The River Festival in Liverpool is an interesting event with the epicentre on the River Mersey and the city Waterfront. At that time, professional sailors compete in the port, while on-land activities are even more exciting. On the Waterfront, street performers demonstrate theatrical shows as well as play music of various genres and styles. Learn more at liverpoolski.
Information from the organisers
The festival website states that its organisers are trying to make the event as accessible as possible for as many people as possible. Of course, we are so different and it’s impossible to please everyone at once. Still, the festival offers a wide variety of events, so you can choose the one you like. They take place simultaneously in several places. Thus, everyone just needs to decide what is more interesting for them. For example, some people don’t like crowded places, while others prefer to attend mass events. It’s just a matter of taste.
In addition, the organisers assure that they took care of people with special needs. Those are elderly with physical limitations as well as parents with children. All of them can feel cared for and find something interesting for them. The Royal Albert Dock offers free wheelchair hire and guide dogs. There are also toilets, changing rooms for children and eight parking bays.
Liverpool Cathedral
Many events are held at the Anglican Cathedral, which is located approximately 30 minutes’ walk from central Liverpool. You can also get there by bus, taking Routes 82 and 86. Those who use their own transport should find parking spaces. If you want to get to the centre from the airport, you can take the 86A bus. A taxi is available for people with disabilities and it costs around £20 one way.
What does the programme include?
What events are included in the festival programme?
- Dazzle painting. This activity was introduced in 1917. People paint ships in bright patterns to distort their appearance, making it impossible to determine their speed and direction through the periscope. Once, the Venezuelan artist Carlos Cruz-Diez turned the historic pilot ship Edmund Gardner into a Dazzle Ship, making it a public monument of the city.
- Walking tour. Maybe, some of the visitors just want to walk along the Waterfront and they have such an opportunity. You just need to hire a guide who will tell you about iconic buildings and some ships.
- Air show. Yakovlevs Airshow can arrange an air display right over the River Mersey.
- Musical concerts, including a performance by the Liverpool Choir. You can also visit an event called Music on the Waterfront. It includes free outdoor performances at the Pier Head.
- Street theatre.
- Carnival parade in colourful costumes. It usually took place along the Waterfront.
- Raft races.
To sum up
Liverpool’s Mersey River Festival is a grand and exciting event that takes place every year and attracts thousands of visitors. However, a pandemic or unforeseen weather-related circumstances may disrupt some of the planned activities. Still, this festival has become an integral part of the city’s cultural life, offering a variety of musical performances and impressive water shows. The Mersey River Festival has become a major event of Liverpool’s summer season, attracting visitors from across the country and all over the world.