River of Light is back and here’s where to see 10 dazzling new artworks and when

The waterfront is set to be aglow again as the eighth River of Light gets ready to illuminate Liverpool.

It’s back this week following an epic trail in 2024 which was the most successful ever, with double the number of visitors and a massive £18.9 million boost to the city!

The River of Light just keeps getting better …

What is the River of Light?

The River of Light is one of the city’s favourite events of the year and is a dazzling spectacle of illuminated art along the waterfront. The trail spans a 3km loop featuring light and sound installations from local, national and international artists, with a different theme each year.

When can I see the River of Light?

You can see it between Friday, October 24 to Sunday, November 2.

What time will each artwork be lit from?

The artworks will be lit each night from 5pm until 9pm, with a ‘quiet hour’ between 4-5pm on Sunday, October 26, and Wednesday, October 29 when some will be adapted to accommodate visitors with additional sensory needs. (During these hours, the installations will have reduced soundscapes or will operate entirely without sound and, where possible, lighting will also be softened, creating a calmer environment for those with sensory sensitivities).

The hours will be extended to 10pm for ‘Late Night’ on Saturday, November 1.

What is this year’s theme and how many artworks are there?

This year’s theme is The Science of Light, and it will feature 10 artworks in total.

Where does the light trail start?

There is no designated start or finish, so you’re best to download the map and plan your own route.

What are the artworks and where can I find them?

The art works are spaced around the waterfront area:

Embrace by Beamhacker – Exchange Flags

Embrace is a circle of 15 life-sized illuminated silhouettes inspired by a nostalgic human paper chain and when people join hands between the figures, their bodies complete an electrical circuit, allowing a flow of energy that triggers ripples of light and sound.

Neuron by Juan Fuentes Studio – The Strand outside Royal Liver Building

Neuron is a light display inspired by how the brain works, showing how brain cells send messages to help us learn and think.

Blueprint by Studio Vertigo – Strand, in front of Salthouse Dock (oppposite Canning Place)

Blueprint is 20 metres long and shaped like DNA. The lights change colours to show parts of the DNA and makes sounds that change, to demonstrate how DNA is always moving.

Cycle by Serge Maheu – The Strand, outside the Cunard Building

Cycle is a bright, shining meandering artwork which shows the sun and moon moving in circles. The lights change colour and brightness and when people move and dance, it plays music and lights up with their energy.

Dandelion by Amigo & Amigo – Mann Island

Looking literally like the head of a dandelion, this is a glowing sculpture that comes to life every five minutes. Inspired by nature, it uses light, sound and movement to show how dandelion seeds float in the wind.

FACE VALUE by Emma Brass and Venya Krutikov – Mann Island Atrium

Face Value is a fun art show where a robot takes pictures of people in the crowd and changes them, before displaying the results on big screens. The idea is to explore how people think about technology and the effect it has on our identity.

Optik by The Urban Conga – Thomas Steers Way, Liverpool ONE

Optik is made of ten large spinning shapes. During the day they reflect sunlight, and at night they glow with colour and sound and can be spun to create light shows and music and connect with others.

SPICA by Juan Fuentes Studio – Outside Dr Martin Luther King Jr Building, Royal Albert Dock

SPICA is a bright light star that moves and shines like real stars. Using one of Einstein’s ideas, it shows how stars make light through energy to help us feel close to space and remind us we’re all made of stardust.

Pendulum by Amigo & Amigo – Pier Head

As its name suggests, Pendulum is a glowing artwork that moves back and forth, and you can push light spheres to make waves of light and sound.

Within Water by Yellow Studio – Pier Head

A light show in the Pier Head canal, it’s inspired by sea creatures that glow in the dark. A hand sculpture starts the lights when people get close to demonstrate how nature, people and light connect.

Can I get a ticket?

You don’t need a ticket. River of Light is totally FREE and is a self-guided route.

How can I get there?

You can obviously drive into the city and there are plenty of car parks, however, River of Light is a popular and busy event and public transport’s probably your best bet.

The nearest Merseyrail stations to River of Light are Moorfields (Wirral and Northern Line) and James Street (Wirral Line). For National Rail, Liverpool Lime St Station is approximately a 15 minute walk to Liverpool Waterfront, or you can get on the underground from Lime Street to James Street or Moorfields.