The Guide Liverpool HEROES 2025 
With their bold red, black and white costumes and infectious rhythms, Batala Mersey drummers have become an instantly recognisable sight – and sound – at events across Liverpool.
The group is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, with up to 40 home performances as well as at the world famous Notting Hill Carnival and in Brazil where the concept originated.
Now with around 80 members of all ages, from late teens to retirement, Batala Mersey has become hugely popular at street carnivals and festivals across the region.
The reason, says musical director David Díaz Varnom, is the sheer joy the music creates not just among its players but for audiences wherever they go.
He said:
“Music is at the centre of Batala but ultimately there’s so much more around that – it’s about sharing the culture and somebody else’s traditions too,”.
“The whole ethos of this music is that it calls you, it’s so energetic and so spiritual, and you can hear it from so far away because it’s loud and so distinctive.
“When you hear it played in the streets, particularly surrounded by buildings, you get an echo but we often play on the Pier Head and we have people on the Wirral who message to say they can hear us!”
Batala Mersey is actually one of 46 global Batala groups, known as chapters.
The first was started in 1997 in Paris by Giba Gonçalves, who arrived there from Salvador da Bahia in Brazil to study music and wanted to recreate the live percussive music on the streets he was used to.
That developed into Batala Mundo, a worldwide project promoting and sharing Afro-Brazilian percussion specifically samba-reggae.
David, who lives in Mossley Hill, explains:
“All the bands around the world exist now because somebody from one band moved to another place and wanted to start up a group.
“The first one after Paris was Portsmouth, and over time that’s spread so now there are over 1500 drummers worldwide.
“In Liverpool there was a group of us who’d been in percussion before in a different Batala chapter in the city that was no longer going. We got together – 17 of us including me – 10 years ago to set up Batala Mersey because it was a really special thing for us.”
The group rehearses weekly, usually in schools where the acoustics are good, and performs at events from March to November each year, playing four different types of drums: dobra, repinique, caixa and surdo (they’re the big ones!).
Most recently it’s been at Liverpool BID’s Celebrating Bold Street and Castle Street festivals. On Saturday August 30 it will be part of the Last Day of Summer event at the waterfront, and on Sunday September 14 drummers will be at the Arena entertaining crowds at the World Boxing Championships Finals.
David added:
“Within Batala Mersey, we have an opportunity for people to travel and experience other countries, but at our heart the band is very much Liverpool City Region focused,”.
When they aren’t at a booking here, members often represent Merseyside elsewhere, collaborating with other Batala chapters to form a larger group.
“There really isn’t an ideal performance number, it can be as small as 8 or into the hundreds,” says David. “At Notting Hill this year we joined with other groups from across the world and there were 240 of us.
“Last year we hosted an event for all the UK bands and held a big gig on waterfront where we had 230.”
As well as having a shared repertoire of music, which all groups are taught in the same way, Batala chapters also use authentic instruments.
When members go over to Brazil for Carnivale in Salvador, they source drums and costumes.
“We join a local band from Salvador which was established by the same guy who set up Batala, and for us that’s a great privilege. A group usually goes every year from Liverpool because it’s the ultimate event you can be part of.
“Most of the drums and kit, and all of the costumes, come from Brazil. We try to support the community, and most of the drums aren’t made in a factory, they’re street drums, so they’re made in a backyard of somebody’s house. The costumes are locally made in Salvador too, so we bring everything back to Liverpool when we go over each year. Someone flies home with 50-60kg of luggage!”
Find out more about the Batala Mersey drummers here.
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The man behind some of the city’s favourite Italian restaurants has brought a new food first to Liverpool.
Vincenzo Margiotta, who owns Cucina di Vincenzo and ViVi in Childwall, has launched Croccante Pizza Romana with good friends Vito Rosa and Cristiano Mente.
The pizzeria opened just over a week ago in Penny Lane.
And Vincenzo says:
“As far as I am aware this is the only Roman pizza here in Liverpool.”
It’s early days, he admits, but the take-away restaurant is already proving to be a huge success: “It’s become a little bit of a hub for people to meet and have a drink and a pizza, and it’s amazing how they are chatting together while they wait for their food to be called.
“And that’s really nice.”
And he adds:
“We’ve had many guests even in the last few days who’ve come back in the same day to order again – and not because there wasn’t enough to eat.
“They say the pizzas are, in their words, so tasty and so light, they could eat two. And so they do!”
Vincenzo, who runs his Woolton Road venues with daughters Nina and MasterChef finalist Gabriella, is well-known in the city and respected for his high quality food and popular eateries.
And friends Vito and Cristiano are similarly experienced.
Vito has had a successful restaurant in Italy for 35 years, and Cristiano has operated and worked in the pizza industry in the US for many years but lived in the UK now for some time.
“Between the three of us, we chatted about doing a pizza concept but not a standard pizza like the pizza Napoletana, which is very prevalent now in the UK. It’s a fantastic product – some done incredibly well and others not so well – but it’s been done to death.
“We three have always had a love for pizza Romana which is a very thin, crispy pizza; very healthy, very digestible, and really tasty.
“The pizza Napoletana has more dough and that’s the reason why it rises more, and is cooked in a higher temperature oven, hence, you get that large border around it, and crust.
“With pizza Romana, we stretch and roll the pizza with a rolling pin which gives it that really thin crust. The dough is made differently as well with different flours in order to achieve the crisp base and flavour of the pizza. We use flour that has minimal refinement, therefore is rich in minerals and fibre.”
The Roman pizza is also baked in a tunnel oven which cooks from above and below and takes four minutes to cook, unlike the Napoletana pizza which is cooked in just over a minute.
Croccante Pizza Romana offers just take away and delivery – more of which later – although Vincenzo says: “We have added about 12 or 15 very casual dining chairs and stools inside for people to sit at while they wait for their collection and they can have a beer, we’re fully licensed, or sit down and eat their pizza which they’ve just purchased.
“There are no reservations, it’s not a dine in, but we have had customers come in, order a pizza, and ask if they can sit and eat and have made a meal of it.
“We’ve got families coming in with their kids and, like I said, it’s become a bit of a hub.
“My mantra has always been to be, where possible, outside the city centre; I’d just rather be in the community and part of a neighbourhood environment.”
Croccante Pizza Romana will also sell fried snacks, salads and desserts, as well as soft drinks, Italian wines and Italian beers.
And the quality will be what people have come to expect from Vincenzo and his family.
“I hope, and I think, that our guests have a confidence that something under the Vincenzo’s stable will deliver.
“It puts a pressure on us and that’s why we haven’t opened another Vincenzo’s or Vivi’s anywhere and nor will we, because you can’t replicate them unless you transfer the amazing staff to another site.
“But Croccante is somewhere you could roll out elsewhere providing the standards, processes and quality are maintained and guaranteed.
“It’s only been open a week and I have been there for only two and it’s been busy. The venue, the product, and the vibe is enough to bring people in and so I think it has the potential to roll out long term. It’s not something I’m planning now, but you never know.”
Croccante Pizza Romana will deliver as well as offer takeaway eventually.
But Vincenzo says:
“We are using a third-party platform for our delivery but we haven’t switched it on since the first day when it nearly sunk us because we were so busy.
“We’re learning to walk before we run and make sure we’re properly geared up before we offer it. But we’re busy – and that’s good.”
Find out more about Croccante Pizza Romana here.
Find more great Italian restaurants across Liverpool here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
John McArdle and Paul Usher are the latest heritage Brookside actors to be announced for the soap-crossover happening this autumn to celebrate Hollyoaks’ 30th Anniversary.
With Brookside Close coming back to screens for the first time since 2003, so are some of the show’s most iconic and well-loved characters.
John McArdle returns as Billy Corkhill, who became an integral character when he moved into to the Close in the 1980s with his wife Doreen and their teenage children Rod and Tracy.
Billy ‘s character was a devoted husband and family man. The show shed light on men’s mental health through Billy’s struggles after losing his job, which spiralled into a breakdown. The emotional toll of his behaviour weighed heavily on his wife and strained their marriage beyond repair, ultimately leading to their divorce and Doreen’s departure.
John’s character later found love again with matriarch Shelia ‘Grant’ played by the legendary Sue Johnston, OBE, and the pair got married in September 1990.
As part of the crossover with Hollyoaks, Billy Corkhill will also visit Hollyoaks village, in other episodes.
Billy’s brother Jimmy (played by the late Dean Sullivan) joined as his brother in 1986, appearing until it ended and becoming the soap’s longest-featured character.
Brookside ended in with Jimmy daubing a ‘d’ onto the sign, leaving it as ‘Brookside Closed’ before driving out of the cul-de-sac.
Paul Usher returns as Barry Grant. Living at No 5, the Grants originally consisted of parents, Bobby (Ricky Tomlinson) and Sheila and their children Barry, Karen and Damon. Paul’s character Barry was the oldest of their then-three children and the audience watched him grow from cheeky youngster to charismatic businessman and later gangster.
Barry has a chequered history of committing many crimes and was the show’s first ‘villain’ but had a huge fan-base. In 1991, in a bid to ruin friend Terry’s relationship, Barry slept with his girlfriend Sue, but when she threatened to expose their affair, he killed Sue and her son Danny by pushing them off the scaffolding on Brookside parade.
With Sue Johnston already announced to return to play cherished character Sheila, fans will be able to discover where the beloved couple and family are now in their lives.
Of his return John said:
“It’s going to be a nostalgic visit back to the famous close. Also I’ve got to try and find the character of Billy Corkhill again as I haven’t played him for 35 years!”
Paul added:
“I’m looking forward to seeing all of the old faces.”
Filming has begun for the anticipated crossover, which will air in October, to celebrate Hollyoaks’ 30th anniversary and the legacy of both show’s creator, Sir Phil Redmond.
Filming will take place in September with exceptional permission granted by the owner of the close and the Liverpool Film Office – as the former set and production offices, as the unadopted road in West Derby is now home to residents.
Executive Producer Hannah Cheers said of the crossover:
“This episode is a love letter to both Hollyoaks and Brookside.
“Brookside gave birth to Hollyoaks — it grew up on the same site and eventually took over its sets.
“For everyone at Lime Pictures (originally Mersey TV), Hollyoaks’ history is deeply rooted in Brookside, and its legacy lives on through our crew and, of course, some of our cast.
“This special feels like both a moving and fitting tribute to our origin story and a chance for fans to revisit much-loved Brookside characters in honour of that legacy.
“These iconic Brookside characters are soap archetypes that helped define British TV; soap archetypes that new generations are still discovering now through Hollyoaks.
“As a lifelong soap fan who grew up watching with my mum, I was passionate about revisiting Brookside for the anniversary. With Sir Phil’s blessing — after I had the privilege of pitching the idea to him — and the support of Channel 4, we’re able to make it happen.
“Writer Steve Hughes, who began his career on Brookside, has reimagined where these characters are more than twenty years on. We hope audiences will enjoy welcoming these old friends back into their homes once again.”
Sir Phil said:
“It is always bitter sweet thinking back to Brookie, the reminders of its success and impact, but the thoughts of many, like Dean Sullivan and Bill Dean, who are no longer with us.
“But it is great that Lime Pictures are paying homage in their Hollyoaks anniversary cross over episodes.
“I can’t wait to see how all the gardens are coping in the heatwave and, who knows, what might pop up if someone decides to re-lay their patio. I know we left something else down there.”
Brookside episodes are available from the start on STV player, after they were digitally restored in a joint project between Lime Pictures and All3Media International.
For more information, click HERE.
Keep up to date with what’s going on in Liverpool HERE.
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Florence + The Machine return to Liverpool for one unmissable night at M&S Bank Arena on 13 February 2026, as part of the Everybody Scream Tour.
This tour celebrates the release of Florence Welch’s sixth studio album Everybody Scream (out October 31), and promises an unforgettable evening of transcendent live music, iconic vocals, and pure magic on stage.
As a subscriber of our newsletter, you can access our presale for Thursday via the link below. Also, you now have the exclusive opportunity to reserve premium tickets for this event.
Known for her unmistakable voice and transcendent performances, Florence will once again transform the stage into a world of mysticism, beauty and raw power.
Opening the night is rising star Paris Paloma, who joins across all eighteen dates of the tour.
With a career spanning five acclaimed albums — including Lungs, Ceremonials and Dance Fever — Florence + The Machine have become one of the most influential forces in modern music. From headline festival sets to collaborations with legends like The Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, Florence continues to captivate audiences around the globe.
The album’s title track was released last week with an accompanying video directed by Autumn de Wilde. Everybody Scream was written and produced by Florence Welch over the past two years with a close-knit circle of collaborators including Mark Bowen of IDLES, who appears in the video for the single, Aaron Dessner and Mitski.
After needing lifesaving surgery on the Dance Fever Tour, Florence’s recovery took her down the path of spiritual mysticism, witchcraft and folk horror as she felt the limits of her body and explored what it means to be “healed”. The album treads through womanhood, partnership, aging and dying; exposing the murky in the mundane.
In addition to general tickets, there are a few different package options on offer:
Florence and the Machine First Entry With Standing Package
– One general admission standing ticket to watch Florence and the Machine LIVE!*
– First entry into the venue to secure your space in front of the stage before standard ticket holders
– A bespoke 450gsm premium tour art lithograph, unique to your City
– An exclusive organic cotton tour tote bag
-A commemorative woven fabric wristband
*There is no separate standing area for First Entry with standing package holders
Florence and the Machine First Entry With Premium Seat Package
– One premium reserved seated ticket to watch Florence and the Machine LIVE!
– A bespoke 450gsm premium tour art lithograph, unique to your City
– An exclusive organic cotton tour tote bag
– A commemorative woven fabric wristband
For tickets and more information, click HERE.
Get more gig news for Liverpool HERE.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Discover one of Liverpool’s most unique restaurants in the shadow of Liverpool Cathedral at the Welsford Bistro.
Here are five delicious reasons why you need to book a table at one of Liverpool’s best loved bistros.
Dine in Spectacular Surroundings
Enjoy your meal in the breathtaking setting of Liverpool Cathedral, the largest Cathedral in the UK and the fifth largest in the world. The Welsford Bistro offers a dining experience like no other, surrounded by soaring arches, stunning stained-glass windows and timeless architecture that creates an unrivalled atmosphere. Every bite feels more special in such awe-inspiring surroundings.
Enjoy a Delicious Menu
The Welsford Bistro serves an amazing menu packed with flavour and variety. From freshly prepared snacks to hearty mains and indulgent desserts, there’s something to suit every taste. Thoughtfully crafted dishes celebrate quality ingredients, ensuring every meal is both delicious and memorable, whatever time of day you visit.
The Best Scouse in the UK
Recently recognised by The Observer for serving the very best Scouse in the UK, the Welsford Bistro proudly celebrates Liverpool’s most iconic dish. Rich, hearty, and packed with flavour, their Scouse is cooked to perfection and tastes just like your nans’ – making it an unmissable highlight for visitors seeking an authentic taste of the city.
Sustainable Produce at its Core
The Welsford is a major champion of local produce and using local suppliers wherever possible. It is 100% committed to running the bistro in the most environmentally sustainable way possible. Its team prides itself on always learning and adapting, making it one of the go-to restaurants for Liverpool’s more sustainably conscious diners.
Award Winning and Renowned Team
Beginning as a mobile cart, ‘The mezze in the well’ served up drinks and snacks amidst Covid-19 restrictions. Soon after, Business partners Neil Blackhurst and Damien Flynn, expanded to occupy Liverpool Cathedral’s restaurant and dining space, located in the Welsford Porch.
The pair are experienced operators, with Neil being the former manager of the Cathedral’s previous café, and the former owner of Pistachio on Lark Lane, and Damien having experienced the world as a chef in Michelin star restaurants in London, before moving to Liverpool and becoming Head Chef of 60 Hope Street. In 2022, The Welsford Bistro was nominated for the ‘Hidden Gem’ award in the Liverpool Tourism Awards.
Set back in one of Liverpool’s most iconic landmarks, the Welsford Bistro is ultra-welcoming, if not for its mouth-watering menu, beautiful atmosphere or friendly chefs and servers. The Welsford Bistro is absolutely not worth missing out on.
Book a table on The Welsford Bistro website.
Find all the latest Liverpool news here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
In just 100 days thousands of dashing Santas will descend on the streets of Liverpool for the UK’s biggest festive 5K fun run.
The world-famous BTR Liverpool Santa Dash 5K and 1K Mini Dash returns on Sunday 7 December 2025.
An astonishing 1,000 eager Santas have already signed up – double the number of sign-ups at the same point last year.
Highly regarded as the city’s kick-start to Christmas, the event day countdown and medal reveal always prove to be real high points for exited Santas.
Last year’s BTR Liverpool Santa Dash sold out a week before dash day – a first for the event. It attracted over 8,500 red, blue and mini Santa entries, making it the biggest dash for a decade.
Created by BTR Liverpool Race Director Alan Rothwell, the very first Liverpool Santa Dash took place in 2004.
It has continued to evolve over the past two decades. In 2007, the Mini Dash 1K was introduced for youngsters aged 12 and under, while blue Santa suits were added to the fun in 2010 due to public demand.
Blue suits are limited, so Santas are encouraged to register early to ensure they do not miss out.
Online entries are open here.
This year’s medal comes in a choice of red or blue to match the Santa Dash registration and suit colour.
Generous in size, it is heavily glittered and features Santas and snowmen. Medals are made from 100% recycled zinc.
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash 5K route starts from Pier Head Liverpool at 9.30am and finishes outside Liverpool Town Hall, with a showstopping finish line featuring stilt-walking festive characters and ‘real’ snow.
The route includes dashing through the Grade I Listed Royal Albert Dock Liverpool estate. The route was changed in 2018 to include the waterfront attraction after the Churchill Flyover in Liverpool city centre was demolished.
The Mini Dash 1K is for youngsters aged 12 and under. It starts at approximately 11am in Castle Street, once all Santas in the main dash have completed the course. The youngsters follow a similar city centre route before also crossing the vibrant finish line outside Liverpool Town Hall.
Walk, jog, or run alongside wheelchair participants, charities, families, baby Santas in prams, and four-legged furry Santas.
BTR Liverpool is the leading organisation for creating, managing, and delivering headline running events across Liverpool City Region.
A packed BTR event calendar features competitive races and fun runs between March and December. The portfolio also includes BTR Liverpool Half Marathon and 10 Miler, BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K, Run For The 97, and Port Sunlight Road Race.
In Demand Radio is the event’s Official Media Partner. Sponsors and supporting partners will be announced in the coming weeks.
Before the festivities of the iconic Liverpool Santa Dash family fun run, BTR have two competitive races this Autumn.
The BTR Women’s 10K and 5K is on Sunday 14 September in Sefton Park, followed by the BTR Wirral 10K on Sunday 12 October at New Brighton. The medals feature course landmarks – Sefton Park’s Eros statue, and Wirral’s Perch Rock Lighthouse.
This year’s event figures have already exceeded all expectations, with the BTR team working tirelessly to further strengthen its standing within the running community.
BTR Liverpool Race Director Alan Rothwell commented:
“Back in March we began our 2025 events with the 12,000-strong BTR Liverpool Half Marathon and 10 Miler. And in a flash, here we are, counting down 100 days to our final event of the year, the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash and revealing the much anticipated medal.
“These two events have raced ahead in the popularity stakes in the last couple of years – and this trend is continuing. It’s very positive to see and the team strive to make the races better with each year.
“Staging the Santa Dash is a huge task – and selling out last year was a surprise to us all. Santas were dashing to sign up daily! We’ve already doubled the number of entries for this time last year – smashing the 1,000 barrier for red, blue, and mini Santa Dash places. I’d advise people to sign up as early as possible. We’ve got plenty to announce in the coming weeks so watch this space.
“But before we take over the city with Santas and turn Pier Head Liverpool red and blue, we have another two events to stage first. Join us in September for the Women’s 10K and 5K Liverpool, and the Wirral 10K in October. Race or dash – come and join the BTR fun.”
BTR Liverpool is supporting eight charities spanning the 2025 event portfolio. Participants can support their vital work by fundraising for them on race day. Full details can be found on the BTR website.
Charity partners for the 2025 event portfolio are Alder Hey Children’s Charity; Claire House Children’s Hospice; Clatterbridge Cancer Charity; Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity; Mersey Cares; North West Air Ambulance; Wirral University Teaching Hospital; and Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice.
The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash entry fee covers all costs to organise and deliver the event including road closures, safety measures, Santa suits, medals, goody bags, and entertainment.
Next year’s event portfolio will begin with the BTR Liverpool Half Marathon and 10 Miler on Sunday 15 March 2026.
Find out more about the Liverpool Santa Dash 2025, or enter, here.
Discover the latest in Liverpool here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Direct from the West End, The Last Laugh is heading to Liverpool this September.
This brand-new play reimagines the lives of three of Britain’s all-time greatest comedy heroes, Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse.
Eric Morecambe is played by Bob Golding, whose acclaimed one-man show Morecambe won Best Entertainment at the Laurence Olivier Awards. Golding has also appeared in the West End productions of the musicals Only the Lonely and Elvis the Musical.
Damian Williams takes on the role of Tommy Cooper, having previously played the legendary comic in the tour of Being Tommy Cooper. His theatre credits include the musicals Hairspray, Ladykillers and Educating Rita. He was also named Best Pantomime Dame at The Great British Pantomime Awards for his long-running work at Sheffield Lyceum.
The cast is completed by Simon Cartwright, who brings Bob Monkhouse to life, with screen credits including the award-winning Channel 4 hit Toast of London and the films Mother’s Day and Closure.
Paul Hendy, the writer of The Last Laugh said:
“Rewind back to 8.55pm on Christmas Day 1977. 28 million people – half the UK population at the time – sat down as families to watch The Morecambe and Wise Christmas Special, making it the most watched TV comedy show ever.
I also have a distinct memory of Tommy walking through a white gate – that’s all he did, he just walked through a white gate. It shouldn’t be funny, but it was. Why do we remember these images? Why do we still quote these jokes and comedy lines? I think a key word is family. We remember sitting next to our mums and dads and grandads and them laughing… really laughing at these funny men. Grandparents, parents and children all together, laughing at the same thing at the same moment … surrounded by love and laughter. In many ways, Eric and Tommy were like extended family – the favourite funny uncle!
So, whether, like me, you first saw these greats as a young child, or if you’re discovering them today for the first time (if you are, watch them on YouTube, they’re brilliant… honest!), I do hope The Last Laugh captures some of the joy and laughter that these three men brought to so many throughout their lives. “
This production is written and directed by Paul Hendy. Set design is by Lee Newby, Composer and Musical Arranger is Ethan Lewis Maltby, Lighting design is by Johanna Town, Sound design by Callum Wills, Costume design by Amy Chamberlain, and Casting by Kate Roddy.
This production is written and directed by Paul Hendy, with set design by Lee Newby, music composed and arranged by Ethan Lewis Maltby, lighting design by Johanna Town, sound design by Callum Wills, costume design by Amy Chamberlain, and casting by Kate Roddy.
The Last Laugh comes to the Liverpool Playhouse from Tuesday 23 to Saturday 27 September. Tickets are priced from £17 to £47.
Find out more about The Last Laugh at Liverpool Playhouse here.
Find all the latest Liverpool news here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Nine handpicked films will hit the big screen under a giant canopy at Calderstones Park this October half term as national Shared Reading charity The Reader brings Spooky Cinema to the Mansion House.
Liverpool’s biggest open-air cinema returns to the historic Calderstones Mansion for spooky season after a summer of sell-out screenings.
Nine hand-picked Halloween favourites from children’s storybook animations to top family-friendly picks, an iconic Hitchcock mystery thriller and cult classics will be screened under canvas in a giant canopy during October half term from Tuesday 28 October to Saturday 1 November.
Jen Chapman, Associate Director of Marketing, Communications & Digital at The Reader, the UK’s largest Shared Reading charity, said:
“It’s been a joy this summer to welcome thousands of people to our beautiful garden for our first ever season of cinema. We’ve been absolutely blown away with how successful it’s been, so we’re creating more movie magic for the spooky season.
“This time we’re installing a giant canopy in the garden to help audiences stay cosy, and we’ll of course be bringing back our gorgeous homemade food, cocktails and hot drinks to enjoy in the autumnal atmosphere.”
This autumn’s film selection has been carefully selected to suit everyone from early years to families and adults and will be showing at three different times during the day: morning for toddlers, afternoon for family-friendly films and evening for grown-ups.
The season starts with a half-hour animation of Julia Donaldson’s beloved picture book, Room on the Broom, about a witch, a broomstick and a jealous cat aimed at the youngest of cinema-lovers. It will be showing indoors in the cosy Mansion House Theatre Room on Tuesday 28 October and Wednesday 29 October, at 11.30am.
Four family-friendly films will each be screened outdoors under the cover of a canopy in the Mansion House Garden at 4pm – Hocus Pocus (PG) Disney’s beloved Halloween comedy starring Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker on Tuesday 28 October and Friday 31 October, and Hotel Transylvania (U) the first in the animated vampire series will be showing on Wednesday 29 October.
Fans of Netflix’s Wednesday will enjoy the dark humour of witty 1990s movie sequel, The Addams Family Values (PG), on Thursday 30 October, starring Anjelica Huston and Christina Ricci.
As we say goodbye to Halloween and start to look ahead to the festive season, the family ‘Spooky Cinema’ ends with The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG) – Tim Burton’s 1993 stop-motion masterpiece on Saturday 1 November.
In the evenings there will also be five films for grown-ups showing under canvas on the big screen at 8pm. The week opens with Hocus Pocus (PG) on Tuesday 28 October, and continues with Practical Magic (12) on Wednesday 29 October, based on Alice Hoffman’s 1995 novel, this funny, mischievous film turned cult classic sees Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as sisters from a line of witches bound by a family curse – with a killer soundtrack.
See Hitchcock’s classic 1954 thriller Rear Window (PG), for the ultimate masterclass in tension and suspense starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly, on Thursday 30 October, followed by Tim Burton’s offbeat afterlife comedy Beetlejuice (15) with Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder, on Friday 31 October.
Dig out your fishnets and get ready to time warp for the grand finale on Saturday 1 November, The Rocky Horror Picture Show (15), which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Doors will open 30 minutes before Room on the Broom at 11am for a 11.30am screening in the Mansion House Theatre Room. For all other films gates to the Mansion House Garden will open an hour before screening, except for The Rocky Horror Picture Show when gates will open 90-minutes before the film.
Doors open 3pm for 4pm screenings Practical Magic and Beetlejuice gates to Mansion House Garden and canopy will open at 7pm for an 8pm screening, and 6.30pm for an 8pm screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Arrive early and soak up the atmosphere with music, food and drinks. Pre-orders will be taken for Hot Dogs (VE available) £8, Nachos with cheese, salsa, and guacamole, sour cream and optional jalapenos, (VE available), £8, and Pizzas (Margherita or Pepperoni, VE available), £14.
Treat yourself to a bottle of fizz for £25 or a bucket of Peroni beers (six bottles) for £20. Book a deckchair for £5 or bring your own picnic blanket.
Tickets cost £14.50 for adults and £9.50 for under 16s. Calderstones members will be able to save 10% and receive priority booking from today (Thursday 28 August) at 5pm. General sale will open from Tuesday 2 September.
All profits will support The Reader’s charitable work transforming lives through literature in Liverpool and beyond. The new outdoor cinema has been made possible thanks to a grant by social investor Livv Investment, part of Livv Housing Group, based in Prescot.
For the full list of films, more information and tickets, click here.
Get all the latest news around the Liverpool city region with us at The Guide Liverpool.
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The Bluecoat is set to launch a brand new season of exhibitions and events this autumn, encouraging audiences to do more than just look at the art – this time, it’s about getting involved.
Opening at the Bluecoat on Saturday 25 October, the season is titled Felt and centres around two major exhibitions: Just Browsing and We Dream of Our Freedom. Both exhibitions invite visitors to experience art in a whole new way, whether that’s through touch, play, making, or even wearing the works on display.
This approach marks a shift away from the traditional gallery experience, offering a more interactive, post-Covid way to enjoy art in Liverpool.
Just Browsing brings together sculpture, film, ceramics, textiles and wearable artworks from eleven artists. The exhibition asks audiences to browse, handle and even sit on works, breaking down the barriers between art and everyday life.
Highlights include bold fabric hangings from Welsh artist Ffion Evans, ceramic seating from Carla Wright, surrealist objects by Daniel Sean Kelly and playful performance t-shirts by Chester Tenneson. Visitors can even buy and wear limited edition designs from Bruce Asbestos.
Meanwhile, We Dream of Our Freedom comes from Manchester-based artist and activist Lou Miller, working with children from St Vincent de Paul Catholic Primary School. The show transforms the gallery into a community studio, where the voices of children on what freedom means to them take centre stage. Visitors will be invited to contribute their own responses as part of the exhibition.
As part of the launch day on 25 October, from 11am, visitors can get hands-on straight away with free drop-in creative activities including screen printing and zine making, led by Lou Miller in the gallery.
The Felt season will also be accompanied by a packed programme of workshops, family activities, markets and more.
Both exhibitions run from Saturday 25 October to Sunday 8 February with free entry.
For more details and the full programme, visit the Bluecoat website.
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Smithdown Litfest is bringing famous names to south Liverpool again, including a headliner which sold out in just 12 hours!
This year’s line-up features actor, comedian, travel presenter and writer Michael Palin who is coming for a special event near Sefton Park.
The former Monty Python star will be at Ullet Road Unitarian Church on Friday September 26 to talk about his fascinating career, and his new book Michael Palin in Venezuela.
Other events will focus on the career ups and downs of Reds legend Kevin Keegan and the lives of the Brontë sisters.
There’ll also be a chance to discover a century of Liverpool on film through amazing archive footage and take a fascinating tour of Toxteth Park Cemetery’s hidden histories.
Ian Skillicorn, who founded the festival in 2017, says one of the beauties of Smithdown Litfest is it has something to appeal to everyone, and this year is no different.
He said:
“We try to always get a balance of events – some people will come to everything, some people will just come to one thing, and I think that’s what’s important.
“This is our ninth year and now we’ve got a track record, we can prove to guests that they’ll have a good time, they’ll be looked after and they’ll get a great receptive audience if they come here.
“We have a wish list and it might be a bit ambitious going after someone like Michael Palin but I’m amazed every year that we seem to keep upping the ante.
“Because the festival is so popular, and I think we do a good job, the word is getting out there so we’re like the little festival with a big impact.
“Our speakers may sometimes have been to Liverpool before to give a talk but we’re bringing household names right into the heart of the community. They’re not in the city centre, they’re where people live and work and I think that’s the special thing about Litfest.”
This year’s programme is spread across various venues around the Smithdown area – Michael Palin is at Ullet Road Unitarian Church, which has previously hosted Chris Tarrant and Vera author Anne Cleeves.
The Brontës in Bricks and Mortar is at Sefton Park Palm House (Sept 28) and Keegan: The Man Who Was King with author and journalist Anthony Quinn is at St Bridget and St Thomas Church on Bagot Street (Sept 25).
The afternoon Toxteth Park Cemetery Walking Tour on Saturday September 27 will be followed by a talk with historical fiction author JP Maxwell at Sips and Stories coffee shop on Smithdown Road, and on the same evening Liverpool Memories: A Century of Liverpool on Film will be shown at Mossley Hill Church on Rose Lane.
That screening came about after Ian found a long-forgotten DVD in his parents’ loft.
He explains:
“The DVD showed old film footage of Liverpool, with clips of life in the city going back to the Victorian age, including WWI, WWII, and Sefton Park in the 1930s, up to the Garden Festival and the Punch & Judy in Williamson Square in the ‘80s.
“It was really fascinating so I researched and found the guy who did it was an amateur filmmaker and archivist called Angus Tilston. He has sadly died now, but his daughter has a Facebook page keeping his memory alive.
“I got in touch with her and said I’d like to do an event showcasing some of her dad’s films. She still has the copyright so she sent me a digitized copy and together we’ve come up with a programme.
Smithdown Litfest runs from September 25 to 28 and Ian says there’s a waiting list via Eventbrite for Michael Palin with other tickets selling out faster than ever before.
This year the festival is supported by the Research Institute for Literature and Cultural History, Faculty of Arts, Professional and Social Studies at Liverpool John Moores University, and Liverpool City Council.
Profits from ticket sales will be donated to Smithdown in Bloom and funds used to buy more planters and plants, to be placed along Smithdown Road and neighbouring streets.
Find out more about Smithdown Litfest here.
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The devastating fire at Woolton Hall has left the Grade I listed building with severe structural damage, including the collapse of its roof and widespread destruction to the interior.
The incident marks a huge loss for Liverpool’s architectural heritage and has reignited calls for urgent action to protect historic sites across the city region.
Merseyside Civic Society, working with Merseyside Building Preservation Trust (MBPT) through its Heritage Watch partnership, is now calling for a new Stop the Rot campaign. The initiative will bring together building owners, local authorities and funders to safeguard the future of historic buildings at risk – many of which sit within the city of Liverpool.
The fire at Woolton Hall has highlighted the urgent need for collaboration before more heritage sites are lost.
Steve Power, Chair of MBPT and Heritage Watch, said:
“We are hugely saddened by what has happened to Woolton Hall. Over the years, we and other heritage groups tried to engage with the owners of the Hall about its future, but sadly to no avail. What’s needed now is a joint effort with the statutory bodies that hold the powers to effect change, to make sure there are no further losses. Finding viable new uses for buildings like these is always a challenge, but there are many successful examples, from residential conversions to hospitality and beyond. We are ready to work with building owners to help secure the future of these historic sites.”
About Woolton Hall
Woolton Hall, on Speke Road in Woolton, is one of Liverpool’s 28 Grade I listed buildings. Built in 1704 for the Molyneux family, the house was redesigned by renowned architect Robert Adam in 1774 after it was acquired by Nicholas Ashton. Its interiors and exteriors reflected classical elegance and left a legacy that made it one of the city’s most significant heritage sites.
Over the centuries, Woolton Hall has served as a school, hospital and convent. It was granted Grade I listed status in 1982, formally recognising its national significance and protecting it from demolition. The building has stood empty since 2006.
The Merseyside Civic Society says Woolton Hall’s loss underlines the urgent need to act now to prevent more of Liverpool’s historic buildings from falling into irreversible decline.
For more information, visit the Merseyside Civic Society website.
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Mickey Burns will set off from Chiswick, London, on Thursday and hopes to make it to Centre 56 in Liverpool in time for the charity’s family fun day.
A fundraiser will cycle through the night from the site of the UK’s first women’s refuge to a domestic abuse charity more than 200 miles away.
Mickey Burns, 44, will set off from Chiswick, London, on Thursday evening and hopes to make it to Centre 56 in Liverpool in time for the charity’s family fun day on Friday.
He said:
“We’ll set off about six or 7pm, depending on the weather, and the idea is the traffic will not be as hectic if I cycle through the night.
“I’ll be nervous when I get to the start but I should get into the zone once I’m cycling.”
Mr Burns, originally from Glenavy, near Belfast, but now living in Kirkby, Merseyside, was inspired to take on the challenge after supporting Centre 56 fundraiser Alex Rigby, who ran to every station on the Merseyrail network earlier this year.
His starting point will be the site of the UK’s first women’s refuge, set up by Chiswick Women’s Aid in 1971.
Liverpool-based Centre 56, set up in 1973, opened the first women’s refuge outside London.
The charity no longer operates a refuge but continues to support families facing domestic abuse, including with a specialist nursery.
A leaflet with fundraising ideas which suggested a 232-mile “spinathon” could be done by a relay team to replicate the distance between the two sites gave Mr Burns the idea to do it for real.
He said:
“I saw the leaflet and something just clicked and I decided to do it.
“I fell in love with Centre 56. There’s a nice atmosphere, the people are so nice and I really enjoyed supporting Alex on his run.”
He will be accompanied by a team of three who will drive the route with him to provide food and support, but he said their main job will be to keep him going.
He added:
“I know if I stop for a break and start chatting I can chat for an hour so they’ll be making sure I get back on the bike,”
He’s hoping to be greeted in Liverpool with a warm welcome from staff and supporters at the centre’s fun day, which will run between 11am and 2.30pm.
Mr Burns’ brother Brendan is also fundraising for the charity and plans to run the London Marathon next year.
To donate or to find out more, click here.
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A brand new Liverpool Independent Freshers Fair is launching, introducing students to everything they’ll love about the city.
The one-day event, on Tuesday September 16, aims to help students get the most out of Liverpool, whether they’re just arriving or returning.
It will bring together a mix of national big brands and some of the best-loved local independent restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs and shops who’ll be welcoming students with exclusive offers, deals and freebies.
There will also be representatives from organisations on hand to offer advice around everything from sexual health to student housing.
Everything that makes for a great student experience will be all under one roof. Liverpool Independent Freshers Fair is taking place at Einstein Bier Haus in Concert Square, right in the heart of Liverpool’s thriving bar and club scene.
It’s open to anyone studying in higher education, whatever the course, whether that’s at the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, Hope University, LIPA, LMA or Edge Hill University.
And it’s free to enter – with the first 100 students each receiving a goody bag! Exhibitors will include lots of the city’s top bars, with student haunts like McCooleys, Soho and La’go, along with clubs such as Level, Heaven and Electrik. Newcomers to Liverpool can discover restaurants and cafes that are about to become instant breakfast, lunch and late night favourites including The Tavern, Pocket and The Bagelry, as well as a wide range of retailers.
Because students like to keep an eye on their cash, businesses won’t just be offering exclusive bar discounts and student-only deals, they’ll have freebies too. Selected restaurants will be handing out free food so there’s a chance to sample Wingstop, American Pizza Slice, vegan dishes from Down The Hatch and pancakes from The Tavern – plus free drinks from some of the bars and retailers.
Liverpool Independent Freshers Fair also has a fantastic free prize draw, with a full guitar and amp set-up, wide-screen TV, iPad, and £100 in cash amongst the prizes being given away on the day.
All students have to do to enter is connect with the brands they like best while they’re at the fair. Admission is free on the door, from 11am until 5pm, but free tickets can be booked via Eventbrite which will give automatic entry into the £100 cash prize draw and a queue jump.
Liverpool Independent Freshers Fair will be held at Einstein Bier Haus, Concert Square, 26 Fleet St, Liverpool L1 4AN.
For free tickets and more information, click here.
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Liverpool is getting ready to welcome the very first World Boxing Championships for elite men and women this September – and alongside the main event, a major community engagement programme will take place across the city.
Running from 4–14 September, the Championships will bring some of the best fighters in the world to Liverpool. But it’s not just about the action inside the ring. Culture Liverpool has joined forces with creative and sporting partners to deliver a series of projects that will celebrate the city’s boxing culture and leave a lasting legacy.
One of the highlights is Unsung Heroes, a free exhibition at St George’s Hall’s Stable Gallery running from 29 August–20 September. Delivered with Open Eye Gallery and England Boxing, the exhibition shines a spotlight on 20 grassroots figures nominated by local boxing clubs. Through portraits by photographers Emma Case and Katie Richards, and film by Susannah Fletcher, it tells the stories of the people whose passion and dedication have shaped the boxing community.
The wider programme also includes three artistic residencies:
- Rotunda ABC – artist and boxing coach Ciara Lyons is working with the club to explore stories of belonging, heritage and wellbeing, which will be developed into a film, performance and exhibition.
- The Florrie – Wired Aerial Theatre will run workshops with schools and perform Me Vs Me, a powerful aerial theatre piece exploring resilience and mental health.
- Other local schools and community venues will host creative projects designed to inspire young people and connect them with the city’s boxing heritage.
The programme has been made possible through support from Liverpool City Council, the World Boxing Championships, England Boxing, GB Boxing, UKSPF and adi.tv.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said:
“Liverpool has a proud track record of hosting global events, from Eurovision to the World Gymnastics Championships, and it’s a huge coup for us to welcome the inaugural World Boxing Championships. But what matters just as much is the impact we leave behind. This programme will help inspire young people, support grassroots boxing, and promote physical and mental wellbeing long after the event itself.”
Sophie Mahon, Head of Social Practice at Open Eye Gallery, added:
“This exhibition is about the people at the heart of grassroots boxing – those who provide safe spaces, structure and support for young people. These clubs are places where confidence is built, resilience is fostered and where champions are measured not only by medals, but by the positive change they inspire.”
The World Boxing Championships take place in Liverpool from 4–14 September, with community events running alongside.
For more details, visit the Culture Liverpool website.
Here is everything You Need To Know About The World Boxing Championships.
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Updated August 2025
There’s nothing like grabbing a bowl of pasta for a catch up meal with your mates, or sitting down to sumptuous seafood for a special dinner with your other half.
We’re so lucky with all the brilliant Italian restaurants in Liverpool that we have. They’re authentic, the service is fantastic… and they serve up some of the tastiest food going!
Maybe it’s the warm welcome you’re guaranteed to get or their understanding of the importance of family and friends.
Either way, we’ve got loads of great, authentic Italian eateries in Liverpool, and here are 15 you might just want to visit soon…
Carlisi (Allerton Road & Dale Street)
Ciao, buongiorno, Bella, amore… ok so most of us may not speak authentic Italian, but you can certainly eat authentic Italian at Carlisi.
If you’ve not had an introduction to Sicilian street food firstly… where have you been? And secondly, now is your time!
The family run Sicilian bar on Dale Street serves up freshly made bar snacks, including their famous arancini, sandwiches, and sharing platters using only the finest Italian ingredients.
The Allerton restaurant gives Carlisi a chance to create a new and expanded menu – including some of the brother’s own family pasta recipes.
They’re passionate about bringing the flavours of their hometown to the people of Liverpool. They even import oranges and lemons from their family’s farm for use in their own brand of Carlisi Gin – named after their hometown of Agrigento.
Find out more here.
Gino D’Acampo (Old Hall Street)
The unique thing about this Gino’s is that it is situated within INNSiDE Liverpool, part of the Meliã Hotel Group. The restaurant boasts a beautiful modern open plan with floor to ceiling windows overlooking Old Hall Street.
Not only that, there is also a 360 Sky Bar on the top floor with unrivalled views of Liverpool and the River Mersey. You can order from the cicchetti menu at the top, enjoy a cocktail or even indulge in Gino’s Italian take on afternoon tea whilst taking in the view. And if a 360 Sky Bar wasn’t enough, there’s also a Secret Garden terrace, which is a serious sun trap.
You’re spoilt for choice!
More info here.
San Carlo (Castle Street)
The award-winning restaurant group’s story started in Sicily and now has restaurants in Liverpool, London, Birmingham and event Manchester Airport!
When it comes to the food, the team use the finest ingredients to make fresh pasta, pizza and more. San Carlo really is a little piece of Sicily on Castle Street.
See the menu and book your table here.
Cucina di Vincenzo (Woolton Road, Childwall)
Another fab family-owned and run restaurant serving classic Italian food inviting you to ‘celebrate, create lasting memories and share quality time with loved ones in our warm, relaxed and beautiful home away from home’.
Owner Vince opened Cucina in 2016 continuing a family legacy which began when his grandfather Francesco Margiotta immigrated to Edinburgh in 1904 and opened a café – Vince’s daughter Gabriella Margiotta is one of its chefs (and an Instagram favourite).
You will find perfect pasta dishes, and fresh meat and fish favourites like Spiedini di Pesce, chargrilled skewer of prawns, scallop, monkfish, with garlic butter and saffron risotto.
Also, they’ve now opened a sister brand, Croccante, which is delivering pizza to your door!
See the menu and book your table here.
La Famiglia (Stanley Street)
Definitely one of the busiest Italian restaurants, La Famiglia serves lunch and dinner six days a week. It’s a small family business where you’ll find a mix of Italian tradition and more contemporary Sicilian-inspired cooking.
They make their own pasta, pastries and cakes daily – which is a definite plus – and they’ve got an Aperitivo Bar where you can soak up the atmosphere drinking classic cocktails – try the Bramble; Sicilian lemon gin, crème de mure and fresh lemon.
See the menu and book your table here.
Casa Italia (Stanley Street)
The Casa Italia Pizzeria and Pastificcio is one of Liverpool’s longest-established restaurants, well known in the city for more than 40 years. A popular, authentic Italian restaurant, it’s known for its fresh ingredients, generous portions and great value, which mean it’s always a favourite.
It’s proud of visits from the likes of Paul McCartney, Liam Gallagher, Kylie Minogue and Robbie Williams over the years – a testament to its reputation for good Italian food – but one very special person keeps a regular eye on the Casa, and that’s Eleanor Rigby who ‘lives’ opposite!
See the menu and book your table here.
Villa Romana (Wood Street)
Traditional home-cooked Italian food, in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It’s got a fab range of delicious Italian cuisine including freshly made pasta, grilled and pan-fried meat and fish dishes, antipasti, specialty breads and salads.
Villa Romana said:
“Our dedicated team of skilled chefs have worked tirelessly to perfect the art of providing guests with a true taste of genuine Neapolitan pizza, hand made in our kitchen and cooked to perfection.”
It has an extensive wine list from exquisite, imported Italian wines to several fantastic house choices.
See the menu and book your table here.
Amalia (Campbell Square)
Situated off Duke Street in the heart of Liverpool, Amalia offers contemporary Italian cuisine, in a great setting. Founders Miguel and Antonio have been working together since 2007.
Amalia is Italian for industrious and hardworking – which they say reflects in their work, food and presentation – and it’s also a beautiful, Italian flower that captures the essence of the restaurant. Always a favourite, the award-winning restaurant has a great menu – and a Calzone Challenge for those who brave enough accept it. Eat the whole pizza and you get it for free!
See the menu and book your table here.
Riva Blu (Castle Street)
The Castle Street restaurant boasts an open kitchen, cocktail bar, and a large outdoor terrace, perfect for al fresco dining. Riva Blu is also a great spot for a special occasion or event, with its large space. When it comes to food and drinks, you’re spoilt for choice. The menu changes seasonally, but there is always a brilliant range of pizza, pasta and antipasti dishes.
Book a table here.
The Italian Club (Bold Street)
The Italian Club Family is a group of deli restaurants and bakeries and in each of them you’ll find delicious dishes and products served in the ways Italians would eat them at home. Executive chef proprietor Maurizio Pellegrini says: “I wanted to bring a bit of Puglia to Liverpool.”
The ‘A La Carte’ menu offers a choice of dishes, well complemented with daily ‘specials’, which reflect local and seasonal availability. “All our dishes are homemade and may sometimes take a little longer to prepare… but the wait will be worth it!” they say.
See the menu and book your table here.
Trattoria 51 (Old Hall Street)
Trattoria 51 began as a delightful Italian restaurant on Southport Promenade almost 10 years ago when Attilio arrived with cooking experience from around the world, and matched his fresh authentic Italian flavours with excellent value.
His seafood is renowned, he reckons his pizzas and pasta are just like you’d enjoy in Italy and he loves to add fresh specials every day.
The success of the Southport restaurant led to the opening of Trattoria 51’s second Italian restaurant in Old Hall Street Liverpool, with a full range of Italian favourites, from Polpette to Penne.
See the menu and book your table here.
L’Olivetto (Rose Lane, Mossley Hill)
Great family-run independent with owners Shoonagh De La Cruz and husband Kevin striving ‘to bring the best in Italian cuisine and hospitality’. Prides itself on being fab for both adults and those with kids, and there’s an extensive menu of pizzas and pastas as well as fish, meat and chicken dishes – and they do a much-praised Sunday Roast.
Recommended dishes include their lasagne, their Filleto di Bistecca and their Pollo Cacciatora.
See the menu and book your table here.
Ninello’s (Duke Street)
Ninello’s delivers an ever-evolving Sicilian-inspired menu set within a cosy, elegant setting. From handcrafted pasta to inventive pinse and inventive desserts, expect bold seasonality in a great location on Duke Street, just beside Lock & Key Boutique Hotel.
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From music to history and science to sport, September’s got the lot.
Get your calendar out because with so much going on in and around Liverpool throughout the whole month, you won’t want to miss a thing.
Here’s what’s happening.
Retrospective Festival from Reminisce
Fans of nostalgic pop are in for an absolute treat with this new festival on Friday, September 5, at Sherdley Park in St Helens. It’s hosting icons from the 70s right through to the noughties, like the legendary Belinda Carlisle, Go West, Roachford, Tiffany, Katrina & The Waves, Martin Kemp and more. There’s also a chance to enjoy Reminisce Classical. Curated by Christian Davies, you can hear a live orchestra play the best dance anthems with specially arranged versions of your favourite tracks.
Find out more here.
World Boxing Championships
The eyes of the boxing world and fight fans will be on Liverpool from Thursday, September 4 to Sunday, September 14 when the first ever World Boxing Championships take place at the M&S Bank Arena. More than 550 fighters from over 65 countries will battle it out for 20 world titles in this not-to-be-missed history maker.
Find out more here.
British Science Festival
Europe’s longest-running science festival celebrates the people, stories, and ideas at the heart of science with five days of free and fascinating events. The festival’s happening across Liverpool from Wednesday, September 10 to Sunday, September 14 and there’s something for everyone from comedy shows to art installations, performances to hands-on workshops, and fascinating talks to interactive experiences.
Find out more here.
Blackfest
Kicking off with a free open-air launch event featuring live music, DJs, poetry and artisan stalls at SoundYard on Saturday, September 6, BlackFest is a celebration of Black arts, culture and creativity across the city. It runs until October 30 with music, theatre, comedy, dance, visual art and more at venues all over Liverpool.
Find out more here.
The Derby-Days at Liverpool’s Royal Court
There’s footie drama in a brand-new play at the Royal Court from Friday, September 12 to Tuesday, September 30. Partners Dave Derby and Debbie Day are far from a good match with Dave a die-hard red and Debbie a proper blue – even their cat’s got two names, Divock and Duncan – but the action really kicks off when daughter Chloe arrives back from London with a new fella who’s got a deep, dark secret.
Find out more here.
Motown Tribute Cruise on Mersey Ferries
Get ready to dance your way down the river as the magic of Motown’s brought to life by Mersey Ferries, setting sail on another evening cruise on Saturday, September 13. There’ll be back-to-back classics from some of the greatest soul legends like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and the Jackson 5.
Find out more here.
Deacon Blue at M&S Bank Arena
This year marks an incredible four decades of music for Deacon Blue, and they’re back with a new album (The Great Western Road) and a new visit to M&S Bank Arena on Friday, September 19. Expect songs from the album as well as all the best hits like Dignity, Real Gone Kid and Fergus Sings the Blues.
Find out more here.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor at The Dome
The disco queen’s escaping from the kitchen and into The Dome at Grand Central to play tracks from her latest album Perimenopop. Along with entertaining us with new songs Sophie will, we hope, be singing a few classics – or there’ll be Murder on the Dancefloor.
Find out more here.
The Liverpool Wedding Show
Say I do to The Liverpool Wedding Show which is set to be the region’s largest wedding weekend with more than 70 suppliers, catwalk shows, and live entertainment at the city’s Exhibition Centre on Saturday and Sunday, September 20-21. There’s even the chance to win a venue styling package and a wedding breakfast for up to 60 guests.
Find out more here.
Bryan Adams plays Content
The Canadian singer-songwriter’s playing some intimate UK venues to celebrate the release of his new album ‘Roll With The Punches’ and thankfully the Baltic Triangle events space is one of them. He’ll be there with his band on Monday, September 1.
Find out more here.
Heritage Open Days return
The country’s largest festival of history and culture is back between September 12-20 so you can find out more about your heritage, community and local history. There are loads of events and activities, and thousands of places to visit from historic house to museums, gardens and graveyards … you can even explore buildings that aren’t normally open to the public, all for free.
Find out more here.
Fiddler on the Roof at Liverpool Empire
Fiddler On The Roof is coming to Liverpool for one week only in September, and with three Olivier Awards under its belt, it’s set to be one of the theatre events of the year. With songs like Tradition, If I Were A Rich Man and Matchmaker, one of the best-loved musicals tells the story of Tevye, a Jewish milkman who lives his life by proud traditions which, for his five daughters, means a visit from the matchmaker. As they challenge his beliefs in a changing world, can Tevye hold on to all he holds dear?
Find out more here.
Romeo & Juliet at the Everyman
It’s one of the most classic and popular love stories but Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet has got an exciting new twist in local director Ellie Hurt’s latest production which runs fromSaturday, September 13 to Saturday, October 4 at the Everyman. Waterloo Road and Time’s Alicia Forde stars as Juliet in the play which asks whether love really can overcome deep-rooted hate.
Find out more here.
British Musical Fireworks Championship
The spectacular two nights of firework fun at Victoria Park is on from the 27th to the 28th. Amazing pyrotechnical competitors from across the UK battle it out with fantastic choreographed displays set to music to see who’ll be crowned the ultimate winner.
Tickets are only available in advance here with no gate sales at the event.
Find out the latest in Liverpool here.
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Two Southport slimmers who shed a total of 23 stones have completed a daredevil skydive to raise thousands of pounds for charity.
Southport slimmers Fiona Foulder and Kelly Barker conquered their fears to jump out of a plane at 15,000ft.
The thrilling challenge at Black Knights skydive centre in Lancaster on Monday has so far raised almost £5,000 for Queenscourt Hospice which provides end of life support and care for people in Southport and Formby, and across West Lancashire.
Kelly, 45, admits: “It was absolutely terrifying, but a really emotional day.”
The epic feat was their celebration of what’s possible following weightloss after Kelly and Fiona lost a respective 18½ and 4 ½ stones.
Kelly adds: “It’s not just about weightloss, but about hope, support, and the life-changing power of your community.”
At her heaviest Kelly weighed a staggering 28½ stones and lived in constant pain, both physically and emotionally.
It was when she was offered bariatric surgery on the NHS and discovered she was terrified of dying on the operating table and leaving her son without a mother, that she realised she had to do something before it was too late.
She says; “I hit rock bottom, I wasn’t living, I was barely existing.
“I was in pain every day, ashamed, and full of fear.”
She joined Slimming World in a bid to change her life ‘putting my trust in the group and the power of the community and I’ve never looked back’.
A former Slimming World National Woman of the Year in 2023, she is now a consultant herself running groups in Ainsdale and Southport.
Fiona, 41, who’s now Slimming World district manager for Southport, lost 4 ½ stones with the help of the popular weightloss programme.
Just a few years ago Fiona was fighting for breath, tipping the scales at 16 stones and living with severe brittle asthma which left her being rushed into intensive care nine times in three years and fighting for her life.
Fiona says; “Every time I was admitted I genuinely believed I might not come out.”
Losing weight meant Fiona became eligible for treatments that controlled her condition and ultimately saved her life.
The pair say Slimming World gives hope, and help to people to like them to rebuild their lives.
“Slimming World groups are more than weigh-ins, they’re lifelines, and safe spaces where people are seen, heard and uplifted; where shame is replaced with encouragement, and isolation with belonging.
“Community is at the heart of everything Slimming World does,” says Kelly, “and that’s why we wanted to put back into the community, and raise funds for Queenscourt.
“We’ve seen the incredible compassion and care it offers to families at the most difficult time, including our Slimming World members and their loved ones.”
“Queenscourt is so important to us and it’s touched the lives of people we care about,” agrees Fiona. “Supporting it was our way of saying thank you and making sure that support is there for others when they need it.
“With the skydive, as well as raising money for an amazing place, we were showing that, like us, people can turn their lives around. We’ve gone from barely surviving to seeking thrills with an incredible skydive.
“I was nervous—but more than that, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. To be doing something so bold for a cause so close to my heart felt like a full-circle moment. I’ve known what it is to feel powerless, and now here I was, soaring through the sky, proving to myself and others that anything is possible with hope and support.”
Kelly says: “Sitting on the edge of that plane, I thought about the woman I used to be—the one who watched life from the sidelines, too afraid to dream.
“Losing 18½ stone didn’t just give me my health back—it gave me moments like this. I cried with pride, disbelief, and gratitude and I felt alive in a way I never thought possible.”
To support Kelly and Fiona and help raise money for Queenscourt Hospice in Southport, go to their JustGiving page.
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Inadequate defibrillator training putting schoolchildren’s lives at risk, warns Oliver King Foundation as new term begins
The Oliver King Foundation, a charity set up to save lives by preventing death by sudden cardiac arrests, has written to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, demanding that urgent training for how to use life-saving defibrillators is given to teachers and school staff across England.
Mark King OBE, Founder of the Oliver King Foundation, acknowledged the Government’s commitment to delivering all state-funded schools across England with defibrillators. However, the Merseyside-based charity has now urged the Government to provide training to prevent lives being put needlessly at risk as children start to return to school ahead of the new term.
The Government committed in 2022 to providing at least one defibrillator in every state-funded school by the end of the 22/23 academic year, but the Oliver King Foundation is picking up worrying concerns that, across England, the life-saving equipment is not available to use as schools do not have a trained member of staff that knows how to operate them. The charity is warning that training needs to be deployed to schools as a priority as up to 12 young people die of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome each week in the UK. It is vital that schools should be safe spaces where teachers and staff are equipped to respond effectively in emergencies.
Mark King OBE, Founder of the Oliver King Foundation, who lost his 12-year-old son to sudden cardiac arrest during a school swimming race in 2012, said:
“This is a matter of safeguarding the health and lives of our children whilst at school. Training is a common-sense solution that transcends political lines and reflects a shared commitment to the wellbeing of every child in England.”
“The presence of defibrillators in schools alone is not going to solve the problem. Providing adequate training is crucial as a means of maximising the valuable investment made by the former Government and in ensuring that every child, teacher and visitors in our schools are as safe as possible in the event of a cardiac emergency. At the moment training is not being provided adequately and we are hearing from some schools that it is non-existent, with some defibrillators being locked in cupboards never to see the light of day again. It is deeply worrying.”
“Failure to provide this training is putting the lives of schoolchildren needlessly at risk. I am calling on the Prime Minister, who is a father himself, to get his Government to act on this. It is becoming an emergency in the school system.
I have written to the Prime Minister and leaders of all political parties in the UK to raise this issue as children start returning to school next month.”
For more information, head to The Oliver King Foundation website.
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Jane Boulton, one of the standout stars of hit ITV series Airline, is taking to the stage this autumn for her first ever live tour, An Audience with Jane Boulton.
The show promises a night of hilarious anecdotes, honest storytelling and plenty of surprises, as Jane shares behind-the-scenes tales from her time on the much-loved fly-on-the-wall series, which followed EasyJet staff and passengers at airports including Liverpool and Luton.
The tour kicks off at Bolton’s Albert Halls on 18 September before heading to venues across the UK, with dates including Luton, Southampton, Stafford, Newcastle, Glasgow, Blackpool and London. Jane will also be appearing at Liverpool’s Hot Water Comedy Club on 28 September and Chester’s St Mary’s Creative Space the following night.
Jane became a household name during Airline’s nine-year run on ITV between 1998 and 2007, appearing in eight series as both a check-in troubleshooter and dispatcher. Since then, the show has enjoyed a new lease of life on YouTube and TikTok, where a whole new audience has fallen in love with her straight-talking style and memorable moments.
Fans can expect a mix of comedy, nostalgia and real-life drama, with audience interaction and the chance to meet Jane after each performance.
Speaking about the tour, Jane said:
“I’m beyond excited for the show and heading out on the road. Big energy, big laughs and a whole lot of unforgettable moments coming your way. Let’s do this!”
An Audience with Jane Boulton is a must for fans of the original Airline series, as well as anyone who loves a night of storytelling with a difference.
Get your tickets for Jane’s performance at Hot Water Comedy club here.
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Edge Hill University has joined forces with Alder Hey Children’s Hospital to host the very first Mighty Move Day, a special event designed to help young cancer patients stay active during and after treatment.
The University’s sports centre and running track were transformed into a hub of activity as children, young people and their families took part in a day full of fun, inclusive sports. From football and basketball to cycling, skill challenges and adapted activities, the event made sure that everyone had the chance to get moving, no matter their ability.
Mighty Move Day was created to celebrate strength, activity and community, while also highlighting the important role physical activity can play in boosting the health and wellbeing of young people living with or recovering from cancer.
Professor Stuart Fairclough from Edge Hill’s Department of Sport and Physical Activity said:
“It was a real privilege to welcome children and families from Alder Hey’s Oncology Unit. Seeing the children grow in confidence as they took part in the activities was heart-warming, and events like this reinforce the message that every move counts for health and wellbeing.”
The event was inspired by research led at Edge Hill into the benefits of movement for children and young people. Alder Hey’s therapy team worked alongside the University’s staff and students to deliver the day, supported by a wide range of local sports clubs, charities and community groups.
Faye Dunn, Paediatric Physiotherapist at Alder Hey, said:
“We were incredibly pleased with how many organisations came together to support the day and show what opportunities are out there for children to get involved in sport and activity. The feedback from families was amazing, and we’re hopeful we can host more events like this in the future.”
Alongside the activities, families were able to connect with groups including Cyclists Fighting Cancer, Apollo Sports, MOVE Against Cancer, Sefton Park Cricket Club, Saints Basketball Club and Liverpool CHICS, with some organisations travelling from as far as Stratford-upon-Avon to be part of the day.
The event also saw a number of children receive brand new bikes from Cyclists Fighting Cancer, helping them to carry on being active at home.
Find out more from Edge Hill Sport.
Find out how Alder Hey surgeons used new technique to save life of boy with rare condition here.
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