THOUSANDS of people are expected to line both sides of the Mersey for the River of Light firework spectacular next month.

Taking place a week on Sunday, November 4, it will feature four specially-commissioned artworks that will light up the city’s waterfront as part of a China Dream finale.

The installations - representing elements which underpin Chinese philosophy: wood, water, earth and metal - will be on view each evening from next Friday (November 2) until Sunday 4, from 4.30pm.

The firework display on November 4 will cover the fire element.

Visitors will be able to see:

The Wave

Representing water, 40 triangular interactive gates will be found along a 100metre stretch of the Strand (on the pavement near Salthouse Dock).

Designed by Copenhagen-based artists Vertigo, the gates will respond to people’s movement creating a unique light and sound reaction.

Anahad

This European premiere was first showcased at this year’s legendary Burning Man festival and falls into the 'wood' category.

Located in Mann Island basin, 6m tall copper pipes will create the effect of a giant oak tree, transforming the area into a mysterious woodland. It has been created by Italian photographer and videographer Stefano Casati.

Pool of Mirrors

In a nod to metal and taking inspiration from Chinese ‘magic mirrors’ which were cast in solid bronze and shrouded in mystery, Liverpool based arts collective The Kazimier will bring these ancient artefacts bang up to date with cutting edge materials, creating a metallic mirage of light on the canal.

Terra

Fulfilling the earth section, the Royal Liver Building will become a canvas for light projections which will explore the traditional view of earth from space.

The light has been designed by local lighting, audio and staging specialists Adlib.

As well as the five Chinese elements being represented, from 5pm on Sunday, November 4 there will be a wide variety of streets performances on the waterfront including fire artists and performers.

Visitors should also be on the lookout for a fire-breathing dragon patrolling the waters of the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, courtesy of artistic company Walk the Plank.

The artworks are the finale of this year’s China Dream season which has seen a ten month celebration of Chinese culture as part of the programme of events marking ten years since Liverpool held the transformative European Capital of Culture title.

Liverpool's deputy mayor and cabinet member for culture, tourism and events, Cllr Wendy Simon, said: "There is always an exciting build-up to the fireworks themselves, and the pre-show activities have proved hugely popular over the past couple of years.

"We're delighted to be able to pay homage to China Dream and each of the newly commissioned artworks will look fantastic on our World Heritage Waterfront and add an unmissable creative edge to the event.

"Right of Light was hugely successful last year, and we hope families come along to the waterfront once again to enjoy the five Chinese elements in all their glory.”

River of Light: The Elements in association with Royal Liver Building 360 starts from 5pm on Sunday 4 November, with the fireworks starting at 6.30pm.

Clare Rawlinson, marketing manager, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, said: "Following last year's phenomenal success, River of Light returns, once again throwing the spotlight on our iconic UNESCO World Heritage waterfront, and Royal Albert Dock Liverpool playing a massive part in the celebrations.

"A magical, sensory weekend is in store for our visitors from across the city region and beyond, as we enter into the winter months with a spectacular bang."

For more information go to www.riveroflightfireworks.co.uk or join in the conversation on Culture Liverpool’s Facebook and Twitter social, and Imagine Wirral on Twitter.