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Bright Lights Youth Arts Festival 2026
A celebration of creativity featuring free workshops and special events for young people ages 11 – 19.
This year’s festival is bigger than ever and sees events, exhibitions and workshops taking place at Arts Centre Washington, National Glass Centre, Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens and city wide.
Get Involved
Bright Lights: Youth Arts Exhibition 2026
Are you an artist aged between 11-19? Do you live in Sunderland, Washington or Houghton-le-Spring? Submit your work to Bright Lights: Youth Arts Exhibition 2026!
Bright Lights: Film Shorts Showcase 2026
Are you a filmmaker/animator aged between 11-19? Do you want your film on the big screen? Submit to Bright Lights: Film Shorts Showcase 2026!
Washington Emerging 2026
Are you a young musician? Do you want to perform on stage? Apply to take part in Washington Emerging 2026!
What’s On
Special Events
11+
Arts Centre Washington
Theatre and Performance
Butterfly - Sunderland College
Arts Centre Washington
11+
Arts Centre Washington
Workshops
More events coming, please check back soon.
Exhibitions
More events coming, please check back soon.
Bright Lights Youth Arts Festival is part of Culture Start, an exciting programme designed to help children and young people in Sunderland take part in free creative and cultural events.
