Festoon lights have become a popular lighting choice across the UK, offering charm, functionality, and versatility for both residential gardens and commercial outdoor spaces. But what exactly are festoon lights, and what should you know before choosing the right type for your needs?

Whether you're planning to light up your patio, decorate for a garden wedding, or create a welcoming outdoor ambience for your café or pub, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know: from the types of festoon lights available, to bulb options, cable styles, and essential IP ratings for UK weather.

What Are Festoon Lights?

Festoon lights are strings of evenly spaced bulbs attached to a flexible cable or wire, typically used for decorative or ambient lighting outdoors. Their iconic globe-shaped bulbs offer a vintage yet timeless feel—perfect for creating cozy, inviting spaces.

They’re widely used in gardens, patios, courtyards, weddings, restaurants, pubs, festivals, and other open-air events. With options ranging from heavy-duty commercial-grade strings to decorative plug-in sets for the home, there’s a festoon solution for nearly every outdoor lighting project.

Types of Festoon Lights

Choosing the right festoon light depends on where you’ll use it, how long you want it to last, and what kind of lighting effect you're going for. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:

1. Plug-In Festoon Lights

Perfect for domestic use, plug-in festoon lights are easy to set up and ideal for patios, balconies, or garden parties. They typically plug into a standard UK mains socket and come in lengths ranging from 5 to 20 meters.

Best For:

• Garden gatherings
  

• Indoor/outdoor versatility
  

• Easy installation
  

2. Connectable Festoon Lights

These modular lights allow multiple lengths to be connected together using waterproof connectors. Great for larger gardens, commercial outdoor spaces, or events where more flexibility and length are needed.

Best For:

• Long outdoor runs
  

• Customizable lengths
  

• Pubs, beer gardens, event venues
  

3. Solar-Powered Festoon Lights

For those looking to reduce energy use or avoid running outdoor cables, solar festoon lights offer an eco-friendly and cable-free option. However, in the UK’s unpredictable weather, their performance can vary in winter months.

Best For:

• Energy-efficient outdoor décor
  

• Remote locations without power access
  

4. Battery-Powered Festoon Lights

Portable and perfect for temporary use, battery-operated festoon lights are great for camping trips, DIY events, or decorating small areas. They usually run on AA batteries and are less bright than mains-powered options.

Best For:

• Portability
  

• Short-term or seasonal use
  

5. Heavy-Duty Commercial Festoon Lights

Heavy-Duty Commercial Festoon Lights are designed to withstand frequent use and adverse weather, these are the go-to option for commercial premises and year-round installations. They usually feature rubber cable insulation and shatterproof bulbs.

Best For:

• Restaurants, cafés, pubs
  

• Outdoor installations exposed to rain and wind
  

• Long-term or permanent setups
  

Types of Festoon Bulbs

The Festoon bulbs you choose will affect not only the light output, but also the energy use, lifespan, and mood. Here are the most common bulb types for festoon lighting:

1. LED Bulbs

LED festoon bulbs are highly efficient, durable, and available in warm white, cool white, and multicolor options. Most LEDs stay cool to the touch and consume much less power than traditional bulbs.

Advantages:

• Energy-saving
  

• Long-lasting (up to 25,000 hours)
  

• Low heat output
  

Common LED styles:

• S14 (small globe shape)
  

• G45 (classic round globe)
  

• Filament-style LEDs for a vintage look
  

2. Incandescent Bulbs

These give off a warm, nostalgic glow and are often used for aesthetic purposes in vintage-themed décor. However, they consume more energy and are more fragile than LEDs.

Advantages:

• Classic warm glow
  

• Soft ambient lighting
  

Disadvantages:

• Shorter lifespan
  

• Higher running costs
  

3. Dimmable Bulbs

Some LED and incandescent festoon bulbs are dimmable, allowing you to adjust brightness to match the occasion. This is particularly useful in restaurant settings or evening garden events where atmosphere matters.

Pro Tip: Make sure the transformer or plug is compatible with dimmable bulbs before using.

4. Coloured Bulbs

Available in LED or incandescent varieties, coloured bulbs are great for parties, festivals, or Christmas displays. Options range from subtle pastel tones to bold, bright primaries.

Cable Options for Festoon Lights

The durability and look of your festoon lights also depend on the quality and style of the cable used. In the UK’s wet and windy weather, cable choice is more than just cosmetic—it’s about safety and longevity too.

1. PVC Cable (Lightweight)

Often found in cheaper or indoor-use sets, PVC cable is lightweight and flexible but less durable against outdoor elements. Not recommended for long-term outdoor installations.

Best For:

• Indoor use
  

• Temporary decoration
  

2. Rubber Cable (Heavy-Duty)

Commercial-grade festoon lights use rubber or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) cable that resists UV, rain, and abrasion. It’s heavier, more robust, and suitable for permanent installations.

Best For:

• All-weather outdoor use
  

• Long-term, commercial settings
  

3. Cable Color Options

• Black Cable: Common in professional or urban settings; blends well at night.
  

• White Cable: Popular for weddings or clean, minimal aesthetics.
  

• Green Cable: Ideal for garden use, blending with foliage.
  

IP Ratings Explained: Why Weatherproofing Matters

IP (Ingress Protection) ratings indicate how well a product is sealed against water and dust—crucial for festoon lights in the UK.

Here’s how to understand the code:

Typical IP Ratings for Festoon Lights

IP20 – Indoor Use Only

No water resistance; safe for indoor use only.

IP44 – Splash-Resistant

Protected against light rain or splashes. Suitable for short-term outdoor use or under covered areas.

IP65 – Water Jet-Resistant

Can handle heavier rain and outdoor exposure. Ideal for permanent outdoor setups.

IP67 – Temporary Submersion

Highly water-resistant, but more common in premium lighting setups. Can withstand harsh conditions or flooding.

Choosing the Right Festoon Lights: A Quick Checklist

Here’s a summary of key factors to consider:

• Location – Will they be used indoors or outdoors?
  

• Power Source – Plug-in, solar, or battery?
  

• Cable Type – Light PVC or heavy-duty rubber?
  

• Bulb Type – LED or incandescent? Dimmable or not?
  

• IP Rating – Is it waterproof enough for UK weather?
  

• Purpose – Permanent installation or temporary décor?
  
  

Festoon lights are more than just decorative—they create atmosphere, enhance outdoor spaces, and help set the tone for events and hospitality venues alike. By understanding the types, bulbs, cable quality, and IP ratings, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right lights for your garden, event, or business.

Whether you're hanging them across a courtyard, lining a wedding marquee, or adding sparkle to your back garden, the right festoon lights will transform your space beautifully—and last for years with the proper setup.