Everything happening at the River Festival

Make the most of your time at River Festival Liverpool and build your itinerary to plan your weekend of music, maritime, food & drink.

Filters

Day

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • Sunday

Time

  • 11am – 1pm
  • 1pm – 3pm
  • 3pm – 5pm
  • 5pm – 8pm
  • All day

Location

  • Liverpool Cathedral
  • Mann Island
  • Pier Head
  • Royal Albert Dock

Entertainment

  • Arts & Installations
  • Food & Drink
  • Live Music
  • Maritime Fun

Bordeaux Wine Festival

Itinerary

Winner of NOEA Award’s Best New Event 2018, Bordeaux Wine Festival Liverpool is back! With world-class wine and delicious food on Liverpool’s Waterfront.

Visit BWFLiverpool.com for Tickets & More Information

 

  Saturday, Sunday     All day     Pier Head

Maybe and Blue Clipper               

Itinerary

Maybe was built in Amsterdam for Jan Jacob von Rietschoten, father of the ‘Flying Dutchman’ Cornelis ‘Conny’ von Rietschoten, and originally designed for round the world cruising.

  Saturday, Sunday     All day     Royal Albert Dock

Reclaiming Babel by Yolart

Itinerary

Yolart is a brand new commission where the Pier Head will become a canvas for in-demand artist Jola Kudela. Her speciality is working in public spaces and engaging with communities to recreate scenes from classic paintings, giving it a 21st century twist. This artwork was commissioned as part of Rise, a season of extraordinary female artists, thinkers and leaders.

  Friday, Saturday, Sunday     All day     Mann Island

Nu Tribe (African Ship Stage)

Itinerary

  Sunday     2pm, 5pm, 7pm     Royal Albert Dock

Gaia

Itinerary

Located in Britain’s biggest cathedral, Liverpool Cathedral, the artwork called ‘Gaia’ (meaning the personification of the earth), will hang majestically in the Grade I listed building from 25 May – 23 June and features accurate and detailed NASA imagery of the earth. Full programming available here

 

  Saturday, Sunday     All day     Liverpool Cathedral

WHALE SONG PROJECTION SHOW

Itinerary

A humpback whale will emerge 15 metres out of the water and plunge back in, in a six-minute show, which will be repeated from around 9.45-11pm in Canning Dock from 28 May 10pm – 11pm. Find out more

  Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday     10pm     Royal Albert Dock

HMS Suarez

Itinerary

House of Suarez returns to the docks of Liverpool to bring you their brand new premier! HMS Suarez. This piece will take you on a journey through the decades and the times of music whilst the docks thrived and witnessed generations of sailors from across the seas.

  Saturday, Sunday     12:30pm, 1:15pm     Royal Albert Dock

THE URCHINS

Itinerary

The Urchins are hand-crocheted works of art that float majestically on the water and measure more than three metres high and nearly six metres wide. They are designed by award winning architect, Jin Choi. This artwork was commissioned as part of Rise, a season of extraordinary female artists, thinkers and leaders.

  Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday     All day     Royal Albert Dock

La Vie en Rose

Itinerary

Dropping anchor at the Pier Head, the Kazimier crew will be all hands on deck, splicing together the musical and marine in their unique style. Click here for full performance times.

  Saturday, Sunday     12:30pm, 3:30pm, 5pm     Pier Head

KANTABEN

Itinerary

Kantaben is a beautiful and playful Roller Bird, clad in Indian fabrics and flapping her beautiful silk wings, watch in wonder as she soars and swoops high over the heads of the crowds, looking for new friends to make.

  Saturday, Sunday     2pm, 4:15pm, 6:15pm     Pier Head

Disco Inferno

Itinerary

Do you long for the return of Saturday Night Fever? Disco Inferno perform all the classic disco party songs, and are guaranteed to produce party fever with their infectious energy-ridden performance.

  Saturday     1pm, 5:30pm     Pier Head

River Swim                               

Itinerary

The Across Mersey Swim journeys towards its 25th Anniversary creating its own place in our sporting culture and history. Swimmers will begin their journey across the Mersey from the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool on Sunday 2 June at 10:30am.

  Sunday     10:30am     Royal Albert Dock

Classical Dance (Indian Ship Stage)

Itinerary

Swati Dance Group’s philosophy is creation and propagation of Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam through excellence in practice.

  Saturday, Sunday     1pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm     Royal Albert Dock

The Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band (Indian Ship Stage)

Itinerary

Highly talented musicians from Jaipur, Rajasthan’s renowned “Pink City”, the surrounding villages, make up the brass core of this rousing new ensemble on trumpet, trombone, euphoium and sousaphone, supplemented with clarinet, against an insistent background of percussion on side, bass and dhol drums.

  Saturday, Sunday     2pm     Royal Albert Dock

Bombay Baja Brass Band (Indian Ship Stage)

Itinerary

  Saturday, Sunday     1:45pm, 3pm, 5pm     Royal Albert Dock

Classical Duet (Indian Ship Stage)

Itinerary

  Saturday, Sunday     12pm, 4pm, 6:30pm     Royal Albert Dock

Radio Exotica (African Ship Stage)

Itinerary

  Sunday     2:30pm, 6pm     Royal Albert Dock

DJ Mayeva (African Ship Stage)

Itinerary

  Sunday     12pm, 12:45pm, 4:15pm     Royal Albert Dock

Anwar Ali & Dave Owen (African Ship Stage)

Itinerary

  Saturday     2:45pm, 5pm, 7pm     Royal Albert Dock

SNO (African Ship Stage)

Itinerary

  Saturday     12:15pm, 1:15pm, 3:30pm, 6pm     Royal Albert Dock

Dougie’s Mini Music Makers

Itinerary

British Music Experience have dedicated a space in the Gibson Brands Interactive Studio for under-fives. This section includes percussion and rhythm instruments so your tots can dance to the beat of their own rhythm. Suitable for under fives. 

  Saturday, Sunday     All day     Pier Head

Get Crafty with Frankie Feathers: Make Your Own Tambourine

Itinerary

We’re celebrating the history and traditions of May Day in Britain. Learn about how Folk and Celtic music and dancing played a big part in celebrating this annual holiday. Get crafty and make your own May Day Tambourine. Afterwards, take a look in our Skiffle cabinet, a music movement whose roots are embedded in folk music and DIY instruments. Suitable for all ages. 

  Saturday, Sunday     All day     Pier Head

OXUMARÉ

Itinerary

The rainbow and the snake, representing fortune, time and transformation, Oxumaré is a deity from the Orisha tradition, paying homage to our ancient African ancestors. This 5 meter tall kinetic puppets will interact with and entertain audiences young and old.

  Saturday, Sunday     1:15pm, 3pm, 6pm     Royal Albert Dock

Open Sessions: Gibson Brands Interactive Studio (BME)

Itinerary

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, get hands-on in the Gibson Brands Interactive Studio at British Music Experience. The Visitor Experience Musicians are on hand to have a jam or give tips and advice to get you started on your musical journey.

  Saturday, Sunday     All day     Pier Head

The Spice Girls

Itinerary

These beautifully decorated Indian Elephants stroll over 3 feet above the ground, playfully passing by the faces of audiences and wandering around to cause chaos. Featuring colourful costumes, playful puppeteers and accompanying musicians & performers.

  Saturday     1:30pm, 6:30pm     Royal Albert Dock

  Sunday     1:30pm, 5:30pm     Royal Albert Dock

Block

Itinerary

Twenty oversized blocks, fashioned to resemble giant, concrete Jenga blocks, are deconstructed and reformed into an infinite variety of shapes for the performers to play on, move with and explore. BLOCK is about life in the city; its contradictions and challenges.

  Saturday, Sunday     12:30pm, 3:30pm     Pier Head

Flat Pack Music

Itinerary

Founded by conservatoire trained musicians, Flat Pack Music is a not for profit opera company which aims to bring professional opera to people that due to cost or location would otherwise not have access to it.

  Sunday     4pm     Pier Head

Family trail at British Music Experience

Itinerary

Meet Dougie Floyd and his gang of musical mates, explore the exhibition following clues and completing puzzles along the way. Complete the Trail and receive a certificate making you a British Music Explorer. Suitable for 4 -11-year old.

  Saturday, Sunday     All day     Pier Head

VOLHARDING

Itinerary

Volharding is a 120 year old, authentic Ketch rigged Dutch sailing barge, fully equipped to accommodate up to twelve passengers in comfort.

Find out more here

  Saturday, Sunday     All day     Royal Albert Dock

PopVox Choir

Itinerary

PopVox was formed in 2011 and has several branches across the UK. It was founded by Emma Nowell who decided to use her professional experience and love of music to create a fun, friendly adult choir.

  Saturday, Sunday     12pm     Pier Head

Downtown Underground

Itinerary

Downtown Underground recreate 60s, 70s and 80s classics by the likes of James Brown, Stevie Wonder and Wilson Pickett, with stunning authenticity. For younger guests, they perform a knock-out set of soul-infused pop and R&B hits by Outkast, Ed Sheeran and Rudimental.

  Sunday     1pm, 5:30pm     Pier Head

Little Lighthouse

Itinerary

The Little Lighthouse is a tiny, fully furnished Lighthouse keeper’s tower. The Lighthouse Keeper is a retired seadog who rambles through an arsenal of comic stories and anecdotes about kippers, guillemots, oyster smacks and the never ending menace of bird’s mess.

  Saturday, Sunday     1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm     Royal Albert Dock

Kitsch & Sync – Pseudo Synchro

Itinerary

The Pseudo Synchro Swim Team are out and busy in training; being drilled by their swim captain with military precision and preparing for the biggest most spectacular synchronized swimming display of their lives (which takes place in a children’s paddling pool!).

  Saturday, Sunday     3pm, 7pm     Pier Head

Kitsch & Sync – Hello Bouys

Itinerary

Follow 3 dinghy-less damsels as they dip their toes and cause a splash on their seafaring voyage. Looking for a captain to guide them to sun kissed beaches can these ladies of leisure be pointed in the right direction or are they hopelessly helpless in their Hawaiian quest!

  Saturday, Sunday     1:30pm, 5:45pm     Pier Head

The Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band

Itinerary

Highly talented musicians from Jaipur, Rajasthan’s renowned “Pink City”, the surrounding villages, make up the brass core of this rousing new ensemble on trumpet, trombone, euphoium and sousaphone, supplemented with clarinet, against an insistent background of percussion on side, bass and dhol drums.

  Saturday, Sunday     4pm     Mann Island

Steel Drums

Itinerary

Steeldrumbands have performed in 5 different countries, and counting. Lead by the pitch perfect jazz junkie, Francis, they manage to produce the sweetest of sounds, playing any genre of music from traditional Caribbean, to chart pop, to Disney, and even house music.

  Saturday, Sunday     12:55pm, 1:45pm, 2:35pm, 3:25pm, 4:15pm, 5:05pm     Royal Albert Dock

Indian Princesses

Itinerary

These beautiful and mischievous, stilt-walking Princesses are a truly enchanting act. These delightful divas draped in stunning jewels and silks provide a dash of vibrant colour, charm and playfulness at any event.

  Saturday, Sunday     12:30pm, 2pm, 5pm     Royal Albert Dock

The Runner

Itinerary

Did you know that Liverpool held an annual Grand Olympic Festival devised by John Hulley and Charles Melly between 1862 to 1867 on which the first modern Olympiad in Athens was based? This precariously balanced sculptural sequence of a runner is a fitting celebration of the awesome achievements of Liverpool’s past and present Olympiads. This artwork was commissioned as part of Rise, a season of extraordinary female artists, thinkers and leaders.

  Friday, Saturday, Sunday     All day     Mann Island

Two Cats and a Canary

Itinerary

The Birdcage Stage returns to the River Festival for a second year running with the hilarious slapstick street theatre show Two Cats and a Canary. Inspired by cartoon nostalgia follow the antics of the canary as she inhabits a beautiful golden birdcage.

  Saturday, Sunday     12pm, 2pm, 3:30pm     Pier Head

Dr. Jazz

Itinerary

A fun and quirky 6-piece Great Gatsby band comprising trumpet/vocals, trombone, clarinet, piano, double bass and drums, Dr Jazz entertains with instantly recognisable favourites from the Roaring 20s and 30s.

  Sunday     2:30pm     Pier Head

HMS Suarez

Itinerary

House of Suarez returns to the docks of Liverpool to bring you their brand new premier! HMS Suarez. This piece will take you on a journey through the decades and the times of music whilst the docks thrived and witnessed generations of sailors from across the seas.

  Saturday, Sunday     2:30pm, 5:30pm     Mann Island

FABAROONY

Itinerary

Pull up a deck chair and enjoy an ice cream or two on Mann Island Beach whilst the kids are being transformed into pirates, mermaids and all things nautical by the fantastic Fabaroony Face Painters.

  Saturday, Sunday     All day     Mann Island

AFRICAN EAGLES

Itinerary

A troupe of totally stunning acrobats from Tanzania, now based in the UK. Set to lively African music, the show progresses through a series of powerful and graceful acrobatic, circus and dance routines.

  Saturday, Sunday     4:30pm     Pier Head

New Orleans Jazz – The Dixie Street Band

Itinerary

The Street Dixie Band were formed back in 2003 as a new generation of early jazz band. The ensemble contains today’s young up-and-coming players, all of whom continue to revitalise the scene with their flair, excitement and enthusiasm.

  Saturday     12pm     Royal Albert Dock

Storytelling

Itinerary

Join us for storytelling with tales from the seven seas! Drop in at Mann Island  on Saturday and Sunday from 12pm-5pm. Free and all families welcome.

  Saturday, Sunday     12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm     Mann Island

The Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band

Itinerary

Highly talented musicians from Jaipur, Rajasthan’s renowned “Pink City”, the surrounding villages, make up the brass core of this rousing new ensemble on trumpet, trombone, euphoium and sousaphone, supplemented with clarinet, against an insistent background of percussion on side, bass and dhol drums.

  Saturday, Sunday     5pm, 6:30pm     Pier Head

Splintered Ukes

Itinerary

Splintered Ukes are a megatastic, uke based, band. That’s six ukes, a bass uke and a cajon drum t’ beat! They aint no ordinary uke band, they’s crazy. Skilful masters of reengineering classic and modern pop songs.

  Saturday     4pm     Pier Head

Shipwrecked: Receivers of the Wreck

Itinerary

A survivor is stranded on the shores of the near future. In a world drowning in plastic she collects messages in bottles. A highly physical show combining circus with dance and drama to tell a universal story of our desire for solitude against the need for collective action for the greater good.

  Saturday, Sunday     1pm, 3:30pm     Mann Island

The Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band

Itinerary

Highly talented musicians from Jaipur, Rajasthan’s renowned “Pink City”, the surrounding villages, make up the brass core of this rousing new ensemble on trumpet, trombone, euphoium and sousaphone, supplemented with clarinet, against an insistent background of percussion on side, bass and dhol drums.

  Saturday, Sunday     12pm     Royal Albert Dock

African Eagles

Itinerary

A troupe of totally stunning acrobats from Tanzania, now based in the UK. Set to lively African music, the show progresses through a series of powerful and graceful acrobatic, circus and dance routines.

  Saturday, Sunday     1:35pm, 3pm     Mann Island

Swyron

Itinerary

Swyron is a delightful and mysterious intergalactic adventurer, a unique blend of Vedic and Victoriana, a true steampunk superhero somewhere between the Mahabharata and H.G. Wells. A totally different walkabout act, as exquisitely presented as you would expect from this company, renowned for their meticulous making skills and costume creation.

  Saturday, Sunday     1pm, 3pm, 5pm     Pier Head

New Orleans Jazz – The Street Dixie Band

Itinerary

The Street Dixie Band were formed back in 2003 as a new generation of early jazz band. The ensemble contains today’s young up-and-coming players, all of whom continue to revitalise the scene with their flair, excitement and enthusiasm.

  Saturday     2pm     Pier Head

Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra and Dr Jazz

Itinerary

Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra is a 13-piece big band comprising male vocalist, four brass, five saxes and three rhythm.

  Sunday     7pm     Pier Head

Motown Gold

Itinerary

Motown Gold celebrate the finest songs from the Tamala Motown and Classic Soul era. Experience songs made famous by musical ‘giants’ such as Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and The Jackson 5. Older and younger generations all enjoy the classic songs.

  Saturday     2:30pm, 7pm     Pier Head

Man on the Moon

Itinerary

George Orange is an eccentric clown and slack-rope dancer from Chicago. He has come via the Moon, and brought a bit of it with him. The half moon slack rope rig forms a perfect centrepiece to any street or square and will attract interest before the show even begins.

  Saturday, Sunday     12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm     Mann Island

Kit and Caboodle

Itinerary

With miniature puppet shows inside a big, rolling mule puppet, the timeless theme of migration is packaged up in Thingumajig’s street act, KIT AND CABOODLE.

  Saturday, Sunday     2pm, 5pm     Mann Island

Icebook

Itinerary

The Icebook is the world’s first projection mapped pop-up book, a show depicting a dark, silent fable through a combination of paper pop-ups, projection mapping and music. Find it in the Cooperage on the Royal Albert Dock.

  Saturday, Sunday     12:30pm, 1:20pm, 2:10pm, 3pm, 3:50pm, 4:40pm, 5:30pm     Royal Albert Dock

Bicycle Bistro

Itinerary

Two eccentric moustachioed waiters arrive in style on their bistro on wheels. They lay the table, wind up the gramophone and unleash a choreographed 40 minutes of cafe mayhem.

  Saturday, Sunday     12pm, 2pm, 5pm, 6:30pm     Pier Head

Pelican of London                           

Itinerary

Formerly an Arctic fishing trawler and then a coastal trading vessel, Pelican of London was transformed in to a sail training ship in 2007. Her barquentine rig and sail plan is derived from the Barbary Coast pirate ships.

  Saturday, Sunday     All day     Royal Albert Dock

Nobby Boats                                     

Itinerary

The Nobby Owners Association was set up to encourage the restoration of Morecambe Bay Prawners. They take part in our sailing programme, making a beautiful and wonderful spectacle wherever you see them.

  Saturday, Sunday     All day     Royal Albert Dock

RNLI                                               

Itinerary

We are the RNLI: the charity that saves lives at sea. Every day of every year, people of all backgrounds get into danger in the water. Find them on their stand at the River Festival Liverpool.

  Saturday, Sunday     All day     Royal Albert Dock

Northern Boat Show                    

Itinerary

The Northern Boat Show, being held on 31st May to 2nd June 2019, is part of the River Festival Liverpool and will give visitors the chance to see all types of ways of getting on the water and enjoying leisure time.

  Saturday, Sunday     All day     Royal Albert Dock

Merseyside Search & Rescue    

Itinerary

Merseyside Search and Rescue ( “MerSAR”) is the official volunteer land search and rescue asset for the County operating above the high water mark. They will have a stand on site at the River Festival where you can find out more about them.

  Saturday, Sunday     All day     Royal Albert Dock

Royal Yacht Association           

Itinerary

The RYA have a stand at the Festival with lots of information on all the opportunities there are to get out on the water whether using the wind or engine power. Staff will be on hand to answer your questions whether you are new to boating or wanting to get back into it.

  Saturday, Sunday     All day     Royal Albert Dock

Floating Grace                                 

Itinerary

See the best views of Liverpool’s historic docklands, enjoy excellent food, make use of our on-board bar and relax in style on The Floating Grace.

  Saturday, Sunday     All day     Royal Albert Dock

Canoe Polo (Princes Dock)                         

Itinerary

Known as “polo” by aficionados, Canoe Polo is one of eight disciplines of its kind in the UK which combines both paddling and ball handling skills in a thrilling team sport.

 

Find the canoe polo on Princes Dock.

 

  Saturday, Sunday     All day     Pier Head

Brian Boru

Itinerary

Brian Boru will be doing the triangle sailing from Dublin to Belfast with one group and then from the Belfast Maritime Festival to the River Festival Liverpool with another group.

  Saturday, Sunday     All day     Royal Albert Dock

Adventure Wales                            

Itinerary

The award-winning 60-foot ocean-going schooner enables young people aged 12 – 25 years to develop their employability skills. Adventure Wales also offers big boat sailing voyages for adults up to 75 years.

  Saturday, Sunday     All day     Royal Albert Dock

Zebu

Itinerary

Historic Tall Ship Zebu Open Ship will open its deck for The River Festival Liverpool. There will be exciting Mast climbing demos by trained volunteers Saturday 1st June.

  Saturday, Sunday     All day     Royal Albert Dock

Anti-Shanty (Irish Ship Stage)

Itinerary

Anti-Shanty retain a slightly less than reverend attitude towards the tradition and mix things up a bit. They say singing is good for the soul; singing Liverpool-based sea shanties is even better. Come and sing along with Anti-Shanty!

  Sunday     12:45pm     Royal Albert Dock

Kimber’s Men (Irish Ship Stage)

Itinerary

  Saturday     12:45pm     Royal Albert Dock

Only Child (Irish Ship Stage)

Itinerary

Only Child tell stories that ask questions, pose problems and attack the establishment.

  Saturday     6pm     Royal Albert Dock

Gannon & Co (Irish Ship Stage)

Itinerary

  Sunday     2:30pm     Royal Albert Dock

Celtic Knot Ceilidh Band (Irish Ship Stage)

Itinerary

Celtic Knot Ceilidh Band have played together as an instrumental folk band for over a decade and focus on Irish, Scots and English Ceilidh music. With toe tapping tunes, brilliant energy and often a dance caller, you can be sure of a great atmosphere when listening to this group.

  Saturday     7pm     Royal Albert Dock

The Druids (Irish Ship Stage)

Itinerary

Bringing their unique style and passion to some of Ireland’s greatest folk songs and stories with expert musicianship, vocal ability and performances. The Druids entertain and educate while having the audience on their feet.

  Sunday     1:15pm, 7pm     Royal Albert Dock

Wee Bag Band (Irish Ship Stage)

Itinerary

  Sunday     6pm     Royal Albert Dock

The Folk Doctors

Itinerary

Merseyside/Irish duo John Armstrong and Ultan Mulhern. Hear their incredible storytelling unfold about builders and soldiers, rainfall and whistle-blowers, lucky beggars and the downtrodden.

  Saturday     2:30pm     Royal Albert Dock

African Ship Stage

Itinerary

The African ship has been curated by Africa Oyé and will celebrate African music and culture. Find out more

  Saturday, Sunday     All day     Royal Albert Dock

Indian Ship Stage

Itinerary

Milapfest are bringing the party with Indian themed celebrations all weekend aboard a tall ship at the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool. Find out more

  Saturday, Sunday     All day     Royal Albert Dock

Irish Ship Stage

Itinerary

Liverpool’s connection with Ireland will be celebrated on the Irish ship with music selected by Liverpool Irish Festival. Find out more

  Saturday, Sunday     All day     Royal Albert Dock

There are no events that match your options.

Food

See what will quench your thirst and pickle your pallet

Read More Here

Maritime

See all of the maritime features of this year’s River Festival

Click for More

Share this:

Back to top  

Partners

Partners

partner

partner

partner

partner

partner

partner

partner

partner

partner

partner

partner

partner

partner

Attend

View Itinerary 0