River of Light 2026: Dates, New Installations and Expanded City Centre Trail
Liverpool’s River of Light is set to return this autumn with an expanded route bringing spectacular light installations further into the city centre.
Taking place from 23 October to 1 November 2026, the free festival will transform Liverpool into a huge outdoor illuminated gallery, with 13 artworks appearing across the city during the October half-term.
This year’s theme is Together, exploring how light, art and shared experiences can bring people together. Nine new installations will make their River of Light debut, joining returning and previously announced works from artists around the world.
For 2026, the festival is also expanding beyond its familiar waterfront setting, encouraging visitors to explore more of Liverpool city centre as they make their way around the trail.
River of Light 2026 Installations
The River of Light 2026 artworks 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
- POP! by Gentilhomme
- Dream Herd by Amigo and Amigo
- Loop by Olivier Girourd and Jonathan Villeneuve
Natalie Wyatt, Managing Director of Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership, said River of Light had become one of the standout events in the region’s cultural calendar.
“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.”
She added that organisers hope visitors will use the festival as an opportunity to experience the city’s wider attractions, restaurants, shops and accommodation.
The expanded route is also expected to bring more visitors and footfall into different areas of the city centre.
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.”
With the festival coinciding with the October half-term, visitors can combine the trail with Liverpool’s museums, galleries, attractions, shopping and food and drink scene.
River of Light Liverpool 2026
Friday 23 October to Sunday 1 November
Free to attend, with no booking required
Further information is available via VisitLiverpool.
