River of Light

Liverpool’s much-loved light trail, River of Light, will return to the city’s waterfront for October for another celebration of light, sound and art.

Showcasing installations from local and international artists, the concept, whilst largely under wraps, will link into the World Gymnastics Championships that takes place at the same time at the M&S Bank Arena.

2021 seen the event bring installations such as Dance Together  a collaborative experience between the artistic partnership Lucid Creates and Chibuku, an immersive audio visual experience bringing together archive music from some of the most celebrated nights in the Chibuku’s history alongside a collation of anecdotes & memories and brand new poetry created by multimedia artist Suzannah Pettigrew whilst legendary Chibuku DJs provide the soundtrack to this long-awaited celebration of togetherness.

This years 2km walking trail, includes a mix of brand new, world premieres, as well as existing artworks which have never been displayed in the city before.

The never-before seen commissions are:

• Turn The Light On, It’s Dark In Here – Influential and critically acclaimed French street artist Camille Walala, will work in light for the first time in her career and expect a colourful, dynamic piece which plays with depth and dimensionality, creating an abstract cityscape of light.

• Dancing Ribbons – Another light first for the much-lauded British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori, who has been inspired by rhythmic gymnastics. His installation aims to capture the energy between the gymnast and the prop ribbon and includes a specially-created soundscape called Rhapsody of Light by accomplished composer and producer Peter Adjaye.

• Light Looper – The brainchild of Liverpool’s own Kazimier Productions, this interactive installation is a multiplayer game where players send particles of lights all around the art work, building up speed until the piece allows them to send the fully charged particle to the very top.

• Rainbow Accordion – Inspired by a traditional accordion, this artwork consists of six giant colourful interconnected archways, which sit on an interactive pad that when jumped on, sends light and sound through the archway. This work has been created by Australian artists Amigo & Amigo and it is their second appearance at a River of Light festival.

• BEAM – A brand new commission by the acclaimed Lucid Creates (artists Helen Swan and Chris Carr) will see a beam of light transport visitors to a hot, summer’s day, accompanied by the sounds of the British countryside. But after several minutes the feeling of peace and warmth will change to unease and suspense…

Download the River of Light 2022 Map

The full details of all ten pieces, the artists and their locations can be found on the official River of Light website here.

This is a FREE event.