LIGHTWAVES SALFORD RETURNS WITH DAZZLING FREE LIGHT ART FESTIVAL

Thu 4 – Sun 7 December 2025, 4-10pm Salford Quays and MediaCity

Lightwaves Salford – presented by Quays Culture – returns for the 12th year this December with a trail of 12 colourful light art installations that will inspire visitors to explore Salford Quays and MediaCity by night. FREE to attend, the popular light art festival runs from Thursday 4 December to Sunday 7 December 2025, 4pm-10pm. No booking required, just turn up and enjoy!

Staged outdoors across Salford Quays and MediaCity, Lightwaves Salford invites families and friends of all ages to get together and explore captivating light installations that transform the waterside environment after dark. This year’s event will feature 12 artworks, many of which will be interactive, using light, music and digital technology to inspire people to dance, play and perform! The themes of the artworks vary, from celebrating the nostalgia of a seaside arcade, to highlighting climate change and our connection to the natural world. All aim to offer people a sense of optimism, positivity and togetherness.

Rachel Candler, Interim Head of Programme for Quays Culture talked about this year’s line-up:

“The Quays Culture team are really excited by the programme of artworks for what will be the 12th edition of Lightwaves Salford and perhaps our most interactive yet. This year the focus is on artworks that visitors can engage with on a more human scale. So we’re looking forward to seeing playful moments and even some dancing!

“Year on year, Lightwaves Salford delights audiences of all ages and we’re sure that 2025 will be no exception. For many of our visitors, Lightwaves Salford marks the start of the festive period, getting together with friends or family for a dazzling evening of light art as we head into the winter months.”

Caroline Aikman – Director of Marketing & Place at MediaCity said: “Lightwaves Salford is a signature event of the winter season at MediaCity – a place where creativity, technology and community come together. As it returns in early December, our waterfront and spaces will once again become a living canvas for artists and technologists pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with light, sound and digital art.”

No tickets are required to attend Lightwaves Salford, visitors can simply turn up and explore at their own pace – the trail of 12 artworks is approx 1.5km and fully accessible. Maps will be available online in advance and on the night, but visitors can use any route they like to explore Lightwaves Salford.

There will be plenty of food and drink options with all the usual bars and restaurants at MediaCity as well as the diverse range of traders at Kargo MKT within the Quayside. The popular Makers Market will also be running over the 4-7 December to coincide with Lightwaves Salford.

The full programme will be announced in late November.

Find out more about Lightwaves Salford here: thelowry.com/lightwaves-salford-2025

Follow Quays Culture socials for the latest updates: Instagram: @quayscultureuk Facebook: @QuaysCulture