Liverpool’s River of Light 2025: A Dazzling Celebration of Science and Art
Liverpool, UK – October 30, 2025 — The city’s iconic waterfront is once again aglow as the River of Light Festival 2025 returns with a spectacular new theme: “The Science of Light.” Running from Friday, October 24 to Sunday, November 2, this year’s edition transforms Liverpool into a 3km open-air gallery, showcasing ten large-scale light installations inspired by science, technology, and the natural world.
Now in its eighth year, the free festival continues to draw record-breaking crowds, with last year’s event contributing £18.9 million to the local economy. Organised by Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team, the 2025 programme is a collaboration with the city’s thriving science and innovation community.
Highlights of the 2025 Installations
Embrace by Beamhacker (Exchange Flags): A circle of 15 illuminated human silhouettes that light up when visitors join hands, symbolising bioelectricity and human connection.
Neuron (Outside Royal Liver Building): A visual representation of brain connectivity, simulating neural networks through light and motion.
Cycle (Outside Cunard Building): An interactive piece inspired by solar and lunar cycles, responding to movement and sound.
Pendulum (Pier Head): A glowing geometric structure that mimics the motion of a gravity pendulum.
Face Value (Mann Island Atrium): A collaboration using AI and robotics to create an interactive light-art game.
Dandelion (Museum of Liverpool): A poetic tribute to the dandelion flower, blending optics and motion.
Within Water (Pier Head): Inspired by marine bioluminescence, this immersive piece captures the magic of glowing ocean life.
SPICA, Blueprint, and Optik round out the trail, each offering unique interpretations of scientific phenomena through light.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours: Installations are lit from 5pm to 9pm daily.
Quiet Hours: Special sessions for visitors with sensory needs will run from 4pm to 5pm on October 26 and October 29.
Late Night: On November 1, displays will remain open until 10pm.
Location: The trail spans the Royal Albert Dock, Pier Head, Exchange Flags, and Liverpool ONE. There is no set route—visitors are encouraged to explore at their own pace.
Admission: Free and unticketed.
A Festival with Impact
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said: “River of Light is one of the stand-out moments every year in the city and is an event that has a real, positive impact on the local economy.”
With its blend of cutting-edge creativity and scientific wonder, River of Light 2025 promises to be one of the most memorable yet—an illuminating journey through the heart of Liverpool.