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Liverpool will be transformed into a giant outdoor gallery this autumn as River of Light returns from 23 October to 1 November, with a spectacular new line-up of light installations stretching beyond the city’s waterfront.
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 with nine new installations.
The expansion of the festival means visitors can explore more of the city while experiencing the festival, with the trail taking them beyond the waterfront and into Liverpool’s vibrant city centre during October half-term.
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.”
Coloured Peonies by TILT
The new artworks for 2026 are:
- Together by Murugiah with Sam Weihl and Glomoth
- Invisible Cities by Atelier Sisu
- Flower Power by Spectaculaires – Allumeurs D’Images
- The Anooki by Inook
- Unity by Amigo and Amigo
- Paradigm by This is Loop
- Colour Rush by Liz West
- Today I Love You by Massimo Uberti, presented by Light Art Collection
- Coloured Peonies by TILT
- The Stars Come Out at Night by Stellar Creates
They join three previously announced works – POP! by Gentilhomme, Dream Herd by Amigo and Amigo, and Loop by Olivier Girourd and Jonathan Villeneuve.
With the festival running throughout the autumn half-term, visitors can combine the free light trail with Liverpool’s extensive programme of attractions, entertainment, shopping, food and drink – making it an ideal time to plan a city break for all the family.
Annie Brown, General Manager at MGallery and Chair of the Accommodation BID, said: “River of Light is exactly the kind of event that makes Liverpool such a great place to visit, and it has a really important role to play in supporting our city centre economy. It brings significant footfall into the city at a time when we want to encourage people to visit, stay longer and experience everything Liverpool has to offer.
“For our accommodation businesses, events like this are a fantastic opportunity to drive overnight stays, giving visitors another reason to book a hotel, extend their trip and spend more time in the city. That increased footfall also benefits restaurants, bars, shops and attractions, creating a positive ripple effect across the wider city centre.”
River of Light is free to attend, with no booking required.Visitors can find details of all the artworks, locations and the full trail at visitliverpool.com/riveroflight