River of Light: Start time, installations and route

The 'Dandelion' art installation will be coming to Liverpool's 2025 River of Light festival

River of Light is set to return to Liverpool this month with thousands of people expected to attend the free light display.

The annual event, which sees a light installation trial set up across the city, will begin on Friday 24 October and run until Sunday 2 November.

In total it will include 10 large-scale artworks with this year's theme linked to science, technology and nature.

Below, we have rounded-up all the key information you need to know if you are planning to visit 2025's River of Light.

Start time

The installations will open at 5pm and close at 9pm everyday until 2 November.

On Sunday 26 October and Wednesday 29 October installation displays will be switched on from 4pm for 'quiet hour'.

On 1 November, it will be River of Light's 'late night' evening when displays will be lit up until 10pm.

Installations

The eighth edition of the festival will celebrate a new theme - 'the science of light'.

The installations are currently still being put in place but they will include Face Value and the Invisible Wind Factory, which incorporates robotics.

Another installation, Dandelion, is inspired by the dandelion flower and its wind-blown petals, which some cultures revere for their medicinal qualities.

Record crowds attended last year and brought in £18.9 million to the local economy, the council said.

Route

This year's light trial is around 3km long and is all based in the city centre.

There is no set start or end point, and visitors are encouraged to explore each display in their own order.

Installations will all be based close to the waterfront, including the Royal Albert Dock, as well as around the Pier Head, Exchange Flags and Liverpool ONE.

Tickets

Visitors do not need to purchase tickets to attend River of Light.

The event is free and visitors can just turn up and head to the installations they want to see.