Liverpool’s waterfront will once again be transformed into a spectacular outdoor art gallery this autumn, as River of Light returns with a brand-new theme: The Science of Light.

Running from Friday 24 October to Sunday 2 November, the much-loved, free festival will showcase ten large-scale artworks, each inspired by science, technology, or the natural world. Now in its 8th edition, River of Light continues to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors, combining cutting-edge creativity with world-class locations.

This year, organisers have worked closely with Liverpool’s thriving science and innovation community to create an inspiring 3km trail stretching across the Royal Albert Dock, Pier Head, Exchange Flags and Liverpool ONE.

Highlights of the 2025 Programme

• Face Value – A brand-new commission by scientist Emma Brass, artist Venya Krutikov, and the Invisible Wind Factory. Using AI and robotics, this interactive light-art game playfully explores the capabilities of emerging technologies.
• Dandelion – Created by acclaimed Australian artists Amigo and Amigo, this dazzling piece takes inspiration from the delicate dandelion flower and its wind-blown petals, revered in some cultures for their healing properties.
• Within Water – A new immersive work by New York’s Yellow Studios, capturing the natural wonder of marine bioluminescence.

The full line-up, locations, opening times, and FAQs can be found on the newly redesigned River of Light website, with updates shared via @visitliverpool (X, Facebook, TikTok) and @visitliverpool_ (Instagram).

Following positive feedback from 2024, quiet hours return this year, giving visitors with additional sensory needs the opportunity to enjoy the festival in a calmer setting. These sessions will take place on Sunday 26 October and Wednesday 29 October, from 4–5pm.

Last year’s event was the most successful yet, attracting record-breaking visitor numbers and generating £18.9 million for the local economy.

River of Light 2025 is produced by Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team, supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Global Streets, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, the AI for Chemistry Hub (AIchemy), the Leverhulme Research Centre for Functional Materials Design at the University of Liverpool, and Liverpool ONE.

Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said: 

“River of Light is one of the stand-out moments every year in the city and is an event that has a real, positive impact on the local economy.  

“It has become a real, staple festival in people’s diaries and its reputation for high-quality, free art that is accessible and enjoyable for all ages has really spread, and last year we found that it attracted more visitors than ever from outside the City Region.

“For us to handover the streets of Liverpool to artists – and this year scientists as well – is such a joyful experience and I can’t wait to see locals and visitors enjoying this extraordinary art show again!” 

Emma Brass, the scientist/artist behind Face Value, said:

“It’s a real pleasure to have the chance to bring the robotics research I’ve been developing over the past three years at the University of Liverpool to a public event of this scale.

This idea has been evolving for over 12 months. The piece has really grown through the combination of my robotics work with Venya Krutikov’s creative technology skills, alongside input from the Invisible Wind Factory team. Together we’ve created an interactive installation that brings art and science into conversation in an engaging way.”

Royal Albert Dock Estate Manager, Sean Morrison, said:

“River of Light has become a true highlight of Liverpool’s autumn calendar, and we’re delighted to be part of its continued success. 

“The festival not only showcases world-class art, but also brings together communities to celebrate our shared heritage in a truly special way. We’re excited to see the 2025 theme of The Science of Light come to life, and play our part in hopefully making this another record-breaking year for the city.”

Colin Sinclair, CEO of Sciontec and Knowledge Quarter Liverpool said: 

“I am thrilled that science is the theme for River of Light this year. 

“Culture and innovation are two of the most important exports Liverpool and the wider region have to offer, and so being able to – literally – shine a spotlight on them is a great way of helping the wider public appreciate just how important our science community here in the city is on a global scale.” 

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