Art and Technology Illuminate Liverpool in Late October
Liverpool will once again host the River of Light festival from 24 October to 2 November 2025. The free public event will include ten large-scale installations inspired by the theme "The Science of Light." Covering a 3 km route through central Liverpool, the displays will be placed around the Royal Albert Dock, Pier Head, Exchange Flags, and Liverpool ONE, offering visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of light-based artworks outdoors.
Each installation will operate daily between 5 pm and 9 pm, providing several hours for visitors to walk the route at their own pace. Two special "quiet hour" sessions are scheduled for 26 and 29 October, when the lights will switch on at 4 pm for visitors who prefer reduced noise and crowd levels. On 1 November, the displays will remain open an hour later, until 10 pm, for extended viewing.
This year’s programme will introduce new pieces such as Dandelion, an installation inspired by the structure and movement of the flower, and Face Value, which uses robotics and digital projections. The festival aims to highlight how science and technology influence creative expression, showing how artistic design can use data, motion, and light to convey abstract ideas in physical form across open public areas.
The event will take place in accessible city-centre locations within walking distance of major transport hubs, including Liverpool Lime Street and James Street stations. There will be no ticketing or booking requirements, and visitors can start the route at any point. Maps and updates will be available online, allowing people to plan their visit independently without guided tours or time restrictions.
River of Light 2025 represents a chance to observe how urban spaces can serve as platforms for cultural engagement. Beyond entertainment, the event reflects the city’s continuing investment in temporary public art and seasonal tourism, providing an organised yet informal way for visitors to experience Liverpool’s creative infrastructure in a non-commercial setting.