The Science of Light

Went to see the River of Light after the roast on Sunday after La Bistroteca. Which was a really good idea as we were so full.

This year's theme was The Science of Light running from 24 October - 2 November 2025. I went on the last day. I thought it was going to be super busy as it was the last day and the weather had been bad all week and was finally dry and not cold but it actually wasn't busy. Maybe because it was the last day of half term and kids were back in school in the morning people didn't want to go out.

They felt more spread out this year which might also be why it didn't feel as busy as in the past they have been quite crammed in the docks.

We started at Blueprint as we walked down from the Baltic Market.

Blueprint

Spica

Too many people were stood right at the end to get a good photo of it! The lights moved and was like a start shape.

Dandelion

You could walk inside and press lights but didn't bother as people were queuing to get into it.

Within Water

Pendulum

This was also interactive where there was a ball at each end you could swing - again people queuing so didn't bother.

Embrace

Little people holding hands and they changed colour.

Neuron

This moved and changed colour.

Cycle

This was rubbish - you just walked along the top of it

Face Value

Didn't get this one as there was a queue to get to it which moved quick and it took a photo of your face but then it wasn't projecting it on the screen. People were stood waiting for their face to appear but was just the same faces over and over.

Optik

This was quite fun as you could spin it.

It wasn't that good this year but I didn't think it was that good last year either. I wasn't even going to go this year but because I'd won that free roast and was in town I went. If I hadn't had one it I would have missed it this year.

It is good to get people out and walking around the city and it being free but think most people can't be bothered now as the past few years hasn't been good and it's been too crowded so having them spread out is definitely better and safer. Hopefully it's better next year.

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Last night I went to the River of Light with Jo, Rich and Jacob. I didn't go last year as the weather was really bad and then I was going away to China so couldn't fit it in. This year the weather has been really good. It's been dry and warm. When I've been the past couple of years been wrapped up with hat, scarf and gloves. I did have my coat and scarf on last night but would have been alright without my scarf.

This year's theme is Play and is interactive. It's been on since 25 October and tomorrow is the last night. It's been really busy with bad reviews, people posting it's been so overcrowded. It was fine last night. We got into town just after 6pm. We didn't get a chance to actually play with anything but didn't think it was mad busy. It was busy at the docks but that was because it was a one way system. I think because it was Sunday night before kids were going back to school from half term so we picked a quieter night.

We did it in the wrong order - so all the photos are in the number but we actually seen 8 LAPS first then 7 Lightbattle III and ended up missing out most of the docks and had to go out and back in again.

When the river lights up, it’s time to play.

Some of the works will help turn Liverpool's waterfront into a playground, while others offer a deeper question around play and what it can mean for individuals, communities and a city as a whole.
River of Light is an annual free event that provides an outdoor illuminated gallery on Liverpool's Waterfront, a loop, featuring light and sound from local, national and international artists.
Photos aren't great they're definitely better in person

River of Light is turning playful for its latest instalment, with 12 large scale installations presented by some of the best light artists in the world, all inspired by the theme of ‘Play’.

Photos aren't great and are definitely better in person

1 Impulse

This was on the pier head and they were see-saws! The queue was massive to get on them and wasn't worth trying to queue for it

2 Piano Walk

Also pier head and had a big queue of people wanting to walk on it. Thought it played music but don't think it did

3 Rangoli Mirrored Cosmos

Inside Mann Island Atrium

This was my least favourite. It was a bit rubbish as we didn't get it and the security guard had to tell us about it. She said look up and it looks like a petal but it didn't. The pro photos of this looks better than it was.

4 Bubblesque

Outside Mann Island Basin

This was my favourite as you can tell from the amount of photos. Think this is everyone's favourite and the best photo wise as well.

5 Illusion Hole

Royal Albert Dock - Inner Quay

6 Positive Spin

Royal Albert Dock - Back of Maritime Museum

7 Lightbattle III

Martin Luther King Building - Royal Albert Dock. Salthouse Quay

8 LAPS

The Strand - Alongside Salthouse Dock

9 Bunch of Tulips

Liverpool One - Thomas Steers Way. Outside the Hilton Hotel

10 No Place like Gnome

Eiffel Tower!

Very poor failed attempts..

Derby Square - Outside the Crown Court

11 Checkmate

Exchange Flags

12 Firefly Field

Our Lady and St Nicholas Church Garden

These lights moved around like fireflys - so photos aren't great

I don't think this year has been as good as previous years considering this year was interactive and the theme was "play". Just think with the interactive it's hard to get involved as it is so popular people just don't get a chance especially as it's only on from 5-9pm when it's dark and is here for such a short time. It needs to be here longer so people have more of a chance to go but it's because they move to different places after they're done here.

After Rich was hungry so we ended up in Elif on Bold Street at 8pm. I wasn't even hungry as I'd eaten before we went out and was just grazing

This was meant to feed 2 people but this was too much for 4!