River of Light Liverpool

River of Light Liverpool 25 Oct - 5 Nov 24 FREE EVENT

River of Light Liverpool - Play

Taking over Liverpool Waterfront

Several bubbles lit up in the river with people looking at them. It's a dark sky and the bubbles are illuminating the area.

Bubblesque - Atelier Sisu

This bespoke interactive iteration draws in the audience’s innate sense of curiosity and play, and…

Checker pieces lit up on a check board.

Checkmate - Amigo & Amigo

Chess, a timeless symbol of strategic play, transcends cultures and languages, fostering connections…

25 October - 5 November 2024
5pm - 9pm
FREE - no tickets needed

When the river lights up, it’s time to play. 
 

River of Light is turning playful for its latest instalment, with 12 large scale installations presented by some of the best light artists in the world, all inspired by the theme of ‘Play’.


Some of the works will help turn Liverpool's waterfront into a playground, while others offer a deeper question around play and what it can mean for individuals, communities and a city as a whole. 


River of Light is an annual free event that provides an outdoor illuminated gallery on Liverpool's Waterfront, a loop, featuring light and sound from local, national and international artists. 
 

River of Light Quiet Hours

This year we have worked to make River of Light the most accessible edition to date. In 2023 we trialled a 'Quiet Hour', an hour where some artworks were adapted to accommodate visitors with additional sensory needs. These special sessions will run from 4pm - 5pm on Sunday 27 and Monday 28 October and Sunday 3 and Monday 4 November.
 

During these hours, the 12 featured installations will have reduced soundscapes or will operate entirely without sound. Where possible, lighting will also be softened, creating a calmer environment for those with sensory sensitivities.

The full details of River of Light's accessibility and specific adaptations to each individual artwork can be found in the accessibility guide.

River of Light 2024 programme

Several bubbles lit up in the river with people looking at them. It's a dark sky and the bubbles are illuminating the area.

Bubblesque - Atelier Sisu

This bespoke interactive iteration draws in the audience’s innate sense of curiosity and play, and has been created specifically for the bodies of water around Mann Island.

A selection of lights in a circle with a hole in the middle.

Illusion Hole - UxU Studio

This series, which utilizes meteor lights, was born from the studio's curiosity about how visitors experience the dynamic movement of light. Supported by Royal Albert Dock.

A light installation that says 'Positive Spin' with several different colours in red, yellow, blue and green.

Positive Spin - Liz Harry

Inspired by a love of summers spent at beach front arcades it's part immersive experience and part spectacle, this brand new commission aims to share the importance of looking forward positively.

Purple and green lights illuminating the area with people on bikes as part of the installation.

Lightbattle III - VENIVIDIMULTIPLEX

Lightbattle III is an exciting and immersive experience that celebrates the joy of cycling. The installation features two interactive arches of light, with six bicycles each other from opposite sides.

A bunch of tulips lit up in green, yellow, blue, purple and red colours.

Bunch of Tulips - Koros Design

This installation by Koros Design inflates this iconic flower to epic proportions, putting it into historical context. Did you know that tulips saw an enormous surge in popularity in the 1630s, a period famously known as 'tulipmania'?

More River of Light information links

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Downloadable colouring sheets

River of Light 2024 Funding PartnersFunded by UK Government Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Travel Partner
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