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Southport Comedy Festival has announced that legendary husband-and-wife duo Paul Merton and Suki Webster will bring their critically acclaimed improv show to Victoria Park.
Joining them on stage will be their longtime friend and improvisation virtuoso Mike McShane, best known as a regular on Channel 4’s iconic Whose Line Is It Anyway?, alongside a host of special guests.
Audiences can expect a night of fast, fabulously funny improvised games, scenes, stories and laugh out loud surrealism. With no script and no safety net, anything can happen and usually does.
Merton and Webster are the fifth show to be revealed for the 2026 programme, joining an already stellar line-up including: German Comedy Ambassador Henning Wehn, King of the One-Liners Gary Delaney, multi award winning comedian and star of Live at the Apollo and Royal Variety Performance Scott Bennett and Laura Smyth, the rapidly rising comedy and TV star, as seen on Live at the Apollo, QI, Would I Lie To You and 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
The 15th annual Southport Comedy Festival runs from 2nd–18th October 2026, returning for the sixth consecutive year to its luxury, fully seated and heated marquee, supplied by Elite Events, in the beautiful surroundings of Victoria Park, home of the world-famous Southport Flower Show.
The festival continues to grow year on year, with over 6,000 attendees in 2025 and a record-breaking ten sell-out shows, making it the most successful festival to date.
More exciting names will be announced soon. Visit the festival website or join the mailing list to be the first to hear what’s next for 2026.
Book tickets for Southport Comedy Festival here from 10am on Friday 6th February.
Find out what’s on in Southport throughout 2026 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.
We’ve made it to February at last and we’re looking forward to what a new month’s got for us. Get it off to a great start with these 15 things to do in Liverpool this week …
Breakfast at Suburbs Patisserie on Allerton Road
Open Wednesday to Sunday, Suburbs is a lovely little indie patisserie and the perfect place to go for a fresh-baked brekkie. Bestselling Breakfast Supremes include buttery croissant stuffed with sausage, bacon, fried egg, latke and cheese, or a veggie beauty with fried egg, spinach, latke, chili jam and aioli.
Find out more here.
Strictly Live Tour at M&S Bank Arena
If you love the glitterball magic of Strictly on TV, you have to see it live because the glamour and dance skills look even more amazing in person. The Strictly Live Tour is at the Arena this Thursday and Friday, with judges and contestants from the last series plus the return of favourite Layton Williams.
Find out more here.
Robbie Williams plays Liverpool Olympia
Fans of Robbie won’t need any reminders that this Friday he’s back in the city for what’s sure to be an incredible intimate gig at the Olympia. It’s part of a series of ‘Long ‘90s’ shows to coincide with his latest album, Britpop, which has become a record-breaking 16th album to make it to number one.
Find out more here.
Get your game on at new venue Star Pins on School Lane
Gaming is always fun, especially if you’re with a group of mates or family, and now there’s a brilliant new venue in town where you can do it. Star Pins has the lot: ten-pin bowling, ice-free curling, tech darts, karaoke, shuffleboard, and an arcade, plus tasty food and drink – loser pays obviously!
Find out more here.
DJs Seb Fontaine & Graeme Park play the Palm House
There aren’t many better places in the city – or even the UK – for a club night than the Palm House in Sefton Park, under the glass dome and surrounded by greenery. This weekend it’s got two DJ legends: Seb Fontaine will be doing a special 3-hour set on Friday, then it’s Haçienda regular Graeme Park on Saturday.
Find out more here.
Explore the gems inside Red Brick Market
Red Brick in the Baltic has just celebrated its 10th birthday and it keeps getting better, with fantastic indie traders under one roof. Whether you love vintage, collectibles, quirky household stuff, handmade jewellery or candles, you’ll find it all and more, and you can grab a coffee and a bite to eat there too.
Find out more here.
Visit new Hope Street pub, The Shandon Bells
From the owners of Hope Street pubs like The White Hart, as well as The Pilgrim and Mayflower nearby, The Shandon Bells has got more of a 1960s Irish vibe than old Victorian but it’s still a great new boozer well worth a try. Pop for pints, Taytos, toasties and you might catch some trad Irish music too.
Find out more here.
Keep the kids busy at Bubbles World of Play in New Brighton
If you’ve got kids age 11 or under, let them and their imaginations run wild at Bubbles World of Play in New Brighton. It’s the biggest children’s soft play area in the country, with over 30 different themed zones, as well as a role play area for little ones, to test their sense of adventure and their stamina!
Find out more here.
The Music of Prince by candlelight at St George’s Hall
For Prince fans this is going to be a memorable night packed with hits against the historic backdrop of St George’s Hall. The Music of Prince: the Candlelight Concert on Thursday will feature top class singers and a live band performing his iconic songs in a way you’ll have never seen them before.
Find out more here.
TRiBE feat. KOJ and Friends
This collaborative event will explore the eclecticism and depth of the genre, bringing together a wealth of talent from Liverpool and the region.
Find out more here.
Go Liver Bird spotting on the Liver Bird Safari tour!
There’s so much history all around us in this city, it’s easy to miss landmarks including our famous Liver Birds. To discover more about Liverpool’s emblem and see some hidden ones, join Arts Groupie’s Liver Birds Safari Tour, free on dates in February and March as part of Liverpool BID’s Must-See Month.
Find out more here.
Sunday Roast at Barnacle on Hardman Street
We’re deep into Sunday roast season and this one’s up there as one of the city’s best. The sirloin of beef is a must-have for meat lovers, or there’s a veggie alternative, and make sure you leave room for pud because desserts like rum & banana sticky toffee, or Guinness and chocolate cake are next level.
Find out more here.
Tasty Mexican at Pina Loca, Bromborough
Start off a fresh month by spicing things up a bit over at Pina Loca in Bromborough. It specialises in Mexican favourites like tacos and burritos, as well as a big choice of small plates, go classic with churros & chocolate for dessert, and there’s a great drinks menu including a whole section devoted to margs!
Find out more here.
Quiz Night at Newington Temple pub
Who doesn’t love a quiz night? OK, there must be some people but we’re not sure we’ve met them. Get your head fully switched on and go to Newington Temple, between Bold Street and Renshaw Street, on Monday nights from 7pm and you could win your teammates a bar tab, cash or bottle of fizz.
Find out more here.
Get some culture at Tate + RIBA North on Mann Island
While its permanent home at the Albert Dock’s gets major work done, you can still get a Tate culture fix over at the RIBA North building on Mann Island. Until the end of this month a free exhibition showcases the winner and 2025 nominees of the Stirling Prize which recognises the country’s best architecture.
Find out more here.
Experience Southport with an overnight’s stay at The Vincent
Southport is buzzing as it celebrates a year of cultural events for Southport 2026 and you’ll always find a top choice of independent restaurants and bars, shops, attractions and hidden gems for all the family, as well as the beach, so why not make a regular visit into an extra treat with an overnight at The Vincent?
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.
Beloved Brookside legend Michael Starke will star as Mr Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors at Everyman Playhouse this December.
He will star alongside Jessie Elland, who will play Audrey, at the Liverpool Playhouse from Thursday 3 December 2026 to Saturday 9 January 2027.
This long-awaited major UK revival of Little Shop of Horrors will be directed and choreographed by Tony and Olivier award nominee Carrie-Anne Ingrouille (Six – The Musical).
Carrie-Anne Ingrouille said:
“I am so proud to be presenting this cast and this production of Little Shop of Horrors. Every element of the show speaks to my vision for telling this story with honesty, heart, and relevance, and that begins with the people bringing it to life on stage. They embody the vulnerability, strength, and humanity that I believe are essential for this musical to have lasting appeal and to truly resonate with audiences today. I cannot wait for audiences in Manchester and Liverpool to experience it during this very special run.”
Little Shop of Horrors runs at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre from Friday 25 September 2026 to Sunday 29 November 2026, and will then head into its spectacular festive season at the Liverpool Playhouse, where Jessie Elland (Emmerdale, ITV, 101 Dalmatians, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) will take over the role of Audrey from Thursday 3 December 2026 to Saturday 9 January 2027. Joining them at both venues is beloved Brookside legend Michael Starke, who will star as Mr Mushnik.
Michael has appeared in many productions at both the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse theatres, including The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto 2024: Rapunzel, Breeze Block Park, Dick Whittington, Hamlet, She Stoops to Conquer and The Star. His most recent stage work is Two by Jim Cartwright at the Shakespeare North Playhouse.
They will be joined by an outstanding West End cast, including Jed Berry (Back To The Future, Adelphi Theatre; Shucked, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) as Seymour, Marcus Ayton (Shrek, UK tour; Lovestuck, Theatre Royal Stratford East) as the voice of the monstrous Audrey II, and Benjamin Yates (Emmerdale, ITV; The Wizard of Oz; Jersey Boys) as the sinister and unforgettable Orin Scrivello, the Dentist.
Completing the iconic trio of streetwise narrators are Psalms-Nissi Myers-Reid(&Juliet; Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) as Crystal, Gabrielle Davina Smith (Matilda; Sister Act) as Ronnette, and Rio Maye (Grease, European Tour) as Chiffon.
The ensemble company will feature Ella Howlett (Tina; Madagascar the Musical), Joseph Peacock (Muriel’s Wedding; Dear Evan Hansen), Nathen Scott (Mamma Mia!), Kai Cameron Jay (Starlight Express) with further casting to be announced.
Directed and choreographed by Tony and Olivier Award nominated Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, this brand-new rival will unleash Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s legendary musical with jaw-dropping energy, razor-sharp comedy, unforgettable songs, and a plant with an appetite bigger than ever before.
Joining Ingrouille on an extraordinary creative team is award-winning Set and Costume Designer Morgan Large (Sister Act, This Bitter Earth, Newsies), Musical Supervisor and Arranger Paul Schofield (Hair, Bat Boy), Lighting Designer Rory Beaton (Burlesque The Musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, For Black Boys…), Sound Designer Kelsh Buckman Drage (Evita, Hamilton, Mamma Mia!), and Casting Director Rob Kelly (Hadestown, This Bitter Earth, Geek Girl).
December 2026 marks 40 years since the release of the original 1986 film directed by Frank Oz, cementing Little Shop of Horrors as one of the most influential and enduring musical sensations of the past half century.
Little Shop of Horrors has music by Alan Menken, book and lyrics by Howard Ashman. It runs from Thursday 3 December 2026 to Saturday 9 January 2027 at the Liverpool Playhouse. Tickets priced from £17 – £62.
Find out more on the Everyman Playhouse website.
Find more theatre shows across Liverpool here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Sister of former Clatterbridge patient is organising a Bridgerton Ball to raise funds for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity in memory of her sister.
When Danielle Goffin Ogilby’s sister Nicola was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, she stayed by her side in hospital and saw firsthand what a difference fundraising can make.
In March, Danielle is hosting a red-carpet event to raise money for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity in memory of Nicola, who died aged 45, leaving behind husband Eddie Bevan and their two young children.
Danielle explained:
“It’s really important to me to give back. Clatterbridge was incredible when looking after Nicola and our family during her treatment. Although we didn’t get the outcome we hoped for, I’ve seen how much of a difference every penny raised makes.”
The sisters grew up with a close bond in North Wales, where their mum Lynn Goffin still lives. Danielle said: “Nicola was my best friend and as adults we even moved to Chester around the same time so we could stay close.”
Nicola was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in March 2017 and began treatment at Clatterbridge.
“They were fantastic and by September 2018 we thought she was all clear,” Danielle explained. But not long after, while on holiday in Spain with her husband Eddie and their children, Nicola began to suffer seizures.
Danielle explained that four tumours were discovered on her brain. They managed to get her sister home and the doctors at Clatterbridge tried everything, but she deteriorated quickly. She added: “We remained with her throughout her struggle, but she passed away in November of that year.
“She was incredibly kind and the most loyal person you could know. Her caring and protective nature made her passing a significant loss for all who knew her.”
On March 6, Danielle will host a glamorous Bridgerton-inspired ‘soiree’ at The Chester Fields venue on the outskirts of Chester, where all the family used to celebrate Christmas. Manager Mark Jarvis has selflessly given up the use of the entire venue.
The fundraising event will feature Bridgerton-inspired dancers from House of Dance in Chester, and the well-known DJ Frankie Gioia on the decks. There will be luxury prizes, plus an auction with high end prizes that money can’t buy up for grabs, some of which include a half day Porsche experience at Silverstone, signed Everton football shirt, three day camping Deva Fest tickets with a backstage tour, and exclusive tickets to see the band The 1975.
Danielle has previously raised funds for the charity by abseiling down The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool and hosting a Barre Pilates brunch in Chester, replicating her sister’s event before she passed away.
“This year I wanted to do something different in my sister’s memory and I want to be able to donate every single penny to Clatterbridge, which is why I’m so grateful to Mark and the team for their help and giving up the venue for the evening and so many others who has been so kind giving up their time helping and supporting the event.
“It’s not been easy to organise, I work full time, I’ve got two children and this isn’t my area of expertise, but I wanted to do my sister proud and raise as much as I possibly can for more research and specialist equipment that will help save lives and support families like ours.”
Before Nicola died, she had also raised money for Clatterbridge, organising a barre pilates brunch in Chester that brought in £10,000 in donations. Since then, Danielle has been determined to carry on her legacy.
She added: “It’s hard work, but I just keep looking at Nicola’s picture and that keeps me going. If I can save one person’s life with the money we raise, that’s all I can ask for.
“I know it’s a difficult time for people with the cost-of-living crisis and I wouldn’t be asking friends and family to make donations if I hadn’t seen for myself how much of a difference Clatterbridge makes.”
Tanya Simpson, Community Fundraiser for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, shared her appreciation for Danielle’s efforts:
“I would like to thank Danielle for her commitment to fundraising for local people with cancer. Thanks to people like her, we can continue to help the one in two people affected by cancer in our region.”
Danielle’s Clatterbridge Charity Soiree will be held on Friday, March 6 at 7pm. For more information on tables and prices contact: claire@thechesterfields.co.uk
Support Danielle’s fundraiser 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 Royal Albert Dock is set to host a packed programme of free events this February half-term, including vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations.
The programme brings together large-scale installations, eye-catching live performances and hands-on family-friendly activities, offering visitors of all ages the chance to experience world-class cultural events in a unique dockside setting.
From 14 February, visitors will be greeted by two striking dragon installations located on either side of Salthouse Bridge. Symbolising strength, prosperity and renewal, the large-scale sculptures have been created by The Pyro Studio and Event Design Company, the acclaimed team behind major Lunar lantern festivals across the UK. Handcrafted in Zigong, China, the global capital of traditional lantern-making, the dragons blend centuries-old craft with cutting-edge innovation to create a colourful photo point to mark the Year of the Horse.
On 14 February, the dock will also welcome the annual Chinese New Year parade, led by Liverpool Hung Gar Kung Fu Friendship Association, Pagoda Arts and award-winning dance company Movema. Featuring street theatre, colourful Beijing opera-style costumes and stilt walkers, the procession will start in Liverpool city centre and make its way to Royal Albert Dock at approximately 3pm before travelling around the inner quay.
Fiesta of Fire returns to the dock for its third consecutive year for two nights on 15 and 21 February, transforming the iconic destination with dazzling fire and pyrotechnic performances by Bring the Fire Project. New for 2026, visitors can enjoy a 15-minute show projected onto the façade of the Maritime Museum as part of Dock Shorts. Each screening will be enhanced by freestyle fire performances from eight artists around the inner quay, accompanied by an electrifying live soundtrack from local drumming group Wirral Drummers. Shows will take place at 6pm and 7pm on 15 February, and at 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm on 21 February.
Families are invited to get creative this February half-term with a programme of free arts and crafts workshops running from 16 to 20 February, hosted inside PANAM, Revolution and The Discovery Zone in The Beatles Story. These drop-in sessions will offer a fun, hands-on way to create Chinese New Year–inspired crafts, with children taking part alongside a supervising adult.
From 16 to 22 February, a special Dock Shorts animation celebrating the Year of the Horse will be projected onto the façade of the Maritime Museum. Best viewed from the inner quay, the animation will run daily from 5pm to 10pm, providing an atmospheric highlight to Chinese New Year celebrations.
Royal Albert Dock Estate Manager, Sean Morrison, comments:
“We are thrilled to bring such a vibrant and diverse programme of free events to the dock this February half-term. By celebrating the spectacular return of Fiesta of Fire alongside the cultural richness of Chinese New Year, we are offering visitors a unique experience that combines world-class performance with our iconic dockside heritage.
“It is a privilege to collaborate with partners like Culture Liverpool to host these large-scale celebrations, ensuring the dock remains the ultimate destination for unforgettable moments this February.”
Find out more on the Royal Albert Dock website.
Find more Lunar New Year events on our calendar.
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.
Article updated Friday, 30 January 2026.
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, you might need to get thinking about how you’re going to show your love to that certain someone close to you.
And you’re in luck if you’re in and around Liverpool – because there’s a load of offers that’ll set hearts racing.
Barnacle Restaurant and Bar
Love is in the air at Barnacle Restaurant and Bar. The team are celebrating Valentine’s from Wednesday 11th to Sunday 15th February in the beautiful Grade II listed Old Blind School building on Hardman Street.
Their Valentine’s exclusive specials menu features beautifully crafted dishes by Head Chef David Alonso alongside Barnacle’s main menu to special Valentine’s cocktails, so there’s plenty of choice. And to make Valentine’s extra special, Barnacle’s Fizz and Flowers package can add a touch of romantic magic, with a stunning bouquet at the table and a glass of Henners sparkling wine on arrival to set the tone.
So whether it’s a first date, a long-overdue night out, or celebrating years of glorious love, Barnacle is the place to be this Valentine’s, as Harry and Paul Askew’s brasserie continues to tell the story of the city’s maritime history and how this has shaped Liverpool as a global gastronomic destination.
Find out more here.
Frederik’s – Hope Street
Frederik’s is doing it differently, with not one Valentine’s evening but three.
Fred’s Weekend of Love from Thursday, February 12 to Saturday, February 14 is about celebrating love and whoever it’s with.
There’ll be live music or a DJ, and they’re offering five plates or pizzettes to share, plus a dessert each for £25pp (based on 2 diners).
Plates include pan-fried chilli & garlic prawns with cherry tomato and sourdough; slow roast beef ragu tagliatelle with parmesan, and buffalo cauliflower wings with a garlic aioli dip. (ve), and puds feature rich chocolate torte & red berry compote and sticky toffee pudding, with vanilla ice cream and toffee sauce.
Find out more here.
San Carlo
From 9-15th February, San Carlo is offering an Italian-inspired Valentine’s experience, complete with exclusive desserts, signature Valentine’s cocktails and a vibrant yet intimate atmosphere. The menu is designed for indulgent celebrations, whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or a stylish night out with friends. Across the Valentine’s weekend (Friday to Sunday), the experience is complemented by live music and DJs, adding to the evening atmosphere.
It’s a great option for Liverpool diners looking for something special this Valentine’s.
Find out more here.
Titanic Hotel
‘Love on the Docks’ is a great way to get into the good books and treat your other half to a luxurious night at the Regent Road hotel. From only £125 per couple, you can enjoy an overnight stay, a full English breakfast and a bottle of wine on arrival.
Add a romantic dinner in Stanley’s Bar & Grill – we recommend the Surf and Turf experience with two 6oz fillet steaks and a thermidor lobster tail with mornay sauce for £105 for two – or a Couple’s Retreat at its Maya Blue Wellness spa, and you’ll be in the good books for a long time to come.
Find out more here.
Miller and Carter
The Albert Dock restaurant’s offering the chance to indulge in two decadent experiences from Sunday, February 7 to Sunday, February 15.
Choose the Valentine’s set menu with a three course meal from £41.50 – including a main event 8oz fillet or 10oz Wagyu sirloin – to which you can add a glass of Moët & Chandon Champagne for just £10; or if you prefer to share, go straight to the Limited-Edition Sharing Steak Experience for two.
Enjoy 28oz of 50-day aged Black Angus finest cuts, luxurious sides including sauteed greens and chantenay carrots, grilled lobster tail, and sumptuous steak sauce for £95 – or pair your experience with a bottle of luxury wine including Moet & Chandon Imperial Champagne or Whispering Angel Rose for £135.
Find out more here.
Gusto
Celebrate the day of love with a dedicated three-course sharing menu and a glass of house wine for £50 per person, available from February 13-14.
Start with creamy Burrata, then devour 390g Chateaubriand or their Seafood Risotto for the main event, and finish with The Grande Éclair paired with strawberries and cream for an unforgettable dinner.
Find out more here.
The Municipal Hotel and Spa
The Municipal Hotel and Spa is inviting guests to celebrate Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day in style. At the heart of the celebrations is the hotel’s exclusive Galentine’s Afternoon Tea at The Botanic Tearoom.
For those looking to relax and unwind, you can indulge in the Valentine’s Time for Two Wellness Experience. This girls’ day can be a truly indulgent escape, beginning with afternoon tea, followed by a spa experience, and finishing with cocktails for a post-Valentine’s celebration. Thir Seaforth Restaurant will be serving specially curated Chef’s Specials from 6th-15th February. Highlights include indulgent Lobster Mac & Cheese, followed by the classic Beef Wellington, perfect for sharing with someone special.
To complete the experience, The Municipal Hotel & Spa is offering a range of Valentine’s gift vouchers, redeemable across the spa, hotel, and The Botanic.
Find out more here
Little Leaf and Leaf Smithdown Road
For everyone celebrating love, friendship, or simply with a shared devotion to delicious desserts, the teams at Little Leaf on Thursday 12th and Leaf Smithdown on Saturday 14th February are ready to welcome guests to their special Valentine’s editions of Pudding Club.
There are five indulgent dessert courses lovingly crafted by Leaf’s in-house patisserie team, each paired with one of Leaf’s loose-leaf teas. This is the perfect treat for couples, besties, or anyone with a sweet tooth on Valentine’s. Pudding Club starts from 7pm.
Find out more here.
Flight Club
Running between 13th and 15th February, Flight Club is giving the classic Galentine’s go-to – Bottomless Brunch – a fun and energetic twist with the addition of Social Darts.
What could be better than gathering all your BFFs together for flowing drinks, good food, and some competitive fun to toast the more time for your besties? Plus, throwing a dart can be pretty therapeutic!
Flight Club’s two-hour bottomless brunch includes a welcome cocktail to get the good times going, followed by a bottle of Prosecco or four beers each, live DJ sets and bottomless sourdough pizza paddles for the full two hours. The two hours are split with 60 minutes at the oche and the second hour at a bar table to polish off the pizza and Prosecco post-Social Darts. Tickets are priced from £33 per person.
Find out more here.
The Art School
Valentine’s Day at The Art School is being celebrated on Saturday 14th February with Chef Patron Paul Askew and his team preparing three wonderful experiences.
The Art School are ready to immerse guests in the exquisite splendour of their Sugnall Street home with their Celebration Prix Fixe Menu lunch and early evening services at £89.00 per person for an aperitif and 4 courses, along with an optional wine flight – £50.00 per person.
This is followed by a full Celebration Menu service in the evening at £145 per person for aperitif, snacks and four courses and an optional Wine Flight – £75 per person. Downstairs in The Art School Cellars, there’s a special afternoon tea service with champagne, handmade open sandwiches, and patisseries to be enjoyed too.
Find out more here
Malmaison
This Valentine’s Day, Malmaison has launched ‘Malentine’s Day’ with two offers available to enjoy.
Indulge in an overnight stay with a three‑course Veuve Clicquot dinner, complete with three perfectly paired drinks each, followed by a full cooked breakfast the next morning. Going all in? Add a bottle of Champagne and late checkout
Or, treat your loved one to an indulgent three course Valentines menu paired with three Veuve Clicquot cocktails
Available from the 1st February – 28th February
Find out more here
The Botanist
Cosy up at The Botanist and tuck into a three-course sharing menu for two for just £39.95 per couple.
No Valentine’s date? No problem!
Celebrate Galentine’s Day on February 13 instead with the ultimate ‘girl dinner’ featuring a fresh Caesar Salad, seasoned chips, and a perfectly chilled Martini. Whether it’s romance or friendship, you can make this February one to remember.
Find out more here.
Fazenda Radizio Bar & Grill
From £60 per head, you can enjoy a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, a butter-bathed lobster tail to share, its signature Churrasco Experience and a special Valentine’s dessert.
And you can celebrate love with them from February 9-15.
Find out more here.
Hope Street Hotel
Love is definitely in the air at the Hope Street Hotel where you can toast to romance in its luxurious spa. Stay in one of the rooftop or terrace suites, enjoy the private outdoor spa bath, and sip a complimentary bottle of Nyetimber under the stars.
The experience starts from £395 and is available to book until February 28.
Find out more here.
London Carriage Works
Dine at the London Carriage Works at the Hope Street Hotel and you can enjoy a special Valentine’s Lunch or Early Evening Dinner with two or three courses for £35 and £45 respectively.
Starters include Butternut squash, parmesan, pickled mushrooms and shallot, and Chalk stream trout with celeriac, green apple and vanilla; and mains feature pan-roasted rump of lamb, shoulder navarin, confit potato, black kale and mint, and poached chicken, thigh kiev, fennel, smoked garlic, and pomme anna.
The evening dinner menu is from £75 per person and includes an amuse bouche, a three course menu and coffee and truffles.
Find out more here.
Malmaison
Check in and turn the volume up on romance this Valentine’s Day at Malmaison. Enjoy an overnight stay with a three-course Veuve Clicquot dinner, complete with three perfectly paired drinks each, followed by a full cooked breakfast the next morning from £254.
Add a bottle of Champagne and late checkout and make the morning part of the fun.
Find out more here.
Voyager’s Restaurant & Bar
Nestled on Parr Street in the heart of Liverpool’s Ropewalks District, the restaurant has unveiled an irresistible Valentine’s menu that promises bold flavours, beautiful plates, and a touch of indulgence.
Voyagers’ Valentine’s menu, priced at £49 per person, includes a glass of fizz, freshly baked focaccia with marinated olives, two small plates and one side dish.
Standout dishes include chargrilled sea bass with curried parsnip purée and pomegranate; 8oz rump steak with chimichurri; burratina with blood orange, fennel, pistachio and honey; and salt & pepper squid finished with hot honey and garlic aioli.
Find out more here.
Voisin
It’s okay to be cheesy on Valentine’s Day and you can join Voisin in Heswall for a Cheese and Wine Tasting on Saturday, February 14 itself.
For £40 per person you get six wines paired with six cheeses.
Find out more here.
LEAF Smithdown Road
For everyone celebrating love, friendship, or simply with a shared devotion to delicious desserts, the team at Little Leaf on Thursday 12th and Leaf Smithdown Saturday 14th February are ready for their special Valentine’s editions of Pudding Club.
Guest can indulge in five inspirational dessert courses, lovingly crafted by Leaf’s in-house patisserie team. This is the perfect treat for couples, besties, or anyone with a sweet tooth on Valentine’s. Pudding Club starts from 7pm.
Find out more here.
Smoke & Dough
Smoke & Dough Liverpool is where ‘love, laughter, and smoky flavours come together’ for a celebration you won’t forget. On February 14 – from 12 noon to 10.30pm – you can enjoy a four-course meal for £39.99 per person – and you even get a free glass of bubbly to toast your special event.
Find out more here.
Bongo’s Bingo
This Valentine’s Day in Liverpool, Bongo’s Bingo has got the weekend covered. For the amorous out there wondering what to do, there’s no better to place to let loose than Bongo’s Bingo. Date night? Double date night? Anti-Valentine’s? Galentines? Everyone is welcome at Bongo’s Bingo at Content to celebrate the most loved-up time of the year. The magic and mayhem unfolds on Friday 13th February.
Find out more here.
BOXPARK
For a fun way to spend Valentine’s Day, team up as detectives and try to track down a murderer at BOXPARK’s live immersive Murder Mystery Bottomless Brunch, from 2pm to 7pm.
Along with plenty of clues to solve, you’ll get two hours of bottomless drinks, a choice of food vendors to keep all tastes happy and entertainment courtesy of DJ Tizzle.
Find out more here.
Keep checking back with us as we will be adding even more events and great places to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Liverpool.
For more events taking place around Valentines Day head over to our calendar here.
The Council has announced that work will begin on Monday 16 February and are anticipated to take 26 weeks to complete.
The works form part of the Liverpool City Region’s Key Route Network Levelling Up Programme, the aim of which is to improve the reliability and resilience of key routes across the city region, while supporting the Council’s commitment to maintaining and improving its highway network for all users.
The first few weeks will involve surveys and investigations, meaning lane closures with temporary traffic lights. People travelling through the area should allow extra time for their journeys.
The works that follow will see sections of the road resurfaced, drainage improved, traffic signals and street lighting upgraded at key junctions, and pavements and pedestrian crossings improved to make the route safer and more accessible.
A series of engagement events will take place, where residents and businesses will be invited to hear more about the programme with the opportunity to discuss the impact and ask questions.
The dates for these drop-in sessions are:
- Thursday 12 February, 4pm-8pm – Simpson Ground Leisure United
- Tuesday 24 February, 4pm-8pm – Speke Training and Education Centre
Councillor Dan Barrington, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity said:
“This investment in Speke Hall Road is an important step in improving safety, accessibility and journey reliability for everyone who uses this key route.
“By upgrading crossings, pavements and signals, we’re creating a safer environment for pedestrians while also tackling congestion and improving traffic flow.
“We know roadworks can be disruptive, and we appreciate people’s patience while this essential work takes place.”
Find out more on the Liverpool City Council website.
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This Valentine’s Day, Mowgli has launched a brand-new Valentine’s Feasting menu.
Available from 9–15 February, Valentine’s Feasting invites couples celebrating Valentine’s to enjoy a selection of bold and bright Indian home-style dishes for £40 per person. The menu is designed to be shared and enjoyed together, making it an ideal way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in style.
Each Valentine’s Feasting experience begins with a choice of prosecco or mocktail, alongside a portion of Mowgli’s iconic Chat Bombs to share. Guests can then choose a street plate each, from options including Fenugreek Fries, Gunpowder Chicken and Himalayan Cheese Toast.
The feast then continues with two curries each, where guess can choose from much-loved dishes such as Mother Butter Chicken, Goan Fish Curry, Black Dahl and Mowgli House Lamb, alongside a companion side each with choices including Basmati Rice, Roti Breads or Garlic and Coriander Paratha.
To finish, each guest then can enjoy an indulgent dessert of either the classic Mowgli Chocolate Brownie or an ice-cream cone – a perfect sweet ending to the meal.
The Valentine’s Feasting menu features eleven dishes to share and explore, offering a flavour packed introduction to Indian street food, in a beautiful setting, to mark the occasion in style.
Every dish at Mowgli is cooked fresh daily using bright, honest ingredients and the health-giving spices the brand is known for.
Book now on the Mowgli website.
Find more places to eat across Liverpool this Valentine’s Day here.
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A retired estate agent from St Helens has become the first patient to receive treatment as part of a clinical trial in Liverpool which is aiming to slow the progression of a potentially life-threatening disease which can lead to heart failure if left untreated.
Taking place at the NIHR (National Institution for Health Research) Liverpool Clinical Research Facility (CRF), which is based at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, the trial is investigating whether lowering lipoprotein(a), a particle in the blood that carries fats and cholesterol, can slow the progression of mild to moderate calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS).
CAVS is one of the most common types of aortic stenosis in adults, affecting mostly those over the age of 65. It is a progressive and life-threatening condition where calcium builds up on one of the heart’s main valves, making it stiff and narrow. This restricts blood flow and, if untreated, can lead to heart failure.
Kay Malekfar, 66, began her journey after discovering her father had a hereditary heart condition. Concerned about her own risk, she underwent tests which revealed she didn’t carry the same condition but did have a leaky heart valve.
Kay said:
“I’m so grateful the tests found my heart condition. I had no symptoms and have always led an active lifestyle, so without the specialist test I wouldn’t have known until it was too late.”
Kay was referred to specialists at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital (LHCH), where expert teams carried out advanced diagnostic tests to confirm her condition and decide the best course of care.
A yoga and fitness enthusiast, Kay has regular check-ups at LHCH as part of her routine treatment plan to keep her heart healthy. When the research team told her about the new trial at the Royal, she didn’t hesitate.
Kay said:
“I wanted to take part because research is so important for finding new treatments. It also means you get more monitoring and an extra level of care from the research team that you wouldn’t usually get.”
Kay received her first dose of treatment in December 2025 and said the experience was simple:
“I didn’t feel a thing. I walk at least 10,000 steps a day and was able to carry on straight away.”
The trial is being delivered through a collaborative partnership between NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group and The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, working together to enable research and ensure patients across the region have access to early phase studies.
Dr Timothy Fairbairn, Cardiology Consultant at LHCH, said:
“CAVS is a progressive degenerative condition that currently has no medical treatment. Once the valve becomes severely narrowed the only option is to undergo major heart surgery.
“Our goal with this study is to explore whether lowering lipoprotein(a) can slow disease progression and reduce the need for major surgery in the future. This is an exciting step forward and we’re proud that patients in Liverpool are among the first in the UK to take part in research that could transform care for thousands of people.”
Catherine Lowe, Lead Research Nurse for the trial, said:
“It’s a privilege to support patients like Kay who are helping us drive forward research that could change the future of cardiac care. Our team is committed to ensuring every patient feels informed, supported and cared for throughout their research journey.”
Kay is keen on inspiring others to take part in research.
She said:
“It’s the best thing you can ever do, if you ever get the chance to be a part of research, take up the offer.”
To take part in the study you must be between 50 and 80 years of age with a diagnosis of mild to moderate CAVS. To see if you could be eligible to take part, or to find out about all our studies at LHCH, please email the research team at Research@lhch.nhs.uk.
Find out more on the NHS website.
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Liverpool Cathedral’s annual Sleepout, in partnership with The Whitechapel Centre, will take place on Friday 10 April and is now open for registration.
The event invites families to come together for a unique overnight experience, sleeping inside the UK’s largest Cathedral.
This year’s sleepout will raise vital funds for both Liverpool Cathedral and The Whitechapel Centre, the city’s leading homeless and housing charity. The Whitechapel Centre supports people sleeping rough, those living in hostels, and individuals at risk of homelessness, helping some of Liverpool’s most vulnerable people find safety and stability.
Money raised from the sleepout will also support the ongoing care, preservation and upkeep of Liverpool Cathedral, ensuring it remains open to visitors and worshippers for hundreds of years to come.
This year’s sleepout will embrace a fairy tale theme, with participants encouraged to dress up as knights, dragons, princesses and other mythical characters, and to create their own magical dens to enhance their sleeping spaces. The evening will also feature a range of family-friendly activities, including fairy tale story time, face painting, a raffle, and prizes awarded for the best den, the highest number of sponsors secured and the most funds raised. Though the sleepout won’t be able to recreate what it’s like to sleep on the streets, both the Cathedral and The Whitechapel Centre hope it will help people understand how it might feel when you don’t have a safe place to call home.
The Liverpool Cathedral Sleepout event will take place on Friday 10 April 2026 at Liverpool Cathedral. It costs £5 per person to register for the event and a target sponsorship of £50 per person. All funds raised will be split equally between the two charities.
The Very Revd Dr Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool, said:
“Our annual sleepout is an opportunity for us to come together in solidarity with those who face homelessness every day. While the Cathedral is a place of worship, it is also a place of compassion. Jesus calls us to help those who are overlooked and to respond with generosity and care. By spending the night here, we are raising vital funds for The Whitechapel Centre and the life-changing work they do across our city, as well as for the Cathedral itself, which was built by the people for the people and provides a powerful and fitting setting for this event.”
Ashley Nixon, Fundraiser at The Whitechapel Centre, said:
“There is a homelessness crisis in Liverpool, we are seeing increasing numbers of people coming to us for help. Everyone should have a safe and stable home – a comfy bed, hot food to eat, somewhere you can watch television, play games or read a book. Unfortunately, not everyone in our city has this. By taking part in the Cathedral Sleepout, you can help end homelessness for people in our city.”
Register for the Liverpool Cathedral Sleepout here.
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Liverpool will host a ground-breaking inclusive sport and culture event in May 2027, bringing together international athletes and artists in a new festival of unity, sport and creativity.
Delivered by UKEL, a new, independent company established to host and deliver major international sporting events in the UK, the original para sport event concept was a commitment made in UK Sport’s major events strategy Making Live Sport Matter to showcase elite sport competition, drive performance benefits and deliver lasting social impact across Liverpool. Arts Council England is partnering with the event to enable the festival to feature exciting work by leading disabled and neurodivergent artists.
The festival will be delivered in collaboration with Liverpool City Council and will feature an exciting week-long lineup of four international sport competitions, ahead of the LA 2028 Paralympic Games. Integrated into the heart of the event will be a sport participation and cultural programme led by deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists – showcasing creativity, talent, and diverse perspectives through performances, exhibitions, and collaborative experiences.
The city of Liverpool will provide the iconic backdrop and will include venues such as the M&S Bank Arena, Exhibition Centre Liverpool and the Pier Head.
Recruitment for a specialist Stakeholder Board begins now to oversee the delivery of the strategic goals and objectives of the event. This will be made up of representatives of Liverpool City Council, UK Sport, Arts Council England, and Paralympics GB, plus independent board members which will include an experienced para sport athlete, a disabled artist, and an independent chair.
In addition, recruitment commences for a Creative Producer to lead the artistic direction and delivery of the culture programme. Sitting on the stakeholder board, the successful applicant will shape a bold, inclusive and disability-led experience that intersects sport and culture whilst driving greater opportunity, representation, and lasting social impact for the disabled community.
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:
“We’re delighted to be hosting such an important and empowering event in our city – bringing together athletes, artists, and audiences, in a truly accessible and inclusive way.
“This is an innovative, ground-breaking concept and through working with UK Sport and our other partners, our vision is to create a pioneering and progressive sport and cultural event which delivers performance improvements and cultural excellence while amplifying visibility and opportunities for people with disabilities throughout our community and beyond.”
Esther Britten MBE, Head of Events and External Affairs at UK Sport, said:
“This is an incredibly exciting moment for para sport in the UK. We’re proud to be creating an event that brings elite competition and culture together, creating a powerful platform to celebrate Paralympic athletes and build momentum towards LA 2028.
“Liverpool has repeatedly proven itself to be an exceptional host city, delivering world-class events with energy and creativity. We’re looking forward to working with our partners to deliver an event that builds on the UK’s strong Paralympic legacy and reflects our ambition to create environments that support performance, inspire audiences and showcases inclusive sport at its very best. Further details on the sport programme will be confirmed in due course.”
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Savera UK, a leading charity established in Merseyside to help people affected by ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices, is launching a community art exhibition at St George’s Hall in March.
Duality Vessels: Voices of Strength will be located in the Stable Gallery’s Café 1854 Space and will feature artworks created by women from the Liverpool City Region that address the issues of HBA and harmful practices, which include forced marriage, conversion ‘therapy’ and spiritual abuse.
Through creative expression in mediums including collage, photography and sculpture, the exhibition brings visibility to abuse that is often kept hidden by silence and control, exploring identity, resilience, culture and lived experience.
Following a private launch event for the artists, their guests and supporters of Savera UK, the exhibition will be open to the public from Tuesday 10th March until Monday 30th April 2026.
There will also be a series of workshops connected to themes in the exhibition, including a coffee morning delivered in partnership with RASA Merseyside on Wednesday 18th March (10am – 12pm), an immersive sound bath (women only event) on Wednesday 8th April (10am – 12pm), and a HBA and harmful practices workshop led by Savera UK on Thursday 16th April (10am – 12pm). These sessions are free, but donations are welcome. Places are limited so booking is required.
A selection of pieces from the first phase of the community art project, which was funded by the Community Foundation for Merseyside, were previewed at Savera UK’s “March to End HBA & Festival of Culture” last summer [September 2025].
Led by facilitator Amina Bihi, the project involved a variety of activities, including mask-making, collage workshops, stop-motion animation, photography, and portrait series. These activities allowed participants to explore themes related to culture, identity, and understanding and/or experiences of HBA, while developing their artistic skills and practising mindfulness.
Speaking of the exhibition, which has been delivered following two eight-week courses, Amina said:
“Each artwork in the exhibition acts as a vessel — carrying memory, emotion, and meaning. The works reflect duality: concealment and revelation, protection and vulnerability, cultural expectation and personal freedom. Together, they speak to the complex ways individuals navigate identity while living within, or resisting, control and judgment.”
Afrah Qassim, Savera UK CEO and founder added:
“Artistic expression is a powerful force for challenging harms in our communities, and it takes great courage and creativity to share these experiences publicly. I am so proud of all the artists involved for creating an empowering exhibition that not only raises awareness of HBA and harmful practices but also holds space for healing and compassion. These artworks have the power to open important dialogue around these issues, drive change and foster understanding.”
In the last year alone Savera UK has helped 339 clients and received almost 700 calls to its national helpline and submissions to its online referral forms. As well as seeing a 51% increase in referrals for forced marriage and 33% increase for FGM, it also noted a much more significant increase in less well-recognised harmful practices. These include spiritual abuse, where referrals doubled, referrals relating to sexuality and gender (125% increase) and forced servitude, referrals for which increased by 433%.
If you think you or someone you know is at risk of or experiencing HBA or harmful practices, you can contact our national helpline 0800 107 0726 (10am – 4pm, weekdays excluding bank holidays). If you are at immediate risk, please ring 999.
Visit the Savera UK website here.
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Teen actors are delivering a hard-hitting message about the realities of knife crime in a new Liverpool short film.
Ripple has been written by Carol Wilson, a talent agent, acting coach and TV and film producer who comes originally from L8.
As a former police officer and detective, she drew on her background in dealing with serious crime to create the script for the film. Carol has had first-hand experience of how one impulsive decision can change the course of a young person’s life forever, especially if they’re carrying a knife or blade.
The tagline of Ripple, which tells the story through the voices of the young people involved, is ‘One Second. One Knife. All It Takes Is One Second.’
It features a cast of talented local actors, whose characters are shown navigating issues around bullying, cyberbullying, insecurity, and the pressure of growing up under the constant glare of social media.
Vulnerabilities come to a head at the school prom where a teenage boy is pushed to snapping point.
One of the actors taking key role in Ripple is 15-year-old Nuala Childs from Lydiate. She was cast as Meghan, a popular girl who is the loud, cocky leader of a clique, but liked more because classmates are scared of her.
It’s revealed that Meghan also has her own insecurities, causing her to lash out before anyone can harm her.
Nuala’s mum Danielle says the film highlights the realities which teenagers can face in schools today.
And, like dramas such as Adolescence before it, Ripple shines a light on what can happen in a world which parents so often don’t fully understand.
Danielle says:
“Knife crime seems to be always in the news now and it’s the way teenagers view the world, that it’s OK to carry a knife because you’re protecting yourself,”
“They can feel, what if they’ve got a knife? I’ve got to protect myself so I need one. But this film shows how, just in a split second, that can lead to a terrible decision.”
Ripple has been entered into film festivals and will be screened in London on February 17, where government officials from the Youth and Child Action Department will be in the audience.
Danielle says the film has already opened up important conversations in their own family, and she hopes it will help others to do the same.
“Sometimes as a parent you can think, they’re not at the age where I should be discussing this with them, but seeing something like this really gives you the tools to talk about these things that are going on.
“In your mind, you think children are safe in the house but you don’t know what conversations are happening, they can be on social media day and night and seeing things on TikTok and Snapchat and you’ve got no idea.
“They’re living these situations day in, day out, so it’s important for young people and parents to gain more of an understanding about what might be going on and why.”
Danielle says Nuala, who’s just been offered a place at the prestigious ArtsEd performing arts school in London, was excited to be a part of a project that could impact lives.
“Nuala sees stories like this one and does these films hoping to change the world, to spread a message and focus on prevention at the earliest opportunity,” she adds.
Find out about some of the incredible productions that take place in Liverpool here.
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Liverpool-based performing arts college Rare Studio has entered a major new phase of growth, bringing all 225 of its full-time students together under one roof for the first time.
The college has moved into the Vanilla Factory in Liverpool’s Creative Quarter, ending years of operating across four separate sites and creating a single creative hub for students studying performing arts, fashion and design.
Known for helping launch some of the region’s strongest young creative talent into careers across film, television, theatre and international tours, the move marks a significant moment for Rare Studio. Rather than expanding simply for scale, the relocation reflects the college’s long-standing mission to widen access to creative careers and ensure talented young people from Liverpool can break into an increasingly competitive industry.
The city centre consolidation also coincides with a new long-term strategic partnership with education provider SCL Group, designed to support Rare Studio’s continued growth while strengthening pathways into the creative industries.
Under the partnership, students will continue to receive industry-led training in acting, dance, musical theatre, fashion and design at Rare Studio’s Liverpool campus. Alongside this, they will benefit from SCL Group’s expertise in academic delivery, progression frameworks and educational oversight.
Rare Studio retains responsibility for specialist training, pastoral support and industry engagement, with SCL providing the infrastructure to support strong outcomes and clear progression routes.
Principal of Rare Studio Liverpool, Lindsay Inglesby, said: “For a city with creativity in its DNA, Rare Studio has become a vital pathway for young people to turn raw talent into sustainable careers in the arts.
“Bringing every student under one roof is something we’ve worked towards for years. Growth for us has never been about scale alone, it’s about creating the right environment for young people to thrive, feel supported and access genuine industry opportunities. Every decision we’ve made has been guided by that mission.”
That approach is already delivering results. Acting graduate Chloe English recently won the 2025 Women in Film and TV Pixelogic Media Director Award and went on to direct the second series of G’wed, starring fellow Rare Studio graduate and BAFTA nominee Dylan Thomas Smith.
Current students are also gaining national recognition, with Ellis Howard nominated for a BAFTA for his performance in BBC drama What It Feels Like for a Girl, and Mia Carragher shortlisted for Best Debut Performance at the What’s On Stage Awards.
Rare Studio graduates are now working internationally, including three alumni currently on set in Lithuania working on Honey, produced by Sid Gentle, which has also sponsored the students. The production company is additionally funding a debut production to be created and performed by Rare Studio students at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
The partnership with SCL Group reflects a shared commitment to widening access to creative careers and strengthening routes from education into industry.
Brad Rushton, CEO at SCL Group, said: “Rare Studio is doing exceptional work, not only in terms of outcomes, but in staying true to its values. This partnership represents everything we stand for as College, Done Different, and is built on a shared belief that creative education should be aspirational, inclusive and directly connected to industry. Together, we’re creating opportunities that genuinely change lives.”
As Rare Studio looks ahead, its focus remains on sustainable, values-led growth, using its expanded city centre campus and strengthened educational partnership to support more young people into the creative industries, while keeping opportunity firmly rooted in Liverpool.
Find out more about Rare Studio here.
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Step into Anfield this February half-term and discover the LFC Stadium Tour, alongside a wide range of unique experiences for everyone.
With special enhancements added for the school break, the iconic home of the Reds is a must-visit.
Free activities on the LFC Stadium Tour
Dates: Saturday 14th to Sunday 22nd February
Book an LFC Stadium Tour this school holiday, packed with a range of complimentary activities designed to keep young Reds entertained – from crafts and face painting to games and football sessions.
The Stadium Tour audio guide is available in 13 different languages and brings the club’s rich history to life as you explore behind the scenes areas, typically closed to the public, including the players’ dressing rooms, tunnel and pitch side. Younger visitors can also get involved with Kop Kids activities on the audio guide, featuring interactive games and puzzles.
Every tour ticket includes entry to the LFC Museum, where visitors immerse themselves in the club’s incredible story to date. The museum has most recently been enhanced with the ‘Champions’ exhibition, giving fans the chance to snap a photo with the Premier League trophy.
Click here to book your preferred date and time.
Free bonus tour – The Anfield Origins Tour
Included with all Stadium Tour visits, this self-guided outdoor experience takes visitors around the exterior of Anfield Stadium, helping you relive the history of the Reds from the 19th century to the present day.
Simply scan the QR code outside the LFC Museum using your smart phone to begin.
Mighty Red Appearances
Date: 15th & 21st February
Club favourite Mighty Red returns to Anfield for two special appearances this half-term.
On the 15th & 21st February, young Reds will have the chance to meet Mighty Red for photographs, autographs, and football activities, all taking place on the Level 2 concourse.
Book a Mighty Red appearance here.
The Anfield Abseil
Date: 1st, 7th, 20th, 21st and 22nd February
Looking for something a little out of the ordinary for the older children?
The Anfield Abseil delivers a 100ft descent from the top of the main stand, complete with the ultimate photo opportunity alongside the renowned club crest.
All participants will receive a certificate of achievement, plus complimentary access to the LFC Museum – home to all major trophies, including six European cups.
Click here to book.
Legends Q&A and The Anfield Experience
Rounding off the February activity calendar, fans can enjoy two exclusive Legend appearances in the form of up-close Q&A sessions. Steve McMahon, a three-time league champion and FA Cup winner, will appear on 15th February, followed by Liverpool-born defender and European Cup-winning captain Phil Thompson on 21st February.
For those looking to experience Anfield as a VIP, Sammy Lee will also make an appearance as part of the Anfield Experience; an all-inclusive day featuring live music, delicious food and an in-depth Q&A hosted by Steve Hothersall, as well as a ticket to the behind-the-scenes LFC Stadium Tour and an official LFC gift.
Book a Legends Q&A session with Steve McMahon and/or Phil Thompson here
Click here to book the Anfield Experience with Sammy Lee
The Kop Bar
Make time to relax and refuel at the Kop Bar during your half term visit. Open throughout the week, 9:00am – 4:30pm, it offers a lively, all-ages sports bar atmosphere and is the ideal spot to soak up the Anfield energy before, during or after your visit.
Find out more on the LFC website.
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The Lake House Waterloo has been recognised as one of the UK’s leading wedding venues in the Hitched Wedding Awards 2026, placing it among the most trusted and highly rated venues in the country.
Set on the edge of Crosby Marine Lake, The Lake House is one of just five venues on Merseyside to receive the award. Its lakeside location, panoramic water views and flexible event spaces have made it a popular choice for couples looking to celebrate everything from intimate ceremonies to larger wedding receptions.
Run by an experienced hospitality team, the venue offers dedicated wedding coordinators alongside modern accommodation for couples and their guests, allowing celebrations to be tailored to each individual wedding. Its waterfront setting and elegant spaces have helped establish The Lake House as one of the region’s most sought-after wedding destinations.
The award follows a surge in weddings at the venue during 2025, with bookings increasing by 51 per cent compared to 2023 and 2024. The Lake House’s adaptable event spaces and scenic backdrop have proved particularly popular with couples planning their big day.
Now in its fifth year, the Hitched Wedding Awards celebrate excellence across the UK wedding industry, recognising venues and suppliers based solely on reviews from recently married couples. More than 45,000 verified reviews were analysed across over 31,000 suppliers listed on the Hitched platform during 2025.
To be eligible, venues were required to receive a minimum of seven reviews with an average rating of at least 4.75 out of five between 1 January and 31 December 2025. Winners are selected entirely by couples, making the accolade a reflection of genuine experiences and consistently high standards of service.
Josh Roberts, managing director of The Lake House Waterloo, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised in the Hitched Wedding Awards. Weddings are such personal and meaningful occasions, and it’s an honour to know that so many of our couples felt supported throughout their celebrations and were able to create unforgettable memories with us.
“Our lakeside setting is something truly special, and our team puts a huge amount of care into making sure every wedding feels unique to each couple. This award means a great deal because it comes directly from the people who have celebrated their day here.”
The full list of Hitched Wedding Awards 2026 winners is available via the Hitched website.
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The family of Sienna Alfonso have set up a fundraiser to help them make memories with her in the precious time they have left.
The 11-year-old has captured people’s hearts across Merseyside, thanks to her battling spirit and her never-ceasing smile, in spite of the struggles she has faced.
Born with half a heart, Sienna from Hunts Cross has undergone numerous open heart surgeries, had brain and spinal operations, suffered kidney disease, and more.
She is unable to see, speak or walk – and yet has never been anything other than the ‘cheeky and mischievous’ youngster who endures everything with a grin and a sparkle in her eyes.
Sadly, Sienna is becoming increasingly unwell, with the pressures on her body finally becoming too much.
Mum Francesca said:
“The strain is becoming very real. And it’s heartbreaking.
“We don’t know now whether we’ve got two hours left, two days, two weeks, two months or years.
“Sienna is getting tired as her condition now affects all the organs in her body.
“It’s so hard.
“That’s why my sister Alexis has set up the Go Fund Me page. We want to make memories with Sienna because one day that’s all we’ll have left.
“Time is running out and I want to live every day as if it’s her last, helping her experience so many things that she hasn’t, and keeping her smiling for as long as we can.”
Francesca admits:
“It heart-breaking. It’s so difficult. But I don’t want to look back and say I spent her last days crying. I want to be able to say I gave her the best time, that she had the best memories, and met the best people.
“As much as it’s killing me inside, I don’t want that for her.”
Sienna was born with ‘half a heart’. She has tricuspid atresia and pulmonary atresia, a congenital heart disease where there is no tricuspid valve. The absence of a right atrioventricular connection leads to a hypoplastic (undersized) or absent right ventricle (pumping chamber) which means it isn’t able to properly oxygenate the blood in the body.
And she went on to develop other serious medical conditions.
Her life has been filled with hospitals appointments and stays, operations and medications. She has a wheelchair to help get her around, and she is tube fed and given oxygen constantly to enable her to breathe.
All of which is remarkable for the little girl who, even before she was born, doctors feared might not live.
“Sienna has already exceeded what was expected of her. She’s a little fighter,” says Francesa. “Alder Hey have travelled to Canada and America, worldwide for her. In 2024 she had an operation that’s normally carried out on kidney patients because it can raise oxygen levels, but while it did that initially, it failed after six weeks.
“Sienna’s haemoglobin levels are now over 250, way over an average person’s of 150, which means she could have a stroke, a blood clot or a cardiac arrest at any minute.
“She is on medication that’s normally only given to adults to try to bring the numbers down. Sienna is in heart failure but she isn’t strong enough to face any other surgeries or anaesthetic, and she’s not eligible for a heart transplant because of all the other conditions she has.
“It’s hard because she is so happy and has no understanding of how ill she is, but every time she is ill and gets knocked down now, the Sienna who comes back is not the same.
“While I’ve screamed until I’m blue in the face, I have to accept that there’s nothing more that can be done for her.
“What we can do is make wonderful memories in whatever time we have left.”
The Go Fund Me page is already standing at around £300 with a target of £1,200. The hope is that, while Sienna would be unable to fly, the family might be able to take her to Disneyland Paris where there’s specialist support and facilities that could help her.
“Beyond that I haven’t thought that far,” admits Francesca, 30, who, with Sienna’s dad Kyle, has spent a lifetime of caring for their daughter.
“She hasn’t climbed a climbing frame, or jumped in puddles, or done so many things that other children her age have done – although she did have a special prom organised at the Royal School for the Blind where she goes last year,” says Francesca.
“Her sleepovers aren’t at friends’ homes but at a hospice.
“I just want to give her the best memories and help her to enjoy every day, and grab every moment while we can.”
Francesca says that while the last 11 years have been hard, being Sienna’s mum has meant everything to her.
“It has been so rewarding. And if I could go back in time, I wouldn’t change a thing.
“It’s being what and who she is that makes Sienna so special.
“She has taught me so much in life, above all how to love. I have never felt love like I have for her ever.
“That is a privilege. And that’s why I want to make memories, with and for her, that we can all remember forever.”
You can help Sienna and her families make those special memories here.
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Liverpool-based Indian arts organisation Milap has unveiled an expanded Spring 2026 programme, bringing some of the most exciting names in contemporary Indo-jazz to venues across the city region.
Following a landmark year in 2025, which saw Milap celebrate its 40th anniversary, the organisation has wasted no time kicking off 2026 in style. With the first show of the new season already sold out, Milap has now announced two standout performances taking place in February and March.
One of the highlights sees acclaimed percussionist, composer and producer Sarathy Korwar head to Future Yard in Birkenhead on Saturday 28 March. Korwar will be performing material from his latest studio album There Is Beauty, There Already, showcasing his distinctive approach to rhythm, voice and electronics.
A leading figure on the UK jazz scene, Korwar has earned widespread recognition from outlets including The Guardian, Rolling Stone, MOJO, Songlines and Jazz FM. His accolades include MOJO’s Jazz Album of the Year in 2019, a second place spot in The Guardian’s Best Global Albums of 2022 and Songlines’ Best Album of the Year in 2023. His live shows are known for blending South Asian temple rhythms with contemporary minimalism, creating a powerful and forward-thinking take on Indo-jazz.
Milap also returns to Liverpool International Jazz Festival 2026 with a special collaborative performance from two multi-award-winning musicians. Pianist and composer Zoe Rahman joins forces with clarinettist and composer Arun Ghosh for a one-off show on Saturday 28 February.
Zoe Rahman is internationally recognised as one of the most original voices in contemporary jazz, with a sound rooted in jazz and classical traditions. Her career has included collaborations with Courtney Pine and George Mraz, alongside numerous awards including the Ivor Novello Impact Award.
Arun Ghosh is another major force in UK jazz, celebrated for his innovative approach to Indo-jazz. A twice winner of Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards, Ghosh has toured extensively and released a string of critically acclaimed projects that fuse jazz with global influences.
Together, Rahman and Ghosh will explore their shared British-Bengali heritage, blending South Asian musical traditions with jazz in an intimate musical conversation that reflects Liverpool’s long-standing connection to cultural fusion and innovation.
Tickets for all Milap Spring 2026 shows are available now.
Check out the Liverpool International Jazz Festival back for 2026.
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Knowledge Quarter Liverpool is marking its tenth anniversary with a year-long programme of ten major events and initiatives designed to celebrate a decade of innovation, collaboration and impact across the city.
Founded in October 2016, KQ Liverpool was created to harness the strength of Liverpool’s knowledge economy and innovation assets, helping to position the city as a world-class destination for science, education, technology and culture.
Its founding partners – the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Liverpool City Council – set out a shared vision for inclusive growth, investment and collaboration at the heart of the city.
In 2020, Bruntwood SciTech joined the partnership, leading to the creation of development company Sciontec, which now owns and operates Liverpool Science Park, CENTRAL TECH, space at The Spine, and is developing the £67m HEMISPHERE labs building at Paddington Village.
Over the past decade, KQ Liverpool has grown into one of the UK’s most successful innovation districts. It is now home to more than 400 businesses, supports over 15,000 jobs and welcomes more than 60,000 students each year.
The organisation also delivers business support and skills programmes for young people across the Liverpool City Region and has built a strong national and international reputation.
Key milestones include becoming a founding member of the UK Innovation Districts Group, joining the Global Institute of Innovation Districts, attracting the Royal College of Physicians’ Northern headquarters to Paddington Village, and helping Liverpool rank third in Europe in the 2026 European Capital of Innovation Awards.
KQ Liverpool’s inclusive innovation work continues to be a central focus. Its KQ Futures programme reaches hundreds of young people each year, from primary schools to sixth forms, and recently saw the creation of The Animates: Learning in Liverpool, a children’s book introducing innovation concepts, distributed to 433 primary schools across the city region.
To date, the organisation has received 15 industry awards recognising its placemaking and social value achievements.
To mark the tenth anniversary, KQ Liverpool will deliver a ‘ten for ten’ programme of activity. This includes a long-distance endurance fundraising challenge led by chief executive Colin Sinclair, raising money for local charities Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, The Brain Charity and Alfie’s Squad.
The challenge follows his 2025 double-marathon across the Liverpool City Region, which raised almost £17,000 for children and youth-focused charities.
Other anniversary plans include the burial of a time capsule capturing current technology and future ambitions, to be opened in 2040, and an art competition with dot-art Schools, inviting secondary school pupils to respond creatively to the theme Life Under the Microscope.
A community festival is also being planned, celebrating the innovation district’s close connection to neighbouring communities and recognising the role local residents play in its success.
Building on Liverpool’s success in the European Capital of Innovation Awards, KQ Liverpool will strengthen international partnerships through the iCapital alumni network, while sharing best practice with innovation districts across the world. The anniversary year will also see the launch of a refreshed brand identity and special edition logo.
Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council and Cabinet Member for Innovation at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said KQ Liverpool has played a key role in the city region’s progress over the last decade and will continue to be central to future growth.
Chief executive Colin Sinclair added that while the milestone is a proud moment, there is more to do to ensure young people across the city region have the best opportunities possible.
He said the foundations are now in place for long-term growth built on fairness, inclusion and creativity, aligning with KQ Liverpool’s 2040 Vision for the city and its innovation ecosystem.
Get more information on KQ Liverpool here.
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DaDa has announced a major new ensemble project for young disabled musicians, following a funding boost from Youth Music Trailblazer and the PH Holt Foundation.
The year-long programme will run across the Liverpool City Region throughout 2026, offering young disabled people the chance to develop their musical skills, build confidence and be part of a professionally supported creative community. DaDa is now inviting young musicians to take part.
Designed to address the lack of regular, accessible music provision for disabled young people locally, the project will be delivered in partnership with specialist organisations. Participants will take part in inclusive ensemble sessions, receive mentoring and have opportunities to perform, all within an environment built around access, ambition and creativity.
The project builds on more than a decade of work by DaDa supporting disabled artists in the city region. Past participants include Liverpool-based musician Joshua Henderson, who released his debut album Songs for Liverpool with Friends in June 2024. The album’s success saw it stocked by HMV Liverpool, highlighting the long-term impact inclusive music programmes can have on young artists’ careers.
Throughout 2026, DaDa and specialist music practitioners will work with disabled young people aged 14 to 25 from across the Liverpool City Region, helping them refine their skills, collaborate with peers and grow as confident musicians.
The first ensemble group is now open for applications and will run from 2 March 2026 until the summer, meeting every Monday during term time at Resonate Music Hub in Liverpool.
DaDa is welcoming expressions of interest from young disabled musicians aged 14 to 25 who live in the Liverpool City Region and want to be part of the new ensemble.
Executive Producer Rachel Rogers said the funding will allow DaDa to address a long-standing gap in local provision.
She said: “We’re delighted that Youth Music and the PH Holt Foundation have recognised the importance of this project. There is a real lack of regular, inclusive music development opportunities for disabled young people in accessible environments.
“Over more than 10 years of running ensemble projects, we’ve seen the transformative impact this work can have, not just on musicianship, but on confidence, wellbeing and ambition. We’re excited to meet our next group of young musicians, who always bring fresh energy and ideas.”
Young musicians who took part in last year’s ensemble described the experience as “amazing”, with interviews and reflections available on the DaDa website.
The project is delivered with support from Youth Music, the PH Holt Foundation, Liverpool City Council and Arts Council England.
For more information or to get involved visit the DaDa fest website.
Smash-hit Liverpool musical Under the Mersey Moon heads to Floral Pavilion – check it out.
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