The free family light trail is back for another year
River of Light returns for 2025(Image: publicity picture)
River of Light will return to Liverpool this week for its eighth edition. The spectacular light trail will take over Liverpool city centre and the waterfront, bringing with it 10 stunning light installations. The free family event is a much-loved date in the city’s calendar and has brought thousands of visitors to the city.
This year’s theme is ‘Optics – Science and Light’ and its artwork is inspired by science, technology and nature. The free family event, which does not require a ticket, will showcase ten large-scale artworks created by international artists.
River of Light will take over the city on Friday, October 24, where it will remain until Sunday, November 2. The light installations will be switched on from 5pm until 9pm, giving visitors a few hours each night to follow the trail.
The installations will be switched on from 4pm for ‘quiet hour’ on Sunday, October 26 and Wednesday, October 29. On Saturday, November 1, hours will be extended until 10pm for a ‘Late Night’ evening.
Colin Sinclair, CEO of Sciontec and Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, said: “I am thrilled that science is the theme for River of Light this year. Culture and innovation are two of the most important exports Liverpool and the wider region have to offer.
“So being able to – literally – shine a spotlight on them is a great way of helping the wider public appreciate just how important our science community here in the city is on a global scale.”
Full list of River of Light installations
Blueprint by Studio Vertigo – Blueprint is a huge immersive artwork inspired by the double helix, the physical structure of DNA.
Cycle by Serge Maheu – Cycle is an interactive installation that illuminates open space and is inspired by revolutions of the sun and the moon.
Dandelion by Amigo and Amigo – Dandelion will transform every five minutes into a dynamic spectacle, formed of LED light animations and immersive sound design.
Embrace by Beamhacker – Embrace is a circle of 15 life-sized illuminated silhouettes inspired by a human paper chain.
FACE VALUE by Emma Brass and Venya Krutikov – Face Value puts visitors in the artwork, who unexpectedly become part of a fantasy gameshow, as an AI-powered robotic artist selects and transforms their images in real time.
Neuron by Juan Fuentes Studio – Neuron is inspired by the brain and was designed to simulate how brain cells send messages to help us think and learn.
Optik by The Urban Conga – Optik is a light and sound artwork made of ten large spinning shapes. The artwork will reflect the sunlight during the day, but glow at night.
SPICA by Juan Fuentes Studio – SPICA mimic how stars make light through energy.
Pendulum by Amigo and Amigo – Pendulum, a giant glowing artwork, moves back and forth. Visitors will be able to push light spheres to make waves of light and sound.
Within Water by Yellow Studio – Within Water will light up Liverpool’s Pier Head canal. The artwork was inspired by sea creatures that glow in the dark.
View all of the River of Light installations in the ECHO photo gallery.
River of Light road closures
There will be road closures at the Pier Head and there will be no access to the Pier Head. There will also be no access via Brunswick St (exit only). Access for disabled parking, businesses, residents and workers is via St Nicholas Place from 6pm until 9pm.
There will be a road closure in place at the entrance to Royal Albert Dock (Salthouse Quay) from 6pm to 9pm. However, this is subject to change.
River of Light parking
If you are visiting from out of the city, Liverpool is well connected to the UK motorway network. From the M6, take the M62, the M58 or the M56 directly into the city.
Parking is available in the Princes Dock, Multistorey Car Park, Royal Albert Dock and Q-Park which all have accessible disabled bays available.
The Visit Liverpool website states that if you have a blue badge you can park in any on street Pay and Display bays and in most of the city’s Pay and Display car parks free of charge, with no time limit.
Badge holders must ensure that a valid blue badge is clearly on display in the windscreen, so the date of expiry and issuing council are clearly visible from outside the vehicle. For more information on Liverpool City Council Blue Badge parking, please visit the website.