River of Light returns to Liverpool tonight (October 23) with a new theme for 2026, featuring 13 illuminated art installations across major areas of the city. The festival will run for ten days until Sunday, November 1, with artworks lit up from 5pm until 9pm each day.
This year's theme is 'Together', with all installations focusing on how light brings people closer in a joyful way. The festival is expanding across new locations, with Culture Liverpool partnering with Liverpool Accommodation BID to ensure artworks are not just on the waterfront.
What installations can visitors see?
Some of the installations have already been revealed, including The Stars Come Out At Night by Stellar Creates, Flower Power by Spectaculaires, The Anooki by Moetu & David Loop by QDSinternational and Dream Herd by Amigo & Amigo.
Cllr Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council's cabinet member for health, wellbeing and culture, said: "As summer comes to an end, we're looking forward to the return of River of Light this autumn. Excitement is already building for the joy and colour it brings to the streets of Liverpool each October half term, and I am proud that Culture Liverpool continues to stage something so ambitious that is free, accessible, and enjoyable for residents and visitors of all ages."
Where is River of Light taking place?
The festival will take place across six areas of the city: Pier Head, Royal Albert Dock, Exchange Flags, Williamson Square, St Paul's Square and Liverpool ONE. Visitors can explore the artworks after dark across these locations.
In line with this year's theme of 'Together', Cllr Doyle added: "I hope that friends and families are already planning their trips to come and see these amazing artworks that transform our city into a spectacular giant outdoor gallery."
Tickets and travel advice
The event is free to attend with no need to book. Annie Brown, chair of the Liverpool Business Improvements District, said: "River of Light is exactly the kind of event that makes Liverpool such a great place to visit, and it has a really important role to play in supporting our city centre economy. It brings significant footfall into the city at a time when we want to encourage people to visit, stay longer and experience everything Liverpool has to offer."
Brown added: "For our accommodation businesses, events like this are a fantastic opportunity to drive overnight stays, giving visitors another reason to book a hotel, extend their trip and spend more time in the city. That increased footfall also benefits restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions, creating a positive ripple effect across the wider city centre."
As the event is very popular, visitors are encouraged to use public transport by Visit Liverpool. The closest Merseyrail stations are Moorfields (Wirral and Northern Line) and James Street (Wirral Line). For National Rail, Liverpool Lime St Station is approximately a 15 minute walk to Liverpool Waterfront.
