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Jacket potato supremo Spud Man has pledged to help feed homeless people in Liverpool after chatting with one of our Guide Heroes.
Anthony Grice, who runs Fika coffee shop in Childwall, is known for his year-round efforts to support the local community.
That includes regularly volunteering with the Liverpool in Arms charity which gives out hot meals and drinks to the homeless and vulnerable in the city centre.
Spud Man, aka Ben Newman, is currently pulling in huge crowds at Liverpool Christmas Market alongside Scouser John the Spud, so Anthony – who won our Business Hero 2025 award – decided to pay him a visit.
And, after explaining the work of Liverpool in Arms, Spud Man was happy to lend a hand (and some jackets) to stop people in need going hungry in the run-up to Christmas.
Anthony explains:
“I don’t know Spud Man personally but I think he’s boss, and I love it when someone’s been doing the job for years and they’ve got lucky and it explodes.
“I messaged him on socials and he replied to say ‘pop down and see me’ so I went down to the Christmas Market at St George’s and he was telling me all about his journey.
“I told him about what we do at Liverpool In Arms and how a lot of local businesses support the volunteers. We go into town on Mondays and Wednesdays, we send food and it’s given out to the homeless. We can feed between 100 and 150 people at each session.
“I donate and I try to go down every week if I can to help out. I jump on the front line with them and I take down the sleeping bags, coats, hats, scarves, gloves and warm blankets we get donated through the shop.
“I asked Ben if he’d be interested in getting involved, and obviously he gets asked to do a lot for charity, but he said he always helps where he can.
“He said while he’s in Liverpool, if we sent anyone down to his stall who was in genuine need and struggling, and they said they’d spoken to Tony at Fika, he’d feed them for free.”
Spud Man has confirmed he’s happy to do his bit to share some Christmas spirit, as well as maintaining the dignity and respect of those who come for help.
With just a couple of weeks to go to the big day, Anthony is also busy running his annual Operation Christmas Liverpool appeal again. He’s asking supporters to buy an extra gift for someone in the city who might otherwise go without.
He’s collecting new, unused and unwrapped toys, selection boxes, gift sets and warm clothing gifts like gloves and socks. Anyone who’d like to donate can drop off at Fika on Woolton Road during opening hours until December 21.
Find out more about FIKA here.
Find out 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.
Taylor Swift can be seen crying and being comforted by her mother in a documentary after meeting the families of the Southport attack.
Speaking in the documentary series about her Eras Tour on Disney+, which launched on Friday, the 35-year-old is revealed to have met with the survivors and families of the victims before each of a run of five shows at Wembley Stadium.
Before meeting the families, Swift can be seen describing it as a “horrible attack” and adds while crying:
“I’m going to meet some of these families today, and do a pop concert, you know.
“It’s going to be fine, because when I meet them, I’m not going to do this, I swear to God, I’m not going to do this.
“I’m going to be smiling, so any of this gets out of the way before you ever go on stage, you lock it off three-and-a-half hours, they don’t have to worry about you.
“It’s like you’re like a pilot flying the plane, and if you were like, ‘oh, there’s turbulence at the head, I don’t know if we’re actually going to land in Dallas’.
“Like, I’m going to try hard, but I don’t know if I can actually, like, figure out how to land through this turbulence, like everyone on the plane is going to freak out.”
After the meetings, Swift is shown crying to her mother Andrea, who tells her:
“I know you helped them, I know it doesn’t seem like it, but I know you helped them.”
In a voiceover, Taylor Swift adds:
“From a mental standpoint, I just do live in a reality that’s very unreal a lot of the time.
“But it’s my job to kind of be able to handle all these feelings and then perk up immediately to perform. That’s just the way it’s got to be.”
Following the emotional conversations, Swift is then shown being taken to, and performing her three-and-a-half hour show at Wembley Stadium.
During the End Of An Era documentary, which is being released a day before her 36th birthday, Swift also speaks about a failed terror plot at one of her Eras Tour shows in Vienna, Austria.
Earlier in the episode, she says:
“We just had this, we’ve had a series of very violent, scary things happen to the tour.
“Like we dodged, like a massacre situation, and so I’ve just been kind of all over the place, like there was this horrible attack in Liverpool at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party, and it was little kids that… (Swift becomes emotional and is unable to continue speaking).”
Elsewhere in the series, Swift explains that Eras Tour had been in the planning for two years and came after two negative events in her life in losing the control over her back catalogue and the Covid pandemic.
She explains:
“I think I came up with the idea for the Eras Tour about two years before the tour started.
“There were two main factors that culminated in the Eras Tour, both of them were unpleasant.
“We think that these bad things are happening to me or to us, if you flip it around correctly and you react in a certain way, those things can be happening for you.
“The first one being my entire catalogue of my first six albums was sold out from under me to somebody else, and I decided to sort of defiantly re-record all of my music.
“You know, when you revisit something, you go back into that world, all this work is so indicative of the time I was in, in my life, I feel like I’m reading my old diaries, thinking about all the different girls I was until I was this one.
“So that planted a little seed, inherently, in my mind, the idea of celebrating your past.”
Taylor Swift goes on to say that the pandemic saw her build a studio in her house to record the albums Folklore and Evermore, both released in 2020.
The docuseries was first announced on US news show Good Morning America, which is where Swift announced her Eras Tour in November 2022.
Swift’s tour smashed records and she made history as the first solo artist to perform at London’s Wembley Stadium eight times on a single tour.
More recently, the 14-time Grammy-winner broke a string of UK chart records following the release of The Life Of A Showgirl, which debuted at number one in October.
The record is Swift’s third album to top the chart in 2025, following Lover (Live From Paris) in February and The Tortured Poets Department, when it returned to number one in April.
It is also the first studio album Taylor Swift has released since she announced her engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce in August and said in May that she had regained control over her back catalogue.
The Southport families won a special award at The Guide Liverpool Heroes last month, find out more here.
Get all the latest Liverpool news here.
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With Christmas party season now in full swing, Merseyside Police officers are continuing their proactive Operation Limit work, with 105 arrests for drug and drink driving made in the first week alone.
Operation Limit is a national campaign which intensifies the focus on drug and drink driving for police forces across the festive period.
With seasonal celebrations well underway, officers are reminding drivers that the risk doesn’t end when the night does. Any drivers stopped and found to be over the limit for alcohol, or who tests positive for illegal drugs will face the same consequences at 8.00 a.m. as they would 1:00 a.m.
Throughout December and into the New Year, Merseyside Police will be carrying out increased patrols across the region, with roadside breath tests and drug wipes taking place at all times of day, including early mornings and commuter routes. Officers will be visible around venues, town centres and collision hotspots, and unmarked patrols will also be deployed to target high-risk behaviours.
Gavin Dixon, Merseyside Police Roads Policing Inspector, said:
“We hope our presence near places like fast food drive throughs will make people think about their morning-after behaviour.
“Alcohol, and some drugs, stay in your system far longer than people think. You can’t ‘sleep it off’. You might feel better after a coffee and a shower, but it’s actually made zero difference to the amount of alcohol in your system. So people need to be planning ahead. Get a taxi, get a takeaway, arrange a lift: the only safe choice is not to drive.
“We have no sympathy for people who choose to ignore this advice and get behind the wheel unfit to drive. They’re choosing to put the lives of innocent people at risk. Imagine deciding that having a bacon butty was more important than the life of someone’s son or daughter. It’s unbelievably selfish.
“Everyone deserves to be able to use the roads safely. We’ll keep testing at all times of the day and night, in every area of Merseyside, to make that happen.”
Causing death by dangerous or careless driving while under the influence carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment. A conviction can also have lasting effects on insurance costs, employment and even international travel. Professional drivers and those in regulated roles are particularly at risk of losing their livelihoods.
Merseyside Police is asking the public to play their part. If you suspect someone is currently driving under the influence, call 999 immediately. For non-urgent information, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Businesses and venues can also help by promoting #OpLimit messages, displaying posters near exits and taxi ranks, and encouraging staff and customers to plan a safe ride home.
Find out more on the Merseyside Police website.
Find out about the other work Merseyside Police does 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.
POP MART is set to open its first ever store in Liverpool it opens it’s doors in Liverpool ONE.
Visitors can step inside a world of boundless creativity, brought to life by beloved characters including THE MONSTERS (LABUBU), SKULLPANDA, MOLLY, HIRONO, DIMOO, and more.
The store blends POP MART’s boundless creative universe with Liverpool’s legendary creative energy. In a city that has transformed from a historic port into a vibrant hub of art, music, and culture, POP MART adds a modern, playful chapter to Liverpool’s creative story.
Liverpool has always celebrated individuality and innovation. From The Beatles’ revolutionary sound to its football fervor, from the iconic Royal Liver Building to the historic Albert Dock, the city thrives on bold ideas and global influences. Its historic Chinatown and centuries of cultural exchange reflect a city open to new experiences. POP MART now brings its anticipated global art movement, with roots in China, to a city alive with creativity, imagination and cultural dialogue.
Inside the store, visitors can explore the full spectrum of POP MART’s universe, including limited-edition releases, seasonal exclusives and playful surprises. Every visit to a POP MART store is a celebration of creativity, connecting fans, families, and the creatively curious to a world beyond the ordinary.
This opening marks an important step in POP MART’s UK journey. Partnering with Liverpool ONE, a vibrant hub for retail, culture and community, provides the perfect stage for the brand’s immersive approach.
Peter Shipman, Managing Director & Head of POP MART Europe, said:
“As a proud Liverpudlian, it is incredibly exciting to bring POP MART to my hometown. Liverpool bursts with culture, creativity, and imagination, making it the perfect home for our universe of collectibles and experiences. We cannot wait to welcome fans, families, and the creatively curious to explore everything we have to offer.”
Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Barbara Ann Murray, said:
“I am delighted that POP MART, the brand behind LABUBUs, is opening its doors right here at Liverpool ONE just in time for Christmas. I am sure all fans and collectors, including my grandson, will be excited by the new store, as it will be packed with much-loved collectables! I am looking forward to the store launch to welcome the brand and the staff to the city. I wish the store every success!”
Donna Howitt, Deputy Centre Director at Liverpool ONE, said:
“We’re so excited to welcome POP MART to Liverpool ONE this December! The buzz around their characters and collectables is huge, and Liverpool has an amazing appetite for bold, playful brands so POP MART is just the right fit. This store is a great addition to our strong and vibrant mix of brands, and an exceptional way to culminate a record year of openings at Liverpool ONE. We can’t wait for visitors to come and experience it for themselves.
Founded in 2010, POP MART has grown from a niche designer collectibles brand into a global cultural powerhouse. Since listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2020, the company has seen extraordinary growth, reporting approximately €1.84 billion in revenue in the first half of 2025, a 204 percent increase year-on-year.
With over 570 stores and 2,500 ROBOSHOPs across 30 countries, POP MART has built a worldwide community of collectors and fans. Its iconic characters, including MOLLY, DIMOO, SKULLPANDA, THE MONSTERS, and HIRONO, have captivated imaginations globally and earned admiration from celebrities such as Lisa (BLACKPINK), Dua Lipa, Central Cee, Rihanna, David Beckham, and Brad Pitt.
POP MART’s Liverpool ONE store is more than a shop, it is a creative destination. From 9AM on 12th December at Upper South John Street, Liverpool ONE, fans, families, and the creatively curious can explore a world alive with play, storytelling, and imagination, leaving visitors with memories they will not forget.
Find out more about POP MART here.
Find out what’s on in Liverpool ONE this Christmas here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
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A convoy of around 150 motorbike and scooter riders will head to Alder Hey this weekend to deliver hundreds of Christmas gifts to children.
The annual Two-wheeled Support Rideout will make its way from Edge Lane to the hospital on Sunday December 14.
With some riders dressed up in Christmas costumes, they’ll go en masse along a one-mile route to drop off toys, games, colouring books, pyjamas and selection boxes.
Since it started almost 20 years ago, the rideout has become a tradition which bikers, scooterists and patients look forward to each December.
Originally it was just scooter riders taking part until one of the founders, Terry Keane, was contacted by biker friends who do the Wirral Egg Run at Easter. They didn’t have anything planned for Christmas and asked to get involved so now it’s a mix of scooters and motorbikes.
For the past three years the rideout has been organised by Geoff Bell, who’s a member of the internationally recognised Liverpool Scooter Club.
He liaises with police over timings, the planned route and how many will be involved, and with Bike Marshals who give up their time to support the event and help keep everyone safe.
Geoff, who lives in Old Swan, also sets the date each year based on Liverpool and Everton home football fixtures to avoid having riders and match traffic heading along Queens Drive on the same afternoon.
He says riders come from all over Liverpool, the North West, North Wales and even Yorkshire to join in.
They strap carrier bags of presents onto their bikes, before all meeting up at McDonald’s on Edge Lane where Geoff is waiting to load them into his people carrier ready for Alder Hey.
The Christmas convoy sets off at 12midday, moving along Laurel Road, onto Prescot Road, back towards Old Swan, down Green Lane, on to The Jolly Miller pub and back along Queens Drive to the hospital.
“It’s long enough to be interesting, people like to see all the bikes because it’s a bit of a spectacle, but it’s short enough not to inconvenience traffic on the roads,” explains Geoff.
“Once we arrive, some of the patients come out if they can, and other kids are there lined up at the windows to see the bikes.”
After all the presents have been handed over, the bikers will head to the Alder Club in Alder Road where Liverpool Scooter Club holds its open day each summer.
“Ernie, who runs the club, makes a big batch of broth or curry to warm everyone up before they make the journey back home, as a thank you to everybody for coming.”
As well as parcels, the kind-hearted riders also donate cash – at Easter a bucket collection managed to raise over £800.
And they’re not the only ones who generously back the event; Geoff says they received a large bag full of toys from a lady in Walton who wanted to donate in memory of her own child.
“That’s what the rideout is all about,” he adds. “It’s about the children and the people who turn up on the day, put their hands in their pockets and those who make the donations.”
Find out more about Alder Hey here.
Find out 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.
Foodies are flocking to L23.
Decades old family-run bakeries, coffee shops, Mexican grills, and popular pasta and pancakes places are putting Crosby and Waterloo on the map as a destination to dine in.
You really can have the world on your plate – and the busy St John’s Road alone is proof of that, with the west Merseyside version of Lark Lane boasting a whole street of independent retailers and restaurants lining up locally-sourced delicious food for every taste.
So if you’re visiting the area, don’t forget to take your appetite!
These are our 20 of the top Crosby & Waterloo eateries….
Spitroast – South Road, Waterloo
Spitroast serves up the most succulent free-range chicken, spit roasted freshly every day. You can dine in or take it home for an easy but wholesome lunch, tea or dinner and it’s not just chicken, there’s a whole menu filled with tasty starters and sides from salads and Buddha bowls to roasted vegetables and Spanish spicy brown rice. On Sundays you can even get a full roast dinner!
Find out more here.
La Parrilla Mexican Bar & Grill
Did someone say tequila? Another South Road eatery this time offering to spice up your life with wedges, tacos, burritos and more – and the best Havana Club cocktails.
Find out more here.
Crosby Coffee
What started as a small passion project has quickly grown into one of Liverpool’s most exciting independent coffee roasters with, now, four fabulous coffee shops serving the very best speciality brews, along with brilliant brekkies, and lunches with sandwiches, bagels, soups, seasonal specials, and delicious cakes and pastries. The flagship venue’s in Oxford Road, Waterloo.
Find out more here.
Caz’s Kitchen
Calling all cake connoisseurs! Caz’s Kitchen is an absolute must on your next visit to Waterloo because this sweet treats emporium in St John’s Road is filled with freshly baked cakes, biscuits, traybakes, cookies, meringues and more. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, it’s like all your Christmases have come at once.
Find out more here.
StoryHouse
Run by StoryHouse Church which meets every Sunday morning at Eshe Road URC, StoryHouse is a favourite among local foodies and their families. This community café on Liverpool Road bakes everything from scratch – specialities include its cinnamon buns and croissant loaves – and it holds regular events.
Find out more here.
The Patio Bar and Eatery
This great little bar in St John’s Road specialises in serving wines, beers, cocktails and spirits along with small plates and nibbles – and live music. It does a boss pizza and pulled pork nachos, and its milkshakes are mahoosive masterpieces.
Find out more here.
Hole in the Wall
Breakfast by day, burgers by night! This Crosby Road North eatery is a great place to enjoy brunch with your mates, a coffee with your mum or a sweet treat with the kids. The fluffy American pancakes are beyond gorge!
Find out more here.
Ellington’s
When it comes to fine dining in a stylish, sophisticated restaurant, it has to be Ellingtons. This family-run Liverpool Road venue opened its doors in 2016 and has gained legions of fans thanks to its seasonal menu of great British classics and specialities like fresh fish and seafood, steaks and divine desserts. It’s open Friday to Sunday.
Find out more here.
So Salsa
The original of the family-run So Salsa restaurants – there are three now in Liverpool too – it serves up traditional Spanish tapas along with Asian and Mediterranean classics designed for sharing. There’s always a great atmosphere and brilliant dining deals (like three tapas for £21).
Find out more here.
Inside No.4
A fresh seasonal menu, cocktails, cakes and coffee, along with an amazing Sunday Roast – no wonder this Carnegie Avenue restaurant is always a favourite. It’s got a new beer lineup, a new wine and spirits list, and a new food menu including some pub classics and old favourites, and weekends are always ramped up with tunes from its DJ.
Find out more here.
Pioneer Bar and Brasserie
Crosby’s premier wine bar, Pioneer Bar and Brasserie, is the place to be for a glass of vino in style. With regular entertainment and a mouth-watering menu, this Liverpool Road venue is the life and soul of the party.
Find out more here.
Satterthwaites Bakehouse
The original Satterthwaites chain closed in 2012 after more than 100 years of baking, but Sarah and John Wills reopened the bakehouse in Coronation Road in April 2013, re-employing some former staff and using all the same recipes everyone knows and loves. It’s the home of freshly baked bread and pies, and SO many amazing cakes – and any food left at the end of the day is taken to the local soup kitchen for those in need.
Find out more here.
Bodega del Lobo
Girly gatherings, party nights and date nights … Bodega del Lobo in Waterloo’s South Road was made for all of these. Sister venue to Tapas Tapas, it’s a friendly Spanish-style bar serving great beers, sangria and cocktails.
Find out more here.
Tapas Tapas
We can’t mention one without the other, and Tapas Tapas serves all of the great drinks Bodega del Lobo does – its Blood Orange & Mango Mojito is a must – along with a fabulous menu of all your Spanish tapas favourites from Albóndigas to Croquetas Ibéricas, and the most amazing mini spicy chorizo sausages. And if you’re craving paella – this is your place.
Find out more here.
Saffron Restaurant
Combining Nepalese and Indian culinary traditions, Saffron offers a rich blend of Himalayan flavours and classic Indian dishes from hearty Momos and Dal Makhani to fiery curries and aromatic biryanis. Above all, the St John’s Road venue aims to please not just with the food, but with friendly and top-notch service.
Find out more here.
Sunrise Mediterranean Restaurant
A traditional family restaurant, it focuses on all those fabulous fresh flavours of the Med from dishes like its calamari, hummus and halloumi starters to stunning seafood recipes and speciality grills. House favourites include the Sunrise Wrap, a hot tortilla with flame-grilled chicken, vegetables and melted cheese.
Find out more here.
The Workshop
Set in a bright and cosy venue in Crosby Road North, The Workshop is a great meeting place, serving up a mouthwatering small plate and brunch menu and the most incredible Sunday roast. Lovely and lively with regular music events, it’s got a superb wine and cocktail list.
Find out more here.
The Lake House Waterloo
Looking for food with a view? Look no further than The Lake House. Whether it’s an intimate sunset dinner for two, a large family Sunday roast, breakfast before your morning walk or brunch afterwards, this place is serving up a whole range of different meals. In the Summer you can dine or drink on the lawn too!
Find out more here.
Il Capitano’s
The go-to Italian restaurant in Crosby Road North, Il Capitano’s has got a new home and a new look but still the same pasta and pizzas cooked to award-winning perfection. More than just a restaurant it’s a community hub, and its resident weekend DJ means fab disco nights.
Find out more here.
Medusa
You can wine, dine and dance in this St John’s Road Greek great, with live music, entertainment and DJ events adding to a vibrant, yet cosy atmosphere. It boasts a really varied menu with all your favourite dishes like souvlaki and moussaka, along with grills, seafood, street food classic gyros and more.
Find out more here.
The Copper Kettle Coffee Shop
If you want to treat your mum – or yourself – to a delicious afternoon tea, the super-cosy Copper Kettle in St John’s Road has to be on your list with a selection of sandwiches, scones and fresh cream cakes served with teas or coffees for just £14.99 per person. Cute and friendly.
Find out more here.
One to look out for! Moose Coffee
Moose Coffee’s College Road venue might be closed, but we’re already looking forward to its new Crosby venue in the historic Carnegie Library building. Work has already begun to restore it to its former glory before fitting it out for Moose’s new home and the return of a very popular brunch, coffee and pancake place. (And until then, you still have Moose in Liverpool!).
Find out more 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.
Shuffle means Christmas – with bells on!
It’s the cracker of a rewards scheme that helps people make the most of the amazing food and drink scene in Liverpool.
Unlike other apps, Shuffle gives users money back instead of just credits when they enjoy a meal out or drink at one of its many partner venues, like these 10 amazing city centre venues.
Salon Madre
Salon Madre’s the ‘younger, wilder’ sister to Royal Albert Dock’s mighty Madre offering tequila powered late nights with big screen sports action and pool tables and dart boards to help you crank up the competition with your mates. Now open in Hanover Street it’s screaming to be booked for that works do or Christmas catch-up – and get the Shuffle app and you’ll be quids in too.
Find out more here.
Ma Boyle’s Alehouse & Eatery
The Tower Buildings’ bistro and bar’s always buzzing and never more so than at Christmas with its three-course Christmas Roast for £36 per person, and its Rum and Rumour Basement Bar ready to rock for your festive party.
Find out more here.
Arts Bar
With venues now in Hope Street and the Baltic, the Arts Bars have got to be the coolest places for enjoying local modern art, some of the best live music performances, and great homemade food and drinks. And, it’s got to be cocktails at Christmas, right?
Find out more here.
Belzan
Smithdown Road’s award-winning restaurant’s celebrating eight years of serving seasonal small plates, natural wine, and cocktails – and you’ll be celebrating too when you savour some of its fabulous food and get a ‘Christmas’ greeting. You can’t use the app on its Christmas Cook At Home kit, but you can use it on every – wonderful – thing else.
Find out more here.
Manolo
We can’t believe some people still don’t know about the Caribbean-inspired cocktail lounge and late-night bar on Slater Street, but we suspect that’s all going to change after it was voted Newcomer of the Year at the Top 50 Cocktail Bar Awards … and it’s signed up to Shuffle.
Find out more here.
Petit Cafe du Coin
Wine, gorgeous cocktails, and music – is there anything else you could possibly want from this fab little bar that brings a little bit of Paris to Liverpool via its Berry Street and Lark Lane spaces? Oh yes, it’s Christmas Cocktail Specials, and live jazz every weekend, including throughout the festive period!
Find out more here.
Pasta Cosa
And now the authentic family-run Italian restaurant in Castle Street has got a new – even larger – Albert Dock counterpart to ensure you can get your fix of favourite handmade pasta dishes with the most amazing freshly-made sauces.
Find out more here.
Kazimier Garden
The Kaz is Liverpool’s original garden bar and while it’s a favourite for locals, visitors love it too. It serves up a great selection of European and craft beers, with food and snacks available from the Kaz Kitchen.
Find out more here.
Maray
Whether you head to the Royal Albert Dock or Maray’s Bold Street eatery you’ll enjoy a feast of Middle Eastern-inspired food and, while we know their Disco Cauliflower is always a hit, Maray have got some festive specials like Maray Sprouts with garlic and cranberry, and turkey leg shawarma with harissa and pickled chilli that’ll have you salivating until the man in red arrives… plus mulled wine, Christmas cocktails and more.
Find out more here.
Junkyard Golf Club
Three mashed-up crazy golf courses and a bonkers karaoke room mean you’re always in for a mad time, and at this time of year Junkyard goes all out to get the par-tee started with Christmas socials and packages from its Swingle Bells to the Ho-Ho-Hole Shebang with golf, drinks, festive food and more.
Find out more here.
Use the code ‘GUIDE03’ when downloading the Shuffle app to get your first three months free – download here.
Find out more about Shuffle 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 families of children supported by three charities including Zoe’s Place enjoyed a special night at Chester Zoo, thanks to a donation from Cheshire-based financial services provider MBNA.
The event saw 200 people attend, including the children’s families, to give everyone an “opportunity to make precious memories this Christmas.”
Families were invited from three local charities, Hope House Hospice, Zoe’s Place and The Joshua Tree, and enjoyed food, drinks, face painting and exclusive entertainment, as well as the zoo’s winter Lanterns and Light trail – one of the North West’s most popular winter attractions.
The special night was made possible as a result of a long-standing partnership between Chester Zoo and MBNA’s award-winning Community Investment Programme, an initiative dedicated to strengthening local community engagement.
For many of the families involved, organisers said the evening offered a rare chance to enjoy time together away from daily challenges.
Victoria Dowd, MBNA’s Community Investment Manager, said the bank was “delighted” to support an evening designed entirely around local families.
She said:
“It was such a privilege to be able to host a special night for local charities and give so many families the opportunity to enjoy a festive outing together with everything taken care of.
“Lanterns and Light is hugely popular and we’re delighted to be able to extend our existing partnership with Chester Zoo to give so many deserving families an amazing experience at this year’s event.”
The event took place at The Square, one of the zoo’s new event spaces, before families headed out onto the illuminated route after dark.
Lanterns and Light is one of the region’s longest-running winter light trails and features an array of immersive installations, including neon-lit pathways, life-sized animal puppets and a host of dazzling light displays.
Cat Humes, Strategic Partnerships Assistant Manager at Chester Zoo, said the zoo was proud to help create an evening filled with memories families could treasure.
Cat Humes said:
“We’re incredibly proud to host this special event. For us, it means a great deal to give children and their families an opportunity to make precious memories this Christmas – moments they can truly cherish.
“It was a magical night, and seeing how happy the children were made it even more special for our team. Being able to welcome these families and give them the space to enjoy the trail together is something we’re honoured to be part of.”
Find out more about Zoe’s Place here.
Find more about the incredible work of Zoe’s Place on our website.
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.
Christmas cheer spread through Alder Hey Children’s Hospital on Wednesday the Everton first team squad made their annual festive visit to spend time with patients and their families.
Moyes, Men’s team coach Leighton Baines, Club captain Seamus Coleman and winger Jack Grealish headed to the wards to meet and hand out gifts to youngsters who are currently undergoing treatment, or facing the prospect of spending the festive period in hospital.
Meanwhile, the rest of the squad joined a special Christmas party for Evertonians who have been patients at the West Derby facility throughout the past 12 months.
The players arrived armed with gifts for each child, before making sure no-one in the room was left without a selfie, autograph or video message.
Defender Michael Keane said:
“It’s my eighth or ninth time of visiting Alder Hey at Christmas time now and it’s always something we look forward to as a squad.
“These families have had a lot of really tough times, especially the kids, and you always come away having been told what a difference it makes to them.
“One kid just said to me, “this is better than Christmas Day!”. So anything you can do like this as a footballer, it’s very special and important, and we’re happy to be here to see everyone.”
Youngsters at the party lined up to take shots at goalkeepers Mark Travers and Harry Tyrer, as the duo’s outfield team-mates crowded round to cheer them on, while other activities included festive arts and crafts, table games and basketball.
The party, which has become an annual event, allows the hospital and Club’s Fan Engagement team to work together to bring back patients who have had a challenging time throughout the year and ensure they, too, receive the lift of meeting their Blues heroes at this special time.
Keane added:
“There’s a great atmosphere, as always. The kids are obviously excited but it’s also important that we get to speak with the parents, who will have had difficult years and may even be here in the hospital with their little ones for Christmas. And the staff, too, who do incredible things every day.”
Alder Hey remains one of Europe’s biggest and busiest children’s hospitals, treating everything from common illnesses to highly complex and specialist conditions.
Find out more about Alder Hey here.
Find out whats on at Hill Dickinson Stadium 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.
Historic Speke Hall is fully decked for Christmas and looking absolutely stunning – and it has a fabulous festive line-up of events throughout December to give everyone a very merry day out.
From carols in the Great Hall, to a Christmas murder mystery and storytime with Father Christmas for little ones, it’s got something for the whole family to enjoy.
Add some extra magic to your celebrations this year, here are 7 reasons why you should visit Speke Hall this festive season …
It’s the perfect setting with the rooms all dressed for the season
The Tudor house has had a festive transformation, with decorations, garlands, twinkling lights and dressed trees all in place and looking beautiful. This really is the perfect time to visit and immerse yourself in the unique experience of Christmas from a bygone era. The house is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until December 21, from 12.30pm to 4pm (last entry 3.30pm).
Visit the Community Christmas Tree Orchard that’s been created with local community groups
The gardens of Speke Hall are lovely all year round, but now there’s an added attraction because the Community Christmas Tree Orchard has returned for a second year. Take a stroll through the traditional orchard, decorated for the season by local community groups and partners.
There’s a Merry Mice Family Trail that the whole family can enjoy
Children love to follow a trail, and they don’t come any cuter than this one. Speke Hall’s Merry Mice have been keeping themselves busy around the grounds of the Hall in the run-up to the big day, so join the Family Trail and discover exactly what they’ve been up to!
The Home Farm Restaurant is serving up festive treats
No Christmas day out is complete without a tasty treat and Home Farm Restaurant has plenty to tempt you including a choice of freshly cooked mains, mince pies and gorgeous homemade scones, which pair up perfectly with a festive flavoured hot drink.
Second Hand Bookshop
Tucked away in the historic buildings at Home Farm is Speke Hall’s second-hand bookshop, Speke’s Volumes. Pop in and discover a treasure trove of fiction and non-fiction, and support our conservation work at the same time. As it’s run by volunteers, opening times can vary, but it’s usually open every day in the early afternoon. Pop in today to find your next page-turner.
Find moments of peace and connection to nature
The garden at Speke Hall is filled with colour and history, and there are plenty of spots to relax and feel close to nature on the estate. There’s always something new to discover as you explore one of the best places to go for a walk in Merseyside and the North West.
Kids under 5 go free!
There’s plenty for children to see and do at Speke Hall, even the littlest of visitors, and the good news for families is entry is free for under 5s so you can make a festive family day of it!
Find out more about these Speke Hall Christmas events here.
Find out what else is happening 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.
More than 250 Merseyside Police officers are carrying out a large-scale policing operation, codenamed Operation Vanguard, in Stockbridge Village and Huyton today (Thursday 11 December).
Residents will see a huge number of officers and police vehicles on the ground as Merseyside Police undertake a sustained and relentless offensive against criminals operating in our local communities.
Merseyside Police says that Operation Vanguard reinforces their commitment to keeping our communities safe by taking strong action against those involved in criminality in your area and supports the work they are doing day in, day out.
Merseyside Police know the overwhelming majority of the people in Knowsley are decent people who work hard and want to live in peace, but their lives are blighted by those involved in criminality, whether that be drug supply, serious violence, Violence Against Women and Girls, robbery, retail crime, theft or serious organised crime.
Since the start of the financial year officers in Knowsley have been working to tackle issues including serious violence, robberies of electric bikes and violence fuelled by an element of serious and organised crime.
This has included two recent firearms discharges in the Huyton area, an attempt murder of a child in Kirkby, which resulted in a 15-year-old boy being convicted, and two arrests after an 18-year-old in Huyton lost his hand after being attacked at a house party in September this year.
As a result, the local policing area has stood up Operation ZINC (response to ASB related activity) and Operation Athena, this is an operational response to a critical incident. Both operations mean officers are dedicated to providing targeted activities to tackle those involved in crime in those area.
Some of the results include:
- The charge and remand of Adrian Moore for an aggravated burglary (with a firearm)
- The recovery of a firearm recovered during an open land search in Kirkby
- The recovery of a firearm recovery following an injury discharge on Radway Road in Huyton
- The charge of David Bigley following a County Lines operation
- A youth charged and remanded for three counts of possession of a bladed article – one of those relating to a street robbery
- Increased policing resources over Op Banger which saw an overall drop of 15% in crimes and ASB compared with the year before.
This morning Merseyside Police executed 16 warrants and throughout the day there will be further activity including:
- Land searches
- Underwater searches
- Roadside operations by the Roads Policing Team
- Safeguarding of vulnerable people being exploited by ruthless criminals
- Reassurance visits
- Activity by the County Lines team
- Patrols by officers from our Local Policing Team, supported by officers from Matrix, Licensing, firearms and our Mounted and Dogs teams
- Activity by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit
- Targeting of suspects wanted for numerous offences including those involved in domestic abuse, serious violence, fraud, neighbourhood crime and drug related offending amongst other criminality
A total of 27 people have so far been arrested during a large-scale policing operation, codenamed Operation Vanguard, in Stockbridge Village and Huyton today.
More than 250 police officers are conducting warrants, roadside checks, land and underwater searches and more in a sustained and relentless offensive against criminals operating in our local communities. The activity will continue throughout the day.
Those detained were arrested on suspicion of offences including:
- Supply of Class A and B drugs
- Sexual assault
- Possession of indecent images
- Domestic assault
- Drug driving
- Drink driving
- Theft
- Criminal damage
A quantity of cocaine, cannabis, e-bikes and watches have also been seized by officers and will be forensically examined.
Chief Constable Rob Carden said:
“The scale and impact of today’s operation should leave criminals in absolutely no doubt – we are here, we are watching, and if you are involved in criminality you can expect a knock on your door.
“This is one of the largest operations of this type that we have conducted in many years and demonstrates very clearly our contempt for those involved in criminality.
“This morning we have seen doors of suspects going in and throughout the day cars will be stopped, undergrowth and canals searched and there will have been significant numbers of officers on patrols in those areas the public tell us have been harmed by criminality. That work will continue throughout the day, and with colleagues from North West Regional Organised Crime Unit and British Transport police, Knowsley Council and other partners in this unified endeavour to tackle criminality.
“Today’s action reinforces our commitment to cracking down on crime and putting offenders behind bars, and we will not stop until justice has been served.
“The focus of all of this is the protection of the public, and a vital part of today is the support and safeguarding we provide for vulnerable victims, alongside our partners including Knowsley Council and local charities and support services.
“Yesterday marked the end of 16 Days of activism across the world to end violence against women and girls, but our work to eliminate an issue that causes harm across Merseyside goes on 365 days a year and bringing offenders who hurt women and girls to justice is a key part of today’s activity.”
Chief Constable Carden added:
“While today is all about making a clear statement of intent in our fight to tackle criminality, I want to stress that the activity we are undertaking today goes on right across Merseyside 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
“We are stop searching suspects every day, conducting warrants at their homes, searching their properties and stopping their cars.
“Criminals have no right to conduct their offending here in Merseyside and we will go on disrupting them every day so that they are left in no doubt that they are not welcome here.
“The people of Merseyside have been a huge support in these efforts, and I ask that you keep telling us where criminals are operating, where they are storing and carrying drugs and weapons, and we will using all the powers and tools at our disposal to take robust action.”
Cllr Graham Morgan Leader of Knowsley Council commented:
“We know from speaking to our residents that feeling safe in their homes and communities is a huge priority for them. We know how much it matters to people that’s why we are so committed to working with our Police colleagues to bring to justice those who disrupt the lives of our residents.
The message is clear from Knowsley – if you break the law, there will be consequences.”
Find out more on the Merseyside Police website.
Find out about the other work Merseyside Police does 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.
Merseyside Police have arrested a man on suspicion of assault who was dressed as an elf in Liverpool City Centre.
On Tuesday 9 December officers stopped a man dressed as an elf on Church Street after he made abusive comments towards them.
When officers verified his details they found that he was a named suspect for an assault on Duke Street on Monday 17 November where a woman was punched in the face and suffered injuries to her lip and nose.
Officers arrested a 55-year-old man from Liverpool on suspicion of assault. He was taken to a police station in Merseyside and has since been bailed with conditions.
The arrest is part of Winter of Action – a major policing push running from 1 December through to the end of January to keep town centres safe during and beyond the festive season by tackling crime, reassuring communities, and ensuring our high streets are welcoming and safe for everyone.
Merseyside Police Superintendent Charlotte Irlam said:
“Using feedback from communities and detailed crime data, the public will see high-visibility patrols and targeted activity across busy, high-footfall areas – including city centre high streets for shopping, bars, restaurants and green spaces – ensuring our resources are focused where they’re needed most.
“Liverpool is a fantastic place to visit, socialise and work, and by working closely with our partners, we’re focused on preventing offences that often occur at this time of year, such as theft, robbery and retail crime. Winter of Action is about reassurance, prevention and partnership – making sure everyone can enjoy the festive season feeling safe and supported.
“We continue to ask the public to come forward with any information that can support our efforts – whether that’s reporting suspicious behaviour, sharing intelligence, or raising concerns. Every piece of information helps us keep our communities safe.”
Find out more on the Merseyside Police 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.
The biggest ever Wirral Youth Market takes place on Saturday 13th December.
Bringing together over 80 young traders and performers in the covered outdoor space at Birkenhead Market from 10am to 4pm.
This vibrant event will showcase the incredible talent and entrepreneurial spirit of Wirral’s young people, offering visitors the chance to pick up unique, locally made Christmas gifts, sweet treats, fashion and more, all while enjoying live entertainment from musicians, dancers, and choirs.
Previous Youth Markets have attracted thousands of visitors and helped launch numerous successful business ventures – and next Saturday’s event promises to be even bigger and better.
Alongside the bustling market, families can enjoy a host of free festive activities, including:
- A magical free Santa experience, where every child receives a small gift (tickets need to be collected in advance from the event space in Birkenhead Market at 11am)
- Free fairground rides for the little ones to add to the fun
- A mischievous visit from The Grinch, guaranteed to bring smiles and laughter
Food stalls and festive treats will also be available in St Werburgh’s Square, making it a perfect day out for all ages.
Cllr Mark Skillicorn, Chair of Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration and Housing Committee, said:
“Wirral Youth Market has been a real success and is going from strength to strength, having now hosted hundreds of stalls from young traders and welcoming over 20,000 visitors. It’s a real testament to both the young talent that we have in the borough as well as how impactful this type of event is for driving footfall in our town centres.
“With more traders and performers than ever before lined up for the Christmas edition in Birkenhead this weekend, I’d encourage people from across the borough to come out and support these young entrepreneurs, as well as enjoy the Christmas programme of events taking place throughout the town centre.”
Cllr Mike Wharton, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade, said:”We are proud to support the Wirral Youth Market, which continues to showcase the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of our young people. Events like this not only give emerging businesses a platform to thrive but also bring communities together and boost our local economy. It’s fantastic to see so many talented traders and performers taking part, and I’d encourage everyone to come along and celebrate what makes our region so vibrant.”
Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December will also see Christmas Magic, presented by Equilibrium CIC, come to town.
Bringing a touch of sparkle to the town centre, a number of different free and low cost activities are planned between 11am and 4pm from Grange Road through to St Werburgh’s Square, including:
- Street entertainment, music, and festive performances
- Free craft workshops, build-a-teddy sessions, and storytime with Mrs Christmas at the former GAME store in St John’s Square
- Meet-and-greet opportunities with favourite characters, dinosaurs, dance performances, Wirral Samba Dummers and singalongs
And that’s not all – The Pyramids are also hosting Santa’s Elf School between (running at various dates across December including Fri 12th – Sunday 13th December) giving little ones the chance to meet Santa and learn the secrets of being an elf.
Visits to Santa’s Elf School cost £5.00 and can be booked online in advance at Buy Tickets – Santa’s Elf School – The Pyramids Shopping Centre but walk-up tickets may also be available.
Anna, Elsa and Olaf will also be making an appearance at The Pyramids on Sunday 14th December.
Finally, Saturday 13th December also sees the Christmas Creative Trail which along with the Youth Market includes the Christmas Makers Fair at Make Hamilton (69-71 Argyle Street), Pottery Open Studio at Rathbone Studio (28 Argyle Street), Quirky Gifts at Green Jam Creatives (50 Hamilton Street), BirkenHack on Mortimer Street and others. Future Yard will also host a Christmas Market on 13th December (free entry) on Argyle Street and on 14th December, Future Yard will host a special MOSH TOTS Christmas Special – you can visit their website for tickets which cost between £7 and £14.
This programme of events has been planned to mark the end of works in Birkenhead town centre, helping to support local retailers and encourage people to shop local, as well as give the community a range of free and low-cost Christmas activities to enjoy with friends and family.
For those travelling to Birkenhead by car, free car parking will be available in the two council-owned multistorey car parks in the Pyramids and Conway Street in the run-up to Christmas for the month of December.
Youth Market is funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, through the city region’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation, and the Christmas Magic programme has been made possible thanks to funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Growth Platform.
Find out more about the Wirral Youth Market here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
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Hill Dickinson Stadium has been crowned as ‘Project of the Year’ at the TheStadiumBusiness Design & Development Awards.
The ceremony took place during TheStadiumBusiness Design & Development Summit 2025 at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester.
Everton’s new waterfront home caught the eye of the judges to win the prestigious award, beating off strong competition from an international shortlist that included the Avicii Arena in Stockholm, Estadio La Cartuja in Seville, Fulham FC’s Riverside Stand, Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, the Nagasaki Stadium City and Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
Alix Waldron, Everton’s Director of New Stadium Development, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to land the Project of the Year award.
“We’re all immensely proud of Hill Dickinson Stadium and to see it recognised by industry experts is testament to our belief that this is a world-class venue.
“We’d like to thank the judging panel for their consideration and reiterate our thanks to everyone who helped contribute to making Hill Dickinson Stadium a home that all Evertonians can be immensely proud of.”
The Design & Development Awards recognise leadership, innovation and achievement in the design, development, construction and refurbishment of sports and entertainment venues globally.
Ian Nuttall, Founder, TheStadiumBusiness, said:
“These Awards are about celebrating the professionals involved in the delivery of the next generation of stadia.
“For the last eight years, these Awards have recognised the best in venue design, development, construction and refurbishment across the global sports and entertainment sector.
“Congratulations to everyone who reached the podium. Winners included our industry’s leading and stand-out venues, who should all be very proud of their achievements.”
Find out more about Hill Dickinson Stadium here.
Find what’s on at Hill Dickinson Stadium 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.
Merseyside Police is celebrating the success of Harry, a young man from Southport whose life has been transformed through Reform Education’s No Cap Fits All (NCFA) Programme.
This programme was funded by Operation Stonehaven as part of Project Medusa’s County Lines prevention work.
Reform Education is an alternative provision for 12–16-year-olds, also providing an education community hub out of hours service two days per week, currently referred by Merseyside Police.
Harry’s story is a powerful example of what personalised support can achieve. When 14-year-old Harry was introduced to Reform Education through Project Medusa, he was experiencing challenges with school engagement and finding it difficult to trust the support available to him.
His future looked uncertain, until he joined the NCFA programme.
The programme gave Harry the chance to design his own pathway, shape his timetable, and build a plan that made sense for him. In 12 months, he achieved:
Functional Skills qualifications in Maths and English
Developed awareness of personal safety and resilience, including how to recognise and avoid harmful influences or risky situations
Routine physical training and team sports to build discipline and mental wellbeing
Better attendance, improved behaviour, and increased maturity
A clear and realistic plan for his future
As his confidence grew, so did his ambition. Harry set his sights on joining the British Army – a goal that once seemed out of reach. With consistent routines, coaching, and support from Reform Education, he worked hard to meet every requirement.
Today, Harry, now aged 16, has successfully joined the Army and completed his passing-out ceremony, a moment of pride for him, his family, and everyone who supported his journey.
Reflecting on his journey, Harry’s mum said:
“He has done amazing, and we are all so proud of him.”
John Maguire, Director of Reform Education said:
“Everyone at Reform Education is so proud of Harry’s progress and achievements since he joined our NCFA programme.
“Harry was a bit lost and had lost faith in succeeding after several negative experiences but credit to him, he engaged with our programme. Our staff showed him empathy and gained his trust quite quickly, encouraging him to be positive through interventions and success stories of previous young people who had been in a similar position to him.
“We provided the platform for Harry using programmes like fitness, personal development and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) workshops to help him, but ultimately he used his own determination to get to where he is now.”
Jimmy Belmar, Senior Investigating Officer for Project Medusa, said:
“Harry’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From the moment he joined Reform Education’s No Cap Fits All programme, he embraced the opportunity to take control of his future and worked tirelessly to achieve his goals.
“Seeing him proudly join the British Army is a testament to his determination and the incredible support provided by Reform Education.
“I want to congratulate Harry on his success and thank the Reform Education team for their dedication, guidance, and unwavering commitment to helping young people who want to change the path they are on.
“Merseyside Police is proud to fund this valuable prevention work through Operation Stonehaven, giving young people the chance to progress, thrive, and achieve their dreams.”
Operation Stonehaven is Merseyside Police’s preventative and diversionary pathway for young people. Working with more than 40 charities and organisations, the initiative delivers training, diversionary activities and targeted support to young people at risk of criminality. So far this year, Operation Stonehaven has reached more than 25,500 young people and provided targeted support to 670 young people.
Find out more on the Merseyside Police 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.
Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust is one of just eight trusts to be awarded funding through a new NHSE incentive scheme.
The additional funding is aimed to help reduce waiting times and improve access to planned care for patients.
The NHS Elective Capital Incentive Scheme was set up this year to reward organisations who significantly improve waiting times for planned care over a sustained period, including reducing the size of their waiting list overall.
Alder Hey will receive £2m for meeting the targets of the scheme between April to September this year. The Trust has made a significant improvement of 7.87% to its referral-to-treatment (RTT) performance while also ensuring continued progress in reducing waiting lists, including long waits.
This has been achieved through a focused programme of improvement including:
Accelerating plans to digitise patient pathways, making them more accessible for children, young people and their families and allowing appointments to be made more efficiently.
Reviewing how many appointments were lost through non-attendance in specialties with the longest waits and increasing the number of children and young people booked into clinics.
Introducing a new process in theatres to identify any long-waiting patients and prioritise them if any operational issues arise.
Delivering additional outpatient clinics and theatre sessions in specialties with the longest waits.
Strong engagement with clinical leaders and operational teams ensuring a clear, stepped-up approach with defined targets.
John Grinnell, Alder Hey Chief Executive said:
“We are delighted and incredibly proud to receive this funding which is real recognition of the efforts and dedication of our teams who have worked extremely hard to drive down waiting times and see our children and young people as quickly as possible.
“We have made significant progress in reducing our waiting lists, and this investment will allow us to accelerate our efforts so that every child and young person receives the care they need without unnecessary delay. We must continue finding ways to empower children, young people, families and staff through advancements in digital technology, data and AI which will help release clinician’s time and ultimately improve care. Our children and young people are at the heart of everything we do, and we remain committed to providing them with the highest quality of care both now and in the future.”
The £2m funding will be used to support further recovery of planned care including new equipment to enable procedures to safely take place in the Trust’s surgical day case unit or outpatient clinic instead of main theatres; increasing physical outpatient room capacity to see more children and young people in clinic; and enhancing efficiency by increasing equipment across several specialities.
NHS England’s Capital Incentive Scheme supports the Government’s aim to return to the 92% 18-week standard by March 2029, as set out in the plan for reforming elective care and the 10 Year Health Plan for England.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:
“NHS staff and leaders at Alder Hey are leading the way to a brighter future for the NHS, so I want to recognise and reward their excellent work.
“Our brilliant frontline staff are innovating and finding new ways to run their surgeries and get patients seen faster. This government is backing them with extra investment and modernisation, and waiting lists are falling for the first time in 15 years as a result.
“This is what gives me hope that we can turn the NHS around, get people off waiting lists and back to their lives. There’s a long way to go, but the NHS is on the road to recovery.”
Stella Vig, NHS England’s Clinical Director for Elective Care, said:
“We set out the challenge earlier this year to Trusts to drastically bring down their waiting lists.
“This approach has seen eight of them make particularly impressive progress helping thousands of patients get the care they need more quickly.
“This £2m capital funding will support efforts to speed up care even further and set a strong example for other organisations to learn from.”
The announcement of the funding award comes alongside the publication of the latest NHS league tables – introduced by the Government to drive up standards and tackle variations in care – with every trust in England ranked against clear standards covering all aspects of healthcare including urgent and emergency care, elective operations and mental health services. Alder Hey remains amongst the highest performing trusts in the country in Segment 1.
Find out more of the incredible work of Alder Hey here.
Meet the woman who’s spent 30 Christmases at Alder Hey 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 was sparkling with festive cheer this week as Claire House Children’s Hospice welcomed supporters to its Christmas Carol Concert.
Families, friends, supporters, volunteers and neighbours from across the city joined together for an evening filled with music and Christmas spirit.
St John The Evangelist Church in Knotty Ash glowed with twinkling Christmas trees, as everyone enjoyed the festive sounds of Allerton Brass and the beautiful singing of the Liverpool Show Choir.
Talented musicians filled the church with traditional carols and uplifting Christmas favourites including Winter Wonderland, The Snowman (Walking in the Air) and Silent Night.
Between the music, guests paused to think about the seriously and terminally ill babies, children and young adults cared for by Claire House, with many saying it was a moving way to start the festive period.
Among those giving a reading was bereaved mum Amanda McEgan, who was joined in the church by husband Paul. Their daughter Izzy was supported by the hospice after being diagnosed with cancer aged 19 years old.
The Christmas Carol Concert, organised by and in aid of Claire House, raised awareness and funds for the charity, which supports children and families across Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales.
Rachel Handley, Events fundraiser at Claire House, said:
“Christmas is a time of festive fun and joy, and our first Christmas Carol Concert in Knotty Ash was all those things!
“Seeing the Liverpool community come together, singing side by side, was amazing. The support we receive at events like this helps us continue to be there for every child and family who desperately needs us.”
Rachel added: “These events not only celebrate the festive season but also bring people together to shine a light on the vital support our hospice provides to families across Liverpool and beyond.
“A huge thank you to our sponsors, Wealth at Work, and to everyone who joined us in the church, which is just down the road from our Liverpool site in West Derby.”
Claire House has a site on Liverpool’s Honey’s Green Lane, close to Alder Hey, offering counselling, groups and day care, alongside its full hospice in the Wirral.
Visit the Claire House website here.
Find out what’s happening 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.
34 new homes in New Ferry have marked a big step forward for a community devastated by an explosion in 2017 that destroyed homes and businesses.
The Regenda Group and Wirral Council have completed the first phase of a regeneration project set to transform the area, delivering affordable homes that are thoughtfully designed and meet the needs of local people.
The homes are split across two sites in the heart of New Ferry’s high street. Sorrel Place on Boundary Road offers 20 stylish apartments available through Rent to Buy with Redwing, helping local people take their first step onto the property ladder. The Bebington Road site provides 14 Affordable Rent homes through Regenda Homes, designed to bring modern new homes that reflect the area’s heritage and blend seamlessly into the historic streetscape.
Residents have praised the development for its character and quality, describing them as “not just grey apartments” but homes that feel part of the community. All properties were let before completion, showing strong demand for affordable housing in the area.
Redwing residents Becky, Jon and his daughter, Luna, said:
“We are over the moon to have found a home in a beautiful area where Luna can play and explore safely. We’re so excited to continue making our lovely new apartment into our home. Luna is thrilled to have her own space and is super excited to meet new people. This new chapter for us is very exciting and we’re all looking forward to a long future in our new home.”
To mark this milestone, celebrations were held at Windsor Close Community Centre, bringing together local people for a festive evening of music and community spirit. Highlights included Christmas carols sung by pupils from Grove Street Primary School, creating a joyful atmosphere as residents and partners reflected on the journey so far.
Katie Davies, Director of Development at The Regenda Group, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to see all homes built and occupied at New Ferry. This is a brilliant milestone in our project to rebuild and transform the area, bringing a range of high-quality, affordable homes, creating opportunities for local people, and most of all, creating a thriving, sustainable community that people can be proud of for generations to come.
Phase 1 of the regeneration project also included improvements to Grove Street South car park, now open with 54 spaces (7 Blue Badge), enhanced lighting, CCTV, and direct access to Bebington Road businesses.
The project has delivered £778,766 in social value, creating apprenticeships, local jobs, and school partnerships. Children from Grove Street Primary School played a special role by helping to name apartment types and inspiring the branding – ensuring the regeneration reflects local pride and identity.
Cllr Mark Skillicorn, Chair of the Economy, Regeneration and Transport Committee for Wirral Council, said:
“The completion of the first phase of this project is another milestone in the regeneration of New Ferry and it’s fantastic to see the new high-quality, affordable homes that have already been completed and are now being lived in across multiple sites in the town.
“We are looking forward to work on phase two getting started in early 2026, continuing the transformation of New Ferry with more homes, complemented by the £5.5m investment from Wirral Council in public realm improvements, including a new car park and highway upgrades.”
Visit the Regenda Group website here.
Find out which Liverpool ONE restaurants kids can eat free at 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.
A cosy Christmas awaits at Ormskirk-based country pub Ring O’ Bells with a whole host of festive events that are perfect for the entire family.
After an extensive renovation two years ago, the reimagined country pub has become a warm and modern destination where families and friends can enjoy comforting food, seasonal drinks and memorable moments throughout the year, especially during December.
Based on Lathom Lane, Ring O’Bells is sure to get guests into the festive spirit with a full calendar of Christmas celebrations that bring the community together in cosy country pub style, from festive traditions to a unique ‘Kids Eat Free’ NYE brunch.
The pub will host cheerful Christmas markets and lively quiz nights that invite guests to gather, relax and share the spirit of the season. Families can enjoy magical breakfast mornings with Santa and even a visit from his real reindeers!
Christmas Eve and Boxing Day are two of the biggest occasions of the year at Ring O’Bells with a welcoming atmosphere, hearty classics and a drinks list filled with winter favourites, perfect for pre and post Christmas Day celebrations.
The festivities continue with a special New Year’s Eve that features a festive brunch, a one day menu created for the occasion and an amazing family friendly offer where children eat free!
NYE rounds off with a quiz night that promises fun for groups of all ages.
New Year’s Day keeps the holiday feeling alive with comforting dishes and a relaxed start to the year, with the beautiful canalside location making the perfect spot to blow off the cobwebs and enjoy some fresh air.
Seasonal menus and festive drinks are now available and not to be missed with Ring O’Bells being hailed as the Country Pub of the Year by LUXLife last year.
On the menu until New Year’s Eve, delicious festive specials include starters such as honey glazed figs with crispy pancetta and whipped goats cheese on sourdough toast, as well as spiced pumpkin soup with herb croutons, toasted seeds and parmesan.
The seasonal menu also includes festive mains with free range turkey ballotine set to be a popular choice, and roasted wild venison pave.
Book your table on the Ring O Bell’s website.
Find out 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.
Christmas cheer comes to Goodison on Saturday, when Everton Women host reigning European champions Arsenal in their festive fixture.
Santa will be interrupting his busy schedule to join in a day of festive fun in the Fan Zone and stadium concourses, ahead of the Barclays Women’s Super League game (KO 12pm).
There’s something for all the family to enjoy, from 10am, when the Fan Zone opens, including:
Meet Santa
The big man will be meeting younger fans in our special Christmas Grotto, handing out gifts on a first-come, first served basis and posing for photographs.
Snow Globe and Snow Machines
An inflatable snow globe will be located in the Fan Zone for younger fans to enjoy bouncing around inside, while a snow machine will add a festive feel to the air!
Gaming Experince
Our Gaming Van will be located in the Fan Zone, with all the latest titles for fans to enjoy, including EA Sports’ FC26!
Festive Food
There will be a flavour of Christmas on offer in the Fan Zone, with the Festive Turkey Burger and a Pulled Pork and Apple Sauce Burger among the tasty offerings.
Christmas Giveaways
Our Fan Engagement Team will be in the Fan Zone from 10am – midday, handing out Everton-branded clappers and Everton Women-themed Baseball cards featuring your favourite players and key stats!
Christmas on the Concourses
The fun continues inside Goodison, where face painters and balloon artists will be creating Christmas magic until half time in the Park End concourse.
An arts and crafts table will also keep young fans entertained until kick-off, and there will be more giveaways while guitarist Marky Reader provides the festive soundtrack to the day!
Meanwhile, on the Gwladys Street Concourse, there will be a face painter and yet more festive giveaways.
Flag and Banner Displays
Ahead of kick-off, there will be a flag and banner display to welcome the players onto the pitch, in conjunction with the Everton Women Official Supporters Club.
And at half time, the entertainment will be provided by our popular Hit the Bar game, at the Park End of Goodison Park.
Tickets are still available for the Barclays Women’s Super League game, which sees Arsenal make their first ever visit to Goodison Park.