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  2. Festoon Lights

Festoon Lights

If you’re on the lookout for outdoor lights with big bulbs and bags of character, get yourself some festoon lights. This outdoor lighting is the preferred choice for many, since they’re perfect for brightening up backyards, patios and balconies, and add ambient lighting to BBQs and garden gatherings.

Mains-powered connectable festoon lights from Festive Lights can also be used indoors and are ideal for spaces of any size. You'll also find LED battery and solar powered festoon lights within our range.

Pair your outdoor lights with a festoon light pole or drape or fix them on fences, trees or on buildings. For the summer months, solar festoon lights provide the ideal garden lighting solution, along with other solar lights. In the winter months, maximise your light display by adding more practical lighting, such as outdoor fairy lights. There are festoons to suit every taste and style, with various filaments and colours available – warm, white festoon lights are always popular.

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Have your lightbulb moment with weatherproof festoon lighting

LED weatherproof FestoonPro® lighting is the ideal solution for garden illumination because it's equipped to withstand outdoor conditions. Outdoor festoon lights feature large, globe-shaped bulbs that come in a traditional, Edison light bulb shape, as well as filament-style LEDs for a vintage aesthetic.

If you’re looking for hassle-free garden lighting for summer gatherings and year-round festivities, then our festoon lights are ideal. They add a glorious ambient glow to any outdoor area, and with no wiring required, and not much in the way of running costs, they are a simple, economical solution.

Festoon lights from Festive Lights also come in a range of lengths, and we have connectable festoon lighting which allows you to easily extend their reach. This is a great option if you’re looking to incorporate string lights across a large space. You can also choose different drops with our B22 or E27 festoon belts to add depth to existing lighting displays.

Where to hang your garden festoon lights

Whether you want to hang your festoon lights outdoors or inside your home, the opportunities are endless. Wherever they're placed, you can enjoy the retro charm of traditional bulbs with all the benefits of modern LED technology.

There are no rules when it comes to hanging your festoon garden lights, but a few popular places include:

  • Along fences: Illuminate your garden from corner to corner by hanging festoon lighting across every post.
  • Down the garden path: Never worry about tripping in the dark again by framing your outdoor paths with festoon light poles.
  • Across the patio: String your festoon lights canopy-style to create a warm and inviting space that guests can't wait to relax in. 
  • Draped from a pergola: For special occasions such as outdoor weddings and birthdays, drape festoon lights across the ceiling to exude a subtle yet romantic glow.

How to install festoon lights

Our festoon lighting is amazingly simple to fit. Depending on how you want to display your festoon lights and where they'll be placed, there are a variety of different ways to install them.

Most of our festoons have a handy hook, which can be used to securely attach each bulb via cable tie.  Another option is to use a festoon pole and wire to hang your lighting. Some festoon lights have screw holes in the base of each bulb, so they can be secured by screwing them into a suitable surface.

Why buy your festoon lights from Festive Lights?

Ideal for all occasions, our high-quality festoon outdoor lighting is extremely versatile. Perfect for illuminating parties, wedding venues and event spaces or adding ambience to your home, there's a festoon bulb to suit every setting. Here’s why you should find your outdoor lighting solutions with us:

  • Dazzling customer testimonials: With over 30,000 reviews on Trustpilot, you can be sure that you’re getting service to match the quality of our festoon lighting.
  • At your service: With free delivery on orders over £75 to mainland GB and a quick and easy returns service in case you aren’t satisfied, why would you shop anywhere else?
  • Quality brands: You'll find festoon lighting from trusted lines such as ConnectPro®, ConnectGo® and Twinkly. Every light product comes with at least a 12-month guarantee so you can be confident when you purchase.
  • Lighting up faces since 1999: We've been brightening lives for over 20 years so you can trust us to provide the best lighting options for your home.

Hopefully, this has been 'enlightening' for you, but don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions about the festoon lights in our range. For design inspiration and installation tips, take a trip over to our Knowledge Centre and blog.

Why are LED Festoon Lights the Ultimate Choice for UK Outdoor Living?

If you are looking to elevate your garden, patio, or balcony with a warm, welcoming glow, our collection of premium festoon lights offers the perfect solution. Often called bistro lights or cafe lights, these signature globe-shaped bulbs bring a touch of vintage charm with the undeniable benefits of modern LED technology. From summer barbecues to cosy winter gatherings, the right outdoor festoon lighting transforms any space into an enchanting retreat, making every moment feel like a celebration. Forget dim, boring garden illumination; these lights are designed to create ambience, safety, and style in equal measure.

How Can I Find a Festoon Lighting System That’s Right for My Space?

Our range is built around flexibility and scale, ensuring you can light up an intimate 5-metre patio or an expansive 100-metre commercial venue. A crucial element of our design is our innovative connectable festoon lights system. You start with a single power source and then daisy-chain multiple belts together, eliminating the need for countless sockets and messy wires. We offer three specialist ranges: the versatile ConnectGo®, the heavy-duty ConnectPro® for large-scale or professional installations, and the specialised FestoonPro® for ultimate customisation with E27 and E14 options. For smaller areas or temporary décor, we also stock convenient battery-powered and solar festoon lights, giving you complete freedom from power sockets.

Are These Festoon Lights Durable Enough for the British Weather?

Absolutely. Designed specifically for the unpredictable UK climate, our LED festoon lights are robustly constructed with durable rubber cabling and feature a high IP-rating, typically IP44 or above, meaning they are fully protected against splashes of water and solid objects larger than 1mm. The switch to LED bulbs is not just about energy efficiency, it’s about longevity. LED technology uses up to 80% less energy than traditional filament bulbs and boasts a lifespan of tens of thousands of hours, saving you money on your electricity bill and bulb replacements. This combination of weather resistance and ultra-low running cost makes them an economical choice for permanent outdoor installation.

What Are the Best Ways to Install Festoon Lights in My Garden?

Installation is surprisingly straightforward. For an overhead canopy effect across a patio, you can run the lights securely using a catenary wire between two sturdy points, or simply drape them across a pergola beam. For framing paths and garden beds, our robust festoon light poles (available in 1.5m and 2.4m options) offer a safe, elegant way to hang the lights without drilling into walls or fences. Whether you choose warm white filament bulbs for a vintage aesthetic or frosted globes for a softer light, the versatility of our range allows you to create a display that perfectly matches your home's style. Explore our full range today and find the perfect glow for your garden.

Festoon Lights: FAQ Section

Are these outdoor festoon lights truly weatherproof for year-round use in the UK?

Yes, our outdoor festoon lights are fully weatherproof and designed for permanent use in the UK climate. The majority of our range carries a minimum IP44 rating, meaning they are protected against water splashes from any direction and are ideal for coping with rain, wind, and even light snow. They are built with durable rubber cabling to withstand the elements all year round.

How do ConnectGo®, ConnectPro®, and FestoonPro® connectable festoon lights differ?

These are our three primary connectable systems designed for scalability. ConnectGo® is our standard, user-friendly range, perfect for home and small garden use (up to 100m). ConnectPro® is a more heavy-duty, professional-grade system with thicker cable and stronger connections, ideal for large events or long-distance commercial projects. FestoonPro® focuses on customisation, offering E27 or E14 bulb belts, allowing you to choose specialised decorative LED bulbs.

How do I know what length of festoon lighting I need for my patio or garden?

For a classic, draped canopy effect across a standard 5m x 5m patio, we recommend between 25 and 40 metres of lights. Measure the perimeter you intend to cover and add 20% to 50% for the attractive looping and draping effect. If lighting a path, simply measure the length and choose a belt that matches, ensuring you buy a starting cable to power the system.

Are LED festoon lights expensive to run compared to traditional bulbs?

No, LED festoon lights are extremely energy-efficient and highly cost-effective to run. Our LED bulbs use up to 90% less electricity than old-style incandescent bulbs. Even if you run a 20-metre set for several hours every night, the running costs are negligible, making them an affordable choice for permanent ambient lighting.

Can I hang festoon lights without drilling into my fences or house?

Yes, you can easily hang your lights without drilling using festoon light poles or shepherd’s crooks. Our range includes robust 1.5m and 2.4m steel festoon poles which can be placed in planters or pushed into the ground to create standalone supports. Alternatively, use adhesive hooks on suitable surfaces or our heavy-duty catenary wire for stable, sag-free spans.

What does the E27 or G50 bulb size mean when choosing a festoon set?

E27 refers to the screw-fitting size (27mm) of the bulb and socket, while G50 refers to the globe shape of the bulb (50mm diameter). E27 is the most common screw fitting for UK lighting, offering the most choice of decorative LED bulbs (like vintage filament styles). Our product pages clearly specify the bulb size and type to ensure compatibility.

Do you offer free shipping on festoon lights, and what is your returns policy?

Yes, we offer free standard mainland GB delivery on all orders over £75. For any returns, we provide a quick and easy service. Should you be unsatisfied, you can return your purchase within 14-days of delivery. Furthermore, every light product comes with at least a 12-month guarantee.

I need to light up a large wedding marquee; what system would you recommend?

For large-scale or commercial installations like a wedding marquee, we strongly recommend our ConnectPro® system. Its superior build quality, thicker rubber cable, and secure connection points are designed to handle long runs (up to 100m from a single plug) and frequent installation and removal, ensuring reliable illumination for your event.

Are solar-powered festoon lights powerful enough for effective garden lighting?

Modern solar festoon lights are very effective for decorative and ambient lighting, especially in the summer months. They are perfect for lighting areas far from a power source. While mains-powered sets offer a consistent, brighter light, solar sets provide a beautiful, hassle-free glow after dark, charging via the sun during the day.

What colours are available, and is warm white better than bright white?

We offer a wide range of colours, including Warm White, Bright White, Amber, Gold, and Multi-Coloured options. Warm white (typically 2700K) is consistently the most popular choice as it emits a soft, inviting, slightly yellow light, perfect for creating a cosy, relaxed ambience in gardens and patios. Bright white (closer to 4000K) is better suited for a modern, cleaner aesthetic or areas requiring higher visibility.

 

Turn Your Space into a Destination with Premium Festoon Lights

Transform your garden, patio, or commercial venue into a warm, inviting sanctuary with our premium collection of festoon lights. Often referred to as "café lights" or "party lights," these statement oversized bulbs bring nostalgic charm right to your doorstep. whether you're planning a summer wedding, upgrading your pub garden, or simply want to extend your evenings outdoors, our range offers the perfect blend of retro aesthetics and modern LED engineering.

Professional-Grade Durability for British Weather

Unlike standard high street options, our festoon lights are engineered specifically to withstand the unpredictable British climate. We offer distinct systems tailored to your needs:

  • ConnectGo® (Low Voltage): The versatile choice for home and garden use. Safe, lightweight PVC cables make these easy to install on fences and smaller pergolas. View ConnectGo®.
  • ConnectPro® (Mains Voltage): The gold standard for permanent outdoor displays. Featuring robust rubber cables and an IP65 weatherproof rating, these lights are built to stay out all year round, shrugging off rain, wind, and frost. View ConnectPro®.
  • FestoonPro®: The ultimate commercial solution, allowing for customisable bulb spacing and lengths of up to 750 metres from a single plug. View FestoonPro®.

Versatile Power Options & LED Efficiency

Gone are the days of energy-hungry incandescent bulbs. Our modern LED festoons consume up to 90% less energy, meaning you can run a sprawling 50-metre display for just a few pence. Choose from mains-powered for reliable, permanent brightness, or explore our solar and battery-operated ranges for corners of the garden without power access.

Customise Your Glow

Your lighting should match your mood. Select from classic warm white filament bulbs for that timeless "Edison" look, or opt for multi-coloured sets to create a playful party atmosphere. With our connectable systems, you aren't limited by standard lengths. You can simply daisy-chain multiple belts together to achieve the precise length required for your space.

Ready to Light Up Your Life?

Explore the UK’s leading range of festoon lighting below. With options ranging from domestic starter kits to heavy-duty commercial belts, and supported by a minimum 12-month warranty, you can buy with confidence. Browse the collection today to find what sparks joy!

Festoon Lights FAQs

  • What is the difference between ConnectGo® and ConnectPro® festoon lights?

    The main difference lies in the material and voltage. ConnectGo® uses a low-voltage (31V) system with lightweight PVC cables, making it perfect for temporary domestic displays or homes with pets and children. ConnectPro® uses mains voltage (240V) with heavy-duty rubber cables and superior IP65 weatherproofing, designed for permanent outdoor installations and commercial use.

  • Can I leave these festoon lights outside all year round?

    Yes, specifically our mains-powered ranges like ConnectPro® and FestoonPro® are designed for prolonged outdoor use. They feature durable rubber cables and high IP ratings (IP65) that protect against water jets and dust. While solar and battery options are weatherproof (typically IP44), we recommend storing them inside during extreme winter weather to protect the battery units.

  • How many sets of festoon lights can I connect together?

    This depends on the specific system you choose. With our heavy-duty ConnectPro® system, you can connect up to 750 metres of lights (roughly 7,600 LEDs) from a single plug. For the ConnectGo® low-voltage system, you can connect up to 1,600 LEDs using one transformer. Always check the "Max Run" specification on the product page to be safe.

  • Do I need a professional electrician to install these lights?

    No, our connectable systems are designed for "plug and play" installation. They feature simple push-and-screw connectors that ensure a watertight seal without the need for wiring tools. However, for large commercial installations requiring hardwiring into a mains supply, we always recommend consulting a qualified electrician.

  • Are LED festoon lights expensive to run?

    Not at all. Our LED bulbs are incredibly energy-efficient, using approximately 90% less power than traditional glass filament bulbs. Running a typical 10-metre set for 6 hours a night would cost just a few pence per month, making them a budget-friendly way to light your garden.

  • Can I use festoon lights if I don't have an outdoor plug socket?

    Absolutely. We offer a wide range of Solar Festoon Lights that require no wiring at all. Alternatively, our Battery Operated sets give you placement flexibility for events, or you can use our mains lights with a standard indoor plug if you can run the cable through a window or garage (ensuring the transformer stays indoors or in a dry box).

  • What happens if one bulb goes out?

    In most of our premium ranges (like FestoonPro® and ConnectPro®), the bulbs are replaceable. If one fails, the rest of the string will stay lit, and you can simply unscrew the faulty bulb and replace it with a spare. Some budget or lower-voltage sets may have sealed bulbs, so check the product specifications if replaceability is key for you.

  • How do I measure how many lights I need for my patio?

    We recommend using a piece of string to map out your desired path, whether that's a zig-zag pattern, a perimeter border, or a "V" shape. Measure the string length and add 1-2 metres to allow for "swag" (the natural droop of the cable) and to reach your power source comfortably.

  • Are the bulbs glass or plastic?

    Most of our modern festoon lights use shatterproof polycarbonate (plastic) covers that mimic the look of glass. This makes them significantly safer for outdoor use, as they won't smash if dropped during installation or knocked by wind against a fence.

  • Can I attach these lights to a fence without drilling?

    Yes, there are several non-intrusive ways to hang them. You can use "S" hooks, gutter clips, or drape them over existing structures. For fences, many customers use screw-in hooks, but if you want to avoid damage, you can use outdoor command hooks or drape the lights along the top of the fence panels.

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