London’s West End to glow with week-long free art and music event

A free week-long art and music experience is set to light up London this February.

Art After Dark, a programme from Art of London, will take over the West End from February 3 to 10 with live music, visual art, late-night gallery openings, and public installations.

The highlight of the week will be a 7-metre-tall sound-inspired artwork by internationally acclaimed London artist Lakwena Maciver, unveiled in Piccadilly Circus.

Lakwena Maciver said: “This installation is a celebration of joy, community, and the vibrant energy that pulses through London’s music scene.

“By unveiling it in Piccadilly Circus, we’re inviting everyone to gather, dance, and experience London’s music culture in a space transformed by colour, light, and sound.

“I’m looking forward to bringing people together to celebrate and support the culture that defines our city.”

The landmark artwork, titled Rise and Shine, takes the form of stacked disco lightboxes and pays homage to London’s analogue heritage and the nightlife culture of the 1980s and 1990s.

The installation will play a mix of hip-hop, soul, and funk.

Art After Dark will also feature digital artworks on the Piccadilly Lights, live performances, and special events at venues including the Hard Rock Café, The London Reign Showclub, and BOX Piccadilly.

One of the programme’s standout events will be a late-night DJ set at the National Gallery on February 5.

Guests will have the rare opportunity to experience music and art after hours in one of London’s most celebrated cultural spaces.

Kirsty Tullett-Jones, director of marketing and communications at Art of London, said: “Art After Dark 2026 is almost here, and this year it returns as a week-long celebration where music and art collide.

“Lakwena’s extraordinary installation will light up the West End with the colour, rhythm and energy that define London’s music culture.

“From late-night gallery hops and themed performances across the West End to a very special DJ-led after-party at The National Gallery, this year’s programme truly has it all.

“We want Londoners and visitors alike to feel the buzz, share the joy, and be part of something unforgettable in the heart of the capital.”

The public art and events are designed to make culture accessible to everyone and to re-energise the West End through creative experiences after dark.

Paul Gray, deputy director and COO of the National Gallery, said: “The National Gallery is delighted to partner with Art of London as the host venue for the after-party for this significant programme of art across the West End.

“As the nation’s gallery, this event continues our ongoing mission to bring people and paintings together in innovative ways and celebrate art with everyone.”

Councillor Ryan Jude, cabinet member for climate, ecology, culture, and air quality, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Art After Dark once again and look forward to seeing this exciting programme come to life across the West End.

“Initiatives like this showcase London’s vibrant cultural scene in some of the city’s most iconic locations, making the arts accessible for all to enjoy.”