Watch your guide to the River of Light Trail 2021

River Of Light Trail is now open and our waterfront has never been brighter, allowing residents to appreciate artworks in a 2km walking loop.

The trail, which will run from 6pm to 10.30pm every evening until April 5, is made up of 11 audio and video installations from local, national and international artists.

Among the artworks on display are the 30.5m long and nine-metre high Rainbow Bridge, made up of more than 25,000 LEDs, and Light A Wish, which will see 20 illuminated two-metre high dandelions floating over the canal on the Pier Head. We will be sharing the best.

When is it happening?

The trail will be on for 14 nights from Tuesday March 23 to Monday 5 April. Artworks can be viewed from 6pm-10.30pm each evening.

Where will it be?

There will be 11 installations in all, set along a 2k walking loop along or near to the river.

You can download the official River of Light Trail map from Visit Liverpool here.

What about Covid restrictions?

Safety has been a high priority for organisers of the River of Light Trail, so it’s been designed with that in mind – the spacing out of artworks along the 2k trail means social distancing rules can still be kept to.

The Government’s meeting up rules apply – so from March 23 to 28 it’s just one household or with one person from another household, but then from March 29 the rule of six or two households mixing outdoors comes in.

Everyone visiting the trail is encouraged to wear a face covering and there will be hand sanitising stations en route, although people are asked to bring their own too.

Liverpool’s acting mayor Wendy Simon, said:

“The driving force is to bring joy and light to residents in what has been a dark year for all of us.

“This outdoor art gallery will be fun, engaging, ambitious and thought-provoking and will hopefully give visitors a sense of normality in a year that has been anything but normal.

“We are known the world over for the pedigree of our outdoor culture – and by staging this collection we hope to send out the message that despite the challenges of Covid-19, we are far from beaten, and will come back stronger and brighter.”

Jo Pocock, artistic director of Lantern Company said:

“Like many creative organisations, this is the first live event Lantern Company have been part of in many months and we are committed to working in sustainable ways, re-thinking practices and ensuring change will happen.”

The event has been designed to adhere to social distancing guidelines and visitors will be encouraged to wear face coverings and use hand sanitiser.

Bradley Hemmings, artistic director of Festival.Org, said:

“Public safety is of course always the primary concern of us all, and it has been incredibly heartening to see the incredible resourcefulness that has gone into adapting plans to ensure that these beautiful installations can be safely enjoyed.”

In accordance with Government guidelines, organisers have warned only residents local to the waterfront should visit the installations until March 28 and from March 29 the rule of six or two households mixing outdoors rules should be followed.