River of Light 2021: Illuminated art trail returns to Liverpool waterfront

For 17 nights, from Friday, 22 October, until Sunday, 7 November, the waterfront will be transformed into a free illuminated outdoor art gallery.

Twelve large scale light artworks will create a 2km trail in the fourth edition of River of Light.

The theme this year is ‘Rhythm of the Light’ with each of the artworks being inspired by the relationship between the city, music and light.

After the event’s huge success in March which saw around 120,000 people safely enjoy the River of Light Trail, demand has been high for this spectacular outdoor art gallery to return to the city.

Four of the artworks have been specially commissioned for Liverpool – these are Dance Together, Spriteworks, Liverpool Love of my Life and Fly By Night.

Reaction to ‘Rhythm of the Light’

Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy, Councillor Harry Doyle, said: “River of Light has become one of the cultural highlights each year in Liverpool. Having seen the plans I know it is going to be a great show!

“As well as the amazing artists it is also a showcase of how brilliantly this city works together with partners like Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool ONE, National Museums Liverpool and Liverpool BID all coming together to work with the team at Culture Liverpool to put on such an ambitious event.”

The autumn route will be designed to allow people to maintain social distancing, but anyone experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 should not visit the trail.

River of Light will be delivered by Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team and is supported by Arts Council England.

Artist Chila Kumari Burman said: “I am thrilled to have been invited to be part of this immersive art show, returning to my hometown of Liverpool is a special honour for me. And I hope my piece will bring joy, inspiration and hope to the people of Liverpool. It is in essence my love letter to this brilliant town, and to its brilliant communities that make it what it is.”

Artwork and installations for River of Light:

Artwork: Trumpet Flowers - Location: Exchange Flags Square

Artwork: Liverpool Love of My Life - Location: Town Hall (best viewed from Castle Street)

Artwork: Limelight Saturday Night - Location: Derby Square

Artwork: Wave - Location: Thomas Steers Way

Artwork: Sonic Runway - Location: The Strand

Artwork: The Pool - Location: Chavasse Park, Liverpool ONE

Artwork: Iconic Site - Location: Salthouse Quay

Artwork: Dance Together - Location: Canning Dock Quayside (Outside Museum of Liverpool)

Artwork: Singularity - Location: Mann Island Basin

Artwork: Light Piano 2.0 XL - Location: Mann Island Atrium

Artwork: Fly By Night - Location: Canal, Pier Head

Artwork: Spriteworks - Location: Canal, Pier Head

More information and a route map is available from Visit Liverpool.