River of Light 2018: Liverpool Firework Display is Elemental
Liverpool’s River of Light 2018 arrives this weekend and four specially commissioned artworks will light up the city’s waterfront, along with the spectacular fireworks finale on Sunday 4th November.
Information released by Culture Liverpool and Liverpool City Council has revealed that the installations will represent the elements which underpin Chinese philosophy: wood, water, earth and metal, with the fireworks themselves covering the fire element.
Each evening, from around 4.30pm on Friday 2nd November to Sunday 4th November, visitors will be able to see the installations, which have been named The Wave, Anahad, Pool of Mirrors and Terra
River of Light 2018: The Wave
Representing water, 40 triangular interactive gates will be found along a 100metre stretch of the Strand (on the pavement near Salthouse Dock). Designed by Copenhagen-based artists Vertigo, the gates will respond to people’s movement creating a unique light and sound reaction.
River of Light 2018: Anahad
This European premiere was first showcased at this year’s legendary Burning Man festival and falls into the ‘wood’ category. Located in Mann Island basin, 6m tall copper pipes will create the effect of a giant oak tree, transforming the area into a mysterious woodland. It has been created by Italian photographer and videographer Stefano Casati.
River of Light 2018: Pool of Mirrors
In a nod to metal and taking inspiration from Chinese ‘magic mirrors’ which were cast in solid bronze and shrouded in mystery, Liverpool based arts collective The Kazimier will bring these ancient artefacts bang up to date with cutting edge materials, creating a metallic mirage of light on the canal.
River of Light 2018: Terra
Fulfilling the earth section, the Royal Liver Building will become a canvas for light projections which will explore the traditional view of earth from space. The light has been designed by local lighting, audio and staging specialists Adlib.
As well as the five Chinese elements being represented, from 5pm on Sunday 4th November there will be a wide variety of street performances on the waterfront, including fire artists and performers. There are also rumours of a fire-breathing dragon patrolling the waters of the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, so if you’re out and about you should keep your eyes peeled!
The artworks that will be enhancing the River of Light 2018 celebrations are the finale of this year’s China Dream season which has seen a ten month celebration of Chinese culture as part of the programme of events marking ten years since Liverpool held the transformative European Capital of Culture title.
River of Light 2018: The Details
The main event starts from 5pm on Sunday 4th November, with the much-anticipated display starting at 6.30pm. Tens of thousands of people are expected to gather for the show, as both sides of the Mersey will be lit up by fireworks, so make sure you give plenty of time to get a good spot.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, many of our city centre apartments have excellent views, so why not contact us our team about accommodation and finding the ideal vantage point?
There is more information at www.riveroflightfireworks.co.uk. The event is sponsored by Royal Liver Building 360, a new tourist attraction that is set to open next year and which we’ll keep you up to date one. Capital Liverpool will be providing the soundtrack ahead of the display, with other partners including software development consultancy Mashbo joining in the celebrations.
Images courtesy of Culture Liverpool and Liverpool City Council.