River of Light returns for 2024 in playful fashion

Liverpool’s River of Light festival returns for a fourth year this autumn with the 2024 event having the theme of Play.

The free, 12-day trail of illuminated artworks will run from October 25 to November 5, taking visitors on a 1.2-mile (2km) route around the business district and along the city’s waterfront.

Among the installations which will be included on the waterfront are Impulse, 15 interactive seesaws which will turn the Pier Head into a playground. They are the brainchild of French-Canadian artists Lateral Office & CS Design - a production of Quartier des Spectacles Partnership and distributed by QDSinternational

Meanwhile Piano Walk, designed by critically acclaimed Australian artists Amigo & Amigo, working with local composer John McHugh, will see a huge floor piano located at the Pier Head where visitors will be encouraged to jump on its 40 interactive keys and hammers and compose a unique, collaborative music score.

And Laps, sited on The Strand near Salthouse Dock, is the brainchild of Quebec artist Oliver Landreville, who has created a giant egg timer where people will be able to take control of time by turning a steering wheel.

The theme of this year’s outdoor trail forms part of Liverpool’s journey to become a recognised UNICEF UK Child Friendly City.

While some of the works will help turn the waterfront into a playground, organiser Culture Liverpool says others offer a deeper question around play and what it can mean for individuals, communities and the city as a whole.

The River of Light illuminated trail was first staged in March 2021 to mark the first anniversary of the Covid lockdown, and then again in October 2021 and each subsequent October.

Last autumn’s event attracted an estimated 140,000 people across its 10-day run, generating £6.5million for the local economy, and a survey of visitors recorded that for 41 percent of those asked it was their first time attending and taking part in a cultural event.

Above: An installation at last year's River of Light. Top: Impulse is made up of 15 seesaws. Photo by Xplorer Studio.

Councillor Harry Doyle, the city’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said: “We all love something to look forward to, so we’re making our River of Light announcement earlier than usual to allow people to get the dates in the diary and plan their trips to Liverpool.

“The event has grown in popularity year-on-year, with each event shaping the type of installations we look to include in the next chapter. This year, we have gone all-out on the theme of Play with many large-scale, interactive pieces which we’re sure will be crowd pleasers.

“The calibre of artists we are working with this year elevates it to a whole new level – local, national and international creators who will be showcasing their work for free for 12 days, using our incredible city as an unrivalled backdrop.”

And artists Amigo & Amigo added: "We’re very excited to present Piano Walk for its international debut at Liverpool’s River of Light.

“We’ve been working closely with Culture Liverpool for the past 12 months to make this artwork a reality. The original musical composition is created by local Liverpool musician John McHugh in collaboration with our music partners, Otis Studio.

“Each musical key has its own interactive sound, inviting the community to play and create their own piano piece. We want the public to explore this giant instrument, reinforcing the inclusivity of music and how it celebrates and connects us.”

The full list of works will be revealed next month.

River of Light runs from October 25 to November 5.