The late Barry Owen, a leading light of Liverpool’s property and commercial community for more than fifty years, is to have the garden in the grounds of the new Maggie’s cancer centre in the city named in his honour.  

Friends of the much-loved businessman have launched an appeal to help fund the support services and therapy activities that will be delivered in the garden to people with cancer, as well as their families.  

Mr Owen, who died aged 82 in April, took great solace from the garden at his family home near Chester in the latter stages of his own cancer journey.

Work on the new Maggie’s centre, to be built at the junction of Prescot Street and Daulby Street in Liverpool, is set to begin in March next year.

Barry’s wife Susanne said: “Barry took such great comfort from walking in our garden and sitting amidst the plants and flowers.  He would be so pleased to think that others coping with the impact of cancer could do likewise, particularly in the city he loved so much,”

“This will be a very special place that I’m sure people will treasure,” added Mrs Owen.

The new Maggie’s will be the 29^th and the third funded by the Steve Morgan Foundation, with others on Wirral and in north Wales to have benefitted from the Redrow founder’s personal charity.

Steve Morgan said: “The ethos of our Foundation is to ‘give money away well,’ and I’m sure many will want to follow that principle, too, as they acknowledge Barry’s great contribution to civic and business life.” “Every penny will go towards helping people in the Liverpool area with their cancer journey – a tough road to travel,” he added.

A number of founding key donors, including Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation, the Boodles Charitable Trust, Mason Owen, Jim Clarke and Andy and Patricia Pritchard, have already committed to support the appeal and now a JustGiving page has been launched to allow everyone who knew Barry to have the opportunity to back the project and leave a message.

Jim Davies, one of Mr Owen’s closest friends and co-founder of international law firm DWF, said the turnout at Mr Owen’s memorial service in May ‘spoke volumes’ of his impact not just on Liverpool’s business community, but the wider UK property industry.

“It was standing room only in the Anglican Cathedral and that says it all for me.  Barry gave so much to his home city and with the help of his many friends and colleagues this garden and the care and services offered in it will be his last great gift.  He was a remarkably generous man, and now he’s asking us to help others,” said Mr Davies. 

The new Maggie’s will provide free practical, psychological and emotional support for people with cancer, as well as their families and friends.

Of the 2.8 million people in Merseyside and Cheshire, around 17,000 are diagnosed each year with cancer – higher than the England average.

The latest in the Maggie’s network has been designed by HB Architects, who also designed the Wirral centre in the grounds of Clatterbridge hospital.

Those wishing to donate can go to the JustGiving page.

Get the latest updates from around the Liverpool City Region here.

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Prepare to be immersed in a transcendent world of shifting light and sound — MONUISM, a brand new installation by Liverpool artist Paul Alty, invites audiences into a luminous realm where geometry, architecture and music converge in living motion.

Set within historic walls at Old Christ Church, MONUISM will transform the venue into a dynamic, evolving landscape of monumental, ephemeral light sculptures and its happening 30 January – 1 February.

Constantly morphing in shape, scale, hue, and intensity, these structures evoke a sense of architecture in flux — as if the very idea of monumentality is being born and erased in real time.

Accompanied by a brand-new, specially composed electronic soundtrack, also available to stream and download, the installation becomes a dance of light and sound. The name “MONUISM” itself reflects this tension: monumental in scale like a sculpture or building, yet as fragile and transient as rays of light.

“Light both constructing and deconstructing the very idea of monumentality.”

A portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to Old Christ Church, helping support the venue as a community space.

The venue is fully accessible, with free parking. Under 18’s are admitted with a parent/guardian and there are adult-only sessions after 7pm.

Tickets start at £5 and can be purchased here.

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The Beatles Story, Liverpool’s oldest Beatles museum, has announced a brand-new VIP tour experience for Beatles fans, for the first time in its 35-year history.

Fans will have the exclusive opportunity to get up close and personal with highlights from the museum’s impressive privately-owned collection of Beatles artefacts!

Sit at Ringo’s original drumkit, take a look through John Lennon’s glasses, have your photo taken with George Harrison’s very first guitar, and hold Brian Epstein’s briefcase!*

Mary Chadwick, General Manager of The Beatles Story, said:

“We are offering our fans an opportunity to experience The Beatles Story in a new and exciting way. We are proud of our impressive memorabilia collection here at the museum, and we’re so excited to be able to share it with visitors in a unique way for 2026 and beyond.”

Welcome drinks and canapés, along with an intimate tour of the museum led by a guide on hand to answer any questions promise to make this a truly premium experience for Beatles fans and history enthusiasts alike.

“This exclusive VIP tour gives fans a once-in-a-lifetime chance not only to delve deeper into the fascinating stories behind our memorabilia collection, but to see our artefacts up close and personal too,” added Mary.

The exclusive 2-hour experience will start from January 2026 and be available on selected dates throughout the year at a cost of £170 per person.

Tickets can be booked for The Beatles Story VIP Experience tour here with spaces extremely limited.

Find out the latest in Liverpool here.

*Tour, artefacts and experiences may vary.

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‘Sweet and lovable gentleman’ Rio has finally found a home after spending more than seven years of his life in kennels at Freshfields Animal Rescue.

The Staffordshire Boxer cross was welcomed by his new owners last Christmas after being overlooked at Freshfields Animal Rescue where he was being cared for.

Every year staff members were heartbroken to see other dogs leaving ahead of Rio, who arrived at the Liverpool centre when he was just a pup because his owner could no longer look after him.

And that heartache was only increased when he was diagnosed with cancer – and given just six months to live.

Deb Hughes, fundraising and PR manager for Freshfields, says:

“I’ve worked for Freshfields for the entire time Rio was here, and every year it was heartbreaking to see other dogs adopted before him.

“He’s such a sweet, loveable gentleman, and he had a chaotic early life before he came to us. All we wanted was for Rio to find a loving home, a warm fireside and a family to love.”

Thankfully that home came last year when owners Liv and Liam visited Freshfields and spent months getting to know him and gain his trust.

Deb adds:

“It’s the best Christmas present he could have had.

“When Rio came to us he was confused and unsure; finding himself in rescue at his young age was a big shock.

“This sensitive soul needed guidance – under his tough exterior was a vulnerable boy who was scared and didn’t know what to do.”

With gentleness, patience and care, Rio began to interact with staff and volunteers and the centre was delighted with his progress.

When he was diagnosed with a mass cell tumour, a common type of cancer in middle-aged dogs and given such a short life expectancy, they were devastated.

But staff also knew that if they could find him a loving home, it could extend his life expectancy, perhaps as much as two years.

Liv and Liam say the past year with Rio has been ‘full of cuddles, fun and a lot of mischief’:

“He has come on in leaps and bounds with his reactivity to people,”

“Everyone falls in love with him, and he loves making new friends now. He keeps us on our toes, and we wouldn’t change him for the world.”

Deb smiles:

“He’s happy and not in any pain. He will have a longer and happier life in a home than he would if he’d remained in kennels, knowing the joy and affection of being a cherished family pet.

“He finally went home in time to open his first Christmas stocking, enjoy a tasty dinner and snooze in front of a warm fire.

“We’re so happy for him.”

Now Freshfields wants to give more dogs like Rio a happy ending.

Today it’s launched its Freshfields Animal Rescue Christmas Appeal – YOUR PRESENT, THEIR FUTURE.

Deb says:

“Christmas can be a time of joy and togetherness. For many, it’s a time for family and being with the ones you love. For cold, frightened and abandoned animals, sadly, it’s just another day, not knowing if this is the best life will get for them.

“We dread to think what would become of these poor animals without us, and without our kind supporters. We are the closest thing they have to the protection of a family and a safe place to live.”

It is estimated that 1.1 million pets are homeless across the UK, and every day pets are given up for many reasons: owners’ long-term ill-health, financial hardship, relationship breakdown and homelessness. Many who need medical help for their animals now can’t afford to take them to a vet.

Freshfields can provide hope and help, with almost 100,000 animals’ lives changed since it first opened its doors in 1979. 

With help and funding, Freshfields can:

• Give animals safety, warmth, love and medical care
• Give them compassion and gentle encouragement to trust humans again, after all they have been through
• Give them freedom from pain and fear, and the hope of a forever loving home

You can donate here and between now and December 8th, any donation will be doubled by a dedicated group of supporters and friends.

Find all the latest Liverpool news here.

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A surgical team at Liverpool’s Aintree University Hospital has become the first in Europe to successfully use robotic surgery to operate on early-stage rectal cancer using a transanal da Vinci access port.  

The Colorectal team performed the groundbreaking transanal endoscopic microsurgery for early-stage rectal cancer in October 2025, using a £2 million da Vinci single-port (SP) robotic system, having been the first NHS team to use this surgical device in 2024.

Unlike traditional surgical methods, single-port robotic surgery is minimally invasive. The robot works as an extension of the surgeon’s hand, enabling a level of precision beyond human capability.

Stella Smeeton, 69, a grandmother from Cuddington, Cheshire, was the patient who benefited from this pioneering procedure. She was referred to Aintree after a complex growth, suspected to be cancerous, was found in her bowel.

Having previously had a growth removed in 2009, her local hospital determined that due to its nature, the new growth required specialist surgery. The Colorectal service based at Aintree and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, is one of the busiest in the country and has been recognised since 2011 as a centre for excellence in the management and treatment of early-stage rectal cancer.

Speaking about her experience, Stella said:

“From the minute I was referred to Aintree, the care was second to none.

“Before the operation, I was told it could take three to six months to recover using traditional methods, but just a week after surgery, I’m already going on walks with my husband and enjoying time with my granddaughters.

“It’s a blessing to have access to this technology and I’m sure many more patients will benefit from it, just as I have, in the years to come.”

The da Vinci SP was part-funded by a generous £1 million donation from the Marina Dalglish Appeal. Hospitals in Liverpool have achieved several UK firsts in robotic surgery. Broadgreen Hospital was the first to perform prostate cancer surgery using the da Vinci SP and the first to complete knee replacement surgery with VELYS robotic technology, while the Endocrine service at the Royal Liverpool was the first in the region to use robotics to treat adrenal gland cancer.

Surgeons operate the robot from a nearby console, using hand and foot controls to guide its miniature instruments inside the body. A high-definition 3D camera provides a live, magnified video feed, allowing for enhanced visibility throughout the procedure.

The Colorectal service performs surgery on more than 700 patients each year and is continually investing in innovative forms of treatment.

Professor Shakil Ahmed, Clinical Director for Colorectal Surgery at NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, who lead the procedure, said:

“Delivering this kind of surgery is a major milestone for us and for patients in our region and reflects the dedication and expertise of our team.

“Access to this state-of-the-art technology allows us to carry out more complex procedures with less risk. Single-port robotic surgery gives our surgeons a significantly improved chance of fully removing cancerous tissue from the colon or rectum. For patients like Stella, this means faster recovery, fewer complications and better outcomes.”

“We’re committed to ensuring the benefits of this advanced surgical technique are felt far and wide. We’re actively training colorectal specialists across the UK, Europe and Australia in the use of single-port robotic surgery and its advantages. Our ambition is to remain at the forefront of colorectal innovation and help shape the future of care both nationally and internationally.”

Find out more about Liverpool’s Aintree University Hospital here.

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A devoted father has today completed an extraordinary 258-mile charity walk from London to Liverpool in memory of his daughter, raising £7,300 for Liverpool Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice, a total that will be increased to £10,000 thanks to additional support from his employer, Rhodar.

At 11:30am today, Fran O’Brien arrived at the Zoe’s Place hospice in West Derby, marking the end of his nine-day journey, a challenge undertaken to honour the nine precious days he shared with his daughter, Lily May O’Brien, who sadly passed away in 2003.

Lily May was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare and devastating congenital heart condition. During her short life, she and her family were cared for at Zoe’s Place, where Fran says they were shown “compassion, love, and the strength to face the impossible.”

To commemorate her life and support the hospice that cared for them, Fran walked 258 miles in nine days, covering the equivalent of a marathon each day. His route began on 22nd November at Rhodar’s Barking office in London and took him through communities including Potters Bar, St Albans, Luton, Northampton, Stoke-on-Trent, and many others before reaching Liverpool today.

The challenge forms part of Rhodar’s Charity-6 initiative, with Fran’s family travelling alongside him in support vehicles, helping to raise awareness and funds in the towns and villages they passed.

Speaking at the finish line, Fran said:

“Lily May changed our lives forever. We only had nine days with her, but they were filled with love, hope, and heartbreak. Liverpool Zoe’s Place cared for her with such tenderness, and they held our family when we needed it most. This walk was my way of honouring her life and giving something back to the place that supported us through the unimaginable.”

Liverpool Zoe’s Place provides specialist palliative care and respite for babies and young children with life-limiting and complex needs. The charity relies heavily on fundraising to continue offering its services to families across Liverpool and the wider region.

Matt Meany, Head of Fundraising from Liverpool Zoe’s Place said:

“We are incredibly moved by Fran’s powerful tribute to Lily and his remarkable commitment to supporting Zoe’s Place. His strength, love, and determination are an inspiration to us all, and the funds he has raised will make a real difference to the babies and families we care for. We are honoured that Fran chose to finish this emotional journey here at the hospice.”

Fran is encouraging supporters to continue donating and to help raise awareness of the essential work carried out by Zoe’s Place.

Donations can be made here.

Zoe’s Place will soon become Little Lights, find out more here.

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Merseyrail is getting into the festive spirit with a special Christmas timetable designed to help customers make the most of the season.

Services will run every day except Christmas Day, with early finishes on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, and special services on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. 

This year, the city region rail operator is also proud to be supporting businesses located on or near the network, through a unique advent calendar event at Liverpool Central station. From 1 to 23 December, a giant advent calendar will adorn the wall of the station. Each day, customers will have the chance to win prizes generously donated by locally based businesses, highlighting the importance of shopping local and supporting the community during the festive period.

As a grand finale, one lucky customer will win a bumper prize bundle behind door number 24, including a year’s worth of free travel, £500 in Love2Shop vouchers, Aintree Grand National tickets, and more. Participation is easy, just scan a QR code at stations or visit the operator’s special festive webpage.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, Merseyrail’s charities of the year will be present on the network throughout December, with collections supporting worthy causes. Carol singers and Santa’s elves will also be on hand to spread holiday cheer.

Suzanne Grant, Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy Managing Director at Merseyrail, said:

“The festive season is a special time for our customers and communities. Our special Christmas timetable will help keep everyone moving across the region, whether you’re heading to see loved ones, doing some shopping, or joining in the celebrations.”

“By partnering with local businesses and charities, we’re bringing people together and supporting our community. I encourage everyone to join in the festivities, support our charity partners, and make the most of everything Merseyrail has to offer this Christmas.”

Find out more on the Merseyrail website.

Find out whats on across Liverpool this Christmas here.

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One of Liverpool’s most recognisable and best-loved cafés is set for a new era as Café Tabac prepares to join the Ma Pub Group family on Wednesday 3 December.

The Bold Street institution, which has been part of the city’s cultural heartbeat for more than fifty years, will continue to trade with the same name, character and community spirit that made it an icon.

Opened in the seventies by Rita Lawrence, Café Tabac quickly became a haven for Liverpool’s creative crowd. Through the eighties it was a gathering place for artists, musicians and performers, with the likes of Holly Johnson, Pete Burns, Margi Clarke, Ian McCulloch, Jayne Casey and Gerry Potter all part of its story. Its red façade, smoky charm and bohemian feel made it a refuge for generations who shaped the city’s alternative scene.

Ma Pub Group, the team behind Ma Boyle’s Alehouse and Eatery, Tempest on Tithebarn, Nova Scotia and Newington Temple, will now guide Tabac into its next era. All staff will remain in place, and the venue will continue to offer the food, cocktails and atmosphere regulars know and love.

The transition marks an emotional moment for Baa Bar Limited CEO Elaine Clarke, whose family roots run deep within the venue. Café Tabac was opened by her aunt, and Elaine began her own hospitality career there at just 14. After more than three decades linked to the café and more than 20 years as its owner, the handover comes with both pride and sadness.

Elaine said the venue has always felt like part of her family and that keeping its independent, creative identity alive has guided every decision she has made. She described the handover to Ma Pub Group director Iain Hoskins as a full-circle moment, as Iain once began his own career working with her in the nineties.

Iain said taking on Café Tabac is an honour, calling it one of the last living reminders of a Liverpool that has inspired generations. He added that the team’s priority is to protect everything that makes Tabac special and ensure it remains the warm, welcoming cornerstone of Bold Street it has always been.

Known for its breakfasts, hearty plates, cocktails and coffee, the venue will continue to be a go-to spot for meet-ups from morning right through to late night. With the festive season approaching, the transition comes at a time when the café is at its most atmospheric.

Elaine thanked the teams and customers who have kept Café Tabac thriving across five decades, saying their loyalty and love are the reason it became such an important part of Liverpool’s story.

Ma Pub Group officially takes over Café Tabac on Wednesday 3 December.

Follow Café Tabac on Instagram.

Check out this new restaurant to open on Bold Street bringing a mix of Middle Eastern & Mediterranean flavours.

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Arne Slot admitted Alexander Isak’s first Premier League goal for Liverpool was important for both him and the club.

Sweden striker Isak had just one Carabao Cup goal to his name following his protracted £125million summer switch from Newcastle.

But his well-taken strike against the Hammers, and Cody Gakpo’s stoppage-time goal, fired stuttering champions Liverpool – on a run of nine defeats in 12 matches in all competitions – to a much-needed 2-0 victory.

Arne Slot said:

“It’s very important for us as a team that we went 1-0 up, but I think it was also important for him because I think it was his third or fourth chance of this game.”

“I don’t think there was much more than 10 minutes in him to go, so then to score just before you come off was important for us, but also for him.”

Slot took drastic action in a bid to halt their alarming slide by dropping Mohamed Salah for Isak.

It was a big call, and the first time the Egypt striker had been left out of a Premier League starting line-up since April 2024, also at West Ham in a 2-2 draw.

That day Salah had a stand-up row with manager Jurgen Klopp on the touchline before going on as a late substitute.

This time he did not get on at all, with Slot replacing Isak with Hugo Ekitike shortly after his goal.

“Mo has had an unbelievable career here at this club and will have a very good future at this club because he’s such a special player,” Slot added.

“We have four games in 10 days with only 14 to 15 outfield players available for us. Then you have to decide once in a while to make a certain line-up and you try to pick the best line-up for every single game.”

Liverpool were worthy winners, but they were helped by West Ham who, as they so often do, rolled out the claret and blue carpet to a team in need.

There was also a ludicrous red card for Lucas Paqueta, when the Brazilian was booked for dissent by referee Darren England, went back for a second moan and was duly sent off.

Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo said:

“I think we started well in the game. We required better accuracy, crossing and shooting. But we were in the game.

“How we conceded was disappointing. But we kept trying until the end, yeah.”

The defeat came hours after it was announced West Ham great Billy Bonds had died.

Nuno added:

“We felt that we wanted to do another thing that can honour the memory of Billy Bonds, and it was not to be.”

Find all the latest Liverpool FC news here.

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Around 30 Crosby residents are now taking part in the Library’s Community Composting scheme.

Large composting bins have been installed at the library. They are locked but members of the scheme, are given a key code so they can deposit their garden waste.

When the material has decomposed, members can then take it away to use on their gardens.

This new scheme is being trialled by Crosby Library’s community garden club and takes advantage of the Liverpool City Region Community Composting initiative.

Cllr Liz Dowd, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member whose responsibilities include Libraries, said:

“This is a great scheme which is resulting in organic waste being recycled naturally and locally and then taken back to feed local people’s flowers, plants and vegetables.

“We were initially set the target of signing up 30 residents over the first two years of the scheme, but we have almost reached that number already and more are welcome.

“Numbers taking part aren’t limited and people just need to call in at Crosby Library and ask one of the team, about getting involved.”

Over 30 sites have been set up across Liverpool City Region through the Community Composting scheme. They are in locations such as parks, churchyards, greenspaces, community gardens and alleyways. And now a Library too.

Compost Champions, like the volunteers from Crosby Library’s community garden club help to promote and manage the sites and keep the composts well turned. Typical sites have three compost bins that are used in rotation. Sometimes tiger worms are added to speed up the composting process.

Cllr Dowd added:

“Community composting can be a handy solution for people who don’t have the space for their own bin but want to recycle and use their garden waste.

“I just hope there’s some left over to use on our lovely garden at Crosby Library.”

Crosby, Bootle and Formby Libraries all have community gardens, maintained by dedicated gardening club members library staff and volunteers. Visitors can enjoy sunshine and serenity and their latest favourite book.

Find out more about Sefton Libraries here.

Find all the latest Sefton 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.

We’ve landed in December and already wondering if pigs in blankets could actually count as breakfast? Time to go full festive, here are 16 things happening in Liverpool this week …

Elf the Musical is on at M&S Bank Arena

Elf the movie is on everyone’s Christmas list, and now you can see it live. Jordan Conway is Buddy in a hit stage adaptation that’s been breaking records. Expect a brilliant production including Santa’s flying sleigh, an interactive audience snowball fight and giant candy cane journey from the North Pole, set against video-film backdrops on a massive LED screen. At the Arena on Saturday and Sunday.

Find out more here.

Liverpool Santa Dash 2025

The fundraising BTR Liverpool Santa Dash kickstarts Christmas this Sunday with more than 9,000 Santas – dressed in a mix of red and blue suits – setting off at 9.30am from the Pier Head, through the Albert Dock and around the city centre to a finish line at the Town Hall. There’ll also be a Mini Dash 1K, which starts in Castle Street at 11am, for under 12s.

Find out more here.

Christmas night out at Roxy Ball Room

If you’re still looking for a place for your do, Roxy Ball Room’s a top pick because you can’t beat a bit of Chrimbo competition. With loads of different festive packages, Roxys in Hanover Street, Cavern Quarter and School Lane let you celebrate with a perfect mix of ball games, plus great food and drinks, all under one roof. 

Find out more here.

Enchanted continues to light up Knowsley Safari

If you’ve not taken the kids to Enchanted yet, make it a Christmas must-do because it’s absolutely magical. With its dazzling light trail, illuminated animals, Enchanted Woodland and Winter Village where you can toast marshmallows, and Santa’s Grotto, it’s a gorgeous way to get excited for the big day. Until December 23.

Find out more here.

Santa’s Secret Forest continues to wow

We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to amazing festive experiences this year, and Santa’s Secret Forest is a real wow. Set in 40 acres of woodland in Hightown, it’s packed with fabulous features including real-life reindeer, elves in the Toy Workshop, the Tinsel Town Express and magical elevators to take you to the man himself. Until Christmas Eve. 

Find out more here.

Christmas shopping at local stores at Royal Albert Dock

Looking for a special gift, maybe something extra-thoughtful or unique? Head to the Albert Dock because you’ll find lots of ideas to tick off your pressie list. The Nest has art and gifts by local creators, treat someone to handmade Roly’s Fudge, find jewellery and gems at Nature’s Treasure or get graphic print tees, hoodies and caps at Lost Soles. 

Find out more here.

Matilda the Musical at Liverpool Empire

One of the biggest touring shows of the year arrives at the Empire in time for a Christmas theatre trip to remember. The multi-award winning global sensation Matilda the Musical is coming to Liverpool for the first time, recreating Roald Dahl’s much-loved book in a superb stage version. From Tuesday to Jan 4.  

Find out more here.

Step into Christmas at M&S Bank Arena

Who doesn’t enjoy a Christmas sing-along? This feelgood show at the Arena on Saturday night promises to be a massive one. It’s crammed full of Christmas crackers, from ballads to timeless anthems, all performed by top singers and a live band, and backed by some stunning festive visuals.

Find out more here.

December race-day at Aintree Racecourse

If you love the thrill of live horseracing, this Saturday is an early Christmas bonus because top-class racing returns to Aintree. Gates open at 10am on William Hill Becher Chase Day and there’s a full card including the William Hill Becher Handicap Steeple Chase over the famous Grand National fences.

Find out more here.

Brewski opens in Liverpool ONE

New to Liverpool ONE’s Leisure Terrace, Brewski’s got a huge following for its American-inspired food, especially the giant sharing platters, and now it’s opening here so you can try out winners like slow-cooked sage lamb shoulder topped garlic butter roasties, and hot honey glazed pigs in blankets.

Find out more here.

See Sleeping Beauty at the Floral Pavilion

Panto season’s definitely arrived and we’ve got lots to choose from, including this all-time traditional favourite, Sleeping Beauty, at the Floral Pavilion. It opens on Saturday and runs to Jan 4, with laughs and songs for all the family and a great cast that features Kelle Bryan from Eternal as Fairy Snowfall. 

Find out more here.

Or Cinderella at the Epstein Theatre

You can never have too many pantos – oh no you can’t … so if you’re looking for another fun one, you can rely on the Epstein to deliver. Corrie’s Katie McGlynn will step into the glass slippers of the heroine, with Leanne Campbell as a super-glam Fairy Godmother, and Kevin Duala playing Buttons. From Friday.

Find out more here.

Carols by Lantern Light at St George’s Hall

This Wednesday and next Wednesday, join one of the most beautiful Christmas experiences in the city, with Carols by Lantern Light at St George’s Hall. St George’s singers and mezzo soprano Danielle Louise Thomas will perform carols like O Holy Night and Silent Night in stunning surroundings. From 6pm.

Find out more here.

Everyman Cinema is showing classic Christmas films like Elf & The Grinch

A Christmas film binge is guaranteed to get you in the mood, and the Everyman Cinema at Metquarter must have everyone’s number one in its festive programme, so you can grab a cocktail and get cosy on a sofa with The Grinch, Die Hard, Elf, The Holiday, Love Actually, Home Alone 1 and 2, and more.

Find out more here.

Tuck into festive food at Liverpool Christmas Market 

One of the best things about Liverpool Christmas Market is the food, there’s something about eating on the plateau surrounded by twinkly lights and the giant wheel that says 100% Christmas is here. Tuck in to bratwurst, Yorkshire pud wraps, gyros, not forgetting the legends collab, Spud Man x John the Spud!  

Find out more here.

Hawksmoor launches new Christmas sides like Cows in Blankets!

Are pigs in blankets a bit 2024 now and nobody told us? Make room for new Christmas trimmings that are an absolute game changer. Hawksmoor has unveiled festive sides for this year and they include cows in blankets – beef and bone marrow chipolatas, wrapped in smoked streaky bacon with a maple glaze. 

Find out more here.

For more of what’s on in Liverpool check out our calendar 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.

Liverpool Soundz has just announced a city-wide battle of the bands competition that will launch in January.

Heats will take place at four venues in the city (District, Tunnel, Arts Club) and the final will be held at The Dome. Heats will take place from January to May 2026 and will feature 32 bands.

There will be a huge prize pot of £1000 for the winning act who will also win help with their merchandise designs from Toucan Tango and a press release from renowned Music PR company, Sonic PR. All finalists will also win a cash prize.

Organisers are looking for bands and groups across all musical genres, founder Craig McVeigh explains:

“We want to highlight the musical diversity of the city of Liverpool and are looking forward to helping to discover the next big thing to come out of the area.”

Bands will be selected by the public who will be voting for their favourites after each round of performances, supported by a panel of local industry professionals who will judge each act based on a number of criteria and ensure finalists are selected on musical merit as well as crowd appeal.

Liverpool Promoter Good Times have teamed up with four of the city’s most iconic venues to create a platform for new voices on the Merseyside music scene. Drawing on years of experience in live events and a strong international network, Liverpool Soundz is a passion project dedicated to expanding opportunities for local artists and celebrating the region’s distinctive talent. 

Good Times have previously worked with some of the UK’s most exciting breakthrough acts, including Kneecap, Radio Free Alice, and The Amazons.

Applications to be part of Battle of the Bands are now open, but be quick as they close on 16^th December 2025.

Musicians wanting to be a part of Liverpool Soundz Battle of the Bands can enter here.

Find all the latest Liverpool music 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.

A huge brand new padel centre with indoor and outdoor courts is now open in Speke.

Ignite Padel, a Liverpool-based company, opened its first site in Liverpool in April 2025 on Queens Drive, with six floodlit outdoor courts. They then opened another site in Ellesmere Port in Cheshire Oaks in September this year, which has five indoor and two outdoor courts. 

Their third opening, in Speke, was due to be the largest padel centre in the UK, but the owners of Ignite Padel have instead dropped 2 padel courts off the original plans and for good reasons!. The reasoning behind this was to instead  create more spectator space and room for academy and local community hub activities.

The latest Ignite Padel site opened on Monday 1st December in Speke and will  consist of 6 indoor courts and 4 outdoor covered courts – so the game can be played the way it was intended. This will be the city of Liverpool’s first indoor site and will mean Ignite Padel now has 23 courts across 3 sites in the region. Each site gets bigger than the last one.

Now the fastest growing racquet sport in the world, padel – which is a cross between tennis and squash – has become hugely popular in the UK.

Stephen Broad – Partner at Ignite Padel says:

“We initially looked at building 12 courts in total but had a change of heart for several reasons. Firstly we wanted to be able to offer more viewing spaces for big tournaments with the FIP. FIP stands for the International Padel Federation, which is the global governing body for the sport of padel. They can now hold world level events at this site due to the mix of courts and spectator space.

We also want the local community to be able to use the centre as a hub for a range of different services. From community events to academy training. Our aim for this Speke site is for it to be a 24 hour site also. Initially when we first open it would operate from 6am to midnight everyday. We want Ignite Padel sites to be at the heart of each community they are based in. Whether that be for sport or for community fun days and so on.”

Like the Cheshire Oaks site there will be a licensed bar and a specialised coffee shop for a relaxing drink after a game showing all of the  Sky Sports and TNT Sports action. 

Ignite Padel Speke will also contain a retail store where players can shop for racquets, balls and clothing in person rather than online and find exactly the right fit.

Like the other sites Ignite Padel Speke, will offer expert coaching from beginner to more experienced level. 

Thomas Lawton added:

“In terms of coaches and classes Ignite Padel have a new coach called Paige Williams, who was an ex professional footballer player in Italy & England,  who is now a Level 3* padel coach.  Paige will now focus on coaching the women’s game at Ignite sites as well as the kids academy. 

Another coach at Ignite Padel is Juan Cruz, from Argentina, who will be coaching more advanced classes. Juan has over 15 years of experience and is a top player and coach.”

Chris Watson – Partner at Ignite Padel concludes:

“By the time we open next week we will have created over 60 full and part-time jobs since opening our first site on Queens Drive in Stoneycroft, in April this year. This is something all three partners are very proud of as a new local company from the city  creating jobs in padel tennis.”

Find out more about Ignite Padel 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.

Bonita Brazilian BBQ is proud to announce the opening of its first-ever permanent pitch at St. John’s Shopping Centre in Liverpool, launching on 6th December.

After a successful season on the road, the team behind Bonita is bringing the bold, fiery and soulful flavours of Northeast Brazil to the heart of the city, outside one of Liverpool’s most iconic shopping destinations.

Having traded at markets across the Northwest, Bonita Brazilian BBQ has quickly earned a reputation for not being your typical street food setup. The concept blends the energy and spirit of Brazilian street cooking with the precision, technique and creativity of restaurant-level cuisine. Every dish is freshly prepared and cooked over fire, delivering an authentic Brazilian barbecue experience that is vibrant, generous and truly unforgettable.

A highlight of the menu and already a crowd favourite, is Batata Bonita, Bonita’s signature loaded fries. This dish represents the playful fusion at the heart of the brand. Crispy British fries layered with Brazilian barbecue meats and topped with a rich, homemade bone marrow gravy slow cooked for 24 hours. It is bold, comforting and indulgent. Exactly what Bonita stands for.

Another cornerstone of the menu is Baião de Dois, a dish deeply rooted in the culture of Northeast Brazil. Often described as the soul of the region, this recipe brings together creamy rice, black eyed beans, caramelised onion, herbs and queijo coalho cheese. At Bonita, it is prepared with care and precision, respecting its origins while allowing it to shine alongside flame grilled meats. Baião is comforting, humble and full of character. It carries memory, pride and a sense of home. For many, it is more than food. It is identity.

Bonita’s food is driven by the resilience and passion of Chef Sam Atkinson. Cooking has always been part of Sam’s identity, long before life changed in a way no one could have predicted. In 2020, Sam survived the Bow crane collapse in East London, an event that took lives, caused devastation and left physical and emotional scars that could not be ignored. Recovery became a long and uncertain road and the world felt unfamiliar.

Through that darkness, one thing never left him. Cooking remained steady. It was not something discovered after the trauma. It was the part of him that stayed standing when everything else fell. In the kitchen, he found focus, routine and a sense of self that the accident could not take away.

Today, every flame kissed dish at Bonita is more than food. It is a reflection of survival, heritage and gratitude. It represents the belief that even after unimaginable disruption, life can be rebuilt with intention, pride and heart. Bonita exists because Sam refused to give up who he is and because sometimes, the hardest chapters lead to the most meaningful work.

Sam trained professionally at Bluebird Chelsea, one of London’s most renowned restaurants. He brings refined technique and creativity to Brazilian barbecue. His menu at Bonita offers a diverse and exciting range of dishes, blending authentic Brazilian flavours with modern twists. Always vibrant. Always full of life.

Brazilian actor, singer and songwriter Paulo Fraval is the creative force shaping Bonita’s identity. With an artistic eye for colour, pattern and cultural storytelling, Paulo brings a concept that channels the energy of Brazil while celebrating its joyful connection with the UK. His vision is woven into every detail, from the brand’s visual language to the atmosphere customers feel the moment they arrive.

Choosing Liverpool as Bonita’s first permanent home was easy. There is a natural affinity between Brazilian culture and the Scouse spirit. Joy, warmth, community and a love of life.

The Bonita founders said:

“Joy is the bridge between Brazil and Liverpool. The people here made us feel at home from our first visit. We love Liverpool and we could not imagine launching our first house anywhere else.”

Bonita Brazilian BBQ officially opens on 6th December at St. John’s Shopping Centre, offering visitors an exciting new destination for authentic Brazilian flavours, flame grilled meats and a vibrant fusion with British comfort cuisine. Bonita brings people together through food that feels bold, warm and unmistakably joyful.

Find out more about Bonita Brazilian BBQ 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.

Musical icon Nile Rodgers and legendary band CHIC will be headlining the Salt & Tar Music Weekender in Bootle on Sunday 16th August.

With a career spanning over 50 years, Rodger’s has shaped the sound of modern music as a musician, songwriter, arranger and producer.

And now he is bringing his characteristic guitar style, unmistakable groove and distinctive approach to songwriting – which has seen him collaborate with the biggest names on the planet – to Bootle.

Over the years, Bootle’s Salt and Tar Music Weekender has featured a stunning range of artists including Sir Tom Jones, Sugababes, Ocean Colour Scene, Billy Ocean, Status Quo, Red Rum Club and The K’s. The Waterboys and The Saw Doctors have already been announced as other headliners for 2026.

Since its launch in 2023, the Music Weekender has grown significantly in popularity with almost 12,000 people attending in 2025. The events have helped put Salt and Tar on the map as a key Merseyside destination for entertainment and culture.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Skills and Employment, said:

“Nile Rodgers and Chic? C’est fantastique. People are gonna freak when they hear this news.

“It’s so exciting to be announcing yet another world class headliner for the Salt and Tar Music Weekender.”

Owing to the work to regenerate the Bootle Strand area, which includes an expansion of the permanent Salt and Tar venue, the Music Weekender will take up a temporary residence for 2026. The nearby Lock & Quay, Bootle’s much-loved, community-owned pub and canalside venue, will host the event. Its large garden and green space adjoining the canal, which will be transformed into a vibrant festival site for next year.

Cllr Lappin added: “By becoming a thriving cultural hub Salt and Tar is key to our vision for transforming the Bootle Strand area and revitalising Bootle’s town centre, its communities and its economy.

“It’ll be great to take the Music Weekender ‘on tour’ for 2026, and great to take it back to its bigger and better home in 2027.”

The Music Weekender forms part of Sefton Council’s wider regeneration programme for Bootle, supporting local businesses, attracting visitors and creating new opportunities for residents.

Tickets go on general sale at 10am on Friday 5 December here and people can find updates and more ticket information about Nile Rodgers and CHIC at Salt & Tar Music Weekender in Bootle here.

Find out 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.

The Matcham Experience will descend upon the historic Liverpool Olympia this Easter – revealing a haunting ghost story that promises to unsettle, disturb and linger long after the curtain falls.

The reality-transcending immersive spectacle is set to be staged at the West Derby Road landmark from 2-5 April 2026. Tickets are on sale now.

The Matcham Experience, which comes from the creators of the award-winning Scare City Experience, ventures into a different kind of fear: the kind born from history that refuses to stay buried, from echoes that refuse to stay silent and from secrets a building can keep for generations.

At its heart lies the tale of a forgotten presence, one said to move through the Olympia’s corridors, awakening whenever the theatre’s past is disturbed.

Set inside the historic Grade II* listed venue, which is currently celebrating its 120^th anniversary, the theatrical event will lead audiences through a live experience which is as beautiful as it is unnerving. The Matcham Experience invites visitors to enter a space where stories resurface, time warps, and the building becomes part of the performance. Here, echoes don’t simply return – they reach out.

Staged in the very space which once hosted legends like Harry Houdini and The Beatles, the production pays homage to Frank Matcham, the visionary architect who designed more than 90 playhouses, including the Liverpool Olympia – which opened in April 1905 as a purpose-built indoor circus and variety theatre for up to 4,000 people – and the London Palladium.

Here, his legacy becomes the framework for something far darker, as the past breathes through the walls.

Described as ‘an immersive theatre experience where buried histories surge to the surface’, Matcham draws inspiration from the venue’s own legends. Audiences will step into a multi-sensory world where the boundary between watcher and watched dissolves and where an unseen presence may be closer than expected.

The Matcham Experience is produced by Mike Stuart, consultant in theatrical illusion for the Scare City Experience, whose 11-year journey in immersive theatre includes Circo’s Excentrico in 2014, Sir Ken Dodd’s final children’s show at Liverpool Cathedral, the Light Night festival and Liverpool’s hugely popular Christmas Dinner shows at the Town Hall.

Mike Stuart said today: 

“The Matcham Experience is about stepping into a world that feels alive, unsettling and impossible to predict. It’s theatre you don’t just watch; it’s theatre you find yourself inside. We look forward to welcoming audiences next April.”

Liverpool Olympia managing director Chris Zorba added: 

“The Matcham Experience will be a spectacular and fitting finale to the Olympia’s 120th year. It will bring a modern immersive experience in tandem to paying homage to the steeped history of the iconic Venue and architect Frank Matcham.”

Book your tickets for the Matcham Experience at Liverpool Olympia 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.

Liverpool fans can still unlock unforgettable memories at Anfield for less, just in time for Christmas. 

Supporters can save 30% on the award winning LFC Stadium Tour & Museum, using code BLACKFRIDAY30 on select dates. The same discount applies to LFC gift cards and e-vouchers, perfect for a special someone. 

The LFC Stadium Tour offers supporters exclusive behind-the-scenes access into the home of LFC, including the player’s dressing rooms, press area and the iconic This is Anfield sign.  

All tours include entry to The LFC Museum, featuring cutting-edge exhibits, legendary moments, major silverware and the limited-time Champions 24/25 exhibition. 

Visitors can further elevate their Anfield visit or Christmas gifting selection with the code BLACKFRIDAY20, valid across a variety of premium LFC experiences, including:

·       Matchday Tour – experience a VIP style build-up to the game with insider access to Anfield. Walk through the tunnel just hours before the squad, take in the Directors’ Box view and feel the stadium come alive around you. 

·       The Legends Q&A – hear dressing room tales and funny anecdotes from a former LFC player during a lively Q&A session, with the chance to ask your own burning questions.  

·       The Anfield Abseil – a thrilling 100ft descent from the top of the Main Stand, with adrenaline-filled views over Liverpool, a photo opportunity next to the Club’s iconic crest and a unique perspective of one of football’s most famous stadiums. 

·       The Anfield Experience – enjoy an all-inclusive day at Anfield featuring live music, delicious food, an in-depth Q&A hosted by Steve Hothersall, an unforgettable Stadium Tour, a special gift bag and more. 

Offers end at 8am GMT on Thursday 4 December 2025.

Find out more on the Liverpool FC website.

Find all the latest Liverpool FC 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.

Castle Street’s food scene is set to grow again next summer as Flat Iron confirms it will open a new restaurant in one of Liverpool’s most historic streets.

The 100-cover spot will bring the brand’s well-known approach of serving quality steak at an affordable price right into the heart of the city.

The menu will centre on the signature flat iron steak, taken from the featherblade and known for its flavour and tenderness when expertly butchered. Guests can also expect a changing board of specials, including wagyu dishes and the green chilli cheeseburger made with beef from the Flat Iron herd in Thirsk, Yorkshire. Sides will include beef dripping chips, creamed spinach, truffled macaroni cheese and crispy bone marrow garlic mash.

The drinks list will feature a curated selection of wines, including the restaurant’s own malbec created for Flat Iron using grapes from the Limoux region in southern France. Draft beers and house cocktails will also be available.

The new site sits inside a grade II listed building that once served as the Royal Liver Assurance headquarters in the 1930s. Designed by Macaulay Sinclair, the interior will nod to the building’s history while keeping the warm, relaxed feel that Flat Iron is known for, high ceilings, natural materials and soft lighting will shape the space, with a central bar connecting the bar and dining areas.

Flat Iron’s head of beef, Fred Smith, said:
“Our mission has always been simple: to offer remarkable, carefully sourced steak at an affordable price. Liverpool has been on our wish list for a long time and we’re excited to finally bring Flat Iron to the city and join its incredible food scene.”

Flat Iron Liverpool will open in summer 2026 on Castle Street.

Follow @flatironsteak on instagram for updates.

Check out The Ivy Asia Liverpool which has officially opened on Castle Street.

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.

Independent restaurant chain Brewski, which has built up a big following for its American-inspired comfort food with a difference, will open in Liverpool ONE in December.

Known for its huge sharing platters, slow-cooked meats and innovative flavours, it’s moving onto the leisure terrace just in time for some festive feasting.

With a menu influenced by its co-founders travels around the US, Brewski’s mission is to create dishes that have never been done before.

That means for Christmas there’s a whole spread of gorgeous combos like sage and onion stuffing crumbed cauli cheese, hot honey glazed pigs in blankets with beef gravy, and garlic butter roasties topped with pulled lamb, deep fried sage and crispy prosciutto. 

Brewski co-founder James Daly said:

“We want to bring happiness through hospitality, and through unique dining experiences so we love coming up with stuff that’s the first hashtag on Instagram,”.

“We’re obsessed with innovating and bringing dishes you don’t get anywhere else, and we change our menu five times a year just because we’ve got so many ideas.”

Liverpool ONE Brewski will be the fourth in the UK, after its launch in 2017 in Chorlton.

Although it was originally planned to be a bar with good food, social media posts during Covid teasing what would be on its menu after reopening saw its fanbase explode.

Now people do round-trips of two or three hours just try to out what they’ve seen posted and they don’t leave hungry – or empty-handed.

“We get lots of reviews from people who’ve travelled miles saying it was worth the visit, the service and food were great and it lived up to Instagram expectations,” says James. “And that gives us forward momentum to keep doing what we’re doing.

“We’re comfort food but everything is made in-house and a lot of prep hours go into the menu. We know we’re treat day for a lot of people so we want to make sure they’re well-fed, and they’ll often end up packaging it up and taking it home with them.”

Brewski Liverpool ONE will open to the public on Saturday December 6, launching with the Christmassy menu then shifting to ‘ski season’ in January with typically quirky dishes like French onion soup burgers – a burger topped with slow-cooked onions that’s dipped in broth, with lots of deep-fried cheese. 

Even the signature cocktails get their own seasonal makeover, with Christmas in New York-inspired cocktails for winter and a Mardi Gras influenced menu in spring.

At the end of January, its Sunday menu – which is fully booked at other branches – will land, bringing with it the Brewski viral sensation pig in blanket dipped into a Yorkshire pudding filled with hot cheese sauce!

James says the response from Liverpool followers to their arrival has been really positive so they can’t wait to open.

“Quite a few have already visited us in Chorlton or Chester so they’re happy to have it on their own doorstep and obviously Liverpool ONE is booming which is great.

“Hopefully we can bring something different to the city and we’re very lucky to have an amazing terrace which will be open from around March. That seats about 80, and you get panoramic views so we’re really excited to have such a great space.”

Find out more about Brewski 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.

St Helens Theatre Royal Christmas Pantomine, Dick Whittington, is on now!

St Helens’ stunning seasonal show is now open, and audiences are being promised an unforgettable festive treat.

Dick Whittington dazzled theatregoers on its opening weekend at St Helens Theatre Royal, with the lavish all-singing, all-dancing production enchanting young and old alike.

Emmerdale’s Matthew Wolfenden plays the title role in the Regal Entertainments Ltd pantomime which now runs until Sunday 11 January 2026.

And he is joined on stage by St Helens’ favourites Lewis Devine as Idle Jack and Timothy Lucas as baddie King Rat, along with the talented Chantelle Morgan as Alice Fitzwarren, Rachael Wood as Fairy Bow Bells, Jenna Sian O’Hara as Dick’s cat Tommi and Richard Aucott who plays Felicity Fitzwarren.

This Christmas is the first time in Regal Entertainments’ 25-year history that it has staged the story of Dick Whittington, and it has refreshed and revived the much-loved story to create a vibrant, fast-paced family-friendly spectacular.

Alongside the glittering scenery and fabulous costumes St Helens audiences have come to expect, the show is also features incredible new West End-inspired 3D technology which takes viewers on an amazing underwater adventure.

When poor-but-ambitious young Dick Whittington hears the streets of London are paved with gold, he sets off from his Emmerdale Yorkshire Dales home accompanied only by his loyal cat Tommi.

There in the big city he is befriended by a magical fairy, falls for Alice the beautiful daughter of big-hearted businesswoman Felicity Fitzwarren, and does battle with the villainous King Rat. Will our hero find his fortune and live happily ever after with his true love? Or will the dastardly King Rat and his gang succeed in foiling his dreams?

Matthew Wolfenden is making his St Helens Theatre Royal debut in the title role. Matthew is best known for his iconic and long-running portrayal of David Metcalfe in Emmerdale, a role that has captured the hearts of audiences from 2006 to 2024. As the charming shopkeeper David became one of the show’s most beloved characters, earning Matthew multiple nominations for Best Actor, Funniest Male and Best Serial Drama Performance at the National Television Awards, British Soap Awards and TV Choice Awards among others.

His other television credits include The Good Ship Murder, Hollyoaks and Courtroom.

Matthew’s stage credits include Sex, Chips and Rock ‘n’ Roll at Manchester’s Royal Exchange, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (National Theatre), Godspell (Square Chapel Theatre) and a national tour of Saturday Night Fever. Most recently he has starred as Buddy in the hit musical comedy Elf at London’s Dominion Theatre.

Lewis Devine plays Idle Jack. Lewis is no stranger to St Helens’ audiences as the theatre’s much-loved resident comic. He played Muddles in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs last Christmas, while his other roles for Regal Entertainments include Silly Billy in Goldilocks and the Three Bears, French Frank in Beauty and the Beast, Wishee Washee in Aladdin, Chester the Jester in Sleeping Beauty and Buttons in Cinderella.

Timothy Lucas is King Rat. Liverpool Theatre School trained singer and actor Tim makes a welcome return to St Helens after appearing most recently as the Genie in Aladdin. His other work for Regal Entertainments includes appearances in Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and Jack and the Beanstalk. His performance as baddie Baron von Vippermall in Goldilocks and the Three Bears for Regal Entertainments at the Epstein Theatre saw him shortlisted for a National Panto Award.

Meanwhile Chantelle Morgan is Alice Fitzwarren. Chantelle shone as Snow White at St Helens last Christmas, appearing alongside superstar Maureen Nolan and Corrie’ Emrhys Cooper after beating 150 other hopefuls to the role in open auditions. She returned to the theatre in February to star as Fairy Rose in Beauty and the Beast and most recently played Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz during the October half term.

Rachael Wood appears as Fairy Bow Bells. LIPA-trained actor and singing teacher Rachael’s previous roles for Regal Entertainments include the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty and Madam Botox in Beauty and the Beast.

Tommi the cat is played by Jenna Sian O’Hara. Jenna is also no stranger to St Helens audiences. She most recently appeared as Sue in Rita, Sue and Bob Too both at the theatre and on a national tour, while previously she played Fairy Mary in Jack and the Beanstalk, Baby Bear and an aerial performer in Goldilocks and the Three Bears and Emily in The Salon, the Sequel! This month she is in Regal Entertainment’s new production of Night Collar.

And Richard Aucott is Felicity Fitzwarren. A much-loved and experience Dame, Richard’s many panto credits at St Helens Theatre Royal include Queen Hermione and Nanny Nora in Sleeping Beauty, Dame Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk, Sarah the Cook in Dick Whittington and Widow Twankey in Aladdin, an Ugly Sister in Cinderella, Nurse Nelly in Snow White and Potty Polly in Beauty and the Beast.

Dick Whittington is written by David Phipps Davis and directed by Chantelle Joseph, with choreography from Nazene Danielle. Musical director is Steve Power.

St Helens theatre manager and panto director Chantelle Joseph says:

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the response to the show since we opened our doors on Friday. St Helens’ audiences are always fantastic and there’s really nothing better than seeing the joy and wonder on the faces of our youngest theatregoers.

“This may be the first time we’ve produced the story of Dick Whittington, but it’s quickly become the perfect panto – or maybe that should be ‘purrfect’! It’s bursting with big laughs, dazzling visuals, showstopping songs, cheeky comedy and heartwarming magic.

“Matthew Wolfenden is brilliant in the title role and it’s a pleasure to welcome him into the St Helens panto family alongside so many talented Theatre Royal favourites who work so hard to entertain our audiences.

“The countdown to Christmas has officially started, and I can guarantee 2025 is going to be a very special festive season.”

Book your tickets on the St Helens Theatre Royal website.

Find what’s on across Liverpool this Christmas 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.