River of Light, Liverpool's iconic light art festival, returns this autumn with the theme 'Together', expanding into new city centre locations for the first time. The festival will run from Friday, October 23, to Sunday, November 1, with tens of thousands of visitors expected to explore the giant outdoor art gallery, a staple of the city's events calendar since 2018.
Expansion and new venues
In a change from previous years, artworks will move beyond the waterfront and spread across the city centre, with new sites including Williamson Square and St Paul's Square. The expansion is supported by Liverpool ABID, and the trail promises to be "bigger and better" than ever.
All artworks commissioned for 2026 will use light to bring people together in a joyful way. The first three artworks have been unveiled, all of which are European or UK premieres, with the wider programme to be announced in the coming weeks.
First artworks revealed
POP! by Gentilhomme (presented by QDSinternational) is a collective experience made up of five monoliths hiding playful inflatable puppets: POPO, POPUP, POPLI, POPETTE and POPOTIN. Participants must talk, clap, or sing to wake them up and release them, working together to persuade them to come alive. As the characters emerge, sound, light, and movement transform the space into a vibrant, musical, and luminous celebration.
Dream Herd by Amigo and Amigo is a playful and interactive installation offering a tongue-in-cheek interpretation of counting sheep. Each sheep's leg is designed to be interactive, illuminating new lights and triggering unique sounds, inviting participants to engage with this whimsical dreamscape. As visitors interact, their collective actions create a mesmerising cloud of light and sound, symbolising the shared experience of dreaming together.
LOOP by Olivier Girouard & Jonathan Villeneuve (presented by QDSinternational) is made up of six giant 'zoetropes' that bring short flipbook-style films to life through movement, light and sound, bringing audiences together as a connected community. In a first of its kind collaboration, creator Olivier Girouard will work with British Sri Lankan artist.
Support and impact
Annie Brown, General Manager of The Municipal and Chair of Liverpool's ABID Board, said: "River of Light is such a highlight of Liverpool's year and we are delighted to be able to support its expansion through the city centre." She added, "We're committed to making sure that the benefits of major events are felt by businesses throughout the city's hotels, hospitality and wider businesses in the city centre, and Williamson Square is an ideal draw for those stepping off the train or bus as they come to enjoy the spectacle."
Cllr Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said: "River of Light is one of the jewels in the crown for culture in this city – it is hugely ambitious, joyful, and loved by audiences from near and far every year." He added, "The chance to experience bold and creative artworks across our city is something special – it's an event that is free, accessible, and enjoyable for people of all ages, and the number of visitors that it brings to the region has a real, positive impact on the local economy."
