Visitors to Liverpool's River of Light festival this autumn will have the chance to explore inside one of the city's most iconic landmarks. The free light trail has illuminated Liverpool city centre for nearly a decade, with its ninth edition scheduled to run from Friday, October 23 until Sunday, November 1.
All 13 River of Light artworks have been announced for the free event, with locations across the city centre including the Pier Head, the Albert Dock, Exchange Flags, Williamson Square, St Paul's Square and Liverpool ONE.
Exclusive tours of a Grade II listed landmark
As part of the celebrations, exclusive guided tours of the Cunard Building will return and run throughout the 10-day event. The Grade II listed building was constructed in the early 1900s as the headquarters of the British shipping company and now houses several organisations, including the headquarters of Liverpool City Council.
Considered one of the city's 'Three Graces' alongside the Liver Building and the Port of Liverpool Building, the tours will allow access to areas normally closed to the public, including its historic basement, former Arrivals Lounge and elegant Board Rooms. The tours build on the success of previous events.
Combining heritage with illuminated artworks
The additional programme of tours has been designed to complement the city's popular free light festival, allowing visitors to combine an exploration of Liverpool's maritime heritage with an evening experiencing the illuminated artworks that transform the waterfront and city centre each year.
Led by Liverpool's heritage experts, the intimate tours provide insight into the history of the Cunard Building, its architectural features, and its important role in Liverpool's global maritime story. Groups are limited in size to enhance the visitor experience, offering an up-close look at spaces that are usually inaccessible to the public.
Tour schedule and ticket information
Tours will run daily throughout the festival, with both daytime and evening slots available. Extended evening tours have been scheduled to allow visitors to enjoy the River of Light trail before or after their visit. Weekend dates, including Friday October 23 to Sunday October 25 and Saturday October 31 to Sunday November 1, feature an expanded timetable, while weekday tours will run at regular intervals throughout the day and into the evening.
Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said: “The Cunard Building is one of the jewels of Liverpool’s world-famous waterfront and a powerful symbol of our city’s rich maritime heritage.
“These special tours will give visitors the chance to step inside one of Liverpool’s most iconic landmarks and discover the fascinating stories behind the building, while also enjoying River of Light, one of the city’s most popular cultural events.
“By pairing the tours with the festival, we’re creating an even richer visitor experience that combines Liverpool’s history, culture, and creativity.
“As River of Light transforms the city centre and waterfront with spectacular illuminated artworks, these behind-the-scenes tours will add another dimension to the programme, encouraging people to explore the heritage that has helped shape Liverpool’s internationally recognised waterfront.”
Tickets for the River of Light Cunard Tour programme are on sale now via Ticket Quarter.
