Liverpool River of Light opening night cancelled due to Storm Austen

Liverpool’s River of Light opening night on Friday 23 October 2026 has been cancelled because of Storm Austen. Liverpool City Council said the evening’s event was called off “in the interests of safety” as weather conditions deteriorated, with a yellow weather warning in place across Merseyside. The cancellation announced so far applies to 23 October: the festival itself has not been cancelled and is scheduled to run until Sunday 1 November, with artworks scheduled 5pm to 9pm, subject to further weather updates.

What has changed

• The River of Light event on the evening of Friday 23 October is cancelled.
• The Water Street road closure planned for that evening will not go ahead.
• The council has also cancelled this evening’s Cunard Building Market, plus the Lark Lane Farmers and Craft Market and the Tuebrook Market and Car Boot Sale on Saturday 24 October.
• Fixtures on council-owned grass pitches will not take place this weekend.

The council has not confirmed when the light trail will first switch on. It has asked people to keep an eye on the Visit Liverpool social channels for further event updates over the weekend. Check the latest event and Met Office weather updates before you set off.

River of Light 2026 at a glance

• Dates: 23 October to 1 November 2026 (opening night cancelled)
• Times: artworks are scheduled 5pm to 9pm, subject to further weather updates
• Cost: all installations are free
• Tickets: none needed; the route is self-guided with no booking
• Route: about 5km with no set start or finish, around Liverpool Waterfront and new city centre spots including Williamson Square and St Paul’s Square
• Artworks: 13 installations on the theme “Together”
• Quiet Hour: 28 October and 1 November, scheduled 4pm to 5pm, subject to further weather updates

Getting there

Organisers recommend public transport. The nearest Merseyrail stations are Moorfields and James Street, and Liverpool Lime Street is about a 15 minute walk from the waterfront. Engineering work on the Merseyrail Northern Line means replacement buses between Hunts Cross and Moorfields from Monday to Saturday, so check Merseytravel before you travel. On event evenings, Dale Street is closed to general traffic between Byrom Street and Water Street, scheduled 5pm to 9pm, subject to further weather updates.

Staying safe in high winds

The council advises driving only if you need to, avoiding walking or sheltering close to buildings and trees, and checking on elderly neighbours or those who live alone. Its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol is active: if you see someone sleeping rough, call 0300 123 2041.

Planning more time in the city? See our Liverpool Irish Festival 2026 guide and five reasons to visit Liverpool.

Illustrative photo: Liverpool waterfront at night, September 2020. It does not show River of Light or Storm Austen. Photo: Alex Liivet, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped).

Sources: Liverpool Express (Liverpool City Council), 23 October 2026; Visit Liverpool River of Light FAQs; Culture Liverpool.