THE River of Light festival will be staged on Liverpool's waterfront later this month, with plans to make the popular event 'even more accessible, inclusive and engaging'.

Running from Friday October 25 to Tuesday, November 5, the event is taking place at the same time as Diwali - the Hindu festival of lights.

To mark the cultural celebration, on Friday November 1 visitors can enjoy a programme curated by Indian arts organisation, MILAP, featuring performances by the popular Bombay Baja Brass Band and Piano with Bhav between 5-8pm– all taking place near the Rangoli Mirrored Cosmos installation by award-winning artist MURUGIAH.

There will also be 'quiet hour' sessions to accommodate visitors with additional sensory needs who plan to attend the event. The sessions will run from 4-5pm on Sunday, October 27 and Monday, October 28, and the same times on Sunday, November 3 and Monday, November 4. During these hours, the 12 featured installations will have reduced soundscapes or will operate entirely without sound.

Where possible, lighting will also be softened, creating a calmer environment for those with sensory sensitivities.

Working with the City Council’s Children and Young People’s team, there will also be a guided tour for young people who are part of the Positive Pathways scheme, aimed at those who could otherwise be at risk of being involved with anti-social behaviour.

The theme for this year’s outdoor trail and the engagement programme is Play, tying into Liverpool’s ongoing pledge to become a recognised UNICEF UK Child Friendly City.

River of Light will be part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as the lead authority. Avanti is the official travel partner for the event.

Liverpool City Council's cabinet member for culture, health and wellbeing, councillor Harry Doyle, said: "Celebrating Diwali as part of the River of Light is a fantastic way to embrace cultural diversity and unity and we’re delighted to be working with Milap on this.

"Bringing together communities through art, music, and tradition, fostering a real sense of belonging and is certain to be a highlight of the festival."

Alok Nayak, Milap's chief executive and artistic director, said: "We are excited to be part of River of Light 2024, an event that unites art, culture, and community. At Milap, we believe in the power of the arts to inspire, educate, and bring people together.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the richness of Indian arts, while contributing to Liverpool's dynamic cultural landscape."

For full details on the River of light festival, go to www.visitliverpool.com/riveroflight