Liverpool’s River of Light festival has unveiled its latest theme for this year.
The free light festival is set to transform the city’s iconic waterfront into an outdoor art gallery for an eighth year from Friday, October 24 until Sunday, November 2.
Celebrating the theme ‘The Science of Light’, each of the installations will be inspired by an area of science, technology or nature.
Working alongside the city’s science and innovation community – each of the artworks aim to capture the imagination of visitors in new ways on the 3km trail.
Highlights from the programme include:
Face Value by scientist Emma Brass, artist Venya Krutikov and the Invisible Wind Factory. This is a brand-new commission using AI and robotics to create an interactive light art game experience that foregrounds the capabilities of these technologies in a playful way.
Dandelion by Australian artists Amigo and Amigo which is inspired by the Dandelion flower and its wind-blown petals which some cultures revere for their medicinal qualities.
Within Water by New York design firm Yellow Studios – another new commission which explores the incredible natural phenomenon of marine bioluminescence.
The full list of artworks, their locations, opening times and handy FAQs can be found on the new-look River of Light website.
Due to the success of quiet hours at previous River of Light festivals which , there will be two sessions taking place this year on Sunday, October 26 and Wednesday, October 29 from 4-5pm.
This will allow those with additional sensory needs to enjoy the artworks in a calmer environment.
This latest instalment follows on from the huge success of 2024, when River of Light welcomed record-breaking visitor numbers and brought in a massive £18.9 million to the local economy.
Cllr Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said: “River of Light is one of the stand-out moments every year in the city and is an event that has a real, positive impact on the local economy.
“It has become a real, staple festival in people’s diaries and its reputation for high-quality, free art that is accessible and enjoyable for all ages has really spread, and last year we found that it attracted more visitors than ever from outside the city region.
“For us to handover the streets of Liverpool to artists – and this year scientists as well – is such a joyful experience and I can’t wait to see locals and visitors enjoying this extraordinary art show again.”