over four days.
They supported all 11 festival artworks by welcoming visitors, assisting the production team and helping bring the installations to life. United By 2022 also funded the festival’s producers, Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces (OPUS) to create the Floor is Lava X Silent Disco activation, which was enjoyed by more than 5,000 people and became one of the festival’s most memorable experiences.
United By 2022 is inviting people of all ages and abilities to join its Volunteer Collective and be part of some of Birmingham’s incredible upcoming events, including Birmingham Light Festival 2026, the European Athletics Championships 2026, the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 and UEFA Euro28. Whether interested participants can give a few hours or a few days, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, meet new people, and help bring the city’s celebrations to life.
Nicola Turner, CEO of United By 2022, said: “We’re thrilled to be the official volunteer partner for Birmingham Light Festival 2026, following an incredible inaugural event earlier this year.
“Our dedicated volunteers helped create a fantastic atmosphere and inspire others to get involved, and we can’t wait to build on that success when the festival returns to once again light up our fantastic city next February. We’re incredibly lucky to have some amazing events coming to our wonderful region over the next few years, so there’s never been a better time to join the Volunteer Collective and help bring them to life.”
Maureen Levermore, one of the volunteers from Birmingham Light Festival 2025, commented: “Volunteering at Birmingham Light Festival was truly an honour. The atmosphere across the four days was electric, and it felt amazing to see guests of all ages enjoying themselves, knowing I had a small part in making it happen.
“The experience has expanded my love for Birmingham and reminded me of how powerful volunteering can be when we come together for our community. I’m hoping to be part of the dedicated volunteer team on the incredible event again next year, and I can’t wait to see Birmingham shine so bright when the city-wide event returns!”
The United By 2022 Volunteer Collective, set up in 2023 to connect organisations with experienced volunteers, is made up of more than 2,500 people of all ages and backgrounds. It aims is to keep the spirit of the Commonwealth Games alive and inspire a sense of pride across Birmingham and the wider community.
Together, they support major sporting championships, community-led events and large-scale arts and cultural festivals, offering volunteers the chance to be involved in high-profile citywide experiences.
