Articles | Volume 81, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-81-223-2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/gh-81-223-2026
Standard article
 | 
20 Mar 2026
Standard article |  | 20 Mar 2026

Festivalisation in a new light: characteristics and objectives of light art festivals in Germany

Jochen Burger

Cited articles

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BBSR: Stadt- und Gemeindetypen in Deutschland, https://www.bbsr.bund.de/BBSR/DE/forschung/raumbeobachtung/Raumabgrenzungen/deutschland/gemeinden/StadtGemeindetyp/StadtGemeindetyp.html (last access: 3 February 2025), 2024b. 
Bhatia, M.: Light festivals: Entertainment or urban renewal tool?, IOP C. Ser. Earth Env., 1099, 012009, https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1099/1/012009, 2022. 
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Chen, Z. and Yu, T.: Festivals and digitalisation: a critique of the literature, Tourism Crit.: Pract. Theory, 6, 2–17, https://doi.org/10.1108/TRC-05-2024-0022, 2025. 
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Short summary
This qualitative study researches light art festivals in Germany. Over the past 25 years, 25 light art festivals have been implemented by various actors, mostly in small- and medium-sized cities across Germany. The analysis indicates that public authorities do not adopt this format solely for the purpose of promoting the city's brand and attracting tourists. Instead, these events are also founded with the aim of defamiliarising routines and addressing multiples challenges in city centres.
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