River of Light is back bigger and better for 2019 with a brand new look

A light festival and extraordinary fireworks – a new-look River of Light is back for 2019, bigger and better than ever!

From Friday 1 to Saturday 9 November the Liverpool waterfront will be transformed with light, colour and sound as ten incredible art commissions by some of the most exciting international light artists will be on display in iconic locations across the city.

In its most ambitious programme to date, the waterfront will become the must-visit selfie-spot, as each evening the artworks will transform the area into a light spectacular.

Details of the immersive commissions are being kept under wraps, but more details will be revealed online in the forthcoming weeks.

As part of the longer, new-look festival, the hugely successful River of Light fireworks will return for one night only on Sunday 3 November as once again the River Mersey becomes a stage for Titanium Fireworks – one of the world’s leading pyrotechnic companies.

Two simultaneous displays, from the Waterfront in Liverpool and as part of Wirral’s Borough of Culture year in New Brighton, will start at 6.30pm with a soundtrack featuring artists and songs which have been big in the city this year.

All River of Light events and installations are completely free.

Deputy Mayor and Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Events, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “Last year we introduced a small number of light installations to the River of Light event, and were overwhelmed by the response – you couldn’t look at social media without the triangle gates on The Strand appearing in your timeline.

“Liverpool is a city which loves to push the boundaries when it comes to events, and there is a real appetite for incredible art which makes you look at a space in a whole new light.

“Due to 2018’s success we’re increasing the length of the festival, bringing back the massively popular fireworks display which lights up both sides of the Mersey and introducing a jaw-dropping finale.

“And best of all, as we’re a city council which understands the value of culture, it’s completely free.

“This will be a must-visit event for families across the region, and the north west and we can’t wait to see Liverpool lighting up in style in November.”

Director of Titanium Fireworks, Darryl Fleming, said: “Titanium Fireworks are thrilled to be back in Liverpool for the third consecutive year to deliver what is without doubt the premier annual Fireworks event in the country.

“Fired from two barges on the Mersey bristling to the brim with fireworks and gunpowder, to deliver a spectacular 15 minute display for the thousands of people who come to watch.

“We hope to build on the success of previous years with a bigger and more intense show than ever before synchronised to a dynamic soundtrack. We are extremely excited about returning to this fantastic city.”

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