6th November 2023
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Last night, I got the chance to visit the River of Light event taking place on Albert Docks. At the same time, our very own UoL Photography Society (ran by President Eva Bakri – a second year Computer Science undergraduate) had arranged a photo-walk for the evening there.
In case you’re unsure what this is, it is “an outdoor light trail…with illuminated artworks lighting up the city [of Liverpool”. The event is free and publicly available, making it a huge appeal for both friends and families.
This year, the event is here from 23rd October- 1st November, from 4-9pm.
After I finished my Music In Gaming lecture, I met up with my friend Connor to make our way down to Albert Docks, in hopes of meeting up with our other friends Kat and Maddie – alongside people from the Photography society. It was very busy yesterday because of the football match between Everton and Newcastle, which was taking place at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
We eventually arrived at the Docks, with this year’s first artwork we spotted being that of Together – celebrating “the way [that] light can bring people closer”. Crossing Strand Street, we kept walking until we saw the Old Wall Arch – which stems from the early 19th Century displaying Liverpool’s robust history with the waters. However, this time it was adorned in a psychedelic film projection – which gave me more questions than answers.
That work by Murugiah and Sam Wiehl was Together.
After, we walked towards Gower Street, where I had become fixated on that damn Ferris Wheel (or the Wheel of Liverpool, as it’s called). I really enjoyed seeing the reflection of the streetlamps off the water, reinforcing the titular nature of the event.
My obsession grew stronger, but my will to keep walking grew weaker. We arrived at Anchor Courtyard, which had a green heart-shaped hedge that could be walked through (if my terminology to describe that was terrible, I do apologise to any aspiring prunists and gardeners – you know what I meant). After avoiding the urge to stop and grab a meal, we arrived at the cobblestone platform in King’s Parade.
However, it seems they got rid of whatever mast was there in March 2014, as the platform now is just there. Me and Connor waited here for Kat and Maddie, walking down the walkway on our right from when we arrived. The walk led us to the intersection of King’s Parade and Hartley Quay, reaching The Swing Bridge and heading towards the Museum of Liverpool.
Then, we made it to the only spot I knew – Canada Boulevard. I had been here prior for the Youth Music Awards’ launch event at the British Music Experience, linked here. I already thought it looked incredible in the afternoon sunshine. But in the evening? The colours were simply a surreal experience. The architecture itself feels very reminiscent of London’s grand building structures. I imagine that would be due to the Docks’ historical context, and money being pumped through to facilitate imports and exports.
I reunited with Paul, John, George and Ringo (smaller than last time, it seems). The presence of the statue came as a shock initially for me, as hearing about the Beatles in everyday life feels very romanticised because of their pop culture status. So, to see them on a physical pedestal through my own eyes was bizarre. In a sense, it was like I had met them – perhaps that’s the parasocial side of me coming out.
The area by the venue Music On The Waterfront was filled with people holding glowsticks, bubbles and laughter. Here is where we spotted the streamers (you know, the decorations people use at parties) artwork by Atelier Sisu. I love that photo because it’s so strangely calming and peaceful. Everyone is together as a collective in the darkness, wandering towards the light.
After, we did what any sane person would do – ditch Maddie and Kat. Me and Connor made our way towards Water Street to find UoL Photography President Eva, and the others. This led to me getting distracted by the flowers and taking a few photos. These are called the Coloured Peonies, created by French art studio TILT.
Being here led to an unfortunate reunion between me and the two I had tried abandoning. Can’t stand the clingy type. Eventually, we found Eva and a few others from the Photography society.
Here, we made our way back to the Invisible Cities (or streamers, as I called them) and found my favourite artwork of the evening: Colour Rush. This was made by Liz West, and I absolutely love it. Moving on, we returned back to Together.
Finally, the event concluded with Dream Herd, developed by Amigo & Amigo. It was giving ‘Shaun The Sheep’ vibes, which I mean in the best way possible.
Overall, I had a really fun night with my friends and members of the Photography society. Looking forward to taking part in more of their events in the future.
Disclaimer: LGSM does not endorse the following, this is coming from me personally and the Photography society.
Before you head off, I would like to mention a charity called Give Your Best; they are a non-profit organisation helping women fleeing abuse and domestic violence. It does so by letting them shop for free clothes online – this is done through community and individual donations.
I was made aware of this by the Photography President Eva, who feels incredibly passsionate about this.
If you can – and don’t feel obligated to – any donations would be appreciated.
What do you think? Feel free to email me at johnjoyce4535@gmail.com!
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Check out my last article: A Northern Debut – The Youth Music Awards 2026
For more about arts and culture, check out the following link:
https://www.liverpoolguildstudentmedia.co.uk/category/arts-culture
