Liverpool is getting ready to light up once again as River of Light returns from Friday 23 October to Sunday 1 November 2026, bringing ten evenings of illuminated art to the city’s waterfront and surrounding streets.

The free outdoor festival returns for its ninth edition, with 13 installations created by local, national and international artists. This year’s theme, Together, celebrates friendship, community and the ways art can bring people closer.

For 2026, the trail is expanding beyond its familiar waterfront setting, with new locations including Williamson Square and St Paul’s Square, giving visitors even more of the city to explore.

Whether you’re planning a family evening out, meeting friends or visiting Liverpool for the first time, we’ve brought together everything you need to know about River of Light 2026, including dates, opening times, artwork locations, the trail map, travel information and accessibility.

River of Light Liverpool 2026 Dates and Opening Times

River of Light runs for ten consecutive evenings, including the October half-term holidays.

• Dates: Friday 23 October – Sunday 1 November 2026
• Opening times: 5pm – 9pm every evening
• Location: Liverpool Waterfront and city centre
• Admission: Free, with no tickets required
• Installations: 13 artworks
• Theme: Together
• Trail length: Approximately 5km

All 13 installations will be illuminated between 5pm and 9pm each evening. Visitors can explore the trail at their own pace, with no designated starting point or finishing location.

All 13 River of Light 2026 Installations and Locations

This year’s programme brings together interactive experiences, colourful sculptures, projections and illuminated artworks across Liverpool.

Here’s what visitors can discover along the trail.

1. POP! – Williamson Square

Artist: Gentilhomme

Williamson Square will welcome five unusual illuminated structures, each hiding a playful inflatable character waiting to make an appearance.

Visitors are encouraged to clap, sing and make noise to bring the characters to life. As more people join in, the installation responds with light, sound and movement.

It’s a fun example of this year’s Together theme, showing how a shared experience can transform an ordinary public space.

2. LOOP – St Paul’s Square

Artists: Olivier Girouard and Jonathan Villeneuve, in collaboration with Murugiah

LOOP combines animation, movement and music through six giant interactive zoetropes.

Visitors can step inside the structures and help bring colourful animated sequences to life using movement.

The installation features artwork developed with British Sri Lankan artist Murugiah, giving the experience its own distinctive visual style.

3. Flower Power – Exchange Flags

Artist: Spectaculaires – Allumeurs d’Images

Exchange Flags will become a colourful floral display with seven large illuminated flowers.

The installation uses light, reflections and music to transform the square, with visitors invited to interact with the experience.

It’s a playful celebration of colour and nature in one of Liverpool’s historic city centre locations.

4. The Anooki – Liverpool Town Hall

Artist: Inook

Two giant illuminated characters will be playing hide-and-seek around the columns of Liverpool Town Hall.

Known as The Anooki, the inseparable pair encourage visitors to explore the space and discover where each character is hiding.

With themes of friendship and kindness, this installation offers a light-hearted experience for visitors of all ages.

5. Today I Love You – Our Lady and St Nicholas Church Gardens

Artist: Massimo Uberti

A simple sentence becomes an illuminated artwork in the peaceful surroundings of Our Lady and St Nicholas Church Gardens.

Today I Love You presents its message in glowing light, encouraging visitors to reflect on connection, affection and the meaning of those words.

The setting provides a quieter moment along the festival route.

6. Invisible Cities – Pier Head North

Artist: Atelier Sisu

Invisible Cities explores the relationships between people and the places they call home.

The installation features a striking arrangement of metallic ribbons that visitors can move through, creating changing colours, reflections and perspectives.

It celebrates the many different communities and experiences that help shape a city.

7. Unity – George’s Dock Way

Artist: Amigo & Amigo

Standing approximately seven metres high, Unity brings five colourful human figures together as one large sculptural installation.

Visitors can step inside the artwork and experience its vibrant patterns and interactive features.

The piece celebrates cooperation, connection and the importance of community.

8. Coloured Peonies – Outside the Cunard Building

Artist: TILT

Giant illuminated peonies will bring a floral display to the waterfront near the Cunard Building.

Created by French artistic studio TILT, the sculptures stand approximately six metres high and take on changing colours after dark.

Their large petals and glowing forms provide a colourful contrast with the historic waterfront buildings.

9. Dream Herd – Derby Square

Artist: Amigo & Amigo

Dream Herd takes inspiration from the familiar idea of counting sheep to fall asleep, turning it into a playful illuminated experience.

The installation features a flock of glowing sheep, with interactive elements that respond to visitors through light and sound.

As more people take part, the installation creates a shared experience filled with colour and movement.

10. Paradigm – Thomas Steers Way, Liverpool ONE

Artist: This is Loop

Paradigm explores how people view the world around them through a large spherical installation made from rotating lights.

The artwork invites visitors to consider themes of change, responsibility and collective action.

Its changing light patterns make it a visually striking addition to Liverpool ONE.

11. Colour Rush – Martin Luther King Building, Royal Albert Dock

Artist: Liz West

Colour Rush brings bold colour and geometric patterns to the Royal Albert Dock.

Created by British artist Liz West, the installation combines illuminated surfaces, vibrant tones and reflections.

Visitors can experience how different colours interact and transform the surrounding space.

12. The Stars Come Out at Night – Anchor Courtyard, Royal Albert Dock

Artist: Stellar Creates

Inspired by the night sky, this rotating illuminated sculpture projects beautiful star patterns across the surrounding area.

As the artwork moves, the shifting light creates an atmospheric experience that brings a little of the night sky down to ground level.

It’s a lovely place to enjoy a quieter moment while exploring the dock.

13. Together – Wapping Dock Wall, The Strand

Artists: Murugiah and Sam Wiehl, with a soundscape by GloMoth

One of the festival’s most community-focused artworks will illuminate the Wapping Dock Wall.

Together is a large-scale projection developed with contributions from Liverpool community groups.

Combining colourful imagery and sound, the installation celebrates local voices, shared experiences and the connections between people across the city.

River of Light 2026 Trail Map and Walking Route

The River of Light trail covers approximately 5km, taking visitors through Liverpool city centre and along the waterfront.

There is no fixed start or finish, meaning you can begin wherever is most convenient.

The installations are spread across locations including Williamson Square, St Paul’s Square, Exchange Flags, Liverpool Town Hall, Pier Head, Liverpool ONE and Royal Albert Dock.

If you’re arriving by train at Liverpool Lime Street, you could begin with POP! at Williamson Square before exploring the business district and heading towards the waterfront.

Alternatively, visitors arriving at Liverpool ONE Bus Station may prefer to begin around Liverpool ONE or Royal Albert Dock.

You don’t need to complete the entire route in one visit. You can pick a few artworks to explore or return on another evening.

View and download the official River of Light 2026 trail map here.

We recommend checking the official map before travelling, particularly if you want to visit every installation.

Is River of Light Liverpool 2026 Free?

Yes! River of Light is completely free to attend.

There is no need to purchase a ticket, register or book a time slot.

Simply head into Liverpool city centre between 5pm and 9pm on any festival evening and begin exploring the installations.

Some nearby attractions, car parks and other activities may charge separately, but the River of Light artworks are all free to experience.

How to Get to River of Light Liverpool 2026

With installations spread across the city centre and waterfront, public transport is a convenient option for visitors.

Travelling by Train

Liverpool Lime Street is a useful arrival point for visitors travelling from outside the city.

From there, you can walk towards Williamson Square and begin exploring the installations.

Merseyrail stations including Liverpool Central, Moorfields and James Street also provide access to different parts of the route.

Important: Engineering work is taking place on parts of the Merseyrail network during the festival. Check your journey before setting off.

Travelling by Bus

Liverpool ONE Bus Station and Queen Square Bus Station are both convenient for accessing the city centre.

Some bus routes may be affected by road closures during the festival, so it’s worth checking the latest travel information before leaving home.

Travelling by Car

If you’re driving into Liverpool, allow extra time for your journey, particularly during evenings and at weekends.

With parts of the city centre affected by temporary road closures, choosing a car park outside the affected streets may make your visit easier.

River of Light 2026 Parking and Road Closures

Temporary road closures will be in place throughout the festival to allow visitors to explore the installations safely.

From 23 October to 1 November, Dale Street will be closed to general traffic between Byrom Street and Water Street at The Strand, together with several connecting side streets, from 5pm to 9pm each evening.

Affected streets include Lower Castle Street, Fenwick Street, Rumford Street, Covent Garden, Drury Lane and Tower Gardens.

Additional closures are scheduled around the installation and removal of artworks, including on 2 and 3 November.

Drivers should plan ahead and follow the signed diversions.

For parking, city centre options include car parks around Liverpool ONE, the waterfront and the commercial district. Check access routes, opening times and charges directly with the car park operator before travelling.

You can find official information about the traffic arrangements through Liverpool City Council and Merseytravel.

Visiting River of Light with Children

River of Light is a family-friendly event, and with free admission, it’s a great option for an evening out during the October half-term holidays.

Several installations encourage visitors to get involved, including POP!, LOOP and Dream Herd.

If you’re visiting with younger children, there’s no pressure to complete the full trail.

You could choose a smaller section around the waterfront or city centre and enjoy the artworks at a comfortable pace.

A few things worth remembering:

• Dress warmly and bring waterproof coats in case of rain.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the city.
• Allow extra time at interactive installations.
• Keep younger children close, particularly around busy roads and waterfront areas.
• Check the accessibility information for installations featuring flashing lights or sound.

If you’re visiting with a pram or pushchair, it is worth checking the official accessibility guide for information about cobbled areas and uneven surfaces.

River of Light Accessibility and Quiet Hours

River of Light aims to make the festival accessible to as many visitors as possible.

All installations are in accessible locations, although some parts of the route include cobbled or uneven surfaces.

The organisers have also arranged two Quiet Hour sessions for visitors who would prefer a calmer experience.

Quiet Hour dates:

• Wednesday 28 October 2026 – 4pm to 5pm
• Sunday 1 November 2026 – 4pm to 5pm

These sessions take place before the regular evening opening time and are designed to offer a more comfortable experience for visitors with sensory sensitivities.

Some artworks include flashing lights, music or interactive sound effects, so we recommend reviewing the individual accessibility information before visiting.

View the official River of Light accessibility guide here.

Toilets and Visitor Facilities

Public toilets are available at Royal Albert Dock and Liverpool ONE, with facilities listed by the organisers as open until 8pm.

Liverpool ONE toilets are located inside the Visitor Centre on Wall Street and have a 30p contactless charge.

Visitors should check the official festival guidance for facility details, particularly when planning a longer visit with children.

There are also plenty of places around the city centre and waterfront to stop for food, drinks or a break during your evening.

Where to Eat and Drink During River of Light

One of the great things about River of Light is the opportunity to explore Liverpool’s restaurants, bars and cafés alongside the installations.

The trail passes through popular areas including Liverpool ONE, the commercial district and Royal Albert Dock, all offering places to enjoy something to eat or drink.

You could start your evening with an early meal before the installations switch on, or finish your visit with a drink or bite to eat around the waterfront.

For anyone making a full evening of it, booking ahead is worth considering, particularly during weekends and the school holidays.

River of Light Liverpool 2026 Frequently Asked Questions

What dates is River of Light Liverpool 2026 on?

River of Light runs from Friday 23 October until Sunday 1 November 2026.

What time does River of Light start?

The installations are illuminated from 5pm until 9pm every evening.

Do you need tickets for River of Light?

No. The festival is free, and no tickets or advance booking are required.

How many installations are there in 2026?

There are 13 artworks across Liverpool city centre and the waterfront.

How long does it take to walk River of Light?

The complete route is approximately 5km. How long your visit takes will depend on your walking pace and how much time you spend enjoying each installation.

Where does the River of Light trail start?

There is no designated starting point. You can begin at whichever installation is most convenient.

Is River of Light suitable for children?

Yes. The festival is designed to be family-friendly, with several artworks featuring interactive elements.

Can you bring dogs to River of Light?

Yes. Dogs are permitted along the outdoor route, although owners should be mindful of crowds and installations with sound or lighting effects.

Are there fireworks at River of Light?

No. There are no fireworks as part of the River of Light festival.

Does River of Light go ahead in the rain?

As an outdoor festival, visitors should prepare for changing autumn weather. Check official festival channels for any updates relating to severe weather or changes to the programme.

Make the Most of River of Light Liverpool 2026

River of Light is a wonderful opportunity to see Liverpool from a different perspective, with colourful installations transforming familiar streets, squares and waterfront locations after dark.

With 13 artworks to discover, new areas included in this year’s programme and free admission throughout the ten-night event, there’s plenty to enjoy whether you’re visiting for an hour or spending the evening exploring.

Remember to check the official trail map, plan your journey in advance and wrap up warm before heading out.