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A cabin crew member from Liverpool is planning to run ‘Miles With Meanings’ to raise money and awareness across the globe for Merseyside charities.
Kevin Cargill, 28, who travels the world for Emirates airline, has already pounded the pavements in places like Japan, Brazil, China and Thailand.
But he’s planning to cover a catalogue of countries over the next year or more to spread the word about organisations that are close to his heart and raise cash for them too.
Kevin said:
“I’m a keen runner anyway, and I’ve already raised money for a lot of local charities like Alder Hey, Maggie’s, NSPCC, Childline, Zoe’s Place, Make-A-Wish, The Centre for Mental Health, Mind and The Stroke Association Wirral.”
“Over the years, I’ve managed to run more than 25 half marathons and four full marathons … and these are just recorded ones.”
Now though Kevin, who’s from Norris Green but is based in Dubai, is planning to run half marathons – sponsored or otherwise – whenever he can in as many new destinations as possible.
He said:
“Running is so much more than a hobby for me.”
“It gives me purpose and meaning, which is where the name Miles With Meanings comes from.
“I’ve so far run in Japan, Thailand, Canada, Russia, London, Brazil, South Africa, and China.
“Every mile I run means so much more than just putting on my shoes – it’s about creating special memories and giving every event and run I do more purpose.”
He is currently flying the flag for Liverpool and Alder Hey Children’s Charity and he smiles:
“Wherever I run I have my Alder Hey t-shirt on and people often ask me what it is and what I’m doing.
“But when I was in Brazil someone came over to me and asked for a picture with me on the street. It turned out their child had been sent to Alder Hey Hospital when they were ill and needed a heart transplant!
“They noticed me because of my t-shirt.”
Kevin has been running and raising money from around the age of 14 and he’s collected thousands of pounds for charity ever since.
Kevin said:
“It just comes naturally to me, I love helping people,”
“I guess it stems from the morals and upbringing I got from my mum and dad.
“I did my first fund-raising event for The Centre for Mental Health, and I got a certificate and a thank-you letter, saying where the money I had donated had gone, and I loved that.
“Even if it’s just £100 you’ve raised you know your money has gone to something good.
“I’ll never forget going into Alder Hey one Christmas and seeing all the children singing around the Christmas Tree. It made me realise I couldn’t sit and moan about all the small things when here you had young people, little people, being so happy even though they were ill and having such a difficult time.
“It’s not just about the money. It drives awareness for the charities, it gives me so much pleasure and meaning to my life, and it’s nice to give something back to the city.”
He goes on:
“A lot of people doing my job look forward to dressing down and going out when they’ve got off a 16½ hour flight, but I look forward to getting my other uniform on, my running gear, and going for a run.
“It’s great getting to see different cities all around the world. I map myself a route in advance so I can include all the landmarks, and it makes memories for me too.
“And I get to talk about my city,” adds Kevin, who’s previously worked in a car showroom and the hospitality industry, with roles in several top city hotels like Doubletree by Hilton and Hotel Indigo.
“Lots of people know Liverpool. They know the accent, they know LFC, and of course they know the Beatles.
“Having spoken to so many tourists who love Liverpool, it makes me even more proud of my city and grateful for where I come from, and I love talking about it, the Cotton Exchange, the docks and the history, the development and the Cavern and flying the flag for such an amazing and beautiful place.”
Kevin is planning to change his charity focus four times a year to spread the love, the money and the awareness.
He said:
“I’ve wanted to do this for a long time, and now I can’t wait to see how many countries I can clock up with my runs for the incredible countries back home in and around the city.”
Follow Kevin’s journey on Instagram here.
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Ricky Hatton has been hailed as one of the world’s greatest boxers following the news of his death today in Manchester.
Ricky Hatton was a “mentor, warrior and one of Britain’s greatest boxers”, Amir Khan has said.
Khan, another former world champion and a friend of Hatton, spoke as news of the 46-year-old’s death was confirmed.
Writing on X, Khan said: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.”
Over recent years Hatton had been open about his struggles with mental health, and Khan added: “As fighters, we tell ourselves we’re strong — we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind.
“Mental health isn’t weakness. It’s part of being human. And we must talk about it. We must reach out. We must lean on each other.
“Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what’s possible.
“To everyone reading this: if you’re hurting or struggling, you are not alone. Talk. Reach out. Because we need more light, more compassion, more understanding.
“Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.”
Britain’s former world heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury paid tribute.
Alongside two pictures of him with Hatton, Fury wrote on Instagram: “Rip to the legend @rickyhatton may he rip. There will only ever be 1 Ricky hatton. can’t believe this so young.”
Liverpool’s Anthony Fowler
Chris Eubank Jr wrote:
“Rest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you”, while Turki Al-Sheikh, one of the sport’s most high-profile promoters, said: “I am saddened by the tragic news of Ricky Hatton’s passing at the young age of 46.
“He was a great fighter and a legend in British boxing.”
Matchroom Boxing said:
“(We are) saddened to hear the news of Ricky Hatton’s passing. Our thoughts and condolences are with Ricky’s friends and family at this tragic time. There’s only one Ricky Hatton.”
British Olympic gold medalist Luke Campbell said Hatton was an “inspiration to him” and a “legend in the world of boxing”.
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Former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton has died at the age of 46.
Ricky Hatton was found dead today at his home in Hyde. Greater Manchester Police said they are not treating the death as suspicious.
A police spokesperson said: “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6.45am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”
Hatton won world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight and his all-action style made him one of the most popular fighters in the first decade of the new century.
He rose through amateur and domestic levels to pit his wits against the best boxers of his generation including Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
Hatton’s down-to-earth demeanour also endeared him to fans across the world, and he was open about the mental health issues he endured upon his retirement from the ring.
He overcame a fallout with his family and a court case with his former trainer Billy Graham to become a successful trainer, coaching Zhanat Zhakiyanov to a world bantamweight title win in 2017.
Hatton announced in July that he would make a return to boxing in December in a professional bout against Eisa Al Dah in Dubai.
After a brief but impressive amateur career, Hatton began his journey to becoming one of the most popular British boxers in history with a victory over Colin McAuley in Widnes in 1997.
After 21 straight wins he stepped up to beat Jon Thaxton for the British light-welterweight title at Wembley Conference Centre in 2000, and proceeded to make Manchester’s then MEN Arena his own with a series of sell-out defences of his WBU light-welterweight crown.
Hatton’s big breakthrough came in June 2005 when he forced defending champion Kostya Tszyu to retire on his stool at the end of their IBF title fight at his home city arena.
His American debut came the following year with a points win over Luis Collazo in Boston, but bigger sights had already been set and the manner of his victory over Mexican great Jose Luis Castillo in Las Vegas in June 2007 stamped his ticket to greatness.
Increasingly loved by audiences for his fighting style and the hordes of boisterous fans who followed in his wake, Hatton landed a lucrative clash with Floyd Mayweather later that same year and fought bravely before succumbing to his first professional defeat.
Hatton lost little else due to the manner of his loss, and further big fights awaited him, but a subsequent meeting with Manny Pacquiao proved a step too far, and he announced his retirement after a brutal second-round loss.
Hatton struggled with retirement, returning briefly for an ill-advised loss to Vyacheslav Senchenko at his beloved home city arena after three years out of the ring in 2012. He also fought a non-scoring exhibition against Marco Antonio Barrera in 2022.
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The LFC Stadium Tour & Museum has been recognised as one of the top 10% of attractions globally by Tripadvisor, for the fourth year in a row.
The award is driven entirely by authentic customer reviews and ratings and underscores the club’s unwavering commitment to delivering memorable experiences to visitors from all around the globe.
Last month was a record-breaking one, with more than 55,000 people visiting the award-winning LFC Stadium Tour & Museum. This latest milestone further reinforces the home of the Reds’ status as a premier attraction, which contributes significantly to Liverpool’s vibrant visitor economy.
The LFC Stadium Tour offers visitors an unforgettable behind-the-scenes experience, ending with a trip to the newly enhanced LFC Museum. Featuring immersive multimedia displays and treasured memorabilia, the museum now includes the new ‘Champions 24-25’ exhibition, which celebrates the club’s legendary history and recent triumph.
Paul Cuttill, Chief Operating Officer, Liverpool Football Club, said:
“At Anfield, everything we do is focused on our visitors. Our ongoing Tripadvisor recognition holds special significance for all of us at Liverpool Football Club because it comes from the people we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming.
“We always aim for the highest standards, and the growing number of awards Anfield has received shows the outstanding experience our staff work hard to deliver, helping every guest to feel the magic of our club.”
Find out more about the LFC Stadium tour here.
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The hugely popular Heritage Open Days are back from Friday September 12 to Sunday September 21 and that means a chance to see inside some of Liverpool’s fabulous buildings free.
Every year teams of volunteers help people to celebrate our past and explore places they might never have been to before. Here are 16 Liverpool historical gems you can visit as part of the event …
The Nordic Church and Cultural Centre
On Park Lane near Liverpool ONE, the Grade II* Listed Gustaf Adolf Church was designed and built by renowned architect William Douglas Caroe in 1883. Visit or take a guided tour to learn about the history of the Nordic Community in Liverpool and sample homemade Nordic cake!
Friday September 19, 11am-4pm & Saturday September 20, 11am-4pm. No booking needed.
Find out more here.
St Michael’s Cast Iron Church
In the conservation area of St Michael’s in the Hamlet near Sefton Park, the Grade I listed cast iron church is one of the earliest prefabricated churches. It’s one of Liverpool’s many beautiful Georgian buildings and now also one of its best music/gig venues.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 & 21, 10am-4pm. No booking needed.
Find out more here.
The Bluecoat, School Lane
Bryan Biggs, Bluecoat’s Director of Cultural Legacies, will be giving Heritage Tours of the Grade I listed building, talking all about its fascinating 300+ year history, from being a charity school in the 18th century to the UK’s first arts centre.
Tuesday September 16, 11am-12.30pm & 2pm-3.30pm, Sunday September 21, 11am-12.30pm. Booking needed.
Find out more here.
The Atheneum
Tucked away between Church Street and School Lane, The Athenaeum private members club was founded in 1797 and has been in Church Alley since 1928. It’s usually only available to members but Heritage Open Days give everyone a chance to see the unique space and its famous Library.
Sunday September 21, tours between 10.15am and 12.30 pm & 2pm-4.15 pm. Booking needed.
Find out more here.
LJMU Archives Exploration Saturday
Head to LJMU’s Library Reading Room on the Mount Pleasant Campus, Maryland Street for a rare chance to explore the Special Collections & Archives. The uni is showcasing archive material from 62 collections in a hands-on drop-in workshop. Clean hands but no food, drink or pens!
Saturday September 20, 10,30am & 1.30pm. Booking preferred.
Find out more here.
Liverpool Naval Memorial
Liverpool Naval Memorial at Mann Island commemorates over 1,400 officers and men from the Merchant Navy who died on active service during the Battle of the Atlantic, aboard more than 120 ships. Join the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for a tour and learn about those heroes.
Thursday September 18 & Friday September 19, 10am & 12pm. Booking needed.
Find out more here.
Wavertree Congregational Church
Inside the 188-year-old building on Hunters Lane, you can take a tour, see a World War I commemoration plaque of interest to local historians and a display put on by members of the church of wedding dresses through the years from the 1940s which are connected to the church.
Saturday and Sunday, September 13, 14, 20 & 21, 12pm-4pm. No booking needed.
Find out more here.
Mersey Tunnel Tours – Georges Dock Building
The ornate Art Deco Georges Dock Building, next to the Three Graces, was one of six ventilation stations for the Queensway Mersey Tunnel. Visitors can view artefacts, a small photographic exhibition and go on mini tours to the original Control Room, Fan Chamber and Dock room dating to 1771.
Saturday September 13 & Sunday September 14, 10am-4pm. Tours throughout the day on a 1st come 1st served basis.
Find out more here.
Walton Church
The Original Parish Church of Liverpool, St Mary’s Walton, has a history that dates back further than the Domesday book. Mostly destroyed in the May Blitz of 1941, it still has an ancient font that’s over 1,000 years old. The 118ft tower will be open weather permitting, archive documents will be on display, and guided tours.
Saturday September 13, 10am-4pm & Sunday September 14, 1pm-4pm. No booking needed.
Find out more here.
St Mary’s Grassendale
On St Mary’s Road in Garston, this Gothic church built in 1852 will be offering guided tours revealing links to Queen Victoria, Jack The Ripper, war heroes and wealthy Liverpool merchants plus the finest example of a laminated timber roof in Britain and one of the last remaining set of Irish bells.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday September 18, 19 & 20, 10am-3pm. No booking needed.
Find out more here.
Battle of Britain 85 Open-Air Wartime Display at the Old Liverpool Airport
As part of Liverpool’s commemoration of the Battle of Britain 85th anniversary, an open-air event shares the wartime heritage of RAF Speke which played a vital role during WWII. Highlights include an outdoor exhibition and display of wartime vehicles, equipment, and re-enactors in authentic uniforms.
Saturday September 20, 3pm-5pm. Booking needed.
Find out more here.
India Buildings
India Buildings on Water Street is one of Liverpool’s architectural gems, designed by Herbert Rowse, and emulating the style of the most impressive early 20th century commercial buildings in the US, especially New York. Not usually open to the public, 60-minute tours will reveal its story and inspirations.
Saturday September 13 and Sunday September 21, 11.30am-12.45pm & 2.30pm to 3.45pm. Booking needed.
Find out more here.
Wavertree Lock Up
Wavertree Lock Up on Childwall Road was built of yellow sandstone in 1796 to house drunks and misbehaving locals! Cholera victims’ bodies were dumped inside to isolate them and in 1840, with a police station open on the High Street, the Lock Up was used to house families during the Irish famine.
Sunday September 21, 12pm-4pm. No booking needed.
Find out more here.
Bridewell Studios and Gallery
Like the name suggests, the Bridewell Studios and Gallery on Prescot Street had a previous life as an early 20th century police station. Visitors can look around the building and witness evidence of its previous use including original tiles, concrete staircases and prison cells.
Saturday and Sunday September 13, 14, 20 & 21, 2pm. Booking needed.
Find out more here.
The Municipal Hotel
Now one of Liverpool’s top hotel and spas, hour-long Heritage Tours lead by The Municipal’s concierge team will give a unique glimpse into the Municipal Building’s fascinating history as the former home of Liverpool City Council.
Monday September 15, between 10am & 2pm.
Find out more here.
Classic Liverpool Bus Running Day
To celebrate this year’s Heritage Open days theme of architecture, Merseyside Transport Trust is running classic buses from its collection giving passengers the opportunity to take nostalgic free rides on buses from the second half of the last century on various routes across Liverpool.
Services start from 10.30am from the bus.
Find out more here.
Find out more about the Heritage Open Days festival here.
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Everton will officially open a brand-new café within Trinity Place at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday 15 September, offering fans and visitors a fresh new space to eat, drink and unwind.
Located in the East Stand and open to the public seven days a week, the café will serve a tempting range of hot and cold food and drinks – making it the perfect stop for supporters, visitors and tourists exploring the Blues’ stunning new home.
Café opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Sunday: 11am – 5pm
The launch of the café forms part of an exciting new visitor offer at Hill Dickinson Stadium, coinciding with the start of official stadium tours [link] and the re-opening of Everton Way to the to fans. Visitors will also be able to enjoy full access to the Official Everton Store, which is stocked with the latest and retro kits as well as a wide-range of merchandise and memorabilia.
Everton Store and Everton Way opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 9am – 8pm
Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Visitors can access the café via the East Stand Reception (Entrance 18), where the Club’s bag policy and security checks will apply.
Please note that on matchdays and other major event days, the café will not be open to the public.
The opening of the café at Trinity Place is another exciting step in ensuring Hill Dickinson Stadium becomes a destination in its own right, offering supporters, visitors, tourists and the local community a place to gather, relax and enjoy the new Everton surroundings.
Find out more about Trinity Place on Hill Dickinson Stadium website.
Find all the latest Everton FC news here.
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Money clawed back from criminals is being used to help girls’ sport in St Helens.
A sum of £2,000 has been donated to St Helens Bees Netball Club after assistant head coach Jodie Gaskell successfully applied for funds from the Saint Safe scheme organised by St Helens Police to put proceeds of crime money back into the community.
It will use the money later this year to establish an event aimed at keeping females active and involved in sport and, specifically, netball.
Leanne Hobin, founder and head coach at St Helens Bees, says:
“64% of girls drop out of sport by the time they finish puberty, often due to period symptoms and body image concerns, and we want to change that.
“We want to retain as many of our girls as possible and the £2000 we’ve been awarded will enable us to run an incredible event in November as part of the England NetballHer initiative.”
St Helens Bees’ NetballHer will take place at Sutton Leisure Centre on November 20 with stalls and activities offering support and advice about girls’ mental health and wellbeing, periods, bra fittings and more.
“This is the first event of its kind across the country,” says Jodie, “and has attracted attention from our governing body, England Netball, and Merseyside County Netball Association who will be in attendance.
“We want to showcase this event and the amazing work we are doing within the club to ensure our girls stay in sport, remain positive about exercise, and don’t let this world of negative peer pressure and social media affect them as they go through this transition in their lives.”
The £2,000 awarded came from a £50,000 fund pot filled via funds seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act, ensuring that money taken from criminal activity is reinvested directly back into improving the local community.
Groups in St Helens were invited to apply for funds of up to £3,000 for local projects earlier this year, with applicants facing an audience made up of members of the community who heard their hopes and ideas and decided who should be successful.
Inspector Josh Griffiths from St Helens Neighbourhood Policing Team said at the time:
“We’re delighted to see such enthusiasm from local organisations in St Helens, all committed to making their community a safer and better place to live, work and visit.
“It’s particularly rewarding to see funds that have been seized from criminals now being put to positive use within our community.”
Jodie says the Bees’ NetballHer Event will be ‘fun, vibrant, and informative’ with stalls including:
* Sports bra fittings & advice from PEBE
* Nixibody – period underwear company offering support & resources
* Specialist female adolescent GPs giving advice on girls’ health & wellbeing
* Ahead of The Game mental health input
* Smoothie exercise bikes
* Cakes and refreshments
“And so much more,” she adds. “We have around 10-15 junior coaches within the club and, as positive role models to our younger ballers, we are encouraging these girls to be fully emerged in the event too.
“We’re asking them to run some of our fun activity stalls, like creating ‘court short bags’, small kits filled with sanitary products for training and kit bags in case of emergencies, and making friendship bracelets and creating positive affirmation posters with the girls. There will also be supporting netball-based activities run by the coaches.
“We want to encourage open and relaxed conversations around body image, periods, and confidence in sport, and how girls have been impacted by periods and changes in body image.”
And Leanne goes on: “We are run entirely by volunteers and committed to making sure our girls retain their love of netball and continue to shine on court.”
NetballHer will take place Thursday, November 20 from 6pm at Sutton Leisure Centre.
Find out more about NetballHer here.
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A must-see this Christmas, the company steps into the awe-inspiring Great Hall with a brand-new haunting interpretation of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic.
Running from 12th–24th December 2025, this atmospheric retelling marks GINIFICENT’s 23rd consecutive year of performing Dickens’ ghostly tale — in their signature ‘true to the book’ authentic style with language of the era. For the past eight years, the company has enchanted audiences in the Concert Room, but this year they’re spreading their wings in the grandeur of the Great Hall.
With a cast of 14 talented performers, including four musicians creating a live cinematic soundscape, the audience will be transported back into the very heart of Victorian London’s most famous ghost story. Embracing the darker origins of Dickens’ tale, GINIFICENT’s A Christmas Carol is truly captivating and this year’s production is costing almost £250,000 to put on — such is the quality of its delivery.
With an in-the-round set-up, every audience member will have a unique vantage point, surrounded by the eerie atmosphere of the Great Hall. Add theatrical effects and a few tricks up the company’s sleeve, and this is not your average Christmas production — expect bone-chilling confrontations, supernatural surprises lurking in the shadows and festive shivers.
Director and Producer Liam Scott can hardly contain his excitement:
“We’re thrilled to be working in the breathtaking Great Hall this year. The space allows us to create something truly special — we have lots of new changes planned and we can’t wait to share them with our audience.”
Scott himself provides seamless narration, guiding audiences chapter by chapter through the novella’s ghostly twists and moral revelations. At the heart of the performance, Ken McConnell takes on Ebenezer Scrooge in a chilling portrayal that, according to the company, “delves into the darkest corners of his soul.”
GINIFICENT’s A Christmas Carol production is always a big hit, but this year’s production in The Great Hall may well be the best yet.
One attendee last year said:
“We’ve seen it three years on the run — fantastic performance in the beautiful St. George’s Hall. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without it. Looking forward to seeing it in 2025.”
The production has received countless testimonials and 5 star reviews over the years. Another attendee from last year said: “I don’t know how many times we’ve been. A truly magical experience for all and a wonderful way for the Christmas festivities to begin. See you next year!”
GINIFICENT Theatre Company’s haunting and thrilling production of A Christmas Carol is coming to St George’s Hall’s Great Hall from 12th-24th December 2025. Third Release Tickets are available from £27 via Eventbrite and securing yours early is highly recommended, with another sell-out year anticipated.
A Christmas Carol / The Great Hall, St George’s Hall, St George’s Place, Liverpool, L1 1JJ / 12th-24th December 2025, Various Times.
Find out more information on the St George’s Hall website.
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Church of England bishops, gathered in Liverpool for the College of Bishops meeting, attended choral evening prayer at Liverpool’s Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral before joining the pilgrimage walk that links the Anglican and Catholic Cathedrals in the city.
Those taking part included the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell and the former Archbishop of Liverpool Malcolm McMahon as well as the Interim Bishop of Liverpool, Ruth Worsley.
The walk included pauses for reflection, prayer and readings at landmarks in Hope Street, including the statues of the city’s much-loved former bishops, Bishop David Sheppard and his Roman Catholic counterpart, Archbishop Derek Warlock.
Bishop Ruth Worsley said the walk had been a moving experience marking the close relationship between the Anglican and Roman Catholic communities in the city. She added that it reflected the theme of hope explored by the College of Bishops during their meeting Liverpool this week.
She said:
“It was fantastic to take part in the walk, a pilgrimage for so many over the years in the city. There are many in our world who are despairing, fearful and anxious, but hope in Christ is what we need to look to. Hope is something that goes beyond our current circumstances, it is a spiritual reality that recognises God’s love for us through Jesus Christ.”
Monsignor Tony O’Brien, Cathedral Dean at the Metropolitan Cathedral, said:
“We were delighted to welcome the whole College of Church of England Bishops to the Metropolitan Cathedral for a service of Choral Evening Prayer and to join them on their ecumenical prayer walk along Hope Street to Liverpool Cathedral. It’s rare to see so many Anglican bishops together in one place, and even more unusual for their meeting to be held here in Liverpool—so it was a true honour to be part of their celebrations.
“I was delighted to represent the Catholic faith alongside Archbishop Emeritus Malcolm McMahon in a walk that was filled with moments of joy, peace, and reflection, despite the rain!
“This year marks the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year which has the theme Pilgrims of Hope, which made it all the more meaningful.
“Walking together down Hope Street was a powerful symbol of the hope and unity that continues to grow between our two cathedrals.”
Find out more information on the Metropolitan Cathedral website.
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Blackstock Market is preparing to spread plenty of Christmas cheer this festive season with a huge programme of events.
The hugely popular 60,000sq ft entertainment hub is welcoming families, friends and festive revellers to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at a host of fantastic events – both ‘naughty’ and ‘nice’ – during November and December.
Enjoy a Christmas culinary adventure, a brilliant beverage experience or an evening of festive-themed live entertainment at the Blackstock Street venue.
Christmas at Blackstock includes:
Christmas Comedy Specials during November and December with Hot Water Comedy Club presenting headline acts, household names and rising stars in shows with a seasonal theme.
Miracle on Blackstock Street Christmas party nights, perfect for office dos or gatherings of friends, promising high-octane celebrations with DJs, bongo and sax performances, quirky characters and a snow-filled finale.
Dear Santa: The Experience, where young visitors can enter a ‘magic mailroom’ where cheeky elves sing festive songs and invite children to send their own messages to Father Christmas, complete with a video message from the man in red himself.
A Christmas Picnic with the Characters where you can dine on delicious festive food and enjoy some surprise visits from much-loved Christmas characters.
Not one but two Christmas Pantomimes, devised by Hot Water Comedy Club, performed by improv talent and packed with sparkle, music, mischief, mayhem and lots of laughter, perfect for families, friends or work outings.
Meanwhile for those looking for something a bit cheeky, there’s Bad Santa’s Naughty List, a rowdy and very playful party where Bad Santa will oversee some seasonal chaos in what is set to be Liverpool’s wildest Christmas event.
Raise a festive glass to Whisky & Wonder, led by Victorian Whisky Host ‘the Spirit of Christmas’ who will take you on a magical whisky tasting in an evening of elegance and fun. The event includes a Christmas cocktail, festive nibbles and acoustic music.
Alternatively, take part in Whisky Tasting Classes. Hosted at the venue’s atmospheric Whisky & Water, these curated sessions offer more than 400 whiskies to suit both novices and connoisseurs.
The venue is also the perfect location for Christmas parties, with decorated private function rooms holding up to 140 guests, with their own bars and space for dancing, available to book. Food, drink and music can also be arranged.
And the fun doesn’t stop with Christmas itself. Blackstock Market will see out the old and ring in the New Year with a New Year’s Eve Party to Remember, with celebrations spread across the entire site from noon to the early hours – featuring live music, comedy specials, DJs, festive surprises and a party atmosphere.
Blackstock Market is the brainchild of Hot Water Comedy founders Paul and Binty Blair and first opened its doors in April 2024. Over the last 18 months it has attracted more than half a million visitors.
Paul Blair says:
“This will be our second Christmas at Blackstock Market, and after an amazing summer we’re pulling out all the stops for the 2025 festive season. The whole venue will be transformed with Christmas decorations, creating a magical backdrop for a programme that really has something for everyone – from family picnics with festive characters and two brilliantly unpredictable pantomimes to comedy specials, whisky tastings and our infamous party nights.”
“Since opening 18 months ago, we’ve welcomed more than half a million visitors and the response has been incredible. We’re really proud of what we’ve built here, and this Christmas we can promise a celebration that’s bigger, bolder and the perfect way to see out 2025 and welcome an exciting 2026.”
Find out more on the Blackstock Market website.
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The Salvation Army’s Strawberry Field has unveiled a new interactive art installation, in collaboration with Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.
‘Shine On! Wall’ features an image of John Lennon’s iconic glasses and lyrics to well-known hit Instant Karma! (We All Shine On!), invites graduates from The Salvation Army’s Steps at Strawberry Field programme, that empowers young adults with learning difficulties, who are neurodivergent or have barriers getting into paid work, to write a personal message on a recycled CD and add it to the ‘Shine On! Wall’, symbolising their achievements at Strawberry Field.
The artwork was created by LIPA student Steff Norman who came to Strawberry Field as part of its Learning Hub university outreach programme and was unveiled by Julia Baird, John Lennon’s sister and Honorary President at Strawberry Field. The unveiling came ahead of The Salvation Army’s Steps programme’s summer graduation, a celebration of the trainees who have completed the scheme at Strawberry Field which includes Steps to Work, supporting young adults into employment. This summer saw 44 trainees graduate from the programme, with 64% having achieved paid work*.
Lynne Furlong, Learning Hub coordinator at Strawberry Field said:
“From the moment we met Steff, it was clear how passionate he was about the project and how quickly he resonated with the values and culture of Strawberry Field. Throughout the design process, Steff developed innovative ideas which reflected the themes of inclusion, creativity, sustainability and empowerment, while also honouring the centre’s history with John Lennon.
“The final design captures these themes perfectly, offering our trainees not only the chance to leave a lasting mark at Strawberry Field, but also the inspiration to keep shining as they take the next steps on their journey.
“Through this new collaboration with LIPA, we have had the privilege of working with such a talented and passionate artist. It’s been a pleasure to get to know Steff, and we wish him every success for what we know will be a very bright future.”
Jamie Fitzgerald, Theatre & Production Technology lecturer at LIPA said:
“Steff’s Shine On! wall is a powerful reflection of how creativity can inspire connection and inclusion. LIPA’s collaboration with Strawberry Field has given a meaningful opportunity for our students to engage with communities and create work that resonates directly with them.”
Find more information on the Strawberry Field website.
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The first ever world tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical is heading to the Liverpool Empire in 2026.
Enter a world of splendour and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. A celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and — above all — Love, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is more than a musical — it is a state of mind.
Carmen Pavlovic for Global Creatures, producer of Moulin Rouge! The Musical:
“It is thrilling that Moulin Rouge! The Musical will be lighting up the stage at the Liverpool Empire next year as part of its world tour. Liverpool’s dynamic cultural spirit and its legacy of groundbreaking creativity, from iconic musicians to its thriving contemporary arts scene, make it the perfect home for the Bohemian energy of Montmartre.
We know that the city will embrace the show’s passion, artistry and spectacle with open arms. It’s a joy to bring the Moulin Rouge! The Musical experience to Liverpool”
As in the film, Moulin Rouge! The Musical celebrates over 160 years of music – from Offenbach to Lady Gaga. The stage musical features over 70 iconic songs, many from the movie as well as recent hits released since the movie premiered over 20 years ago.
Set in Paris, 1899, a world of indulgent beauty and unparalleled extravagance, of bohemians and aristocrats, of boulevardiers and reprobates, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is the story of a lovesick American writer, Christian, and Satine, the dazzling star of the Moulin Rouge nightclub. When their lives collide at the Moulin Rouge, they fall hopelessly in love, only to be thwarted by the nightclub’s host and impresario, Harold Zidler, and The Duke of Monroth, the wealthy and entitled patron of the club who thinks he can buy anything he wants, including Satine. Together with his Bohemian friends – the brilliant and starving artist Toulouse-Lautrec, and the greatest tango dancer in all of Paris, Santiago – Christian stages a musical spectacular in an attempt to save the Moulin Rouge and win the heart of Satine.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical is the winner of ten 2021 Tony Awards including Best Musical, an Olivier Award, two Drama League Awards including Outstanding Production of a Musical, five Drama Desk Awards and ten Outer Critics Circle Award Honor citations including New Broadway Musical.
Find out more and book tickets on the Liverpool Empire website.
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Merseyrail has been recognised as the UK’s most family-friendly railway for the second year running.
The scorecard, which assessed 23 train operators across the country, awarded Merseyrail an industry-leading score of 8 out of 10, the highest of any operator.
The scorecard evaluates operators against ten key criteria, including station accessibility, on-board facilities, support services, and the availability of accurate and helpful information for families.
Merseyrail stood out for its comprehensive approach to family-friendly travel, achieving full marks for both dedicated buggy spaces with nearby seating and level boarding between train and platform across its entire network. A feature unmatched by any other operator in the UK.
This recognition comes as leisure travel continues to dominate rail usage, now accounting for 54% of all train journeys according to recent government data. With families making up a significant portion of leisure travellers, Merseyrail’s performance reflects a strategic commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers.
Neil Grabham, Managing Director of Merseyrail, welcomed the news:
“We’re proud that Merseyrail has once again been recognised as the UK’s most family-friendly railway. This underlines our commitment to ensuring we deliver services that make every day journeys easier, safer and more inclusive for families. From level boarding to dedicated buggy spaces and tailored support at every station, we’re focused on delivering a network that meets the needs of our customers and is at the heart of the communities we serve.”
Find more information about the scorecard and the Campaign for Family-Friendly Trains here.
Find out more about Merseyrail here.
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Gorillaz are set to bring their brand-new live show to Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena on Sunday 29th March 2026, as part of The Mountain Tour.
The highly anticipated run of arena dates will celebrate the release of the band’s ninth studio album The Mountain, landing on 20th March 2026 via their newly formed label KONG.
The Liverpool date promises an electrifying showcase of the new record – a kaleidoscopic 15-track journey featuring a stellar list of collaborators including Sparks, Trueno, Black Thought, Anoushka Shankar, IDLES, Yasiin Bey, Paul Simonon, Omar Souleyman and many more. Fans can also expect Gorillaz classics spanning their 25-year history, all brought to life with Jamie Hewlett’s iconic visuals.
Support on selected tour dates comes from Argentine rapper Trueno, whose explosive energy has become a highlight of Gorillaz’ live collaborations.
Drummer Russel Hobbs explains:
“As space dust we are here forever and that’s a mighty long time. This is a musical meditation infused with light. A journey of the soul, with beats…”
The Mountain is the band’s most ambitious project to date, recorded across London, Devon, India, Ashgabat, Damascus, Los Angeles, Miami and New York, and produced by Gorillaz alongside James Ford, Samuel Egglenton, Remi Kabaka Jr., and Bizarrap. With performances in Arabic, English, Hindi, Spanish and Yoruba, it’s a record that reflects the global reach and collaborative spirit that defines Gorillaz.
The album’s first track, “The Happy Dictator (feat. Sparks)”, is available now, accompanied by a visualiser directed by Hewlett.
The Mountain Tour opens in Manchester on 21st March 2026 and will travel through Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Cardiff, Nottingham, Liverpool, Belfast and Dublin, before culminating in Gorillaz’ first-ever headline stadium show at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, on Saturday 20th June 2026.
Presale to see Gorillaz starts on Thursday 18 September at 11am from here, with general sale starting on Friday 19 September from 11 – find out more about the Liverpool show on the M&S Bank Arena website here.
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Following a record-breaking edition last month, Rockstar Energy presents Creamfields is already looking ahead to a landmark year in 2026, when one of the world’s biggest electronic music festivals celebrates 20 unforgettable years at its iconic home in Daresbury.
To kick off the celebrations, Cream HQ has just announced its first headliner – GRAMMY Award Winning DJ & Producer Calvin Harris.
A firm Creamfields favourite, Calvin makes his highly anticipated return to the festival, headlining the legendary Arc Stage on Saturday 29th August Bank Holiday weekend.
Since his 2009 debut, Calvin Harris has risen to become one of the biggest names in electronic music, most recently dominating the charts with his Track of the Summer hit ‘Blessings’ and over the years, he has delivered some of the most iconic and talked about performances in Creamfields history, making his return for this milestone edition even more fitting.
Taking over the August Bank Holiday weekend from Thursday 27th – Sunday 30th August 2026, Creamfields is set to once again welcome 80,000 fans from across the globe for four days of groundbreaking production, a world class line up and the electric atmosphere that has cemented its position as the highlight of the dance music calendar.
With unbeatable lineups, legendary moments, and 20 years of Creamfields magic at Daresbury, Rockstar Energy presents Creamfields 2026 is set to be a celebration like no other.
Get tickets for Creamfields 2026 here.
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Liverpool Cathedral has achieved yet another outstanding milestone by winning The Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for the second consecutive year, securing a place among the top 10% of listings worldwide.
As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with global tourists. This Award is based on genuine feedback from visitors who have left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and reliable resource of travellers’ favourite destinations.
This news follows the Cathedral’s achievement last month of becoming the first Cathedral in the UK and Europe – and only the second in the world – to join the Bloomberg Connects App, linking it with an expanding network of cultural institutions across Liverpool and around the world Such forward-thinking initiatives, alongside a warm welcome to visitors, continue to inspire the outstanding feedback that has earned this recognition.
In a year of celebration and accolades for Liverpool Cathedral, the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award is a testament to its enduring appeal and the life-changing experiences it offers visitors from around the world.
The Very Revd Dr Dean Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool, said:
“I am immensely proud of the way we welcome visitors to our cathedral. The hospitality we extend to people from around the world truly sets us apart, and this is reflected in being awarded the Tripadvisor Traveller’s’ Choice Award for the second year in a row. I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to visit and experience our beautiful building because without their support, we would not have achieved a place among the top 10% of attractions worldwide.”
Kristen Dalton, President, Tripadvisor, said:
“Congratulations to Liverpool Cathedral on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2025. Ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took time to go online and leave a glowing review about their experience. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2025 and beyond.”
Find out more about Liverpool Cathedral here.
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Mersey Ferries and the Liverpool Tourist Information Centre are winners of a 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award.
The Mersey Ferries and the Liverpool Tourist Information Centre have joined an illustrious list of city region attractions as winners, with the Mersey Ferries making it five years in a row.
Winners of the award must consistently receive a high volume of excellent traveller reviews, maintain a minimum bubble – or out of 5 – rating and have been on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.
According to TripAdvisor:
“Businesses are recognised for consistently providing exceptional experiences that lead to memorable guest reviews.” Winners are in the top 10% of attractions worldwide.
More than 20 local attractions have already won the award this year, including Liverpool FC’s Anfield Stadium, Liverpool One, the Williamson Tunnels and the Royal Albert Dock.
The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority owns and operates the Mersey Ferries through its Merseytravel executive body, which provides transport advice and manages the service.
And the Liverpool Tourist Information Centre is operated by the Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s strategic partner in managing and promoting the region’s tourism and visitor economy.
Speaking about the awards, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, said:
“Once again the Mersey Ferries have won a Travellers’ Choice Award. I’d like to thank all of our staff for all of their efforts in achieving this incredible recognition.
“And if you haven’t been on one of our ferries for a while why not come and experience a ferry ‘cross the Mersey!”
The Liverpool Tourist Information Centre provides tourists with a range of services. Staff help visitors make the most of their time in the city, providing event and city information, tour and attraction tickets, National Express, theatre bookings, Stena Line and Isle of Man steam packet bookings along with a great range of souvenirs.
The iconic Mersey Ferries are an essential part of the Liverpool City Region’s rich and diverse history. Ferries have sailed across the River Mersey for more than 800 years, as Benedictine Monks ran the first ferry service from Birkenhead to Liverpool in 1150 AD, taking travellers to the small fishing village of Liverpool on market days.
Mersey Ferries offer a fantastic range of cruises all year round including a 50-minute River Explorer sightseeing cruise, which departs daily from Liverpool Gerry Marsden terminal at the Pier Head calling at Seacombe during the trip. Guided by expert commentary throughout the cruise, there is no better way to see Liverpool’s famous skyline than from the deck of a Mersey Ferry.
Evening Cruises, fascinating day trips along the Manchester Ship Canal and sightseeing cruises to Liverpool Bay also give passengers the opportunity to learn more about the North West’s history and experience incredible scenery.
Book a cruise on Mersey Ferries here.
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A little food van has been selling out of ‘the best ranked pies in the North’ since it arrived this summer in Woolton Village.
Irrational Blackbird, which is owned by Robert Pettersen, launched at the end of July with a menu of multi-award winning artisan pies and fillings that wouldn’t look out of place in a fine dining restaurant.
Since then the van has become a regular foodie attraction on Church Road every Friday and Saturday, not just for the pies but for gourmet sides including clotted cream mash, two-day gravy and giant double cheese rarebits.
Robert, who moved to Liverpool 12 years ago after being a student here, decided to launch his first food business after a career working front of house running restaurants and pubs.
He explained:
“I was looking for an opportunity and I found Alex Melling, who runs Baldy’s Pies from Windy Arbour Farm Shop just outside Wigan,”
“Alex’s pies are absolutely stunning and they’ve won so many awards – he’s got 24 British Pie Awards, a British Street Food Award, and he’s been ranked number one in the North and number 4 in the country.
“He was selling a van, I wanted to do something for myself and loved what he did, so I bought it.
“Instead of Baldy’s Pies Liverpool, I changed the name to Irrational Blackbird because I liked the idea of the children’s nursery rhyme ‘four and 20 blackbirds’ and I added irrational because the mathematical number pi is an irrational number.”
Irrational Blackbird is the only stockist of Baldy’s Pies other than Alex himself and Robert says his flavours have already been a big hit in Liverpool.
“Probably our best seller is the Big Jim, which is a tribute to Alex’s dad. That’s a double award-winner which has 18-hour shin of beef with bone marrow, white truffle and pistachio crumb.
“The triple cheese with truffle was awarded best in the country and that’s also very popular, with cave-aged Cheddar, red Leicester, vegetarian parmesan, potato and white truffle with a sesame crumb. It’s a cracking combination.
“Each week we change our menu and a few firm favourites make reappearances. We normally do three or four varieties and give people alternatives so for instance if I’ve sold out of Big Jim, we might have another beef pie, again with 18-hour shin of beef but with garlic, soy, oyster, ginger and bok choy.
“To complement Alex’s pies, I make a two-day gravy, clotted cream and double buttered mash, sausage rolls and rarebits about the size of your face, they’re enormous!”
Robert says everything is handmade and they try to use the best quality ingredients. The double-award winning chicken Kiev, for example, uses free range British chicken breast, leg & thigh mixed with garlic and herb béchamel and buttered leeks.
“It’s a lovely way to support local, treat yourself and have something that’s really nice quality in the comfort of your own home,” he adds. “All you need to do is put the pies in the oven for 15-20 minutes and microwave the mash and the gravy, so it couldn’t be much easier.”
As an independent business, 38-year-old Robert is keen for Irrational Blackbird to give back to the city too. He’s supporting Liverpool In Arms, whose outreach volunteers help provide food in the city centre for people who are homeless.
“I’ve always been a supporter of trying to help other people, and there’s a pay it forward movement which is very popular in Italy especially, where you can buy a coffee and leave it for the next person,” he says.
“We do ‘pie it forward’, so people can buy one and give one. I’ve started working with Liverpool In Arms to give those out, as well as any we don’t sell because they’re always fresh, and they’ve been going down really well.”
Irrational Blackbird’s van is on Church Road in Woolton Village on Fridays and Saturdays, 10am-2pm, and in West Derby Village at the Sefton Arms on Thursday evenings, 5-8pm.
Find out more about Irrational Blackbird here.
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Kip on the Kop has raised more than £100,000 as more fans than ever signed up to sleep in the iconic stand at Anfield.
A staggering 400 people, including comedians John Bishop and Crissy Rock and ex-players Sammy Lee and Chris Kirkland, bedded down for the night in LFC’s stadium on Saturday to raise money to help tackle homelessness across the Liverpool City Region.
The amount raised in this its third year is almost as much as the increasingly popular fundraiser collected in the first two years together.
A spokesperson for LFC Foundation said:
“Over 1500 households are homeless in the Liverpool City Region with over 650 of those involving children, and LFC Foundation and Liverpool Homeless FC united to do their bit for the cause.”
They added:
“It was a memorable evening for all who took part in the opportunity to spend a night on the Kop, gaining just a small insight into the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness every night.”
John Bishop said ‘we smashed the Kip on the Kop 2025 target’, adding on Facebook:
“Kip on the Kop brings fans together to sleep out on the famous Kop at Anfield, raising money and awareness to fight homelessness. Every penny makes a difference – thank you to everyone who’s supported so far.”
Money raised goes towards supporting LFC Foundation’s Global Works programme which provides sport-based employability sessions and mentoring for young people who have experienced homelessness, and Liverpool Homeless FC, who formed an annual 5-a-side league that was founded for, and is accessed by, people who are affected by homelessness across the region.
The league is made up of 18 homelessness organisations that operate across Merseyside, with a focus on inclusion, fun and helping to move lives forward.
Former LFC goalkeeper and currently LFC Foundation community ambassador Chris Kirkland has taken part in Kip on the Kop every year so far and said:
“It was a brilliant night. I woke up shattered, and I didn’t sleep much because there was someone snoring like a rhino – but it’s not supposed to be comfortable, or fun, but about experiencing a fraction of what some people experience every night and raising money and awareness.
“You don’t need to drive a mile down the road without seeing someone on the streets, particularly when you go into Liverpool city centre where there are people in doorways, in tents, who are far less fortunate.
“I have lived in Liverpool now for 24 years since I signed in 2001, and to see these things in your own community and on your own doorstep is heartbreaking.
“So if I can help make a difference, I will, helping the charities that put these things on and the people behind the scenes who organise them.”
He added:
“For the last three years I have slept on the Kop at Anfield where I used to stand as a kid, as a seven or eight-year-old. You have your laughs, but the main thing is to get some perspective about what it’s heartbreakingly like for some people who have to do this all the time, without shelter, without a sleeping bag or a mat.
“It’s raised more than £100,000 now and is going towards programmes that help people, and get them back into jobs. I’ve seen the proof of the pudding, it works. We saw one person, Shane, on the night who was in a bad way, and has come through the programme at Liverpool Homeless FC and is now part the staff there, and the turn around is incredible.
“It’s proof that if you give people help and support, it works, and I just want to thank everyone who took part and fundraised for it.”
You can still donate to Kip on the Kop 2025 here.
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The Haus of Fun and FunnyBoyz family are proudly raising a glass to celebrate a hugely successful first year.
In just twelve months since getting the keys to 25, 27 & 29 Stanley Street – formerly Icon, The Social and The Navy – they have created something truly unique in the heart of Liverpool’s Pride Quarter.
Just some of the incredible year one achievements included:
September 2024: Taking over The Navy Bar and officially got the keys to their new home.
October 2024: Opened DysCo and became Runners Up at the UK National Diversity Awards, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards and the Flowers Awards – beating over 80,000 nominees.
November 2024: Opened Benidorm Bar, welcomed BabyStorm’s Lesbian Events for the first time, partnered with The Award-Winning LGBT Business Group The IN-Club, and were honoured by a visit from the Lord Mayor of Liverpool.
December 2024: Fed Liverpool’s homeless at Christmas, appeared on BBC’s Smoggie Queens, saw Timeout Magazine crown The Navy Bar 2.1 as “Best Club in Liverpool 2024,” and hosted Drag Race Season 6 winners Lil, Kyran and Rilease at DysCo.
January 2025: Welcomed the Queen of Scotty Road as a regular fixture and partnered with the legendary SOUL TRAIN to bring the city’s biggest soul event to Liverpool’s Pride Quarter for the first time.
February 2025: The Chatter Boys ranked Benidorm Bar as Liverpool’s Best Gay Bar and The Navy Bar received a coveted 5am licence.
Spring 2025: Launched Liverpool’s cheapest Happy Hour (£1 drinks), drew huge queues for their incredible popular Kylie Minogue afterparty at DysCo, and gave over 60 local and national DJs a platform through ‘So You Think You Can DJ?’
June 2025: Won the Liverpool Lifestyle Award and welcomed the DOLLY GOLD mascot to the team.
July 2025: Erected stunning new Haus of Fun signage, hosted Stanley Street Pride – headlined by SumTing Wong, Sunshine After the Rain’s ‘Berry’, and many more – and were ranked in the world’s top 1% of businesses by TripAdvisor for the third year running.
August 2025: Won the Lux Life Award for “Most Welcoming Community Venue.”
Linda Gold, Director and resident drag queen said:
“This year has been a rollercoaster for hospitality, but we refused to let that stop us. Our mission has always been to celebrate community, create safe spaces, and keep Liverpool laughing and dancing – and we’re just getting started. This first year was about building the foundation. Year two will be even bigger, bolder, and more
Find out more about Haus of Fun here.
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