Giant glowing blooms, kinetic circles of light, fire-filled gardens, suspended handmade lanterns and architectural illusions are set to illuminate the city of Aberdeen as the full programme for Spectra, Scotland’s Festival of Light, is announced ahead of its 12th year in February 2026.
The free-to-attend festival, owned and commissioned by Aberdeen City Council, produced by Live Event Management and sponsored by train operator LNER, will once again transform key city locations, including Aberdeen Art Gallery, Union Terrace Gardens, Marischal Square and St Nicholas Kirkyard, from 5-8 February with an immersive programme of 12 installations and activations.
This year’s festival theme is ‘Be Curious’ which has been designed to challenge perceptions, inspire curiosity and reflection, and ensure there is something everyone can connect to through light.
Jigantics’ Flower Field of giant illuminated to bloom in St Nicholas Kirkyard.
Among the full festival line-up announced today is artist Jig Cochrane, alongside the team at Jigantics, who will present a vibrant field of colourful giant blooms at St Nicholas Kirkyard. This uplifting installation promises a glowing paradise through the cold winter nights. The artwork has evolved over two decades and continues to grow sustainably, with new flower varieties added each season.
Collectif Scale’s Flux, which will feature in Aberdeen Art Gallery, is a kinetic art installation inspired by the geometry and dynamism of nature. Formed from 48 illuminated strips arranged in a circle, the structure moves at varying speeds, from slow and poetic to energetic and frenzied, creating hypnotic light trails that constantly shift and evolve.
Onda Studio’s Distopia audiovisual projections set to animate St Nicholas Spire
Distopia by Onda Studio will offer a fast-paced audiovisual show that will capture audiences with a crescendo of three-dimensional visual effects that will transform the architecture of the St Nicholas Spire façade in synchrony with music.
The programme announcement comes as Aberdeen was recently named Scotland’s ‘most fun’ city, beating out Glasgow and Edinburgh, highlighting its wide variety of entertainment and outdoor activities.
Councillor Martin Greig, cultural spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council, said: “Spectra 2026 will once again transform Aberdeen into a city of light and wonder. Now in its twelfth year, the festival brings together incredible artists, from emerging talents to international names, lighting up the city.
“As Scotland’s ‘most fun’ city, Aberdeen is the perfect setting for a festival that inspires curiosity and delight.
“Spectra is a one-of-a-kind celebration, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone this February.”
Additional light installations announced today, include, Solace, by UK-based international artist, Amelia Kosminsky, renowned for her immersive light sculptures, video art, and photography that transform public spaces into contemplative sanctuaries. Composed of handmade and hand sewn lanterns, the installation, residing in the art gallery during the festival, aims to offer a moment of calm and hope, inviting audiences to imagine the lanterns’ journey and reflect on their own.
‘Follow Your Heart’, produced by local artist Laura Curran and commissioned as part of the SPECTRA 2026 Micro-Commission Programme, will reside in St Nicholas Kirkyard and offer an immersive lighting installation of sculptural heart forms. Accompanied by an original marimba composition, the lights and music combine to create a reflective, sensory experience.
Additionally, storytelling will return to Cowdray Hall, where Pauline and Lindsey will present traditional tales in an intimate setting, offering a reflective pause amid the festival’s light and sound installations. Inspired by Spectra, the schools and community engagement programme, will once again return following its success last year, with young people invited to create their own artwork inspired by the Spectra programme.
LNER is supporting Spectra for the first time this year as a key event sponsor.
Stuart Thomas, Communications Director at LNER, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Spectra 2026 in Aberdeen. The north east of Scotland is a key destination for LNER, and we’re proud to carry thousands of customers each year to and from this fantastic region. We’re particularly pleased that our sponsorship of Spectra will help make the festival even more accessible, enabling more people to enjoy this fantastic celebration of light and creativity.”
The full programme announcement can be viewed here: http://www.spectrafestival.com
Aberdeen City Council is offering grants to local businesses to support their offerings throughout the festival. Businesses can find out more here: https://orlo.uk/kMgUA