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2025 was an outstanding year for events and openings in Liverpool, and 2026 is already shaping up to be just as good if not better.
With new restaurants coming, some amazing gigs and big sports dates lined up for the city region, it’s time to start filling up your diary for the year ahead.
Here are the things you won’t be able to miss in Liverpool during 2026 …
A new ferry will take to the Mersey
Our Mersey Ferries aren’t just a means of transport, they’re a world famous icon and in 2026 a brand new one will join the fleet. The Royal Daffodil, constructed in Birkenhead by Cammell Laird, is the first new ferry to be built in more than 60 years and it’s scheduled to make its first crossings in the summer.
The 154th Open will take place at Royal Birkdale
If you’re a golf fan, 2025 was a momentous year with Europe claiming a historic victory over US rivals in the Ryder Cup. Now in 2026 it’s returning closer to home when Royal Birkdale hosts the world’s finest players as they compete for the coveted Claret Jug at The 154th Open Championship from July 12-19.
Southport will be celebrated with a massive year of culture
Southport will become a year-round stage for art, performance and music in 2026, marking its first ever Year of Culture. A creativity-packed programme includes the spectacular Lightport in February, an immersive light and sound installation which will turn the town into a walk-through rainbow of colour.
The Grand National will return
Liverpool’s sporting calendar wouldn’t be complete without the event which attracts the biggest global audience – the Grand National is back at Aintree for three days of top class racing and gorgeous fashion. This year’s is from Thursday April 9, Ladies Day is Friday April 10 and the National is on Saturday April 11.
Foo Fighters and more for Anfield
After Dua Lipa, Lana Del Rey and Springsteen in 2025, Anfield is attracting some of the biggest music artists in the world again in 2026. Country superstar Zach Bryan kicks things off on June 12, then it’s rock legends Foo Fighters on the 25th and 27th, and My Chemical Romance with special guests Echo & The Bunnymen on June 30.
Paul Weller, Snow Patrol and more for On The Waterfront
The Pier Head will be bouncing again from June 18 to 21 when On The Waterfront returns for another huge weekend of live music. Paul Weller headlines the opening Thursday, with Red Rum Club on Friday, 10 years of Cream Classical featuring Alison Limerick on Saturday and Snow Patrol closing on Sunday.
Africa Oyé will make its welcome return
After a year away, Africa Oyé comes back to Sefton Park on June 20 & 21. To keep what’s become one of Liverpool’s most popular family events going, it will be paid for in 2026, with tickets including fantastic live music and also community performances, workshops, DJs, world foods, arts & crafts and more. Under 12s with an adult will still be free.
Jodie Comer will take to the stage
If you thought getting your hands on Oasis tickets was tough, you should have tried bagging one to see Jodie Comer in Prima Facie at the Playhouse!
The Liverpool actress is bringing her superb multi award-winning one woman play home in March and tickets absolutely flew as soon as they went on sale.
New restaurants including Dishoom and Flat Iron will open
A new restaurant arrival is always something to look forward to and there are a few big names coming in 2026 including top tier Indian restaurant chain Dishoom, which is opening its Permit Room at Exchange Court on Dale Street, and steak specialists Flat Iron joining Castle Street’s already thriving food scene.
Speedo Mick will take on more epic challenges
Mick was busy handing out the proceeds of previous walks to charities via his foundation in 2025, but now he’s back stomping and challenging himself for good causes again. For his first of the year, he’ll join former Olympic champion Fatima Whitbread and six other walkers on a sub-zero seven-day Polar trek.
Liverpool will be on screen lots with This City Is Ours 2, The Cage on TV and Clayface in cinemas
Most actors would give anything to have as many credits as Liverpool and we’ll rack up even more in 2026. Hugely successful crime drama This City is Ours returns to BBC1, Tony Schumacher’s new five-parter starring Sheridan Smith, that filmed here in June, airs and Hollywood blockbuster Clayface, which saw city centre locations transformed into Gotham, is due for release in September.
Ryanair will take flight to three new destinations and a new aircraft
Who doesn’t love a new holiday place to discover, especially if you can get there from home? Liverpool JLA is booming and budget airline Ryanair is one of those expanding routes. Polish capital Warsaw, the historic Moroccan city of Marrakesh and Albanian capital Tirana will all be added for summer 2026.
Theatres will be alive with Mary Poppins, Little Shop of Horrors, Taking the Piste, Back to the Future and more
Liverpool’s theatre calendar is looking brilliant, and it’s got something for everyone whether you like musicals, comedy or a nostalgic classic. The award-winning Mary Poppins flies into the Empire from January 14, Taking the Piste – the bizarre tale of the Kirkby ski slope – brings lots of laughs to the Royal Court in June, cult classic musical Little Shop of Horrors gets a Christmas run revival at the Playhouse, and Marty McFly and Doc Brown return in Back to the Future The Musical at the Empire next January.
Nile Rodgers & Chic will perform in Bootle!
Funk guitar legend Nile Rodgers is coming in August to the Salt & Tar weekender with equally iconic band Chic. The festival keeps on growing, bringing in big crowds for live music from previous headliners like Tom Jones and Ocean Colour Scene, and in 2026 it will temporarily relocate to Lock and Quay in Bootle.
And Robbie Williams will play at the Olympia
Talking of megastar names who’ll be coming to Liverpool in the new year, Robbie Williams is bringing his Long 90’s UK Tour here. He’s playing four UK dates in February, including a sold out one at The Olympia, when he’ll be performing Life Thru a Lens and Britpop in full on what’s sure to be a phenomenal night.
While Gorillaz, Florence & the Machine, Richard Ashcroft and more will play M&S Bank Arena
It’s looking like a stellar year for live music at the Arena too. Florence + the Machine will create theatrical magic in February on the much-awaited Everybody Scream Tour, and March sees former The Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft and Gorillaz celebrating their new album with a stunning live show.
Work will start on the new Baltic Station
The Baltic Triangle takes the first step towards a major transport boost in early 2026 when work starts on a new £100million train station which will be located on Merseyrail’s Northern Line. Travellers will have to be patient though, because the station on Stanhope Street isn’t due to open until the end of 2027.
Find out the latest in Liverpool here.
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Curtis Jones’ return to the Liverpool team has coincided with their best run of results since September helping Liverpool FC return to fourth in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old was their best player in the Champions League victory over Inter Milan in the San Siro stadium, the second of his five successive starts, earlier this month and he has built on that to play an influential role in four back-to-back wins.
Curtis Jones may have benefited from injuries to the now fit-again Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak and the suspension of Dominik Szoboszlai but with the midfield virtually back to full capacity (only the least-used Wataru Endo is still out) the real challenge is now for him to continue his progress.
Head coach Arne Slot has been impressed with Curits Jones’ contribution, saying:
“One of the main qualities he has is that he always wants to have the ball no matter the situation, 99 times out of 100 that is very positive.
“Sometimes it is smarter to stay away or not go to a difficult situation but if he had one in the corner he is able to bring himself out of the situation and play the ball.
“The most positive thing for him is that he is able to stay fit for four or five games in a row now, 90 minutes every time.”
With Jones rediscovering his form, Wirtz having his first Premier League assist and goal in his last two matches, the returning Szoboszlai being their best player so far this season and Hugo Ekitike scoring more league goals in his last four matches than in his previous 13 there is real hope Liverpool have turned a corner after a devastating run of nine defeats in 12.
Slot hopes the team will kick on in 2026 despite being without British record signing Alexander Isak – who is sidelined for at least a couple of months after surgery on an ankle problem and fractured fibula – and fellow summer signing Giovanni Leoni’s season ended by an ACL injury.
“If you bring in a lot of new players and a lot of players leave usually – at least if I do my job well – they will play better football the longer they are here and when they have more training time and playing time,” he added ahead of the visit of Leeds.
“If you add players to what you have, there is a serious chance of improving. If you replace, like we have done, then it takes time and usually it gets better after a certain period of time.
“Unfortunately we won’t see Giovanni Leoni this season and Alex will take a long time before we see him again.”
Find out what’s on at Anfield at the start of 2026 here.
Find all the latest Liverpool FC news here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
The festive period is almost behind us but there is no need to get the January blues if you’re a music lover.
As ever, Liverpool will play host to some great live performances in January.
You might be reunited with an old favourite at the 90s revival continues, or you could discover your new sound for 2026.
Here is your guide to six of the best gigs in Merseyside in January:
Ocean Colour Scene
9th January, O2 Academy Liverpool
Doors 7pm
Ocean Colour Scene bring their tour to Liverpool, celebrating the 30th anniversary of their best selling album Moseley Shoals.
The record was released in April 1996 – peak Britpop era – and became a huge success.
Expect tracks like The Riverboat Song, You’ve Got It Bad, The Day We Caught The Train and The Circle.
You can relive all that or discover them for the first time at what is sure to be a very popular gig.
Get tickets here.
Then Jerico
17th January, O2 Academy2 Liverpool
Doors 7pm
One of the biggest names of the 1980s, with hits like Big Area, Then Jerico have defied the odds to keep making music and touring.
Catch them in Liverpool and enjoy a nostalgia fest at the O2 Academy.
Get tickets here.
Pulled Apart by Horses
23rd January, Future Yard, Birkenhead
Doors 7.30pm
Catch the Leeds based indie rockers perform as part of the Onomatoposter gig poster exhibition at this brilliant Wirral venue. As well as some great music, you can browse the posters and maybe find some new wall art.
The exhibition, which runs until March, is free but this launch gig is ticketed.
Get tickets and more information here.
The Pill
27th January, Future Yard, Bikenhead
Doors 7.30pm
The female punk duo from the Isle of Wight, describe themselves as “loud and annoying” and certainly made a name for themselves in 2025.
They might be following in the footsteps of Wet Leg who hail from the same island, but they have their own unique sound that has seen them build a strong following.
The Pill are predicted to do bigger things in 2026 so catch them while you can at one of our favourite local intimate venues.
Get tickets here.
Kula Shaker
30th January, The Jacaranda, Slater Street
Doors 2pm
The Britpop revival continues with music from 90s favourites Kula Shaker who are back with a new album Wormslayer.
They will perform songs from the record and hopefully a few old favourites at a stripped back gig and signing at The Jac at the end of the month.
It’s sold out but you can join the waiting list for tickets here.
Cast
31st January, Jacaranda Baltic
Doors 4pm
Following an amazing 2025 where they played to tens of thousands of people supporting Oasis, Cast are back with new album Yeah Yeah Yeah.
Catch them at this intimate album launch gig in their hometown to hear fresh tracks and maybe the odd classic too.
The evening gig is sold out and this matinee will be sure to follow so you’ll need to be quick if you don’t want to miss out.
Get tickets 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.
Hoylake RNLI has defended its title at the annual Boxing Day Tug o’War, raising more than £2,500 to support the charity’s lifesaving work.
The traditional Slater Trophy Tug o’War took place on a sunny Boxing Day afternoon outside Hoylake Lifeboat Station, with RNLI volunteers taking on members of Hoylake Sailing Club. Around a thousand people gathered to cheer on both teams as they battled it out for the trophy.
After two closely fought pulls, Hoylake RNLI emerged victorious, retaining the title they won last year. The team were later presented with the Slater Trophy at Hoylake Sailing Club by Nicky Merryman, whose father Arthur Slater co-founded the competition in 1972 alongside RNLI coxswain Danny Triggs.
This year’s event carried extra significance following the passing of Terry Slater in October at the age of 101. Terry, Arthur Slater’s wife and Nicky Merryman’s mother, had presented the trophy bearing her family’s name for decades, right up until last year. Tributes were paid during the presentation, with a commitment from both teams to continue the tradition in her memory.
The Boxing Day crowd also showed strong support for the RNLI, donating more than £2,500 to help fund essential training, equipment and kit for volunteer crews.
Hoylake RNLI coxswain Howie Owen said it was the biggest crowd the event had seen, thanking everyone who came along to support the crews and remembering the Slater family’s long-standing connection to the competition.
Hoylake Sailing Club commodore Robin Stratton said the Tug o’War remains a popular fixture in the local calendar, praising the community turnout and the efforts of both teams, and confirming the club will be back next year to continue the friendly rivalry.
RNLI lifeboat crews remain on call throughout the Christmas period, with volunteers across the UK and Ireland launching more than 100 times on average over the festive season. In 2024, Hoylake RNLI crews were called out on Christmas Eve.
More information about supporting the RNLI and its Christmas appeal can be found via the charity’s website.
Check out Liverpool’s most inspirational stories of 2025.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Rob Carden has been recognised in the King’s New Year’s Honours, receiving the King’s Police Medal for his contribution to policing.
Chief Constable Rob Carden, who took up the role at Merseyside Police in September, has been awarded the honour in recognition of more than three decades of service and his impact both locally and nationally.
He returned to Merseyside after serving as Chief Constable of Cumbria Police, having previously held the role of Assistant Chief Constable at Merseyside Police before his move in 2022.
Rob Carden joined the police service in 1992 after graduating in economics and beginning his career on a graduate management scheme in Liverpool. Over the years, he has built a reputation for innovation, collaboration and strong operational leadership, with a focus on placing communities at the centre of policing.
The King’s Police Medal recognises his leadership in bringing forces together through digital transformation and collaboration. His citation highlights the significant role he has played in driving progress in police data, technology and analytics, helping forces work more effectively to tackle serious and organised crime.
As national policing lead for digital data and technology, Rob Carden helped establish new national frameworks to ensure policing is data-driven, secure and focused on public safety.
His work has supported major improvements in how forces share information, prioritise investment and deliver value for money across national policing systems.
During his career, he has also led major policing operations, including the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Merseyside, multiple Grand National events and national counter-terrorism operations.
He played a key role in leading Merseyside’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including overseeing the repatriation of British nationals from Wuhan to Arrowe Park Hospital, for which he later received a national commendation.
While leading Cumbria Constabulary, Rob Carden oversaw significant improvements in performance and public confidence, including reductions in antisocial behaviour, burglary and robbery, alongside increased positive outcomes for serious offences. The force also received one of the strongest national inspection results, with particular recognition for workforce support and wellbeing.
Speaking after the announcement, Chief Constable Carden said the award was humbling and reflected the teamwork and professionalism of colleagues he has worked alongside throughout his career.
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell congratulated him on receiving the honour, describing it as a fitting recognition of his dedication, leadership and contribution to policing both in Merseyside and across the country.
Find out more about Rob’s career here.
Keep up to date with the latest news around Liverpool 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 all know the kindness and spirit of Scousers that makes everyone in the city proud, but there are some whose selflessness and big-heartedness goes beyond even that.
Throughout the last year we’ve seen people who’ve brought tears to our eyes, raised a smile or two -and made us all want to be better people.
Here are some of the amazing and inspirational stories that have touched our hearts this year…
We honoured Liverpool’s Heroes
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when we launched our first ever Guide Liverpool Heroes awards at the Titanic Hotel in November. They marked 10 years of The Guide and celebrated the amazing people who make our city great, from the emergency services to organisations, charities and individuals. Among them, we honoured the Southport families for their courage and resilience since the attack, and their pledge to make lives better for others.
A HUGE Celebration Zoe’s Place
The city rallied into action raising more than £5m in 30 days when baby and children’s hospice Zoe’s Place was threatened with closure – and it came together again in July to celebrate its survival with a special concert at the M&S Bank Arena. Musicians, comedians and more took to the stage to mark its new future and thank those whose generosity meant it could go on giving hope and help to families.
Mark King received an OBE for his life-saving campaign
After the death of his 12-year-old son who suffered a cardiac arrest in 2012, Mark King made it his mission to prevent other tragedies and founded The Oliver King Foundation, raising awareness and money to install thousands of defibrillators in public spaces and train thousands in life-saving CPR techniques to ensure schools and organisations could respond to cardiac emergencies. His hard work and dedication, which continues with plans to set up an ECG testing centre, was rewarded with an OBE for services to charity in November.
St Helens farmer continued his Christmas trees for babies tradition
Farmer Richard Rainford continued his decades-old tradition of presenting babies born in the previous year with a free baby Christmas tree that could grow with them. He reckons there are now tens of thousands of trees flourishing as generations of families have planted their tree and he says: “It’s a way of marking a baby’s first Christmas and that’s something very special we can be a part of.”
Local coffee shop overwhelmed with queues following support plea
Guide Hero Anthony Grice was reluctant to admit his popular coffee shop FIKA in Woolton Road was facing closure – but when he posted a plea for help last month, the response was overwhelming with customers queuing to support him and pledges of help from all over the world. Anthony, who’s created a community hub within FIKA offering friendship and support as well as food and drink, said: “It’s been amazing.”
Food Cycle Volunteers serve up over 20,000 meals
In October, volunteers who turn surplus food into free community meals revealed they’ve dished up more than 21,000 dinners at FoodCycle projects in Dingle, Bootle and Old Swan, helping to tackle hunger, food waste – and loneliness. Among them was Jan Backstrom, a 63-year-old nan of two described as ‘one in a million’ who joined FoodCycle to combat her own loneliness and depression.
An outpouring of grief as LFC fans said goodbye to Jota
The tragic death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car crash in July stunned and saddened the city, and LFC fans flocked to pay their respects. Outside Anfield they lay down a carpet of flowers and scarves for the respected players – Andre played for Liga Portugal 2 side Penafiel – and along with murals dedicated to them, books of condolences were filled with messages of sympathy.
Woolton Picture House reopened
Woolton Picture House reopened with a 12 Days of Christmas film line-up, part of a fundraising campaign to get the cinema back to its best and open again. Kevin Fearon has set up a Community Interest Company with partner Gill Miller to restore the much-loved cinema for the community. They need to raise £700,000 by May 2026 and with more than £142,000 in the pot so far, it’s going well.
Sisters launch Dare to be Different SEND fashion show
Linda and Melissa Clarke launched a first-of-its-kind SEND fashion show in Liverpool to shine a light on children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Organised with Iconic CIC in September, it was a ‘celebration of creativity, individuality and inclusion’ to show all those taking part that everyone can dream – and achieve. Melissa, whose son Jaxon, six, was born with Type 2 Kabuki Syndrome, said instead of highlighting the negative it would show the positive.
A Birkenhead gran tackled triple marathon challenge
Annette Jones had already run the Chester 10K and Half Marathon when she set out on her biggest challenge, the Chester Metric Marathon. The 56-year-old gran raised hundreds for Claire House so it could be ‘there for people like my family in their darkest times’. The children’s hospice supported them when Annette’s granddaughter passed away at just 10 days old and is still helping them now.
The family who turned historic Wirral train station into café
After passing the former Hadlow Road Station in Willaston by chance, Sue Thomas discovered the Grade II listed former station master’s house was available to lease – and the idea for the popular Station Master’s House café and kitchen was born. The building’s been lovingly restored and the coffee house is co-owned by Sue’s daughter Emily and Emily’s dad Mark, while Sue runs the takeaway hatch.
Volunteer angels kept Birkenhead safe
Armed with everything from a first aid kit to phone chargers ready to offer support to anyone in need, a team of volunteer Street Angels rose to the task of helping to keep Birkenhead safe during the night and the early hours. The crew, dressed in purple tabards, said they were just ordinary people trying to make their town a better place to live in and enjoy.
Wirral PE teacher took on a 10k a day in bare feet
Phill Hayward raised thousands for the Alzheimer’s Society, running in rain, shine, snow, ice, and storms to complete the equivalent distance of Liverpool to Cairo. But of course that wasn’t enough for Phill, from Prenton, who decided that to make the 10K-a-day for a year challenge more interesting and worth supporting, he’d leave his trainers at home and do it all in his bare feet.
Heroic blind Liverpool veteran took on five peaks
Army veteran Craig Lundberg lost his sight when he was hit by rocket-propelled grenades while serving in Iraq, but that hasn’t stopped the 39-year-old’s fighting spirit. Joined by nine-year-old son Max, he conquered the five peaks in Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in 5 days in July, raising more than £3,500 for city-based domestic abuse charity Centre 56.
Fans Supporting Foodbanks reflected on 10 years at Goodison
Dave Kelly said goodbye to 50 years as a season ticket holder at Goodison and marked a decade of helping to feed thousands of people across Merseyside. Dave and his fellow volunteers at Fans Supporting Foodbanks have gone from offering support from a wheelie bin outside the Winslow pub to being part of a huge operation that collects groceries at Goodison and Anfield supporting eight pantries across the city.
Musical medicine
Huyton-born Rachel Waite has appeared in Fame the Musical and acted as stand-in for Ginny Weasley in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Now she’s using her talents to help spread happiness, health and wellbeing. Rachel set up Holistic Harmonies in 2018, and goes around hospitals, care homes and communities using music and dance to help people connect and enhance their physical and emotional health.
Alder Hey security guard treats patients
As security guard at Alder Hey for more than six years, Shaun Maudsley’s job is to look after the Liverpool children’s hospital as well as its staff and patients – but when he’s not patrolling its busy corridors, the kind-hearted dad of four creates drawings of young patients’ favourite comic heroes and characters, to cheer them up and keep them smiling.
Theatre family celebration and fundraiser for charities that saved superhero Fabian
When Fabian Morley was diagnosed with cancer in 2024, his loving family were devastated – so when this pint-sized warrior rang the bell thanks to the care and treatment he’d received, they wanted to thank everyone who’d helped him and them. Headed by theatre directors Jane and Chantelle Joseph – nan and auntie – they organised the Thunder Ball at the Hilton Hotel Liverpool, raising £34,000.
Liverpool busker hit one million on TikTok
Who dares definitely wins! In a brave move, 20-year-old Liverpool singer Bethany Webster quit her job to become a busker and follow her music dream – and in just over a year she gained a huge following with more than a million likes on TikTok; secured regular gigs, and released her debut single, Worth It.
Blood Brothers super-fan
There aren’t many who don’t love Willy Russell’s tearjerking musical Blood Brothers, but Hanneke Krijt has got to be its biggest fan. Having seen it all over the UK the 49-year-old, who’s originally from the Netherlands but now lives in Liverpool, celebrated her 100th performance at the Empire in March. Hanneke loves the way it connects with people and says ‘for me, this is the best’.
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Liverpool residents are being encouraged to take part in Dry January, as public health officials back the national campaign aimed at helping people reset their relationship with alcohol.
Led by Alcohol Change UK, Dry January invites people to take a break from drinking for the month, with research showing it can improve sleep, boost mood, increase energy levels and help people save money. Free tools and support are available throughout the campaign to help participants stay on track.
While alcohol plays a major role in Liverpool’s social life, drinking too much continues to cause serious harm. Alcohol remains the leading risk factor for death, ill health and disability among 15 to 49-year-olds in the city.
The State of Health in the City: Liverpool 2040 report warns that without action, as many as 38,000 more residents could develop long-term conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease, many of which can be worsened by alcohol misuse.
Residents who want to take part in Dry January can sign up for free support through Alcohol Change UK. This includes access to the Try Dry app to track progress, daily motivational tips and an online community offering encouragement throughout the month.
Public health leaders are also keen to stress that taking part doesn’t have to mean giving up alcohol completely. Cutting down, such as having a few drink-free days each week, can still bring real health benefits and help improve overall wellbeing.
Dry January is not recommended for people who are dependent on alcohol, as suddenly stopping drinking can be dangerous without medical support. Anyone worried about their own drinking, or someone else’s, can access specialist help through Change Grow Live Liverpool or by calling 0151 706 7888.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for health, wellbeing and culture, said: “Dry January supports the city’s wider commitment to tackling alcohol-related harm and encouraging healthier choices, particularly ahead of the launch of Liverpool’s new Alcohol Strategy in 2026.”
Professor Matt Ashton, Liverpool’s director of public health, said: “even short breaks from alcohol can have a positive impact on mental and physical health, adding that campaigns like Dry January help open up important conversations and support people to make healthier decisions.”
You can sign up for free support here.
Keep up to date with the latest news around Liverpool 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.
Reflect on a huge year as we bring you some of the biggest stories that shaped Liverpool in 2025.
The Guide is all about lifting up Liverpool, and that means sharing the stories that matter to us all and affect people’s lives across our region.
As another big year for the city comes to an end, here are the ones that have shaped Liverpool in 2025 …
This City Is Ours brought our city to life on screen
The success of This City Is Ours, filmed at locations across Liverpool, was phenomenal. Already commissioned for a second series, the BBC crime drama, with a fabulous cast led by Sean Bean and Julie Graham, attracted over six million viewers and gave a £9m boost to the local economy. It also made one of its stars, James Nelson-Joyce, a surprise bet for the new 007!
Brookside returned … for a moment as Hollyoaks turned 30
It was the comeback all Brookie fans had been waiting for – the famous Close was on telly again in October after more than 20 years off our screens. A crossover episode to celebrate Hollyoaks’ 30th birthday gave us the chance to see some of our favourite characters including Bobby and Sheila, Tinhead, Nikki and Sinbad.
LFC Parade incident shook the city
What was supposed to be a joyous day to remember for Reds fans in May came to a shocking climax with the horrific incident at the LFC victory parade which left 134 injured. But as always Scousers showed tremendous solidarity at a time of need and members of the public and local businesses rallied alongside emergency service workers to help those caught up in the incident.
Everton got a shiny new home as Hill Dickinson Stadium opened
After four years of watching and waiting as the stadium gradually appeared over the walls at Bramley Moore Dock, in August Everton finally got to play the first Premier League game at their new Hill Dickinson home – and what a home it is. It’s an absolutely stunning piece of architecture with room for more than 52,000 fans, the return of Z Cars and even true blue ketchup on the hot dogs!
And there was an emotional goodbye to Goodison
On May 18, it was time for Evertonians to say a last goodbye to the Grand Old Lady as the Blues played their final home game at Goodison Park after 133 years of history. With so many memories, there were plenty of tears and the atmosphere was unreal, from early morning until late into the night after Iliman Ndiaye scored twice to seal a 2-0 victory over Southampton.
BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend brought huge names to Sefton Park
2025 was a massive year for live music events in the city, and one of the best was BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sefton Park. They brought a star-packed line-up in May including Tom Grennan, Sam Fender, Mumford and Sons, Tate McRae, Tom Odell and Biffy Clyro, and not forgetting a very surprise guest … Ed Sheeran, who turned up to kick off day two on the New Music Stage.
River of Light shone bright once again
It’s one of Liverpool’s favourite annual free events now, and River of Light was shining as brightly as ever this autumn with a trail of spectacular illuminated installations along the waterfront on the themes of The Science of Light in what was one of its most successful years ever for attracting crowds of all ages.
We said a heartfelt goodbye to Liverpool FC great Diogo Jotta
July 3 was a sad day for Liverpool and football fans around the world with the news of the tragic death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. A sea of floral tributes was left outside Anfield and murals created in memory of the hugely popular Portuguese player. The club also confirmed plans for a permanent memorial at the ground, and retired Jota’s number 20 shirt as a sign of respect.
Huge music stars rocked Anfield
Anfield’s becoming a must-play for some of the world’s biggest music superstars and June had a hattrick of memorable nights, with stadium concerts from Lana Del Rey, Dua Lipa and two epic gigs by the Boss Bruce Springsteen which not only lasted almost three hours each, but also (once at least) featured probably the most famous special guest of all time, Sir Paul McCartney.
We were named Time Out Best City of Food, and Go Fund Me Most Generous City
If there’s two things Scousers already know about our city, it’s that we have some amazing indie places to eat and we’re not shy at putting our hands in our pockets when it comes to good causes. But it’s still nice when those two things are recognised outside of Liverpool and in 2025 they were – and it’s the second year running for Most Generous City!
Knowsley Safari welcomed two newborn tiger cubs
All the new arrivals at Knowsley Safari are lovely, but two in summer were extra special. At the end of July, a pair of rare Amur tiger cubs joined the family: a girl and a boy, named Akira and Ozo. The births weren’t just a conservation milestone for an endangered species, they were also a momentous moment for Knowsley Safari because the cubs were the first to be born there since 1996.
Zoe’s Place hosted a huge celebration to save the hospice
Fundraising efforts for Zoe’s Place were unbelievable, raising £7million, and in July some of the city’s best-loved musicians and comedians – including Jamie Webster, Ian McCulloch, Rebecca Ferguson, The Zutons, Lightning Seeds and Adam Rowe – put on a huge concert at the Arena to celebrate how everyone came together to save it.
World Championship Boxing brought a host of champs to the city
For almost two weeks in September, football wasn’t the only sport dominating Liverpool because the Arena hosted the inaugural World Boxing Championships. More than 500 men and women boxers from over 60 countries took part in the competition which was the biggest Olympic-style boxing event to take place in Britain since the London 2012 Olympics.
Aintree celebrated its biggest and brightest Grand National to date
For racing lovers it was another fabulous three days of the Grand National Festival in April, with dressed up crowds of around 150,000 at the course and a further 800 million tuning in to watch around the world. As always there was a story behind the winner of the big one, as jockey Patrick Mullins rode Nick Rockett, a horse trained by his dad Willy Mullins, to victory.
Food lovers welcomed delicious new venues
For foodies, it was a very good year with lots of new openings including wing maestros Wingstop at Liverpool ONE and Edge Lane, jacket legends SpudBros in Queen Square, the beautiful Ivy Asia joining The Ivy on Castle Street, Cowshed’s second beef house Herd on Smithdown and Paul and Harry Askew’s Barnacle in the gorgeous Old Blind School building on Hardman Street.
Liverpool Empire celebrated 100 years of theatre magic
We’re lucky to have so much fantastic theatre on our doorstep and in 2025 Liverpool Empire celebrated a landmark century of entertaining audiences in the city. It hosted two iconic Liverpool shows, Blood Brothers and Boys from the Blackstuff. Opened in 1925 as the largest two-tier auditorium in Britain, with more than 2,300 seats, it’s gone on to welcome stars from The Beatles, Diana Ross, Kylie and Frank Sinatra (who did a week-long residency in 1953!).
Liverpool Airport saw its busiest year to date with new routes, easyJet aircraft and lounges
After being crowned the best airport in the UK in July, beating every other British terminal in a new global ranking, Liverpool Airport went on to have a record-breaker of a year. August was the busiest month in its 92-year history with more than 616,000 passengers. There were also extra aircraft, new destinations and a new Aspire Executive Lounge.
The first ever Guide Liverpool Heroes celebrated the most inspiring people in the city region
We love sharing the best of Liverpool and in November we decided to put the spotlight on some of the most inspirational people and organisations in the region with our first Guide Liverpool Heroes awards. Held at Titanic Hotel, it was a brilliant night of standing ovations, remarkable stories and a celebration of the best city in the world.
There were more cruise ship visits than ever before
Liverpool was treated to the sight of some spectacular cruise ships on the Mersey in what was a record year for Liverpool Cruise Port. There were a total 115 ship visits, and plenty of highlights including Cunard’s Queen Anne in May and August, the Queen Mary 2 in September and the debut of new ships like Disney Fantasy.
We turned 10 – and celebrated a decade of showcasing the city!
We couldn’t end a review of the year’s highlights without mentioning it’s The Guide’s 10th anniversary – what an incredible decade it’s been, showcasing our amazing city, so thanks to everyone who’s been a part of it and we’re looking forward to the next 10!
Keep up to date with all of the biggest updates and stories from Liverpool City Region in 2026 by following u on Instagram HERE.
Arne Slot says he hopes Diogo Jota’s family find solace as Liverpool plan Anfield tributes when they meet Wolves today.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot knows everyone’s thoughts will be with the family of Diogo Jota as his two former English teams meet at Anfield on Saturday.
Portugal forward Jota was killed along with his brother Andre Silva on July 3 in a car crash in Spain.
Jota had a successful spell at Wolves before he moved to Liverpool in 2020.
It has been reported Jota’s two sons will accompany the mascots for Saturday’s Premier League match between Liverpool and Wolves at Anfield.
Writing in his matchday programme notes, Slot reflected on the past 12 months, which the Dutchman admitted “ignites a roller coaster of emotions” as he looked back on everything that has happened.
Slot said: “Doing so leads me to think especially of the family of Diogo Jota on what will be their first Christmas without him.
“It is not my place to tell them where they should look for comfort – if that is even possible – but I can only hope that the feeling of love and affection that Diogo still generates brings them some solace.
“The sense of loss will be particularly strong on Saturday, of course, as it will be the first time that Diogo’s two English teams will meet since his tragic passing.
“Like us, Wolves were clearly very affected by the loss of such a special player and person so my thoughts continue to be with them also.”
Read more about the Diogo Jota artwork and the fundraising campaign behind it HERE.
Liverpool ONE is wishing you a very Merry Twixmas.
It can all seem a bit of an anti-climax when Santa’s been and gone, you’ve had your turkey roast and you’ve pulled your last cracker.
Christmas might feel over…
But the festivities are still in full swing at Liverpool ONE, with tons of activity and excitement between now and New Year.
For a start, the deccies are still up and the lights are looking more gorgeous than ever this year.
You could enjoy an illuminations trail from the dazzling neon tree taking centre stage on Chavasse Park, to the illuminated wings on College Lane, the twinkling trees on Paradise Street, and the ever-popular reindeer on Peter’s Lane and Thomas Steers Way – and make sure you stop by the giant bauble archway on Paradise Street (a perfect seasonal selfie spot if ever there was one).
The alpine village in Chavasse Park is open until New Year’s Eve – and that alone is worth a visit or two while you can!
If you’ve got little ones, Christmas on the Park really was created for you with plenty of children’s rides, festive games, food and drink and tasty treats! It promises a great day out with your crew, or a chilled evening to soak up the incredible atmosphere.
You’ve also got the brill Bar Hütte with the chance to celebrate the season après ski style still and have so much fun in the famous karaoke hüttes – we all love a sing-song – and the amazing party lodges, or just grab a drink or snack from the bar and have a post-Chrimbo catch up with your mates.
The Odeon Cinema is waiting to welcome you as always and right now you’ve got the latest Avatar: Fire and Ash film and The Housemaid that are definitely big screen belters to see, and younger members of the family will love the animal antics in Zootropolis 2.
There are games galore in Liverpool ONE and so if you fancy fun ‘par-none’, check out the craziest golf at Junkyard Golf – or turn your world upside down at the Upside Down House.
As always, if you’re on the hunt for somewhere great to eat and drink, there are so many bars and restaurants to choose from at Liverpool ONE and, better still, some great offers – like two courses for £20 at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, 20% off at Jerk Junction, four dishes for £24 at The Real Greek, and more.
If you haven’t had chance to check it out yet, Brewski has arrived on The Terrace bringing a taste of the steakhouses of New York and the taco trucks of California; and while we’re on new arrivals, have you taken a look at POP MART, now open on Upper South John Street offering all the designer collectible toys you can point a stick at.
And talking of shops brings us nicely to the sales with too many bargains to mention at Liverpool ONE’s amazing shops and boutique stores.
Still wondering what to do? Or wondering now how you’re going to fit it all in?!
For more info visit the Liverpool ONE website HERE.
Liverpool’s historic Woolton Picture House has played host to countless love stories over its near-century history – and this Christmas Eve, it became the backdrop for another unforgettable moment.
Local residents Jacob Molloy and his partner Lucy got engaged during a festive screening of It’s a Wonderful Life, marking a full-circle moment for the couple, whose first ever date took place at the Woolton Picture House 10 years ago.
In a heartfelt tribute to cinema and romance, Jacob worked closely with the Woolton Picture House team to plan a surprise proposal inspired by the iconic “cards on the doorstep” scene from Love Actually. As the Christmas Eve audience gathered inside John Lennon’s childhood cinema Jacob revealed a series of handwritten cards, leading to the emotional moment where he asked Lucy to marry him.
The proposal unfolded during one of the cinema’s special festive screenings, with fellow audience members witnessing the couple’s joyful “yes” in what has since been described as a truly magical moment.
The engagement took place during the Picture House’s 12 days of Christmas fundraising screenings, which saw the historic venue reopen its doors over the festive period. The limited run welcomed more than 7,000 ticket-holders, with many more supporters donating online to help secure the cinema’s future.
The festive reopening forms part of an ongoing campaign to raise £700,000 to purchase Woolton Picture House and restore it to its former glory as a community-owned cultural venue, hosting films, live performances and local events for generations to come.
Built in 1927, Woolton Picture House is Liverpool’s oldest surviving cinema and the city’s only remaining single-screen picture house. For Jacob and Lucy – and thousands of others – it remains a place where memories are made, stories are shared, and now, lives are changed.
As the community rallies to save the cinema, their love story stands as a reminder of why the building matters – not just as a historic landmark, but as a living, breathing part of local life.
All details of the project can be found at www.wooltoncinema.com.
See what’s on in between Christmas & New Year in Liverpool HERE.
The Grand National is the showpiece spectacle that’s loved by millions worldwide, but the thrill of Aintree Racecourse lasts all year-round and that includes at Christmas time.
Racing returns to the famous course on Boxing Day so if you’ve never experienced it before, or if you’re a regular racegoer, here are 6 reasons why you should visit Aintree this Boxing Day …
Start a new tradition
Football on Boxing Day has been a fixture, especially in Liverpool, for generations but who says there isn’t room for another sporting tradition? There’s no better year to start than this year, especially as the Reds and Blues don’t have matches on. Get the family together, or a group of mates, and make celebrating at Aintree an extra date in your diary to look forward to.
It’s super-easy to get to on the train
One of the big plusses of Aintree is just how easy it is to get to by train so nobody has to drive and you don’t even have to think about parking. Because it’s a bank holiday, Merseyrail will be running a special 30-minute service from around 09.30am to 7pm, but it’s laying on extra trains between Liverpool and Aintree station for anyone going to the Boxing Day racing and the station is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the main entrance.
Under 18’s go free!
Everyone loves a festive freebie and if you’re planning a race day out at Aintree this Boxing Day, you can make sure the whole family’s included because under 18s go free in the Grandstand and the Paddock so you can still get a great view of the action and keep the cost down.
Enjoy heart-pounding races
If you’re a racing fan, there’s really nothing quite like the excitement of cheering your horse to the famous Aintree finishing post. For anyone who’s only watched on TV before, this is a post-Christmas gift because hearing the sound of hooves on the turf thundering past is incredible. Not only do you get a full afternoon of races including the iconic William Hill Formby Novices’ Hurdle, the atmosphere at William Hill Boxing Day Racing is something special so it’s definitely a place to make extra memories.
A chance to wear your Boxing Day best
Aintree is famous for its style not just its racing, and that isn’t only true at the National. Getting all dressed up on Boxing Day is a Scouse essential, so here’s the perfect chance to go fully glammed (or suited) up and let everyone see you in your festive best!
Upgrade to hospitality
Christmas is a time to treat yourself and your loved ones, and that doesn’t have to stop on the 25th – keep it going for another day and make Boxing Day racing even more fabulous. Upgrade with one of Aintree’s hospitality packages including a meal, private tables and private betting, and really make it a day to remember. There’s even an exclusive platinum option that includes full Afternoon Tea with Champagne, and your own private balcony overlooking the winning post.
Book your tickets now on the Aintree Racecourse website.
Find out what’s on across Liverpool this Christmas here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
See what’s on in between Christmas and New Year in Liverpool.
The Christmas festivities might be over but there’s still loads going on in Liverpool until the party poppers signal the start of the New Year.
It’s a busy time as ever with plenty of fun to help you make the most of the rest of the season in the city.
So Happy Twixmas!
Liverpool ONE – Bar Hutte, Boxing Day Sales and more
Gorgeous lights to see, the incredible alpine village in Chavasse Park, and the Boxing Day sales – Liverpool ONE’s a hive of activity at any time of year but it comes into its own at Christmas – and Twixmas! Add blockbuster releases like Avatar: Fire and Ash at the Odeon, games galore at the likes of Junkyard Golf, and food and drink offers at its bars and restaurants, and this is one place to head to more than once.
Day out in Southport
More glitzy illuminations like the Bear and the Reindeer and the Musical Christmas Tree to enjoy at Southport, along with fab food at its amazing market, Silcock’s Funland at the Pier, panto at the Atkinson and some boss shops to get all those sales bargains. If you’ve over indulged on Christmas Day too, a brisk walk on the beach could be what you need to stave off the sluggishness.
Boxing Day racing at Aintree
Saddle up for a day of heart-pounding action as some of the finest horses, jockeys, and trainers take to the Aintree track this Boxing Day. There’s a full day of racing from 12 noon so why not gather family and friends together, soak up the atmosphere, and make memories that’ll last long after the tinsel comes down.
Young Frankenstein the Musical at the Playhouse
If you’re after a giggle, this is guaranteed to be high up on the chuckle ratings. From the creators of The Producers, it tells the story of Victor Frankenstein’s grandson who inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania and, with the help of sidekick Igor and lab assistant Inga, brings to life a creature who escapes causing chaos and comedy. On until Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Pantos continue
Who doesn’t love a panto, and the fun and frivolity continues at theatres across the city region with Jack and the Beanstalk for the Everyman’s legendary Rock ‘n’ Roll panto, Dick Whittington at the Theatre Royal in St Helens, a unique version of Cinderella at the Shakespeare North Playhouse and Sleeping Beauty over in New Brighton at the Floral Pavilion. Songs, slapstick, sequins and sparkle … what’s not to love?!
Or a panto for the big kids at the Royal Court
One to leave the kids home for, A Scouse Christmas Carol is just for the adults, so expect a bit of cheeky humour and a dash of naughtiness as the theatre puts a Scouse twist on the Dickens’ classic. Jacob Marley’s dead and nobody knows who bumped him off so his missus, Barbara, sets out to track down his killer – and she’s got her sights on Scrooge. On until January 24, 2026.
Be a tourist in your own city
There’s so much that gets people flocking to the city, but how often do we make the most of the amazing attractions ourselves? If you’ve got free time this Twixmas, why not check out Mersey Ferries River Explorer Cruise to enjoy the fabulous waterfront from the Mersey itself; visit The Beatles Story – the world’s largest exhibition devoted to the Fab Four; get a bird’s eye view of the city from The Royal Liver Building and learn more about one of the city’s most iconic attractions with RLB360, or take a trip to Strawberry Field, the former playground of John Lennon that’s now an interactive visitor centre.
Visit our museums with so much stuff to see between December 27th and January 4
We’ve got seven amazing museums and galleries and they’re always full of fascinating exhibitions. There’s still chance to catch some festive fun as well as some incredible displays like the Turner: Always Contemporary Exhibition marking 250 years since the birth of JMW Turner at the Walker, and Treasure: History Unearthed featuring the largest collection of treasure ever shown in the region at the Museum of Liverpool. At World Museum you can journey into space via its pioneering Planetarium, and at lady Lever, you can enjoy one of the UK’s finest collections of fine and decorative art including William Lever’s collection of Chinese porcelain and other Chinese works of art.
Catch a movie at the Everyman Cinema in Metquarter
At the Everyman it’s not just the latest film but a luxurious cinema experience you can enjoy. This is an A-list picture house where you can choose your movie, sit back in your luxurious seat, and order food – and maybe a cocktail or two – to be delivered right to you.
Be wowed with a visit to Liverpool Cathedral and a meal at the Welsford!
Built for the people, Liverpool Cathedral’s the largest cathedral in Britain and the fifth largest in the world. Designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott (famous also for creating the red telephone box!) the stunning gothic-style building is home to some amazing artwork – and it’s also home to the Welsford Bistro with a great breakfast and brunch menu, and mains like scouse that’s said to be the ‘best Scouse in Liverpool’.
Tuck into Liverpool’s new restaurants
The city’s got some of the region’s best restaurants, with new venues which are definitely worth a visit. Chef Paul Askew’s welcoming guests to fine dining at his new Barnacle Restaurant at the old School for the Blind in Hardman Street, while authentic family-run Italian restaurant Pasta Cosa is celebrating a new – even larger – Albert Dock counterpart to its base in Castle Street to ensure your fix offavourite handmade pasta dishes. Meanwhile Brewski’s arrived on The Terrace at Liverpool ONE bringing a taste of the steakhouses of New York and the taco trucks of California. (Brewski is pictured above)
Or a Christmas tipple at one of Liverpool’s new pubs
There’s nothing jollier than a festive pint or a glass of fizz with friends or family, and you can toast the season at a host of new or newly-refurbished bars and pubs in Liverpool like Madre sister Salon, a new tequila-led pool hall in Hanover Street; the drinks and social gaming venue Black Cat Club in Exchange Flags; Newington Temple, the historic pub recently restored to its Victorian glory by Liverpool-based Ma Pub Group, and St Peter’s Tavern in Seel Street, once Alma de Cuba and one of the city’s oldest churches.
IceBox at BOXPARK
You can channel your inner Torvill and Dean until January 11 with the outdoor ice skating rink at BOXPARK, and when you join them in January every paying adult can take two kids onto the ice for free! It’s back at the Cains Brewery Village with a bigger rink, and you can also tuck into some delicious street food, and warm up with some mulled wine and winter cocktails (although we’d suggest the latter once you’ve got your skates off!).
Liverpool Indoor Funfair
All the fun of the fair’s back at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool and as alwaysyou can expect jaw-dropping rides and attractions all under one roof, from the dodgems and the waltzers, to an inflatable slide, bungee trampolines, a ferris wheel, funhouse and more. There’s a café … and look out for quiet sessions too. It’s there until Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Need a last minute gift idea? How about booking a Virgin Experience in Liverpool – find out more HERE.
Iconic buildings and venues across the North West will light up green on Friday 3rd January to mark the first anniversary of the passing of James Lee Williams, known around the world as drag superstar The Vivienne.
From Liverpool to Chester, with venues on Manchester’s Canal Street also expected to take part, the tribute reflects the scale of James’ impact on the LGBTQ+ community, both locally and further afield.
One year on, James’ death continues to be felt by those who knew them personally, as well as by many who connected with their work through drag, theatre and television.
James Lee Williams was more than a performer. As the UK’s first winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, The Vivienne played a significant role in bringing drag back into the modern mainstream and opening doors for a new generation of performers. Coming from Colwyn Bay, James moved to Liverpool at 16, where The Vivienne was born, with the city playing a central role in shaping their career and public identity.
On 3rd January, Liverpool, with support from Chester and Manchester, will come together in remembrance and solidarity.
A number of Liverpool landmarks will mark the occasion by lighting up green, including St George’s Hall, the Liverpool Empire, M&S Bank Arena, and St John’s Beacon, with community venues such as The Lisbon, Superstar Boudoir and Heaven also taking part. The green lighting references James’ role as the Wicked Witch in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End and UK tour production of The Wizard of Oz.
The tribute will extend beyond Liverpool, with Chester, where James lived in recent years, also taking part, with both Storyhouse, Chester and the Rainbow Tearooms lighting up in recognition. Various venues across Manchester’ Gay Village that have the capability, will also light up to demonstrate how widespread the love for this north west queen is.
James’ family established the charity The House of the Vivienne in their memory, which supports people affected by substance use, with a particular focus on ketamine awareness, education and harm reduction.
This tribute is about remembrance and recognition, and about the region acknowledging the impact of one of its own.
Liverpool has long taken pride in celebrating its people, and on 3rd January the city will mark The Vivienne’s contribution in a way that reflects that tradition.
Read about the convoy of big-hearted bikers that dropped gifts off at Alder Hey this Christmas HERE.
Everton Women players Maz Pacheco and Toni Payne paid a special visit to The People’s Place as part of Everton in the Community’s Together We Can Make Christmas campaign, meeting three women whose lives have been transformed through the charity’s mental health support.
Joined by EitC CEO Sue Gregory, the Blues duo sat down with Tashi, Arjeta and Louise to hear their deeply personal journeys – stories of isolation, survival and recovery that highlight the life-changing impact of Everton in the Community’s work across the Liverpool City Region and how it has supported them through some of the darkest moments of their lives.
For Tashi, finding Everton in the Community was a turning point after years of struggling with her mental health: “Even from the first session, everyone was so friendly and included and encouraged me and that then led me to joining a community football team in Formby,” she said. “For me, this programme has saved my life.
“I was in a really dark place and had no interest in living my life. I never thought I’d make it past 30, let alone feel comfortable sharing my story. If my story can help just one person – a young girl, a teenager or an adult – then I would be so proud.”
Arjeta’s journey began after being encouraged to attend an Everton in the Community session whilst working to achieve asylum in the UK after being trafficked to the country from Albania: “I first found out about Everton in the Community in 2021 when my immigration case worker encouraged me to go along,” she explained. “I joined a programme called ‘Welcome to Football’ for refugees and asylum seekers and it was fantastic for me – it stopped me feeling isolated and I really enjoyed playing football every week, even though I struggled with learning scouse!”
Louise spoke openly about the long-term impact of a controlling relationship and the importance of finding the right support. “My body is strong but my mind is not,” she said. “It’s so hard to open up to someone you know. It’s often easier to talk to someone who doesn’t know you or your situation. No one really knows what you’re going through unless they’ve been there.”
During the conversation, Blues defender Maz reflected on the strength shown by the women.
“Do you three see yourselves as role models in the community?” she asked. “I’m sat here in awe of you all – there’s no doubt in my mind that you’re role models.”
The visit reinforced the values at the heart of Everton in the Community, with Maz adding:
“The more time I spend with Everton in the Community, the more I truly believe that it really is The People’s Club. Sitting down with you women and hearing what you’ve been through and how you’ve turned your lives around is incredible. I’m proud to play for Everton and proud to wear the badge – you realise just how special this club really is.”
The Club’s charitable arm first began delivering targeted development mental health programmes in 2008, using football as a tool to encourage like-minded people to come together and talk whilst keeping physically active. The charity now delivers 15 projects all focused on improving mental health for people of all ages including programmes for people suffering from social isolation, those living with dementia, veterans, and school children identified as being at risk of developing mental health issues.
And in March 2023, Everton in the Community opened The People’s Place, the Premier League’s first purpose-built mental health and wellness hub in the heart of Liverpool 4. The facility houses the charity’s mental health projects as well as providing a layer of professional support with GPs and mental health practitioners on site, promoting positive mental health and suicide prevention through an extensive range of evidence-based provision.
The visit forms part of Everton in the Community’s Together We Can Make Christmas campaign, which shines a light on the challenges faced by individuals and families at Christmas – including loneliness, poor mental health and social isolation – and calls on supporters to help ensure no one is left behind this festive season.
If you are able to help EitC support more women like Tashi, Arjeta and Louise then please visit www.evertonfc.com/eitc-christmas to make a donation.
Read more about Everton’s Christmas visit to Alder Hey HERE.
easyJet has launched its jolliest sale of the year – the Big Orange Sale – for Brits looking to explore more of Europe and beyond for less and ideal as a last-minute Christmas gift.
Over 1.2 million seats to and from the UK, and over 60k from Liverpool John Lennon Airport are now available to book with up to 20% off, including over February and October half-terms.
Discounted fares are available across thousands of easyJet flights to and from the UK between 5 January and 13 December 2026, to 140 destinations on the airline’s unrivalled short-haul network spanning Europe and beyond.
This includes flights to brand new destinations which launched for the first-time this year from Liverpool including to Naples, Marseille, Milan, Vienna, Madrid, Gran Canaria and Krakow.
easyJet holidays is offering savings of up to £400 off all package holidays currently on sale.
The leading package holiday provider is offering £400* off a minimum spend of £4000, £300 off a minimum spend of £3000, £150 off a minimum spend of £1500, £100 off a minimum spend of £800, and £50 off a minimum spend of £500 with the code BIGSALE.
Customers can choose from more than 8000 hotels in over 100 destinations in Europe and North Africa. Discounts are valid on holidays booked before 11pm on 3 March 2026 for travel between now and 31 October 2027.
All easyJet holidays include flights and hotel with 23kg luggage per person and transfers on beach holidays, all covered by its Ultimate Flexibility, offering freedom to change a booking, a refund guarantee, and best price guarantee.
Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said:
“By launching our Big Orange Sale today, customers can take advantage of our great value fares from Liverpool and make plans for a well-deserved break to look forward to in 2026.
“With over 45 new routes from the UK available for next year, customers can choose from flights and package holidays to up to 140 destinations across Europe and beyond, whether that’s to return to their top holiday hotspot, or discover somewhere new.
“We look forward to welcoming millions of customers onboard in 2026 and we remain focused on providing them with low-cost travel, flying them where they want to go, and always aiming to make the travel experience easy.”
Over the past 12 months, easyJet has continued to grow its network at the airport, having launched ten new routes from Liverpool including Malta, Fuerteventura, Prague, Berlin, Marrakesh, City of Derry, Sharm el Sheikh, Split, Lisbon and Paphos.
Great value fares are now available across thousands of flights from just £16.99*, including:
Liverpool to Berlin and Geneva from £16.99*, Vienna from £20.99*, Alicante from £21.49* and Faro from £22.99*.
The not-to-be-missed discounts are available to book from today, Tuesday 23 December until 11pm on Tuesday 3 February at easyJet.com and via the mobile app.
easyJet is the largest UK airline and as well as offering the greatest connectivity within the UK, it serves 22 UK airports, offering more than 640 routes to 140 destinations from the UK to Europe and beyond.
Visit the easyJet website to book your flights HERE.
Find out about easyJet’s massive Liverpool expansion HERE.
This Christmas, the Claire House Children’s Hospice team will be there for Merseyside families who need them most.
While many households across Merseyside unwrap presents on Christmas morning, dedicated nurses from Claire House Children’s Hospice will be working across Liverpool and beyond.
They will be bringing comfort and care to seriously and terminally ill babies, children, young adults and their families when they need it most.
At Claire House, opening on Christmas Day is a decision that’s always driven by need. If a child requires end-of-life support or specialist Butterfly care, the hospice will be there with round-the-clock support.
But even when the Wirral hospice itself can close its doors for the holiday, its nurses, part of the Palliative Care Services team, will be out in the community providing clinical care and support at home or in hospital.
They’ll be there to offer comfort and support to families going through an incredibly tough Christmas.
“From symptom management to emergency care and respite visits, our nurses deliver specialist care with compassion 365 days a year. And Christmas Day is no exception,” explains Louise Smith, Specialist Palliative Care Services Manager.
“This year, and every year, for families across Merseyside, we are just a phone call away if their child needs urgent care over the festive period.”
Here, Claire House’s nurses share what it really means to care at Christmas…
“I always feel privileged to do this work, but at Christmas that feeling is magnified. It’s a time when the little moments matter even more, and I’m reminded why I love what I do,” says Laura Sephton, Palliative Care Nurse Specialist.
“For us, it’s about ensuring Christmas still happens, no matter what the day is, bringing moments of magical normality for families during the most difficult time of their lives. And seeing families smiling and laughing in moments they didn’t think it would be possible. Just being there to hold and support them when it’s not so possible for all the magic and sparkle is so important,” adds Aine Kingsland, Associate Palliative Care Nurse Specialist.
“People often ask how can you do this job at Christmas, being on call and missing out with your own family, but for me if someone calls over Christmas they are going through the worst time possible and if there is anything I can do to make this a little bit better then I will,” says Clare Doig, Palliative Care Nurse Specialist.
Claire House provides vital care, not only in its Wirral hospice and West Derby site, but also out in the community and hospitals, giving families support wherever it’s needed. Through its Butterfly support team, bereavement services and specialist nurses, it continues to be a lifeline for families during the toughest times.
However, the hospice can only stay open all year round, and have its nurses out in the community, thanks to the generosity of the public.
To help children and families, and to watch the charity’s Christmas appeal video, visit: www.clairehouse.org.uk/izzy
Meet the teen with with cerebral palsy who is walking for charity in everyday in a festive challenge. Read more here.
An additional 130 children in the borough have now been identified as eligible for free school meals after a data exercise carried out by the council.
As a result, those children will receive supermarket vouchers to help support families over the Christmas holidays.
Sefton Council is continuing its holiday voucher scheme for children who receive free school meals, with eligible families given £15 per child per week. The vouchers are distributed through schools and can be used in supermarkets or online to buy food and everyday essentials.
More than 9,000 families across Sefton have already benefited from the scheme, which is funded through the council’s Household Support Fund.
Councillor Diane Roscoe, cabinet member for children, schools and families, said the support helps ensure children have access to healthy meals not just during term time but throughout the school holidays as well.
Councillor Liz Dowd, cabinet member for communities and partnership engagement, said the council’s use of data has helped identify more children in need of support, adding that schools could also receive additional pupil premium funding to provide extra resources for pupils from low-income households.
Alongside financial support, Sefton Council’s Family Hubs are running a programme of activities for young people over the school holidays. Details of events and timetables can be found on the council’s Family Hubs webpages.
More information about cost of living support available in Sefton is also available via the council’s website.
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Sixteen-year-old Ella Bowles is one week into her 12 Days Before Christmas walking challenge, which sees her heading out every day until Christmas Eve to raise money for Dandelion Days, a not-for-profit organisation based in Scarisbrick that supports mental health and wellbeing through equine assisted learning.
Ella, who has cerebral palsy and cerebral visual impairment, is unable to walk without the support of a wheelchair or walker. Despite this, she has already walked more than 25km through Southport and Birkdale, often accompanied by Father Christmas and Rudolph, with a final target of 36km by Christmas Eve.
Originally aiming to raise £1,000, Ella has now increased her fundraising target to £3,000 following an overwhelming response from the local community. She has already raised more than £2,500, with five days of walking still to go.
Dandelion Days uses therapeutic work with horses and ponies to support children, young people and adults experiencing anxiety, depression and confidence issues. The charity is fully inclusive and welcomes people with a wide range of needs, including physical disabilities. Ella is also a volunteer at Dandelion Days and has been part of the team from the very beginning.
Ella’s mum, Jenny Bowles, said the support from Southport has been overwhelming, adding that Ella is determined to keep going despite sore legs and feet, walking in all weathers and at all times of day.
She said the community’s generosity has felt like Christmas magic and that Ella is now hoping to raise the final £500 needed to reach her £3,000 goal before Christmas Eve.
Ella said people across Southport and Birkdale have been stopping to cheer her on, beeping their car horns in support and donating along the way, adding that seeing familiar faces and receiving encouragement has made a huge difference.
Donations to support Ella’s challenge and the work of Dandelion Days can be made via JustGiving.
More information about the charity is available at the Dandelion Days website.
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A sign advertising treatment for venereal disease and a beer mat from Liverpool’s International Garden Festival, are just some of the items acquired by Museum of Liverpool curators in 2025.
Throughout the year, museum curators identify and acquire items relating to Liverpool’s rich cultural heritage. All unique and representative of stories from the city, the items range from the expected, to the more unusual.
The Museum of Liverpool celebrates and showcases Liverpool’s culture, character and heritage. Where some objects, thought of as more traditional museum items, may not be chosen, other more obscure, even unassuming items will take up a permanent place in the collections.
Items can be identified by the museum curators or are kindly offered to the museum by societies, organisations and members of the public. While not every item is accepted, curators carefully consider all items and decide which items would benefit the museum’s collection to represent the multitude of stories throughout the city’s long history.
Liz Stewart, head of Museum of Liverpool, said: “Each year our curatorial team surprise me with the range of objects we acquire for our collections.
“This year is no different. We have acquired items celebrating Liverpool’s diverse communities, recognised momentous occasions from 2025 that have taken place in the city, and brought to light centuries-old artefacts, including one hidden metres away from our Museum, that provide insight into our city’s rich history.
“Every item in our collection has a purpose, tells a story about our city and champions the stories we sometimes may not hear enough about in Liverpool. The stories of everyday people can offer some of the most important insights into the culture, character and history of the city, and our collection’s purpose is to represent the people of Liverpool – from centuries ago, up to the present day.”
Here are some of the items acquired by the Museum of Liverpool in 2025:
A sexual health sign
The museum acquired a sign highlighting where people could receive treatment for venereal disease across the city in 1974. The object was acquired by Brian Plumb – a trained nurse who worked at Liverpool Seaman’s Dispensary. The Museum added the sign to its collection, to highlight the history of sexual health in Liverpool, particularly as a port city, and the legacies of the Contagious Diseases Act.
A beer mat
This beer mat from Liverpool’s International Festival Garden was acquired by the museum from Terry Reed in 1984. She visited the festival that year from her home in Southampton and kept a beermat from the nearby Britannia Inn, as a souvenir. The museum has a range of items from the Garden Festival, but the pub holds strong memories of people’s visits to the site.
A gold posy ring
Acquired by the museum’s Archaeology team, this ornate and detailed gold posy ring would have been exchanged as a token of love. The ring was unearthed by a metal detectorist and donated to the Museum’s regional archaeology collection through the UK’s Portable Antiquities Scheme. It is currently on display the museum’s exhibition Treasure: History Unearthed, which runs until March 2026.
The Museum of Liverpool has hosted a Finds Liaison Officer for the Portable Antiquities scheme for nearly 30 years. This year the scheme has recorded over 1800 archaeological objects found by the public across Merseyside, Manchester and Cheshire.
A record
Recorded during the Second World War, this voice recording was sent from the front line, to loved ones at home. This is believed to have been sent by a soldier named Harry Haft, to his fiancée Eileen Murphy. The record has been digitised and is a touching Christmas message – describing the contrast between the festive season at home and on the front line. It was recorded during the Second World War on 21 December, but there is no indication of the year it was created. What is unusual about the record is the postmark date, 1946: two years after the war ended.
Harry Haft died on 21 December 1943 in Northern Italy.
A sweet mould
Acquired from Liverpool’s former sweet shop, the museum now holds in its collection a frame mould for the famous Foam Shrimp sweet, originally created by Tavener’s – the Liverpool confectionary maker. The museum featured a display this year looking at the life of the factory and its workers called Sweet: The Taveners Story. The mould is currently on loan and on display at The Atkinson in Southport.
A spearhead
Another object acquired by the Museum of Liverpool’s Archaeology team, this spearhead was found during building excavations on the site of Liverpool Castle – a medieval castle located in the Liverpool Courts area of the city centre. Not much is known about the spearhead currently, so the museum team will now work on gaining more information on the object, through x-rays and other techniques to work out just how old the spearhead is.
The Museum of Liverpool cares for over 100,000 archaeological objects discovered in the region. These items help us to discover more about the lives of people living in Merseyside in the past.
An invitation
Liverpool’s Bengali community has celebrated the Hindu festival of Durga Puja in Liverpool since 1977 – the oldest Durga Puja outside of London. An invitation from 2015, sent to members of the Bengali Association of Merseyside and North of England (BAMNE) in Liverpool, was acquired by the museum, highlighting the diverse range of communities in the city.
A major Hindu festival, Durga Puja honours the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Previously in 2009, BAMNE donated statues of Hindu deities – Ganesha, Lakshmi, Goddess Durga, Saraswati, and Kartikeya – crafted in Kolkata from clay taken from the River Ganges. The statues feature in the Our City, Our Stories display in museum’s The People’s Republic gallery.
A scarf
To mark Everton Football Club’s final men’s game at Goodison Park, the club created a scarf to be placed on the seat of every home fan attending the landmark day. Other items acquired around the move from Everton’s spiritual home included another special scarf created by Everton Heritage Society and a commemorative season ticket display box.
For visitors planning to visit over the festive period, the Museum of Liverpool and other National Museums Liverpool venues have differing opening hours:
20 – 23 December: 10am – 5pm
24 – 26 December: Closed
27 – 30 December: 10am – 5pm
31 December – 1 January: 11am – 4pm
2 – 4 January: 10am – 5pm
The museum returns to its regular opening hours of 10am-4pm Tuesday to Sunday from 6 January 2026.