Liverpool’s waterfront is set to glow once again this autumn as River of Light 2025 returns, showcasing its exciting new theme: The Science of Light.
The free, much-loved festival will run from Friday 24 October to Sunday 2 November, featuring ten large-scale artworks inspired by science, technology, and the natural world. Now in its 8th edition, River of Light continues to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors, combining immersive creativity with some of Liverpool’s most iconic locations.
This year, festival organisers have partnered closely with Liverpool’s thriving science and innovation community to create a stunning 3km trail spanning the Royal Albert Dock, Pier Head, Exchange Flags, and Liverpool ONE.
River of Light 2025 Highlights
- Face Value – A new commission by scientist Emma Brass, artist Venya Krutikov, and the Invisible Wind Factory, this interactive light-art installation uses AI and robotics to explore the possibilities of emerging technologies in a playful, engaging way.
- Dandelion – Designed by renowned Australian duo Amigo and Amigo, this dazzling piece is inspired by the delicate dandelion flower and its wind-blown petals, which are celebrated in some cultures for their healing qualities.
- Within Water – Created by New York’s Yellow Studios, this immersive work captures the magical beauty of marine bioluminescence, bringing a piece of the ocean to Liverpool’s streets.
River of Light 2025: The Science of Light Promo Video
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 will return this year, providing visitors with additional sensory needs the opportunity to experience the festival in a calmer environment. These sessions will take place on Sunday 26 October and Wednesday 29 October, from 4–5pm.
Last year, River of Light set new records, attracting unprecedented visitor numbers and contributing £18.9 million to the local economy.
The festival is produced by Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team, with support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Global Streets, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, AI for Chemistry Hub (AIchemy), the Leverhulme Research Centre for Functional Materials Design at the University of Liverpool, and Liverpool ONE.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said: “River of Light is one of Liverpool’s standout annual events, and it has a hugely positive impact on the local economy. Its reputation for high-quality, free art that is accessible to all ages continues to grow, attracting more visitors from outside the City Region each year. Seeing the streets come alive with the work of artists – and this year scientists too – is a real joy.”
Emma Brass, the scientist and artist behind Face Value, commented: “Bringing the robotics research I’ve been developing at the University of Liverpool to a public scale has been an incredible experience. The piece has evolved over 12 months, combining my work with Venya Krutikov’s creative technology expertise and input from the Invisible Wind Factory team. Together, we’ve created an installation that engages the public with both art and science.”
Sean Morrison, Royal Albert Dock Estate Manager, added: “River of Light has become a key highlight of Liverpool’s autumn calendar. It not only showcases world-class art but also unites communities in celebration of our shared heritage. We’re thrilled to see the theme of The Science of Light come to life this year.”
Colin Sinclair, CEO of Sciontec and Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, said: “I’m delighted that science is at the heart of this year’s River of Light. Culture and innovation are two of Liverpool’s greatest exports, and this festival shines a spotlight on the city’s world-class science community, helping the public see just how globally significant it is.”
For more information head to visitliverpool.com/river-of-light-2025.
