Image Credit: Wing W Wong
- There will be road closures in Liverpool and New Brighton on Sunday 4 November. More information will be revealed in the next few weeks.
- River of Light is the only Liverpool City Council organised fireworks event happening in Liverpool this year. There are no firework displays planned in Newsham Park or Sefton Park.
- River of Light takes place in Liverpool and New Brighton on Sunday 4 November from 5pm before the displays start at 6.30pm on both sides. These are 2 separate displays happening at the same time and to get the most enjoyment out of the events, we recommend either heading to Liverpool’s Waterfront or New Brighton.
We expect there will be lots of questions that you may have about the River of Light event. If you can’t find what you are looking for, please contact us here
When does the River of Light event take place?
The River of Light event takes place on Sunday 4 November from 5pm until 6.45pm along Liverpool’s waterfront and New Brighton’s Promenade.
Is it FREE to attend the River of Light event?
Absolutely, the River of Light event is FREE for all.
Are there any age restrictions to attending this event?
Anyone who enjoys watching fireworks is welcome to attend.
Why is it happening and who is it for?
This is an annual event that celebrates the November 5th fireworks tradition. The event is open to everyone to enjoy and is especially popular with families.
What time does the River of Light event start?
Family fun and entertainment will start from 5pm on Sunday 4 November along the Liverpool Waterfront and New Brighton until the firework displays begin at 6.30pm.
More information and timings will be revealed soon.
Where is the best place to view the fireworks and hear the music?
The River of Light event is taking place in 2 separate locations, Liverpool and Wirral. We recommended viewing the Liverpool fireworks from the Liverpool Waterfront in and around the Pier Head, Riverside Walkway and Princes Parade. For the Wirral fireworks, please head to the display at New Brighton near to Fort Perch Rock.
Will there be any other community firework displays in Liverpool?
Unfortunately no other firework displays are planned in Liverpool.
Will there be any other community firework displays in Wirral?
There are a number of community displays taking place in Wirral on Saturday 3 and Monday 5 November. Please visit the Imagine Wirral website for more details.
Should I use public transport to get to the River of Light events?
Yes please! We strongly recommend that you use public transport to get to and from the River of Light events in both Liverpool and New Brighton. For more information check out our Travel page where we have some helpful tips on how you can arrive feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy our event.
Where are the nearest carparks to the River of Light event in Liverpool?
There are many car parks available in and around the Liverpool waterfront. Please be aware, however, that our planned road closures may affect car park access. For further information and rates, please visit:
Albert Dock (please note spaces are very limited)
Where are the nearest carparks to the River of Light event in Wirral?
Parking is available on Morrisons car park and along the front in New Brighton. All parking is on a first come, first served basis. Please note there will be parking restrictions in place on residential streets.
Will there be any road closures in Liverpool on the evening of the River of Light event?
Unfortunately yes. Due to the nature of the event, there will be planned road closures in Liverpool on 4 November 2018.
Pier Head
8.00am until 8.00pm
There will be a number of road closures including Canada Boulevard, Brunswick St, Water St and St Nicholas Place. Mann Island will be closed at its junction with Georges Dock Way. Access will remain throughout for residents and businesses based in the Mann Island development, as long as it is safe to do so. Residents and businesses requiring vehicle access are asked to avoid arriving or leaving this area between the hours of 5.30pm and 7.30pm as long delays are likely.
Mann Island residents will be able to access the underground car park from Georges Dockway until 4.30pm, after this time they will need to access via James Street, if it is safe to do so.
The Strand/Goree/Strand Street
5.00pm until 8.00pm
For the safe ingress and egress of public attending the event it will be necessary to close The Strand/Goree and Strand Street between Liver Street and Leeds Street from 5.00pm to 8.00pm.
In order to facilitate the above it will be necessary to place restrictions on the following roads:
Chapel Street – Water Street – Brunswick Street (City Side) and James Street.
Access will be maintained and signposted to Liverpool ONE Car Park and residents from James Street, as long as it is safe to do so.
Albert Dock/Kings Parade/
5.00pm until 8.00pm
Albert Dock entrance, Gower Street, Kings Parade and Princes Parade will be closed between the hours of 5.00pm – 8.00pm. Gower Street will remain open until the car parks are full. Access for businesses and residents will be maintained via Gower Street, as long as it is safe to do so. For residents located on Kings Parade please use Mariners Wharf as an exit only.
Princes Parade
5.00pm until 8.00pm
Princes Parade will be closed from the junction of William Jessop Way up to St Nicholas Place. Access for businesses and residents will be maintained as long as it is safe to do so. William Jessop Way will remain open at all times.
Will there be any road closures in Wirral on the evening of the River of Light event?
Unfortunately, yes. Due to the nature of the event, Marine Promenade will be closed from the Marine Point roundabout throughout Sunday 4 November until after the event. There will be access to local businesses only during the day.
Will there be any accessible viewing areas at the River of Light event in Liverpool?
There are a limited number of spaces in the Museum of Liverpool for those with accessibility requirements. Any of those wishing to use this facility need to collect a wristband from the Tourist Information Unit located on the Pier Head. This is on a strictly first come, first served basis.
If you have other accessibility requirements please contact the Culture Liverpool team ([email protected]).
Will there be any accessible viewing areas at the River of Light event in Wirral?
There are two designated viewing areas with an unrestricted view for the fireworks display by Marine Lake. These are marked on this map.
Please speak to a steward to get access to these viewing areas. Please note that spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
If you have any other accessibility requirements please contact the Imagine Wirral team ([email protected]).
Will there be any accessible Car Parking at the River of Light event in Liverpool?
There will be no designated accessible car parking, or any car parking on the event site. Accessible car parking is available at the car parks listed in the above Car Parking section.
If you do have accessibility requirements for parking please email the Culture Liverpool team here on [email protected]
Will there be any accessible Car Parking at the River of Light event in Wirral?
There is provision for Blue Badge parking within Morrisons car park. This will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. On arrival, please speak to a steward who will direct you to the reserved area for Blue Badge parking.
Can you bring your own food or drink to the event?
Yes absolutely. Although please be aware that alcohol is not allowed and strictly prohibited.
Is there anywhere to buy food and drink on the evening?
As well as toy stalls, there will be a variety of food and drink concessions along the waterfront offering a selection of tasty treats – so there will be plenty of opportunity for you to buy refreshments throughout the evening.
Following the event there are an abundance of bars and restaurants in the area – a little something to satisfy every palate. For more information on what’s what in Liverpool check out visitliverpool.com or head on over to visitwirral.com to see what’s available in and around New Brighton.
Can I be involved in the event?
This is a spectator type event for the general public, but there will be lots going on throughout the evening to get involved with!
Is there anything to do before and after the event?
Liverpool and New Brighton has lots to offer, so if you wish to continue the fun beyond the River of Light event we suggest exploring the many attractions, bars, restaurants and shopping outlets on offer. For the latest news on what’s what in both Liverpool and the Wirral check out visitliverpool.com or head on over to visitwirral.com.
Are there any football matches playing on Sunday 4 November?
There are no planned football matches on Sunday 4 November.
