Festoon & String Lights

Some people buy fancy garden furniture. But if you just need good lighting, festoon and string lights can transform any dull backyard, wedding marquee, or pub patio into an instant Instagram moment.

These LED-powered beauties are tough (IP44-rated), energy-efficient, and versatile enough to suit everything from BBQ banter to black-tie soirées. They’re like mood lighting for people who actually have good taste.

So, has your garden been looking more like a “forgotten shed” than an “evening escape”? Then it’s time to plug in something brilliant!

Why Choose Festoon & String Lights?

Bad lighting kills the vibe. Festoon and string lights, on the other hand, create an ambience so good you might even forgive your friends’ karaoke.

What Makes Them Great

Decorative and practical. They look amazing and actually light things up.
Perfect for anywhere. From patios to wedding tents to questionable back gardens.
Completely customisable. Go for globe bulbs, vintage filaments, or coloured chaos—your call.
Energy-efficient LEDs. Bright enough to impress, efficient enough not to bankrupt you.

They bring a warm, inviting glow without the hassle (or heat) of traditional bulbs. In short, these lights don’t just decorate—they define your space.

Popular Uses for Festoon Lights

They’re not just for Pinterest-perfect setups. Festoon lights work practically anywhere you need ambience and compliments.

Garden & Patio Lighting

Forget solar spikes and sad garden party lights! Festoon lights make your garden look like a scene from an outdoor restaurant, all without the overpriced wine list!

Weddings & Parties

Twinkly wedding string lights can save even the plainest marquee. Hang them high, pair with a dance floor, and boom! Romance achieved!

Commercial & Event Spaces

Restaurants, pubs, and event organisers swear by festoon lighting. It’s the easiest way to add character and keep customers lingering for “just one more round.”

Styles & Options Available

Here’s where things get fun. You’ve got lots of options when it comes to festoon lights. And none of them are boring!

Globe Festoon Lights

Classic, round bulbs that make everything look effortlessly chic. Perfect for patios and weddings alike.

Coloured String Lights

Feeling bold? These bring personality and fun. Great for parties, holidays, or when you simply want your house visible from space.

Filament-Style Festoon Lights

Vintage, warm, and a little bit hipster. Perfect for anyone who describes things as “industrial chic.”

Warm White vs Cool White

Warm white is cosy and soft, while cool white is crisp and modern. Basically, comfort versus clarity.

No matter your vibe, there’s a style that says, “Yes, I do have good taste.”

Outdoor Durability & Safety

Festoon lights aren’t afraid of British weather. They’re IP44-rated, which means they laugh in the face of drizzle. And wind. And that one random July hailstorm.

Why They’re Built to Last

Weatherproofed for outdoor life. Leave them up all year, and they can handle it.
LED technology. Uses minimal energy and doesn’t overheat.
Durable design. No flimsy wires or fragile nonsense here.

They’re tough enough to survive rain, wind, and your uncle’s “helpful” installation attempt. Plus, they use energy-efficient LEDs that last longer than your New Year’s resolutions.

How to Install Festoon Lights

Hanging festoon lights is easier than pretending you know how to barbecue.

Here’s How It Works

Plan your layout. Because guessing never ends well.
Use hooks, poles, or fences. Whatever’s nearby and sturdy.
Connect sections (if needed). For larger spaces, just link and go.
Plug it in. And bask in the glow.

Most sets are plug-and-play, so you can skip the “Where does this wire go?” panic. Hang them across a pergola, drape them through trees, or zigzag them along your fence. Instant transformation. Minimum swearing.

Why Buy from Simple Lighting

You could buy bargain-bin patio lights and hope for the best. Or you could go with Simple Lighting, where quality actually lives up to the hype.

Here’s why our customers keep coming back:

Trade-Tested Quality. Our festoon and string lights aren’t made for flimsy “two uses and done” setups. They’re built to last through real British weather (and real British BBQs).
Energy-Efficient Brilliance. LED bulbs that shine bright, sip power, and last for years. Because saving money shouldn’t mean sacrificing ambience.
Fast UK Delivery. We don’t believe in waiting forever for your glow-up. Most orders are out the door before your tea’s gone cold.
Real Customer Support. No bots, no copy-paste replies, just actual humans who know lighting—and answer your questions fast!
Great Value. Top-quality lighting without the top-shelf pricing.

When you buy from Simple Lighting, you won’t just get lights. You’ll get peace of mind (and a brighter backyard).

Turn Your Evenings Into a Glow Show

Whether you’re planning a backyard bash, setting the scene for a cosy dinner, or just want your neighbours secretly jealous, festoon and string lights make it happen. They’re durable, energy-efficient, and stylish enough to make even your shed look fancy.

So stop scrolling in the dark and start lighting things up! Browse our collection of festoon and string lights at Simple Lighting, where quality meets personality, prices make sense, and delivery’s faster than your next weather complaint.

Come on, let’s make your outdoor space shine!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between festoon lights and string lights?

Festoon lights and string lights are essentially the same thing - the terms are often used interchangeably. Both refer to a series of bulbs connected along a cable, perfect for outdoor decoration. The main difference is that 'festoon' is the traditional term, whilst 'string lights' is more commonly used today, especially for LED versions.

Are festoon lights suitable for outdoor use?

Yes, most quality festoon lights are designed for outdoor use with IP44 weather protection ratings. This means they're protected against splashing water and small debris, making them perfect for gardens, patios, and outdoor events. Always check the IP rating before purchasing to ensure they meet your specific outdoor requirements.

How do you hang festoon lights safely?

Hang festoon lights using appropriate outdoor-rated hooks, eye screws, or cable ties attached to sturdy mounting points like fence posts, trees, or pergolas. Ensure cables aren't stretched too tightly as this can damage the connections. Always follow the manufacturer's spacing guidelines and use a qualified electrician for permanent installations.

How much electricity do LED festoon lights use?

LED festoon lights are incredibly energy-efficient, typically using around 80% less electricity than traditional incandescent versions. A 20-bulb LED festoon string might use as little as 20-40 watts total, compared to 200-400 watts for equivalent traditional bulbs. This makes them cost-effective to run for extended periods.

What bulb types work best for festoon lighting?

Popular options include warm white globe bulbs for classic elegance, vintage filament LEDs for a retro look, and coloured bulbs for parties or themed events. Globe shapes (G45 or G95) are most common as they provide 360-degree light distribution and look attractive when viewed directly.

Can you connect multiple festoon light strings together?

Many festoon lights can be daisy-chained together, but always check the manufacturer's guidelines for maximum connection limits. Typically, you can connect 3-5 strings safely without overloading the circuit. Using LED versions allows for longer runs as they draw much less power than traditional bulbs.

How long do LED festoon lights typically last?

Quality LED festoon lights can last 15,000 to 25,000 hours or more, which translates to several years of regular use. Unlike traditional bulbs, LEDs don't burn out suddenly but gradually dim over time. This longevity, combined with their low energy consumption, makes them an excellent long-term investment for outdoor lighting.

What spacing should I use between festoon light mounting points?

Most festoon lights work best with mounting points spaced 3-5 metres apart, allowing for a gentle curve or 'catenary' sag between points. This creates an attractive draping effect whilst preventing excessive stress on the cable. Avoid stretching the lights completely taut as this can damage connections and looks less natural.