Liverpool's River of Light festival has been cancelled for a third consecutive night as Storm Boelo continues to bring strong winds and rain to the region. The free outdoor light trail, which features 13 new installations under the theme 'Together', was due to begin on Friday but has been suspended each evening due to the adverse weather.
Safety concerns force cancellation
A yellow weather warning for wind remains in place until 9pm today, prompting organisers to call off Sunday's event. In a statement shared by Visit Liverpool just before 12pm, the organisers said: "Due to a yellow weather warning remaining in place until 9pm this evening, Sunday October 25’s River of Light event has been cancelled in the interests of safety. Check our channels for further event updates tomorrow."
The trail, which includes light displays at Williamson Square, St Paul's Square, Pier Head, Exchange Flags, Royal Albert Dock and Liverpool ONE, will not open tonight.
Wider disruption across the city
The storm has caused significant disruption beyond the festival. Aintree Racecourse has confirmed today's meeting has been cancelled due to high winds, and Liverpool Anglican Cathedral is fully closed following a safety assessment.
In Liverpool city centre, Park Lane is blocked due to an unsafe building, with roof panels blown into the road. Trees have fallen on several roads, including Colebrook Road and Hassop Way in St Michaels and Poulsom Drive in Netherton. Fallen trees have also blocked Merseyrail lines and the railway between Liverpool and Manchester, with TransPennine Express advising people not to travel between the two cities. Flights at Liverpool John Lennon Airport have been cancelled.
Flood warning and football fixtures
A flood warning is in place in New Brighton, issued just after 9am, with flooding expected from 10.15am. Marine Point Leisure and Retail Park is expected to be most affected.
Liverpool FC confirmed this morning that both today's men's match against Brighton at Anfield and the women's game against London City Lioness at the St Helens Stadium "will both go ahead as planned."
The Met Office said: "Strong winds will spread across northern parts of the UK during Saturday afternoon, combining with spells of heavy rain." Gusts of 55-65 mph are likely widely, with some coastal and exposed areas potentially seeing gusts of 70-80 mph or more.
