Liverpool will once again be transformed into a giant outdoor gallery as River of Light returns. The much-loved free event will return to Liverpool city centre from Friday, October 23 until Sunday, November 1.
Festival Theme and New Locations
The festival's theme is "Together", celebrating the way light can bring people closer in a joyful and inspiring way. Delivered by Culture Liverpool, the 2026 festival will feature 13 artworks, including nine new installations. New locations include St Paul's Square and Williamson Square.
The ECHO took a first look at this year's installations as they were temporarily lit up ahead of the opening night. They will be lit up from 5pm until 9pm each evening. Quiet Hour sessions will take place on October 28 and November 1 from 4pm to 5pm.
Visitor Appeal and Economic Impact
Speaking ahead of the event, Natalie Wyatt, managing director of Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership, the organisation responsible for delivering the event, said: "River of Light has become one of the standout events in Liverpool City Region’s calendar, drawing visitors from across the UK to experience world-class culture in the heart of our city."
"As a free, accessible event taking place during the autumn half-term, it provides the perfect opportunity for families, couples and friends to make a trip and discover more of what Liverpool has to offer. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular light trail while also exploring our renowned attractions, restaurants, shops and accommodation offer across the city centre and wider region."
"We want people to come for River of Light but stay and experience everything else that makes Liverpool such a brilliant destination. Events like River of Light showcase the creativity, energy and warmth that Liverpool is known for, helping to attract visitors, support local businesses and create memorable experiences for everyone who comes here."
Artwork Highlights
The installations include 'Today I Love You', an artwork made from bright, glowing words that say "Today I Love You," about being kind, caring for others and sharing love. 'Coloured Peonies' is a group of giant flower sculptures that light up at night, glowing with changing colours as it gets dark.
'The Anooki' features two characters who are best friends, playing hide-and-seek around the columns of Liverpool Town Hall. 'Flower Power' has seven large glowing flowers, where visitors can choose music from a jukebox and the flowers light up to match the song. 'Dream Herd' is a fun artwork with glowing sheep you can touch, each lighting up and making sounds that grow together as more people join in.
'Unity' is a large artwork showing five people joined together, inviting visitors to step inside to see bright colours, shapes and faces that celebrate different people and communities. 'Colour Rush' is a bright artwork made from colourful lights and patterns, with a mirrored base that reflects the colours, making them look like they are multiplying. 'Invisible Cities' is an artwork about the different ways people experience a city, and 'Paradigm' explores the idea of togetherness by challenging perception, responsibility, and the quiet urgency of change in relation to the larger problems facing humanity and the planet.
The outdoor gallery is a hugely popular event in the darker months, with installations spread across the city centre, including Castle Street, which is among the new locations for this year's installation.
