Ultimate Guide to LightNight 2019

Who’s ready to get ritualistic on Friday night in Liverpool?

LightNight is back an celebrating its 10th anniversary in the city with a night dedicated to rituals. With 5 different areas to explore, more than 50 venues throwing open their doors after dark and 100 events where you can dance, sing, get crafty, eat, party, sit back and chill and more. Take the kids, the dog, your other half, all the family, to enjoy this unmissable celebration of culture with something for everyone.

We’ve put together a handy guide detailing areas, venues, travel, food and the all important after party info you need to plan an unforgettable LightNight 2019.

LightNight Areas & Venues

Photo by Rhian Askins

LightNight 2019 events are split up into 5 different areas across the city. Each area has a multitude of different venues offering up performances, dance, art, crafts, music, film, interactive games, you name it.

Baltic Triangle

From disco fever to a world class cup of coffee and doodling for the kids, the Baltic Triangle sets your senses alight with food, music and hands-on activities this LightNight. Venues include Constellations, The Baltic Roastery, Hobo Kiosk, Baltic Market and more. Get hands-on with craft at Open Studio, relive your clubbing days at Sevenstore and listen to stories by the camp fire with Hobo Kiosk. Full list here.

City Centre

Choosing to explore the City Centre area during LightNight will be like an urban safari. From circus skills at The Black E, Zine making at FACT, Food Sharing at Bluecoat and mass karaoke at Liverpool Town Hall. Don’t forget to drop by at Moorfields station to see Ritual 2.0, join in the Samba on Church St and bust some moves at Liverpool ONE. Full list here.

Waterfront

What an amazing opportunity to explore the magnificent waterfront! LightNight brings together Tate Liverpool, Museum of Liverpool, Merseyside Maritime Museum, RIBA North, The BME and Open Eye Gallery for one night only. Expect fully immersive events such as Permutations which involves listening to a violin soundtrack which changes depending on which route to take through the exhibition. Kids will love Mega Models at Tate and drumming at Rhythms of the Candomble Orixas. Full list here.

Hope Street Quarter

Hope Street Quarter will become a bustling hot spot with something for all ages this LightNight. Start at Liverpool Cathedral and hear the Invisible Choir, head to Blackburne House for the spell-binding Wicker Woman ritual, Everyman invites kids to dress up, have their faces painted and be super heroes, Garstang Museum looks at our relationship with our eye brows and you can go behind the scenes in preparing for surgery at Liverpool Medical Institution. Full List here.

St George’s Quarter

Make St George’s Hall your starting point for the evening and see the steps illuminated with ‘The Peaks and Troughs of Modern Rituals’ before heading over to Central Library for choir performances, live music and light shows. Walker Art Gallery offers big art for little ones and more while World Museum hosts MDI with a specially curated dance performance. Speaking of dance, make St George’s Hall your last stop with the family friendly Ceilidh from 9pm. Swing your partner round and round. Full list here.

More: These iconic Liverpool buildings open their doors for free on LightNight

How To Get There

The best way to get around the different LightNight areas is by public transport. Getting into the city is easy with Merseyrail, in fact, Moorfields Station has its very own LightNight installation! Plan your journey with Merseyrail here.

Buses and ferries will all be running on normal times and could help you get some one side of the river, or city to the other too. If you’re going for a record and hoping to tot up events far and wide, your best bet is to hire a bike! More on where to hire a city bike here.

Getting from area to area to see as many events as possible can be tricky. We suggest hopping on the free LightNight heritage bus which operates a loop service every ten mins between 6pm and 11pm. The route serves Pier Head, Albert Dock, Jamaica Street, the Cathedrals, Lime Street and Dale Street. More info here.

Accessibility

LightNight 2019 is an inclusive event and welcomes deaf and disabled visitors. If you would like to join a tour with British Sign Language interpretation, Audio Description or have any other questions about accessibility drop the team a line on telephone: 0151 478 4550. Textphone: 07828 021 988 or email info@culture.org.uk

Each festival venue has its own accessibility info on the LightNight website. Just click ‘access info and map’ on individual event listings to view.

LightNight Feasts

Both the Bombed Out Church and Baltic Market throw open their doors for LightNight as official Food Hubs.

From 5pm until 11pm the Bombed Out Church is offering up delicious treats from the likes of Perfect Samosa, Cake Up North, The Bhaji Box, Sutikku, Derby House, Fritto, Picnic, Prosecco & Champagne Bar plus real ale, local beers and more! Full list here.

Baltic Market is open from 5pm until midnight and continues the LightNight theme of ritual as we all grab a bench and table together to feast on amazing street food. Expect wood fired pizzas, halloumi fries and great banter. Full list here.

There’s also a number of LightNight foodie events taking place as part of the full programme. Head to Bold Street to try Dandelion Ice Cream, there’s a world class cup of coffee on offer at the Baltic Roastery and a lovely cuppa at The Garden, by Leaf, at FACT. More info here.

LightNight After Parties

Friday night in Liverpool is always a lively one and LightNight brings its own late night celebrations to round off an incredible evening of exploring the city. Here’s where to continue to your LightNight experience.

1 – Kazimier Gardens

Liverpool’s original DIY botanical wonderland hosts an evening long party. Form 5pm til midnight you’re invited to drop by, take a load off, partake in traditional Kazimier rites and customs – fireside revitalisation specially sound tracked by resident Kazimier DJs and accompanied by ceremonial eats and plenty of drinks. More info here.

2 – Constellations

Pay your respects and give thanks to the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer at Constellations this LightNight. From 10pm until 2pm you’re invited to get down and funky as local DJ’s Andrew Ellis and James Binary navigate the four seasons of love on the decks. Free entry, info here.

To check out the full, comprehensive list of LightNight 2019 events head to www.lightnightliverpool.com and follow @LightNightLpool on Twitter for updates.