2025 River of Light getting scientific!
The outdoor art gallery will return to the waterfront next month
The 2025 line-up for the River of Light has been announced!
The theme will be 'The Science of Light', with ten large-scale pieces of art inspired by science, technology or nature being showcased on Liverpool's waterfront from Friday 24 October to Sunday 2 November.
The 3km trail will incorporate the Royal Albert Dock, the Pier Head, Exchange Flags, and Liverpool ONE.
It will include:
- Face Value by scientist Emma Brass, artist Venya Krutikov and the Invisible Wind Factory. It's a commission using AI and robotics to create an interactive light art game experience.
- Dandelion by Australian artists Amigo and Amigo, which is inspired by the Dandelion flower and its wind-blown petals.
- Within Water by New York design firm Yellow Studios, which explores the natural phenomenon of marine bioluminescence.
Last year's River of Light was the most successful yet, with record-breaking visitor numbers and £18.9million brought into the local economy.
Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, 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.
"It has become a real, staple festival in people’s diaries and its reputation for high-quality, free art that is accessible and enjoyable for all ages has really spread, and last year we found that it attracted more visitors than ever from outside the City Region.
"For us to handover the streets of Liverpool to artists - and this year scientists as well - is such a joyful experience and I can't wait to see locals and visitors enjoying this extraordinary art show again!"
Emma Brass, the scientist/artist behind Face Value, said:
"It’s a real pleasure to have the chance to bring the robotics research I’ve been developing over the past three years at the University of Liverpool to a public event of this scale.
"This idea has been evolving for over 12 months. The piece has really grown through the combination of my robotics work with Venya Krutikov’s creative technology skills, alongside input from the Invisible Wind Factory team. Together we’ve created an interactive installation that brings art and science into conversation in an engaging way."
Royal Albert Dock Estate Manager, Sean Morrison, said:
"River of Light has become a true highlight of Liverpool's autumn calendar, and we're delighted to be part of its continued success.
"The festival not only showcases world-class art, but also brings together communities to celebrate our shared heritage in a truly special way. We're excited to see the 2025 theme of The Science of Light come to life, and play our part in hopefully making this another record-breaking year for the city."
Colin Sinclair, CEO of Sciontec and Knowledge Quarter Liverpool said:
"I am thrilled that science is the theme for River of Light this year.
"Culture and innovation are two of the most important exports Liverpool and the wider region have to offer, and so being able to - literally - shine a spotlight on them is a great way of helping the wider public appreciate just how important our science community here in the city is on a global scale."
There will be two quiet hour sessions on Sunday 26 and Wednesday 29 October from 4-5pm, to allow those with additional sensory needs to enjoy the artwork in a calmer environment.