River of Light 2022 returning to Liverpool for 17…

River of Light 2022 returning to Liverpool for 17 nights

River of Light is returning to Liverpool to light up the city centre and waterfront.

Taking place across 17 nights in the run up to Bonfire Night weekend, the event will showcase 10 artworks from local, national and international artists, along a 2k route. The event will include ‘Evanescent’ - a series of giant bubbles, by Australian artists Atelier Sisu, taking over Exchange Flags, which will react to visitors as they explore the artwork.

There will be new commissions along with existing artworks, which haven’t been on display in Liverpool before. The theme of the free event is Unexpected Twist, in a nod to World Gymnastics Championships 2022 which is taking place in the city during the same period.

The River of Light returns on Friday, October 21 and runs until Sunday, November 6. Full details of all 10 pieces will be revealed next month.

Another commission visitors can look forward to this year is BEAM at Canning Dock. The artwork, by Lucid Creates, will see a beam of light transport visitors to a hot summer’s day, before the feeling of peace and warmth changes to unease and suspense.

Last November’s River of Light event was the city’s most successful to date, with around 150,000 visitors enjoying the festival and the city’s shops and restaurants enjoying a boost in customers. Liverpool BID Company recorded its highest footfall rates since the start of the pandemic, with 1.5 million people visiting the retail area during the October half term 2021.

Liverpool ONE had 15% more diners at its restaurants, compared to the same period in 2019 and its retailers saw a 44% increase in sales.

River of Light will be delivered by Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team and is supported by Arts Council England. Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy, Councillor Harry Doyle, said: “River of Light is officially an autumn staple and we’re delighted to announce the trail is back this year in all its illuminated glory.

“This is our fifth year of staging this popular outdoor art gallery, but each year it has evolved – locations have been tweaked, different installations have been introduced and each time we work with new artists from all over the world who are aware of the event’s high-calibre reputation and want to be part of it which is a huge coup.

“And this year’s trail comes at an incredibly busy and exciting time for the city – the World Gymnastics Championships 2022 will be taking over the M&S Arena and will act as the inspiration for this year’s River of Light instalment. And the eyes of the art world will already be on the city as Tate Liverpool plays host to The Turner Prize. Clearly Liverpool is the place to be this autumn.”

For more information about River of Light click here. For more information and to book tickets for the World Gymnastics Championships 2022 (29 October - 6 November) click here.

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