London Celebrates Its Nightlife Legacy as Art After Dark Lights Up the West End

Music, colour, and late-night art turn the heart of London into a week-long celebration of nightlife and creativity

London’s West End is glowing again as Art After Dark returns for its fourth year, bringing together public art, music, and late-night culture in a vibrant celebration of the city’s creative spirit.

Running from 3 to 10 February, the free festival transforms iconic locations across the West End, with Piccadilly Circus at its centre. This year’s highlight is a striking 7-metre-tall tower of stacked disco lightboxes, pulsing with color and sound inspired by London’s 1980s and 1990s club scene. The installation turns the famous crossroads into an open invitation to gather, move, and enjoy music in a shared public space.

Alongside the main installation, galleries across the area are hosting late-night openings, while The National Gallery is set to host a special one-off DJ event. Digital artworks will also light up screens throughout the West End; ensuring art reaches people where they already are on the streets, after dark.

The Piccadilly Circus artwork, titled Rise and Shine, is created by London-based artist Lakwena Maciver, who describes it as “a celebration of joy, community, and the vibrant energy that pulses through London’s music scene.” By placing the work in one of the city’s busiest public spaces, the festival aims to make art and music accessible to everyone.

Art After Dark has built a reputation for bold, memorable installations, including last year’s giant neon cats and glowing sculptural displays. Once again, the festival proves that when art and music come together, London truly comes alive at night.