Mersey Gateway Opening Celebration

Halton Borough Council, Mersey Gateway Crossings Board and Merseylink can confirm that a spectacular light and fireworks display will happen at 8.30pm on Friday 13 October, to signal the countdown to the opening of the Mersey Gateway Bridge.

The announcement follows the news that the Mersey Gateway Bridge will open to vehicles at just after midnight on the morning of Saturday 14 October.

The new bridge will be lit up with a light show using the new bridge’s architectural lighting, followed by a spectacular fireworks display off of the new bridge itself.

The public can view the show from two official viewing areas, located at:

Mersey Road (in front of Churchill Hall), Runcorn

Spike Island (in front of the Catalyst Museum), Widnes

Speaking about the plans for the night, Halton Borough Council Leader Cllr Rob Polhill said: “We hope that the public will come out to enjoy the fireworks and see our magnificent new bridge lit up. I’m tremendously proud of what has been achieved by delivering this iconic new bridge on time and within budget and hope that the night will be a real celebration.”

For their safety and enjoyment of the evening, event organisers are encouraging members of the public to view the fireworks from the official viewing areas on each side of the river.

On the night, members of the public will also be able to purchase items of specially designed Mersey Gateway merchandise, including tshirts, mugs, pens, keyrings etc. All profits from the sale of these items will be given to the Mayor’s charities – Halton Speaks Out and HEARTS (Halton Entertainment Arts Regional Theatre School).

Full details about the event, including information about road closures that will be in place on the evening, are available at www.halton.gov.uk

Following the opening of the new bridge, community events will be held in Runcorn and Widnes on Saturday 21 October which will feature free bus tours across the bridge and new road infrastructure. More details will follow shortly.