West End Lights is only possible because of you, our Illuminators. Whether you are an experienced illuminator in WEL or somebody who has only recently moved into the area, you are welcome to be part of this unique community experience.
What is West End Lights?
Lincoln’s annual home grown pop-up festival of light not only takes to the streets but lights them up too!
Front windows become cinema screens, shadow puppets step out of the darkness and light sculptures bloom in West End gardens. It’s created entirely by volunteers, local residents both old and new and shines for one night only each year.
It started in 2010 when a few houses shone out across the icy snow that held the city in its wintry grip that year. Since then it has grown and now over 60 houses, schools and the church get involved. It’s even sparked similar festivals in Tunbridge Wells, London and Toronto.
Its heart though is here in the West End of Lincoln city where each year images flicker from houses, projections creep up walls and lights bud and open in roadside trees.
It’s become a unique local tradition when residents wrap up warm to gather on street corners to marvel at their neighbours’ creations and surprised passersby stop in their tracks to look again at the trickery of light that has magically appeared out of the darkness in front of them.
In 2024, we will glow again, on Friday 6/12/24 6-9 pm.
What do I have to do to become an active part of it?
Stay in the loop by joining our mailing list (see bottom of the page!), where you’ll receive all the latest updates and news about this year’s West End Lights and future iterations. If you have joined the mailing list in previous years, no need to do so again. You will receive all the important information already.
When you’re ready to contribute, read how to put yourself on our map to become an integral part of this magical community event.
Put yourself on the map
By putting yourself on the map, you’re not just participating in West End Lights – you’re helping to create a magical experience for the entire community. Filling out the form below ensures that visitors can easily find your contribution, allowing the whole community to enjoy your creativity and generosity while making the event even more vibrant and interconnected.
Take a look back at our map of 2023 to get an idea what it will look like.
We’re excited to announce that for West-End-Lights 2024, we’re expanding our map to include not just illuminations as in previous years, but also charitable contributions! Whether you’re planning to light up your home or offer something special to the community, we want to showcase your participation.
To put yourself on the map, simply fill out our Illuminators 2024 form. Here’s what you need to know:
- Illuminations: As in previous years, we’ll map all the magical light displays across the West End.
- Charitable Contributions: New for 2024! If you’re offering home-cooked treats, drinks, handmade crafts, or any other inspired creation, we’ll add you to the map with a special icon. The only rule is that it must be for a good cause—either free or in support of a named charity.
- Double the Fun: Fancy doing both? You’re welcome to submit an illumination and a charitable contribution. Just fill out the form twice, once for each offering.
- Privacy Matters: Your email address will remain confidential. You can choose whether to display your name on the map or even use a creative “pen name” if you prefer.
- Location, Location, Location: To ensure we place you accurately on the map, please provide your full address including postcode.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of the West End Lights community and spread some joy! Fill out the form as soon as you have an idea of how to contribute to WEL and let your light shine or your contribution sparkle on our interactive map.
Join the mailing list to stay in the loop
If you are new and are considering joining the fun this year, and you want to be in the loop about activities and news, simply register below to be signed up to our illuminators mailing list, to receive all the updates in preparation for this and all coming West End Lights. If you have signed up before, we hope you will still be joining us again, and have kept you on the mailing list, so there is no need to sign up again. The only requirement: You need to have access to a house in the Lincoln Westend (and immediately neighbouring areas, we are very tolerant!) to illuminate. Once you have registered below, you’ll soon receive a welcome email from the organising team, and we will soon let you know how you put yourself on our map for the big night to glow.