Top Tips and FAQs for Visiting Liverpool’s River of Light Festival

Piano Walk - By amigo & amigo at the 2024 River of Light.

Each autumn, Liverpool’s famous waterfront is transformed by the River of Light – a spectacular outdoor festival of illuminated artworks stretching along the Mersey. As a local photographer, I’ve spent countless evenings exploring the installations with my camera, guiding visitors through the displays, and finding creative ways to capture the glow of the city at night.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another year, here are my top tips and frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your evening – from where to park to when the lights switch off, plus a few pointers if you’re hoping to photograph the event.

“If you’d like to build your confidence with your camera before the event, join one of my Beginner Photography Workshops in Liverpool

How long is the River of Light walk?

The full River of Light route is roughly 4 km (2.5 miles) along Liverpool’s waterfront. It’s a loop that usually runs between Royal Albert Dock, Mann Island, Pier Head, and Liverpool ONE, depending on the year’s layout.

Most visitors spend around two hours completing the trail, allowing time to stop, interact with the installations and take photos. It’s easy to underestimate how long you’ll need – the event is busier than it looks, and many people end up missing at least one artwork before closing time

Do you need tickets for the River of Light Liverpool?

No – the River of Light is completely free and you don’t need a ticket. It’s open to everyone, and you can start the route from any point along the waterfront.

If you’d like a more guided experience, I offer small group River of Light Photography Walks each year where I help you plan your route, avoid bottlenecks, and capture the installations at their best.

For more information on my guided River of Light walks please click here

What time is the River of Light show in Liverpool?

All artworks are lit and “open” from 5 pm to 9 pm every night during the festival. The first couple of evenings usually coincide with the clocks changing, which means you can capture some beautiful blue hour and dusk shots before full darkness sets in.

After the first weekend, it becomes entirely a night-time event – ideal for experimenting with long exposures, reflections, and creative lighting.

The displays also run a “quiet hour” at the start of each evening to give visitors with sensory needs a calmer opportunity to experience the artworks before the crowds build up.

What time does the River of Light finish?

The displays switch off at 9 pm sharp every evening. After that, the installations are often surrounded by metal safety fences and unlit – so don’t expect to capture any photos once they’re closed.

Many visitors assume the artworks remain lit through the night, but they don’t, so plan to arrive early if you want to see the full route without rushing.

Is the River of Light free to attend?

Yes – the River of Light is completely free and open to everyone. You don’t need a ticket to explore the artworks; you can start and finish the route whenever you like between 5 pm and 9 pm. It’s one of Liverpool’s most accessible and popular public events.

However, if you’d like to experience the festival with a photographer who knows the route, the lighting, and the best vantage points, I offer guided River of Light Photography Walks each year. These small-group sessions do require a ticket to book your place, but they’re a relaxed and enjoyable way to learn photography while seeing the installations at their best.

Where to park for the River of Light

Parking in Liverpool city centre during the festival can be challenging and expensive. Therefore my top tip is to avoid avoid city-centre parking entirely and instead take the train into town.

  • If you’re coming from the Wirral, park at Birkenhead North or Hooton and take the Merseyrail to James Street Station – this brings you out right by the waterfront and near the Victoria Monument, my preferred starting point.

  • If you’re already in the city or coming from the north side, try parking at Maghull or Liverpool South Parkway and getting the Northern line to  Moorfields Station this will bring you out near the top end of the route.

This approach saves time, avoids traffic, and drops you within a short walk of the main trail.

What should I bring with me?

  • Camera or smartphone with good low-light performance

  • Tripod if you want to capture long exposures, though opportunity is limited

  • Warm clothing and gloves – it can be cold by the river

  • A hot drink and maybe a snack for the route

  • Patience – the best shots often come when you wait for the crowd to clear

  • Camera Strap – to keep your gear secure

Top photography tips for the River of Light

The River of Light is one of Liverpool’s most photogenic events — but low-light photography can challenge even experienced photographers. The trick is to keep things simple and let your camera do some of the work for you.

Here are my top tips for getting the best results:

  • Use Aperture Priority (A or Av mode) rather than full Manual. You’ll control the depth of field, while the camera automatically handles the shutter speed — a great way to stay flexible in changing light.

  • Don’t be afraid of a higher ISO. Modern cameras handle noise well, and you’ll have a much better chance of capturing sharp shots if you let ISO rise when needed.

  • Keep your aperture fairly wide (around f/4–f/5.6) to let in more light.

  • Watch your highlights — the brightest parts of your image. These installations often have intense light sources against very dark surroundings, so it’s easy to blow out (overexpose) the lights themselves.

  • Hold your camera steady or rest it on a wall or railing if you don’t have a tripod.

  • Look for reflections in puddles or dock water — they can create striking compositions.

  • Try isolating details rather than always going for wide shots. Focusing on smaller elements or colours within the artworks often tells a stronger story.

  • If you’re visiting with family or friends, try capturing the colours lighting their faces — it’s a great way to show interaction and atmosphere.

  • And my golden rule: go where the people aren’t! If you spot a set of steps, a corner, or an open area that everyone’s walking past, take a look — there’s a good chance you’ll find a composition others have missed.

Above all, remember that the goal isn’t technical perfection — it’s about capturing the atmosphere and creativity of the night. Relax, experiment, and let the city’s lights inspire you.

“If you’d like to build confidence shooting in low light, my Beginner Photography Workshops in Liverpool and Chester are a friendly way to learn camera settings and composition in real situations.”

I’m an artist – can I contract you to photograph my work?

Yes! I regularly photograph installations for artists and creative teams exhibiting at public art events.
If you’re showing work at the River of Light or another light festival, I can provide professional photography for promotional use, including night shoots and behind-the-scenes coverage.

I’ve worked with Amigo & Amigo and other international artists, producing images that capture both the artwork and how audiences interact with it.

➡️ To discuss commissioning photography for your installation, get in touch here.

Is it worth visiting if I’m not a photographer?

Absolutely. Even if you’re not taking photos, the River of Light is a fantastic way to experience Liverpool at night – a celebration of creativity, colour, and community that transforms the city’s waterfront.

And who knows – you might leave inspired to pick up a camera yourself next year!

Final Thoughts

The River of Light is one of Liverpool’s most magical annual events, and one of my personal favourites to explore. Whether you’re there to enjoy the atmosphere or to capture it on camera, a bit of planning will make your evening far more enjoyable.

Wrap up warm, start early, and take your time – and if you fancy learning how to make the most of your camera, I’d love you to join me on one of my photography workshops or guided walks.

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