River of Light returns to the Mersey for November 5

Fireworks are to return to the River Mersey for Bonfire Night – despite disappointment over last year’s ambitious display.

Liverpool City Council has brought on board top pyrotechnic company Titanium Fireworks to stage the River of Light event on Sunday, November 5.

It’s the firm behind Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations, the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve party, Adele’s Wembley Stadium show and Hull’s City of Culture launch among others.

Council chiefs hope to avoid a repeat of last year’s event when thousands of people lined the banks of the Mersey to watch 10,000 fireworks being fired off three barges moored along the river.

It was expected to be an exciting extravaganza choreographed to music, but went down badly with many of those watching who said they could not see or hear much of it, and took to social media to vent their frustration.

Titanium’s plans involve fireworks being set off from the water’s edge as well as huge barges mid-Mersey, accompanied by music which will be played out loud at locations along the waterfront – unlike last year’s event when people were advised to tune in to the soundtrack broadcast on the radio.

Crowds at last year's River of Light

‘Fiery’ street animation will also return to the Liverpool side of the river ahead of the fireworks starting at 6.30pm.

On the Wirral side, River of Light will be part of a weekend of fireworks with six community displays being held on November 4.

Liverpool’s Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member for culture, tourism and events, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “It's a massive coup to be able to work with Titanium – their reputation is unsurpassed and they will undoubtedly bring the wow factor to our waterfront on November 5th.

“River of Light had its first outing last year and was a real learning curve for us. This year, there’s a focus on the elements which proved really popular and generated a lot of positive feedback, and overall making sure the entire event is of the standard which Liverpool audiences have come to love and expect from our outdoor events.

“With less than two months to go, the team are working hard to pull together a fantastic, free, family friendly evening out, showcasing the very best of our world heritage waterfront.”