Storm Boelo Cancels River of Light for a Second Night

Liverpool's River of Light festival was cancelled for a second night on 24 October as Storm Boelo brought heavy rain and strong wind to the city. The free light trail, which shows artwork across the city centre, had already lost its opening night to Storm Austen on Friday.

A new Met Office weather warning for wind took effect at 12pm on Saturday and runs until 9pm on Sunday. A yellow warning for rain lasted until 9pm on Saturday. The morning started dry, but rain began at around 12pm and wind speeds rose to almost 50mph as the afternoon went on. Many shoppers still went around Liverpool ONE.

Visit Liverpool, which organises the festival, said on X that the evening's event had been cancelled "in the interests of safety". It asked people to keep an eye on its social channels on Sunday for further updates.

Other closures

Liverpool Anglican Cathedral closed to general visitors, and the Cream Classical event planned there for the evening did not go ahead. The Lady Chapel stayed open for scheduled services.

Newsham Scream Park was cancelled for the second night running, and its organisers shared pictures of severe water damage at the venue. Markets in the Cunard Building, Tuebrook and Lark Lane were called off. Ferry services between the Isle of Man and Liverpool did not go ahead.

Knowsley Safari will be closed on Sunday. There were also doubts over whether Sunday's Halloween fun day at Aintree Racecourse would take place.

The Echo also reported that the first Merseyrail trains of the day on Sunday would run without passengers on several routes, to check that the lines are clear and safe.

Source: Liverpool Echo