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Thousands of young people across Merseyside will benefit from over £200,000 of extra funding as part of Merseyside Police’s Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES).
The additional funding, provided by the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership (MVRP), is being used to expand and boost the 27 existing YES projects and fund 18 new initiatives, enabling grassroots organisations to deliver more sports, digital and creative projects, and mentoring and wellbeing programmes, all focused on preventing crime and helping young people to thrive.
The YES was launched by the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Emily Spurrell, and the MVRP in 2024 to tackle the root causes of violence by creating more safe spaces and positive opportunities for young people in the heart of their communities.
This latest boost means even more young people will have access to the projects running across Merseyside including:
- Boxing and sports programmes to engage young people at risk of getting drawn into crime and anti-social behaviour, building their resilience.
- Creative and trauma-informed initiatives offering safe spaces and personal development opportunities.
- Mentoring and volunteering opportunities to build confidence, life skills and aspirations.
- Targeted outreach for vulnerable groups, including girls and neurodiverse young people.
Among the recipients of the new funding are TARGET Football CIC in Toxteth, which will use its £5,000 grant to deliver the ‘Goals for Girls’ programme, creating pathways for girls and young women aged 11–24 to get involved in football as players, volunteers and coaches, while providing wraparound advice and guidance. In Norris Green, Kinship Carers will receive £7,500 to deliver tailored activities and mentoring for young people growing up in kinship families, helping them build confidence and stability in challenging circumstances.
Other newly-funded projects include Autism Adventures Training CIC in Speke–Garston, which will offer a youth club and volunteering opportunities alongside mentoring and practical safety strategies for neurodiverse young people, tackling issues such as county lines and coercion head-on. While in Birkenhead and Tranmere, Youth Federation will carry out targeted engagement with young people who are not attending school or have been suspended or excluded to get them back in class and on track.
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Emily Spurrell said:
“Investing in our young people is one of the most powerful ways we can prevent crime and keep our communities safe.
“The YES Fund gives young people hope, opportunities, and support to make positive choices. This extra £200,000 means more projects, more safe spaces, and more chances for young people to thrive – and that’s fantastic news for every community across Merseyside.”
Director of the MVRP, Superintendent Georgie Garvey added:
“Every project funded through YES is helping to steer young people away from harm and towards brighter futures.
“The feedback fromthe young people benefitting from our existing YES projects, as well as the organisations which run them, is incredibly inspiring and encouraging. Even some of the smallest grants are being used to run projects which are making a massive difference.
“So, we’re thrilled to announcement this extra investment, designed to bolster our 27 existing projects and deliver an extra 18 programmes across Merseyside focused on preventing serious violence and creating brighter futures for young people.”
In its first year, YES funding was used to provide diversionary activities for nearly 12,000 young people, helping them to gain new skills, increase their confidence and resilience and unlocking their potential.
Each of the successful organisations has received a grant of between £5,000 and £25,000, with money focused in the areas of Merseyside which have seen the highest levels of violence, with the aim of keeping young people safe and supported and helping to steer them away from trouble.
Find out more about the Youth Empowerment Scheme funding on the Merseyside Police website.
Find out more about some of Liverpool’s amazing community projects 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.
Health and fitness becomes more important than ever to us in the New Year and loads of people will be thinking about starting Pilates.
It’s a great form of exercise to help begin the journey to a better you, according to Nina Falconer, who owns popular Pilates studio, The Cabin, in Mossley Hill.
Nina said: “It’s so adaptable, you can have an injury, and it can be changed to suit and accommodate that.
“You can be any age.
“You can start slowly – and I always say slow and steady wins the race – because you can build the foundations of the movement, all the basics which can be the hardest part. Or you can go into it more dynamically.
“It’s really easy to see progression, because things you maybe couldn’t do at the start, six months down the line you can do with ease and comfort.”
Nina adds: “Pilates works hand in hand with everyday life and complements other sports and exercise, as well as standing on its own to support physical and mental health. It’s for everybody.”
We asked Nina for her tips on why you might consider Pilates and how best to get started …
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a low-impact practice built around slow, controlled movement, allowing you to fully focus on the time you’ve set aside for yourself and give your mind a break from the demands of everyday life.
It’s an extremely effective way of movement when practiced on its own, and blends seamlessly with other styles of training, complementing strength work and supporting performance across all sports. With a wide range of approaches — from classical to contemporary, as well as strength-focused Pilates — it’s a versatile exercise that can be tailored to suit different bodies, goals, and lifestyles.
What are benefits of Pilates?
“Pilates improves posture and alignment by strengthening deep stabilising muscles, and by building functional strength that supports everyday movement,” explains Nina. “It enhances core strength, which underpins balance and stability, and so prevents injury; and it increases flexibility and mobility.”
It also:
• Supports injury rehabilitation and helps prevent recurring pain, particularly in the back and hips
• Promotes mind–body connection through controlled, intentional movement
• Reduces stress and tension by encouraging breath awareness and nervous system regulation so improving mental health
• It is adaptable for all ages, fitness levels, and life stages – including pre and post-natal clients
• Helps improve other forms of exercise by improving movement efficiency and body awareness
“Crucially,” adds Nina, “it encourages long-term, sustainable movement habits rather than short-term fitness fixes.”
What Nina’s clients said …
* “Pilates really resets my mind — I leave feeling refreshed and ready to take on whatever the workday throws at me.”
* “As a mum of four, that one hour of low-impact, mind-focused Pilates makes all the difference. I feel calmer and stronger.”
* “I feel more focused, calmer, and stronger than ever. It has encouraged me to live a healthier lifestyle, making small changes and adding daily habits in, a daily walk, cooking nutritious healthy meals … I feel like a different person than I was last year.”
How do you get started?
1. Find a time that works for you, whether that’s first thing in the morning, after school drop-off, at lunchtime or later: “Find something that’s sustainable and gets you into a routine.”
2. Look around for classes and try different ones at least a couple of times, and try different styles of Pilates: “Find a class and instructor that you like and enjoy, because then you’re more likely to keep going.”
3. If you’re nervous, try a more intimate setting, 1-1, 2-1, or small classes, before going into group classes, or reach out to talk to Nina at The Cabin for advice.
Try these exercises at home
Roll down
Benefits: Helps spine mobility & articulation; relives tension & stiffness; helps regulate breath; stretches the spine, and can relieve lower back pain.
To do: Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale (through your nose) to prepare, slowly dip your chin to your chest and start to roll your head and shoulders downward from the top of your spine.
Gently curl inward, drawing in your abdomen and allowing your arms and shoulder blades to hang freely at your sides as you continue to roll down through your spine. When your hands reach around knee level, take a breath in. As you exhale, engage your abdominal muscles.
Slowly roll your body back up, initiating the movement from the lower back, gently drawing in your abdominal muscles. Keep your shoulders relaxed and hanging loosely throughout the entire movement. At the end, gently uncurl the neck and draw the shoulder blades back to return to the starting position.
Standing Table Top Lift
Benefits: Strengthens the deep core muscles, including the abdominals and lower back; improves balance and stability; builds strength in the hips and legs; encourages good posture and pelvic alignment, and enhances body awareness and control.
To do: Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart and your weight evenly distributed. Engage your core by gently drawing your abdominals in and up. Inhale (through your nose). Shift your weight slightly onto one leg while keeping your pelvis level.
Exhale (through your mouth) gently engaging the lower core as you slowly lift the opposite knee up toward hip height so the thigh moves toward parallel with the floor, forming a tabletop position.
Keep your spine long, chest open, and shoulders relaxed. Hold briefly while breathing steadily, then lower the leg back down with control. Repeat on the other side.
Note: Beginners can lift the knee lower than hip height if balance or strength is challenging, or hold onto a wall, chair, or barre for added support. They can also keep the lifted foot lightly touching the floor and slide it forward instead of fully lifting, move slowly and reduce the hold time.
Nina at The Cabin is open 6 days a week, morning-afternoon and some evening, running waitlists alongside all slots – check out her instagram here.
Here are 10 more tips to get your fitness back on track in 2026.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
We’ve finally ditched about a dozen layers so it feels like we’re taking January in our stride now – if you’re ready to do the same, here are 15 things happening in Liverpool this week …
Mary Poppins flies into the Empire
We’re only a couple of weeks into 2026, but one of the most-anticipated shows of the year is already here. The spectacular Mary Poppins arrives at the Empire this Wednesday until January 31, with Lyn Paul as Bird Woman and a hugely talented cast. If you love the classic film, this really is one not to miss.
Find out more here.
Ease your January blues at the One O’Clock Gun, Albert Dock
When January’s making you feel like staying in, fight the urge and get cosy at the dock’s local. The One O’Clock Gun’s an ideal place to hunker down with a couple of pints or cocktails, maybe pie and mash, and as well as a great waterside location it also has live music on Thursday to Sunday nights.
Find out more here.
Enjoy DNA Detective Workshops at Catalyst Science and Discovery Centre
If you’re looking for something a bit different to do with the kids, this will capture everyone’s imaginations. Head to Catalyst in Widnes at weekends until January 25 and you can take part in hands-on workshops all about DNA including learning how to extract it and recreating a face. 11.30am & 2pm.
Find out more here.
Star Pins has launched on School Lane
A gaming session’s guaranteed to cheer up even January, and now Liverpool’s got a brand-new food, drink & games venue. Opening this week on School Lane, Star Pins will have ten-pin bowling, ice-free curling, tech darts, karaoke, shuffleboard and arcade, perfect for families in the day and mates at night.
Find out more here.
Watch Marty Supreme or Zootropolis 2 at Everyman Cinema
Timothee Chalamet’s just picked up a Golden Globe for his lead in Marty Supreme, so if you’ve not seen it yet, make sure you catch it on the big screen before it disappears. It’s on all week at the Everyman, so you can enjoy it with a drink and great food at your sofa seat, or for Disney fans there’s Zootropolis 2.
Find out more here.
Tuck into Brewski new at Liverpool ONE
Brewski’s motto is ‘nobody leaves hungry’ and we can all get behind that right now! If you feel like an absolute feast, with small plates, burgers, poutine, some unbelievable dirty fries and massive speciality sharing platters, made for mates dates, get to Brewski on the terrace at Liverpool ONE.
Find out more here.
Sunday Roast at Ten Streets Social
This is 100% Sunday roast season so if you’re looking for a new one to try, get to Ten Street Social not far from Everton’s new stadium because theirs’ is a winner. It’s served every Sunday from 12midday to 6pm, there’s a vegan nutroast option, live music and the atmosphere’s just as good as the food.
Find out more here.
Two local music stars play the Phil
The Phil hosts some of the best-known global stars of music and comedy, and it’s a big supporter of brilliant local talent too. This Saturday sees the return of singer-songwriters Tom Speight and Alistair Griffin to the Phil’s iconic Music Room, 12 months on from a fantastic packed house gig there.
Find out more here.
Southport Winter Whisky Festival
Love whisky? There’s only one place you need to be this weekend and that’s Southport because Southport Winter Whisky Festival is on. Lots of whisky companies will be taking part, with tastings and a masterclass alongside Festival Saturday at The Grand and an After Party at The Guesthouse.
Find out more here.
Inspector Morse has arrived at the Playhouse
It was one of the best series of detective books and a TV classic, now Inspector Morse returns in a new theatre mystery. Inspector Morse: House of Ghosts follows the investigation of a young actress’s death by Morse – played by Tom Chambers – and his trusty sidekick DS Lewis. At the Playhouse from Tuesday.
Find out more here.
Jacaranda Baltic’s Second Birthday
The Jacaranda Baltic’s been a brilliant addition to Liverpool’s live music scene and this Saturday it’s celebrating two years of gigs, album launches and signings with an 18+ birthday party featuring live performances from Two Blinks, I Love You, Courds, Honey Motel, Temeraire & Pevova. Tickets £2.
Find out more here.
40% off food at Tiger Rock
There are loads of amazing food deals up for grabs in Liverpool right through January and that includes at Tiger Rock where you can get 40% off your food bill from Sunday to Thursday at all three Tiger Rocks, so that’s bargain small plates at North John Street, Renshaw Street and Smithdown.
Find out more here.
Submerge yourself into the Aquarium at World Museum
Not literally (!) but you do feel like you’re inside an underwater world when you visit the Aquarium at World Museum. Come face to face with all kinds of marine life including hermit crabs, starfish, dogfish, and clownfish (yes, it’s Nemo!) as well as Marge the Lobster who loves to have visitors.
Find out more here.
Visit picturesque Port Sunlight
Port Sunlight feels like stepping back into part of our region’s past, with a fascinating mix of history, arts and culture, and lovely green spaces. Enjoy walking tours to find out more, events at Gladstone Theatre and Hulme Hall, Port Sunlight Museum and Lady Lever Art Gallery, plus cafes for a pitstop.
Find out more here.
Breakfast at Bam Boo on Lark Lane
If you want a tasty start to the day, and you’re around south Liverpool, give Bam Boo a try. It gets top reviews for its brunch, with full Englishes, and dishes like shakshuka, steak and eggs, and pulled lamb benny. If you prefer something sweet, go for pancake or brioche French toast stacks.
Find out more here.
For more of what’s on in Liverpool check out our calendar HERE.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Sister Ray, located on the iconic Wolstenholme Square is inviting you to showcase your record collection on their excellent sound system.
Sister Ray harmonises exceptional cocktails with an audiophile’s ear, set on the fringe of the iconic Wolstenholme Square in Liverpool. Day or night, weekday or weekend, it features bespoke drinks made with the finest ingredients and expertise.
Sister Ray is all about beautifully curated cocktails and music programming which attracts vibrant regulars and new guests each week. This intimate and discreet space has become Liverpool’s defining social hotspot since launching in May 2024, where exceptional cocktails and genre-spanning vinyl gems are found.
During January, Sister Ray is introducing Bring Your Own Vinyl every Thursday, running from 6pm to midnight. With music forming an integral part of any visit, founder Chris Edwards is inviting guests to bring their own music with them every Thursday, starting on Thursday 15th January. Also during January, Sister Ray is introducing Dry Martini January using No.3 Gin, creating a tantalising trio of individual mini Martini flights. And look out for the return of Bored Of Dating Apps which debuted in December with a lovely crowd of singles and returns on Thursday February 12th for Valentine’s.
Sister Ray’s founder Chris Edwards explains:
“We’ve got a fantastic sound system at Sister Ray and we have guests DJs on rotation. For January, we’re asking our guests to bring their own vinyl which we will play out. Anything from jazz, Afrobeat, very deep house, disco, hip-hop, that kind of thing is very much welcome. I’m certain there are people out there with some epic collections, so now is the time to welcome them at Bring Your Own Vinyl. Hopefully this will run further into 2026. We also hosted our debut Bored of Dating Apps event during the Christmas season which was great fun and our happy hour continues through January, too.”
Sister Ray’s happy hour runs from opening to 7pm each apart from Saturdays and runs Tuesday and Wednesday all day. Bottled beers are £4, an Irish Coffee is £5, a Tommy’s Margarita is £5 and for a class of English sparkling wine it’s £7.
At the end of 2025, for the second year running Sister Ray was included in The Top 50 Cocktail Bars list. The exact place in this brand new top 50 will be revealed in February 2026.
Sister Ray was named as one of the UK’s top 50 cocktail bars in 2025, find out more here.
Find more great bars in Liverpool here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
The Municipal Hotel Liverpool is starting 2026 in style, inviting guests to rest and recharge with a series of exclusive offers.
To mark the start of the year, the hotel is introducing compelling dining incentives designed to deliver premium experiences at exceptional value. Guests can enjoy 26% off Botanic Tearoom’s non-alcoholic Afternoon Tea, offering a mindful and elegant take on a much-loved ritual. The experience features a welcome platter, freshly prepared sandwiches, delicate pastries, and warm scones served in a light-filled, stylish setting, providing a refined yet approachable way to indulge in Afternoon Tea. (Offer ends 31st Jan 2026.)
Meanwhile, Seaforth Restaurant presents 26% off its à la carte menu (food only), available daily, alongside a complimentary glass of Champagne when dining from the Time to Dine menu (Monday–Saturday, 12pm–6pm). Showcasing seasonal British cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients, Seaforth’s elegant yet contemporary interiors offer the perfect setting for a leisurely lunch or dinner, positioning sophisticated dining as an accessible New Year treat. (Offer ends 31st Jan 2026.)
Wellness takes centre stage this January as Palm Court embraces the art of no- and low-alcohol cocktails. On 18 January, the bar hosts a Mocktail Masterclass, inviting guests behind the bar to learn how to create two of four beautifully crafted no- and low-alcohol cocktails, guided by expert mixologists. It’s a fun, flavour-led way to explore mindful drinking and start the New Year in style.
Completing the offering, The Municipal Spa unveils two new signature rituals, exclusive and bespoke to the hotel, focused on deep restoration and rejuvenation. Highlights include The Timeless Collagen Ritual, a rejuvenating facial designed to lift, plump and restore radiance, and Beyond the Hour, a deeply indulgent, head-to-toe wellbeing journey combining reflex-inspired footwork, flowing massage, a prescriptive facial and calming scalp treatment.
These launches coincide with the introduction of The Municipal Spa Ritual Collection, an exclusive range of botanical spa products including a Ritual Oil, Body Butter and Body Buff, allowing guests to continue their luxury wellness journey long after they leave the hotel.
With its blend of value-led dining, Dry January refinement, and elevated spa experiences, The Municipal Hotel Liverpool sets a new benchmark for starting the year well.
Book your stay now on the Municipal Hotel Liverpool website.
Find out more about The Municipal Hotel’s new cocktail menu.
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.
Bold Street Coffee has opened the doors to its newest Liverpool location at Duke Street Market, bringing its much-loved brunch, all-day breakfast and specialty coffee to one of the city’s busiest food destinations.
The new Bold Street Coffee kiosk and kitchen is now open Thursday and Friday from 12pm to 5pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm, offering a relaxed, daytime-focused menu made for slow brunches, late breakfasts and easy catch-ups.
Visitors can expect the same approach that has made the brand a favourite across the city, with a food-led brunch and all-day breakfast menu served alongside expertly brewed specialty coffee. The Duke Street Market setting makes it an ideal stop for weekend brunch plans or a laid-back lunch in the heart of Liverpool.
Independently owned and operated by GSG Hospitality, Bold Street Coffee has been part of Liverpool’s coffee scene since opening its first site in 2010.
The Duke Street Market launch marks another milestone for the brand, expanding its daytime offering to a new audience while staying true to its welcoming, community-focused ethos.
Matt Farrell, co-founder of GSG Hospitality, said: “Opening at Duke Street Market is really exciting for us. It’s a brilliant space and gives us the chance to focus on what we love most – great coffee, great brunch and an all-day breakfast menu people can enjoy at their own pace. We’re looking forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new customers.”
With its focus on quality, comfort and great food, Bold Street Coffee at Duke Street Market looks set to become a new go-to for brunch lovers and coffee fans across the city.
Find all their locations on the Bold Street Coffee website.
Check out the new restaurants and bars we can’t wait to welcome and enjoy in 2026.
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.
Africa Oyé has revealed the first two international acts heading to Sefton Park for its 2026 festival, with Nigerian Afrobeats star Patoranking and Congolese eco-punk collective Fulu Miziki confirmed for the line-up.
Returning in June 2026 as a ticketed event for the first time, Africa Oyé remains the UK’s biggest celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture, bringing global talent and community-led creativity back to Liverpool.
Making his Liverpool debut at the festival, Patoranking is one of the most influential names in contemporary Afrobeats. The multi-award-winning Nigerian artist is known for blending Afrobeats with reggae and dancehall, earning international recognition for both his sound and his role as a cultural ambassador for African music.
An MTV Africa Music Awards winner and a Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 honouree, Patoranking rose to prominence with his 2016 hit My Woman My Everything. Since then, releases on his own Amari Musiq label, including Babylon, Abule and Kolo Kolo, alongside collaborations with Major Lazer, Wizkid and Davido, have helped his music rack up close to a billion YouTube streams.
Joining him on the bill is Fulu Miziki, a Kinshasa-based collective whose name loosely translates as “music from garbage”. The group were due to appear at Oyé in 2024 but missed out due to travel disruption, making their 2026 appearance a long-awaited return.
Fulu Miziki describe themselves as an eco-friendly Afro-futuristic punk collective, creating instruments, costumes and masks from recycled materials. Based in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, their work combines music, performance and activism, delivering a powerful pan-African message about artistic freedom, peace and environmental responsibility. Their philosophy centres on the idea that everything can be recovered and re-enchanted.
Paul Duhaney is the Artistic Director of Africa Oyé, and he thinks bringing both acts to Liverpool felt like a perfect fit for the festival.
He said: “Patoranking is a giant of Afrobeats and an artist we’re delighted to be able to bring to Liverpool this summer. Alongside being an incredible performer, his commitment to championing young talent and sharing positive African stories really aligns with the ethos of Oyé.
“With Fulu Miziki, it was a no-brainer to book them after they were unable to perform at our last festival. They’re an unforgettable live act and absolutely worth the wait.”
Africa Oyé began in 1992 as a series of gigs in Liverpool city centre, growing out of the Club Corinto nights organised by the Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign. Over the past 33 years, the festival has taken place across the city, including Birkenhead Park, Princes Park and Concert Square, before finding a permanent home in Sefton Park in 2002.
The festival returns on 20 and 21 June 2026 following a fallow year in 2025, caused by rising infrastructure costs and changes to legislation that made it increasingly difficult to keep the event free.
While 2026 marks the first time Oyé will be ticketed in Sefton Park, organisers say they are committed to keeping it accessible. Liverpool City Region residents can currently secure earlybird tickets for £11, with children under 12 attending for free with a paying adult, and discounts available for group bookings.
Alongside international headliners and emerging artists, the weekend will once again feature community performances, family-friendly workshops, DJs, world food, arts and crafts.
Tickets are on sale now via TicketQuarter and The Africa Oyé website.
Sound City is offering you the chance to kickstart your music career – find out more 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.
Updated August 2025
Sometimes a decent day out doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg!
There’s loads of free things to do in Liverpool – the beauty about our fantastic city is that there’s always so much going on, we are literally the epicentre of culture, music, and art… well… we think so anyway!
So whether it’s fun activities to do with the kids, spending time with loved ones, or even just taking yourself on a solo date, Liverpool has so much to do.
So it’s that time again when The Guide Liverpool is here to help you out – check out these 50 free things to do about the city – why not try to tick them all off and complete the list… maybe not in one day… or do, if you’re up for the challenge.
Walk along Liverpool’s waterfront
It’s home to The Three Graces… rain or shine, this is one of the most beautiful locations in the city.
Visit the Museum of Liverpool
Also located on Liverpool’s Waterfront, Museum of Liverpool teaches us about all things SCOUSE!
Explore Royal Albert Dock
A trip around the city just isn’t the same if you don’t visit the Albert Dock. It’s a great place to take a stroll, immerse yourself in its history, and grab some perfect photie ops.
Sit in the sun at Chavasse Park
Sometimes you might find the odd deck chair up on top of Liverpool ONE during Summer months… if not – just park yourself there anyway! Watch the world go by while you’re sunning it up and overlooking the Royal Albert Dock.
Visit Liverpool Cathedral
Check out Liverpool Cathedral for its awe-inspiring architecture, rich history, and stunning gothic interior.
Walk around Sefton Park
Experience a picturesque and tranquil urban oasis, with beautiful landscapes, you have to check out the Fairy Glenn. It’s a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Explore the World Museum
Embark on an awe-inspiring journey through history, culture, and the natural world all under one roof. Walk with Dinosaurs, take a trip 20,000 leagues under the sea at the aquarium, discover the ancient secrets of Egypt, or rocket into space at the planetarium.
Experience world-class art at Walker Art Gallery
Feast your eyes on hundreds of paintings, sculptures, decorative art objects, prints and drawings at the iconic Walker Art Gallery.
Spot a cruise ship at Liverpool cruise port
There’s always huge cruise liners docking in Liverpool, and some are an absolutely incredible site… head on down and see for yourself.
Visit Sudley House
Step into the grandeur of Sudley House. Learn the history of the Victorian merchant George Holt, and admire its beautiful period furniture and paintings.
Head to a free gig
There’s always free music taking place across bars in Liverpool, head down to Mathew Street where the likes of Sergeant Peppers will have live bands playing, or if jazz is more your style, head over to Ma Boyle’s for ParrJazz on a Saturday.
Browse Red Brick Market
Explore the vibrant and eclectic Red Brick Market in Liverpool, where local independent traders offer an array of unique treasures. It’s a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
Visit the Tate Liverpool at RIBA North
Immerse yourself in diverse exhibitions of contemporary and modern art, showcasing the creativity of both renowned and emerging artists.
Penny Lane
If you’re a Beatles fan then a stroll down the Liverpool lane immortalised by the Fab Four will be right up your street. There’s the iconic sign, a Beatles mural, and even a statue of John Lennon.
Learn about innovative art at FACT
Unleash your imagination and indulge in cutting-edge multimedia art, immersive exhibitions, and innovative cinematic experiences at FACT in Liverpool, a hub of creativity that pushes the boundaries of art and technology.
Check out the secret garden at The Bluecoat
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and discover a tranquil oasis of beauty and serenity at the Secret Garden in Bluecoat, where nature’s charm and artistic creativity intertwine to offer a delightful sanctuary for visitors.
Walk around St Luke’s Bombed Out Church
Step into history and witness the poignant beauty of resilience at the Bombed Out Church. Keep an eye out for a hidden Liver Bird too…
Get some pictures of the street art in the Baltic Triangle
There’s some brilliant pieces of street art all along Jamaica Street, with local artists such as Sean Webber and Paul Curtis… If you haven’t had a pic with the Liver Bird wings, where have you been?
Find the Chinese Arch at Chinatown
Did you know Liverpool has one of the oldest Chinese communities in Europe?
Standing at an impressive height of 13.5 meters, the arch is an imposing sight that welcomes visitors into Chinatown and marks the entrance to one of the oldest and largest Chinese communities in Europe.
The arch’s design is inspired by traditional Chinese architectural styles, with red pillars, golden dragons, and intricate detailing that exude a sense of authenticity and cultural pride.
Go for a walk at Calderstones Park
If you’re looking for a bit of green space in Liverpool, and the ultimate blend of nature and history, Calderstones Park is where you need to be!
This picturesque gem, located in the heart of Liverpool, offers a delightful escape for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and families alike.
Head to the beach!
Located just a few miles north of Liverpool, is Crosby beach, and further north again is Formby Beach – a sandy gem that attracts visitors from near and far.
Visit Sefton Park Palm House
The Grade II three-tier dome conservatory palm house was designed and built by Mackenzie and Moncur of Edinburgh, and opened in 1896.
Liverpool millionaire Henry Yates Thompson gifted £10,000 to the city to fund it and it was designed in the tradition of Joseph Paxton’s glass houses and stocked with a rich collection of exotic plants.
Everton Brow
Visit Everton Brow to behold a breathtaking panoramic view of the city’s skyline. It is one of the highest points in the city, and is a great place to take some pics to share with your mates.
Explore Liverpool Central Library
This place is absolutely beautiful inside and out!
From the lettered walk way to the stunning, light-filled atrium, Liverpool Central Library is a gem in the heart of the St George’s Quarter.
Surrounded by history, neoclassical architecture and greenery, this four storey building mixes the old and new effortlessly.
Wonder around the Georgian Quarter
The Georgian Quarter is known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Take a wonder, and discover gems such as the suitcases outside LIPA.
Walk along the promenade at New Brighton
One of the best ways to see the Liverpool Skyline is to witness it in all its panoramic glory from the New Brighton prom over on The Wirral.
Visit Hilbre Island
The Hilbre Islands truly are one of the most beautiful locations for walking in Wirral, or spotting rare and endangered wildlife.
Head to Festival Gardens
Festival Gardens is a beautiful tranquil space with oriental gardens, pagodas, lakes, waterways and waterfalls.
Discover Birkenhead Park
As the world’s first publicly funded park, its lush greenery and Victorian design provide a captivating haven for relaxation and exploration. It is also said to be the inspiration for Central Park in New York City.
Get a picture with the Beatles!
No trip to the Pier head is complete without a pic with the lads!
Walk down Mathew Street
Walking down Mathew Street in Liverpool is like strolling through a living tapestry of musical history, where the echoes of The Beatles and the vibrant energy of the city’s renowned nightlife intertwine harmoniously.
Experience Another Place at Crosby Beach
“Another Place” by Antony Gormley, known locally as “The Iron Men” is an awe-inspiring art installation that graces the shores of Crosby Beach.
Consisting of 100 cast iron figures spread over two miles, these haunting sculptures stand against the backdrop of the sea, creating a powerful and thought-provoking sight that captivates visitors and reflects the relationship between humanity and nature.
Go for a sunset stroll along Otterspool promenade
An evening stroll along Otterspool Promenade in Liverpool is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the River Mersey.
Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral
Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral in Liverpool to experience a breathtaking fusion of modernist architecture and spiritual serenity.
Enjoy the sun at St Nick’s garden
Relax on the green in St Nick’s garden – it is a proper little sun trap… with a boss view of the Royal Liver Building too!
Walk around Princes Park
Explore Princes Park in Liverpool for a rejuvenating retreat, where serene lakes, rolling hills, and vibrant flora offer a perfect setting to unwind and connect with nature.
Visit Croxteth Country Park
Embark on a journey through history and natural beauty by visiting Croxteth Park in Liverpool, where a stately mansion, sprawling woodlands, and charming farm provide a delightful blend of heritage and outdoor exploration.
Explore St George’s Quarter
Discover amazing architecture such as St George’s Hall, Walker Art Gallery, and world museum. The area has also been used numerous times for filming locations in movies like Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and The Batman!
Attend one of the free festivals throughout the year
Boss thing about this city, we love a party, and we love our music – and most of the time, you can combine the two for free at one of the festivals that take place throughout the year.
Keep an eye on upcoming events on our calendar HERE.
Visit the Open Eye Gallery at Mann Island
Visit the Open Eye Gallery in Liverpool to immerse yourself in a captivating visual narrative of contemporary photography and art, showcasing diverse perspectives that inspire thought and dialogue.
See the street art at New Brighton
The art transforms ordinary walls into a dynamic canvas of creativity, reflecting the spirit and pulse of the community.
Discover Queen Avenue
It’s surprising the amount of people who don’t know that this beautiful hidden gem exists in Liverpool. Tucked away just off Castle Street, in the city’s business district, lies Liverpool’s very own “Diagon Alley”.
If you walk beneath the archway between Rudy’s Pizza and the Tune Hotel – you will think you have been transported back in time to the Victorian period.
Find out more here.
Take a selfie with Cilla Black
She’s a statue ladies and gentlemen – get a lorra lorra snaps with our Cilla down on Mathew Street.
Visit Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight
Visit the Lady Lever Art Gallery for an enchanting journey through exquisite collections of fine art and decorative objects, offering a glimpse into the opulent elegance of the times gone by.
Stanley Park
Walk through Stanley park while seeing (now only) one of Liverpool’s stadiums, Anfield.
Go statue hunting
There’s loads of boss statues throughout the city – check some of them out HERE.
Head to a free gig at Hot Water Comedy
There’s plenty of free gigs happening at Hot Water Comedy club – check out their website for more!
Walk the Wirral Way
Lace up those walking shoes because the Wirral boasts some of the most breathtaking walks around. Experience the beauty of nature and history intertwining along this former railway route, offering breathtaking vistas and a tranquil escape.
Walk along Southport Prom
Walking Southport Promenade offers a refreshing coastal experience, where sandy shores, lively entertainment, and charming Victorian architecture merge to create a delightful seaside escape.
See the Child of Hale
Witness the intriguing statue of the Child of Hale to marvel at the legendary figure’s larger-than-life story, encapsulating the rich folklore and heritage of the quaint village of Hale.
Find out the latest in Liverpool here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
A Liverpool dad-of-two is creating The Field of 4,300 Lights – one for each man lost to suicide in England each year – to help raise awareness of men’s mental health.
Joe Jones came up with the idea while he was receiving treatment after attempting to take his own life last year.
The 34-year-old now wants to use what he went through to help others.
“This project exists because I came close to becoming one of those numbers myself,” he says.
“The Field of 4,300 Lights is my way of turning that experience into something that may stop another family from receiving that call. It’s about visibility, honesty, and reminding men, before crisis becomes final, that they are not weak for struggling, and they are not alone.”
Joe was inspired to create the large-scale light installation after seeing something similar in Australia.
He explains: “They have around 2,000 male suicide deaths each year in Australia and I saw a video where they put a shoe out for each person in a field. It spanned the whole field and it was so powerful.
“That’s when I thought, I’d love to do something like that, something that has that kind of impact, and really makes people think.
“You could tell people that an estimated 4,300 men are lost to suicide in England each year, but seeing all those lights really gets the message across and brings it home.
“Each light symbolises a life a son, a dad, a brother, with the aim of creating a moment that stops people, opens conversations, and visibly reinforces that support exists before crisis becomes final.”
Joe, who has a partner and two young children, aged one and six, says he would never have believed he would ever find himself considering ending his own life.
“You think ‘I’d never do that’ but until you’re in that mindset no one will ever understand how desperate you are.
“I was getting no sleep at all, having nightmares and panic attacks. You’re not in control of your own mind and your own emotions, so in your head you normalise it. You tell yourself it’ll be fine, that everyone will be alright without you, and that’s the dangerous part.
“All I wanted was peace in my mind and taking my life was the option I thought would bring me that.”
Joe, from north Liverpool, says surviving an attempt in October last year changed how he saw men’s mental health.
“It showed me how easily pain hides behind competence, humour, and strength, and how dangerous silence can become when men feel they must carry everything alone.
“I also saw the impact this has on families, partners, children, parents, who are left trying to understand what they never saw coming.”
Joe is currently finalising a location for The Field of 4,300 Lights, but has teamed up with men’s suicide prevention charity Andy’s Man Club who’ll be one of the recipients of the project’s fundraising.
He hopes Liverpool will be the first of many places around the country to host the installation, helping to spread the message of support so people who need it know exactly where to turn.
“The help is out there and even now, I’ve got that, but it’s so underfunded. So that’s the aim, to raise as much money as I can so I can give it to Andy’s Man Club and other charities like Alfie’s Squad which supports kids who are bereaved after their parents commit suicide.
“The project will be firmly rooted in Liverpool and then hopefully we can bring everyone together and get more and more people involved to make this as big as we can.”
As founder of Your Light Matters UK, a Liverpool-based mental health and suicide awareness initiative, Joe is also planning a wider awareness campaign across billboards and social media, and he’s designed hoodies and tops with a symbolic lotus flower logo to help raise money for the charities.
“I’m in a massively in a better place now myself, everyone says they can see how happy and positive I am, and I feel more in control now,” he adds.
“I’ve always liked helping people, I’m a big softie, and people have always told me I’d be good at caring so I think this is my time to do that.”
You can follow Your Light Matters on Instagram HERE.
Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper and Erin Doherty all won awards at the Golden Globes.
Graham was named best actor in a TV mini series, while Cooper was named best supporting actor in a television series at the star-studded ceremony and Doherty was named best supporting actress.
The show, about a teenage boy arrested for the murder of a classmate, also won the prize for limited series, anthology series or television motion picture.
The show won the same four prizes at the Critics’ Choice awards last week and has also won a string of Emmys.
Graham appeared to read notes off the palm of his hand as he collected his gong, saying: “I’d just like to say a massive congratulations to all the nominees in the category.
“Outstanding performances all across the board, each and every one of you, and it’s been an honour. just to share this space with you.
The incredible Stephen Graham of Adolescence accepts the award for Best Male Actor – Television – Limited Series, Anthology Series or Television Motion Picture! ⭐️ #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/WvTHZhjEw0
— Golden Globes (@goldenglobes) January 12, 2026
“This is for all of our cast and crew. Every single member of this production, you have a piece of this, because without you, this is not in my hand so from the bottom of my heart, thank you all very much, especially Christine Tremarco who played my wife, the most beautiful dance partner.
“This is half yours so I’ll cut it. You can have the top bit.”
He also thanked his producer wife Hannah Walters, adding: “I’ve said it before, but you’ve saved my life. You saved my life. And to my two beautiful children, Grace and Alfie, I love you to the moon and back forever.
“My dad, my pops, my hero, and I would just like to dedicate this particular award to my mum and all my friends and family, you all know exactly who you are, and without you, none of this is possible.”
He was momentarily distracted when he spotted rapper and actress Queen Latifah in the audience and said “Queen Latifah, wow,” and bowed, before continuing: “God bless and in the words of Bob Marley, One Love.”
Cooper gave a nod to his beloved football team Liverpool as he collected the gong.
He said: “Standing here at the Golden Globes does not feel real whatsoever. What an incredible journey me and my family have been put through.”
He added: “What started off as what I thought I might be OK at, I might be awful at, I took a risk and I went to drama classes, I was the only boy there, it was embarrassing but I got through it.
“But I’m still very much an apprentice, I’m still learning every day, I’m still every day learning from the people sat in front of me who have inspired me. I wouldn’t be here without you guys.
“This is mad, what is going on?”
He wrapped up the speech saying: “Bring on 2026. You’ll never walk alone.”
The closing line is a reference to the anthem of Liverpool Football Club.
Teyana Taylor was the first winner of the night, scoring the best supporting actress in a drama film for her role as a revolutionary in One Battle After Another.
Accepting her prize, she said: “To my brown sisters and little brown girls watching tonight, our softnes is not a liability.
“Our depth is not too much.
“Our light does not need permission to shine.
“We belong in every room we walk into, our voices matter, and our dreams deserve space. Thank you so much, everybody.”
Let's hear it for our Best Limited Series, Anthology Series or Television Motion Picture winner 👏
— Golden Globes (@goldenglobes) January 12, 2026
Congratulations, Adolescence! #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/NXvaV2cvKa
The film’s director Paul Thomas Anderson took home the best director prize, as well as the screenplay gong.
Stellan Skarsgard won the best supporting actor Golden Globe for his performance as a film director past his prime in Sentimental Value, while Rose Byrne was named best actress in a musical/comedy for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.
She thanked her husband, the actor Bobby Cannavale, who was not present, saying: “I want to thank my husband Bobby Cannavale, who couldn’t be here tonight because he’s getting a bearded dragon and he went to a reptile expo in New Jersey. So thank you. Thank you, baby.”
Cannavale is actually currently starring in a play on Broadway.
Noah Wyle was named best actor in a TV drama while Jean Smart won the best actress in a TV musical/comedy prize for Hacks and Seth Rogen won best actor in a TV musical/comedy for The Studio.
The series about a fictional Hollywood studio was also named best musical or comedy series.
Good Hang with Amy Poehler won the first ever Golden Globe for best podcast while vampire drama Sinners won the prize for best cinematic and box office achievement.
Find out what Owen Cooper had to say as he won at the Golden Globes 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.
Adolescence star Owen Cooper added a Golden Globe to his impressive trophy cabinet as he was named best supporting actor in a television series at the star-studded ceremony.
The 16-year-old, who gained international recognition for his debut role playing a teenage murder suspect in the Netflix drama, gave a nod to his beloved football team Liverpool as he collected the gong.
Cooper, who has already won an Emmy and a Critics’ Choice award for the performance, said: “Standing here at the Golden Globes does not feel real whatsoever. What an incredible journey me and my family have been put through.”
He added: “What started off as what I thought I might be OK at, I might be awful at, I took a risk and I went to drama classes, I was the only boy there, it was embarrassing but I got through it.
“But I’m still very much an apprentice, I’m still learning every day, I’m still every day learning from the people sat in front of me who have inspired me. I wouldn’t be here without you guys.
CONGRATULATIONS, Owen Cooper! Let's hear it for our #GoldenGlobes winner for Best Supporting Male Actor – Television in Adolescence! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/sNuSL8dZxR
— Golden Globes (@goldenglobes) January 12, 2026
“This is mad, what is going on?”
He wrapped up the speech saying: “Bring on 2026. You’ll never walk alone.”
The closing line is a reference to the anthem of Liverpool Football Club.
Teyana Taylor was the first winner of the night, scoring the best supporting actress in a drama film for her role as a revolutionary in One Battle After Another.
Accepting her prize, she said: “To my brown sisters and little brown girls watching tonight, our softnes is not a liability.
“Our depth is not too much.
“Our light does not need permission to shine.
“We belong in every room we walk into, our voices matter, and our dreams deserve space. Thank you so much, everybody.”
Stellan Skarsgard won the best supporting actor Golden Globe for his performance as a film director past his prime in Sentimental Value.
Noah Wyle was named best actor in a TV drama while Jean Smart won the best actress in a TV musical/comedy prize for Hacks and Seth Rogen has won best actor in a TV musical/comedy for The Studio.
Good Hang with Amy Poehler won the first ever Golden Globe for best podcast.
Find out what else Adolescence are up for at the Golden Globes 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.
LFC’s Conor Bradley is set to undergo surgery on a serious knee injury which will rule him out of the rest of Liverpool’s season.
While the Northern Ireland international has not sustained an ACL injury, there is damage to the bone and ligaments in his left knee, the Press Association understands.
The right-back, who was carried off late in Thursday’s goalless draw at Premier League leaders Arsenal, will have an operation in the coming days which will rule him out of the remainder of the domestic campaign.
He will also face a race to recover in time for this summer’s World Cup, should Northern Ireland qualify through the play-offs.
Liverpool said Bradley had “sustained a significant knee injury”, adding in a statement: “No timeframe is being placed on his return to playing at this stage of the process.”
Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli apologised for shoving Bradley off the pitch as he lay on the turf in the closing stages of the match at the Emirates.
Bradley had made 21 appearances this season, having missed a number of matches with a hamstring problem.
The setback leaves head coach Arne Slot with Jeremie Frimpong, who has had his own injury problems since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, and Joe Gomez, himself only just returning from a hamstring issue, as cover, but neither can be considered a genuine right-back.
Slot has had to utilise midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones in the position this season.
The first game of Bradley’s absence will be Monday’s FA Cup third-round tie at home to League One Barnsley and Slot says he will not repeat the selection mistakes of his chastening experience in the competition last season.
With his team flying high in the Premier League and Champions League and in the final of the Carabao Cup, the Dutchman named a second-string team for their fourth-round tie at Championship side Plymouth and they were beaten 1-0.
But, with a host of players unavailable for the visit of Barnsley, there will be no chopping and changing at Anfield.
“Last season I made the decision that some players needed to rest in the FA Cup because you can’t play every player every single time, but it is obvious we are not in the League Cup any more,” Slot said.
“The FA Cup has always been very important for us, but sometimes in a season when you are still competing for the League Cup, the Champions League and the league – with the amount of players we had last season and have this season – you have to make choices.
“But I can guarantee you that on Monday you will see all the players you saw at Arsenal, maybe with some changes, but they will be on the bench so that’s going to be different from last season.”
If the last campaign was not enough of an eye-opener for Slot in his first season in English football, there is history with Monday’s opponents.
In 2008, in their last visit when they were still a Championship side, Brian Howard’s 90th-minute goal for a 2-1 victory stunned Liverpool.
Barnsley are currently 17th in League One, but Slot will not underestimate them.
“We all know in the FA Cup or cup competitions things can happen and you cannot compare Plymouth away and the players who played back then to Barnsley at home,” he added.
“The last time Barnsley played us they beat us, but that was 2008 in our stadium, so we take them as we took Plymouth – very serious.”
Virgil Van Djik defends players fury over Conor Bradley injury – read 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 cast of Adolescence are among the stars tipped to take home Golden Globes on Sunday.
Adolescence’s nominations include best limited series, anthology series or television motion picture, best male actor in a television limited series, anthology series, TV motion picture for Stephen Graham and Ashley Walters, and Owen Cooper for best TV supporting actor.
The drama, which prompted a national conversation around online safety upon its release, also secured a best supporting female TV actor nod for Erin Doherty.
The show has been an awards juggernaut and has already landed a string of Emmys and Critics’ Choice awards.
Irish star Buckley is nominated for best actress in a drama motion picture for her role in Hamnet, in which she plays William Shakespeare’s wife Agnes – historically known as Anne.
She will compete against Jennifer Lawrence for Die My Love, Renate Reinsve for Sentimental Value, Julia Roberts for After The Hunt, Tessa Thompson for Hedda, and Eva Victor for Sorry, Baby.
Buckley’s co-star Paul Mescal, who plays Shakespeare, is nominated in the supporting actor category alongside Benicio Del Toro and Sean Penn for their roles in One Battle After Another, Jacob Elordi for his role in Frankenstein, Adam Sandler for his role in Jay Kelly and Stellan Skarsgard for Sentimental Value.
British star Cynthia Erivo is nominated in the best female actor in a comedy or music film category for her role in Wicked: For Good, alongside Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue, Chase Infiniti for One Battle After Another, Amanda Seyfried for The Testament Of Ann Lee, and Emma Stone for Bugonia.
Another British actress in the running for a gong is Emily Blunt, who is nominated for the supporting actress prize for her role in wrestling drama The Smashing Machine.
The best picture nominees in the drama category were Frankenstein, Hamnet, It Was Just An Accident, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Values and Sinners.
In the comedy or musical best picture category, the nominees were Blue Moon, Bugonia, Marty Supreme, No Other Choice, Nouvelle Vague and One Battle After Another.
The Golden Globes will be hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles on January 11. The awards show does not have a UK broadcaster.
Find out the latest in Liverpool here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Tom Iddon from Southport is running a minimum of 5km every single day throughout 2026 to raise funds for Alice’s WonderDance.
The 35-year-old has been inspired by the amazing efforts of Alice’s Dad, Sergio Aguiar, who is in the process of running six of the major marathons across the world.
By the end of 2026, Tom aims to have run at least 1,825km for the charity!
Tom is being supported in his challenge by his fiancée Jo, along with daughter, Eva, and another little one on the way.
He works for Southport men’s fitness and Transform ladies fitness as manager, PT and fitness coach.
Tom said:
“I have begun running every single day in 2026 a minimum of 5km each day.
“I have been a runner for around five years now and have been a member of Southport Waterloo running club for the past two years.
“I have wanted to put my running to good use for a while and didn’t know how, after what happened in our local town to the amazing families in Southport last year.
“Sergio’s story has really inspired me. I got talking to Sergio and David Broughton at local parkruns in recent months and just speaking to these two it made me want to do something to help Alice’s WonderDance.
“With the help of Sarah, a friend of the family, we managed to get a JustGiving page together and get things rolling.
“I am really excited and determined to take on this challenge!
“Although it’s extremely difficult and not something to be taken lightly, I am really determined to complete this and raise as much money as possible for this amazing cause.
“I wanted to do something to challenge myself and push myself further.”
“Please donate anything you can to this amazing charity!”
Alice’s WonderDance is a foundation created and inspired by the name of Alice Da Silva Aguiar.
Alice’s family said:
“We move forward with purpose, spreading the same energy, magic and love that Alice brought to every space she danced in.”
“We believe dance is more than movement, it’s freedom, creativity, connection, and joy. Our work removes barriers so that every child can access dance, explore their passion, and grow through movement in a safe, empowering space.”
You can sponsor Tom here.
For more details about Alice’s WonderDance please click 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.
Actor Paul Mescal has revealed he will do his own singing when he plays the role of Paul McCartney in an upcoming series of films about The Beatles.
The 29-year-old Hamnet star will appear in the four films, directed by Sir Sam Mendes and produced by Sony Pictures, alongside Barry Keoghan as Sir Ringo Starr, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison.
Speaking to British GQ, Paul Mescal confirmed he would be doing his own singing and added:
“I’ve learned so much. It’s really inspired a love.
“I’ve always loved music, but getting to play one of the great songwriters and great frontmen has really lit a fire in terms of personally writing music and engaging and hearing music in a different way.”
Dickinson, who will play McCartney’s song-writing partner Lennon, described the Irish actor as “raised well”, adding that “his morals are in the best place”.
Mescal also said he had met Sir Paul on two occasions, adding:
“He’s the most brilliant man. I feel emotionally attached to him. He received me with great kindness and warmth.”
He continued:
“One of the many benefits of shooting a Beatles anthology is that you get to do the job and not talk about the job.”
The Beatles films, which will each centre on a different member of the band, are due for release in April 2028, and will also star Aimee Lou Wood as Pattie Boyd, Saoirse Ronan as Linda McCartney, Mia McKenna-Bruce as Maureen Starkey, and Anna Sawai as Yoko Ono.
Mescal is also known for his roles in Gladiator II (2024), Netflix romantic drama Normal People and Aftersun (2022).
Formed in 1960, The Beatles are the best-selling musical act of all time and one of the most influential groups in the world, having achieved 18 UK number one singles and 16 UK number one albums.
The full interview can be read in the February issue of British GQ available via digital download and on newsstands from Tuesday January 27.
You can get more information on the rest of the cast for the films here.
Keep up to date with the latest Beatles 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 Whitechapel Centre’s Waterfront walk is back this February where participants will stroll along the famous Merseyside Waterfront and fundraise in aid of the centre.
The Waterfront Walk was first inspired by the homeless charity’s Outreach Team, who are out every morning come rain or shine from 6am, walking 5 miles or more around the city streets to find and help people who are sleeping rough. The public can show their support by taking part in the walk starting at Nova Scotia in the Liverpool City Centre, ambling along the Otterspool Promenade and ending at the sitting bull statue in Aigburth. The event can be enjoyed by all ages so get the whole family, office, school or college and even your beloved dogs involved, to do their part to help end homelessness in Liverpool.
While strolling along the promenade participants get to enjoy the dawn of a new day and hopefully a beautiful sunrise. At the finish line the charity will be distributing a delicious breakfast butty to celebrate and congratulate everybody on the walk.
Whilst there is lots of fun to be had, The Whitechapel Centre wants to use the opportunity to deliver an important message about homelessness.
Find out how you can get involved on The Whitechapel Centre website.
Find more of the incredible charity work happening across Liverpool here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
There’s no place quite like Liverpool when it comes to a great night out whether you’re looking for fabulous food in places like Barnacle and The Ivy, or a drink with your mates at Ma Boyles or the Municipal.
You’re always spoilt for choice in Liverpool – especially this year when the city will be home to a host of new venues we can’t wait to welcome and enjoy …
Dishoom
Top tier Indian restaurant chain Dishoom is set to open its first Liverpool venue in March, introducing Permit Room at Exchange Court. Offering an all-day café and bar which will serve up sharing dishes, curries and bar snacks while guests listen to great music, it’s a salute to the permit rooms, beer bars and drinking holes of Bombay – and it sounds amazing.
Flat Iron
Liverpool loves a steak, so it’s great to see specialists Flat Iron joining Castle Street’s already thriving food scene, and complementing the likes of Hawskmoor and Gaucho in the city. Flat Iron’s well known for serving quality steak at an affordable price but while the menu will focus on its signature dish you can also expect changing specials, wagyu dishes and its famous green chilli cheeseburger when it opens this summer.
Burger & Sauce at Central Station
Already open, you can enjoy fresh handmade burgers with one of three special sauces: Classic Homemade, a spicy Signature Sauce and, if you want to turn up the heat, a Smokin’ Hot BBQ Sauce. Its concept is that a burger should be simple, great tasting and a good price whether it’s beef, chicken, cod or veggie!
Jerk Junction in Liverpool ONE
Another one already there and just begging to be sampled is Jerk Junction which has moved into the old Gourmet Burger Kitchen location in Liverpool ONE’s Terrace. Promising the best Caribbean food outside of the island, the menu includes rice and peas, its famous jerk chicken, and traditional curry goat – ‘and it’s always big portions and big love’.
Parliament Square Coffee on Cook Street
Husband and wife team Chris and Hayley opened Parliament Square Coffee on Crump Street in the Baltic Triangle in 2023, serving up speciality coffee alongside a fresh seasonal brunch menu. They expanded with a second site on Clarence Street in the Georgian Quarter and a third Cook Street venue is ‘coming soon’. What makes it special is not just its exceptional food and drink but that it goes the extra mile, creating opportunities for young people with additional needs and workplaces where neurodiversity is not just accepted but celebrated. Its academy offers specialist barista training for 15 to 18 year olds.
Hotel Indigo has launched Barrel & Chapel
Barrel & Chapel in Liverpool is a relaxed and stylish new city hangout you’ll find on the on the ground floor of Hotel Indigo. The vibe is chilled and the menu is filled with delicious pizzas, burgers, bowls and bar bites perfect for a quick lunch or a fun, no-fuss evening. In the place of what was the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, it’s focusing on laid-back vibes, killer cocktails and comfort food done right.
Bold Street Coffee will open at Duke Street Market
Fifteen years after it opened its first branch in Liverpool, Bold Street Coffee has gone from strength to strength and it’s planning further expansion this year including a new venue in Duke Street Market from this month. Look forward to amazing coffee, breakfasts and bagels, and its boss buoys, toasted brioche buns filled with scrambled eggs, melted cheese and tasty toppings like bacon, sausage, aubergine and smashed avocado.
The Shandon Bells, Hope Street
From the team that brought The Vines back to life, conserved St Peter’s Tavern and restored The Monro, this month sees the opening of The Shandon Bells, ” a tiny corner of Cork, right here in Liverpool “. It’ll be serving up perfectly poured pints of Guinness, Murphy’s and Beamish and, to go with them, Tayto and toasties. The Shandon Bells is also going to have five local casks that will rotate regularly, and traditional Irish music with live performances that’ll guarantee a top atmosphere.
Mersey Ferries will welcome a new food operator
Whether you’re enjoying a river cruise and seeing the world-famous waterfront sites or letting your hair down on one of the music-led ‘dance-the-night-away’ evening excursions, you’ll soon be able to add beautiful food to the magical menu. Mersey Ferries is set to announce a new food partner who’ll deliver high quality food and drink on board, at terminals and more.
Find the best food & drink deals around the city this January here.
Keep up to date with all the latest foodie news in Liverpool here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
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The British Music Experience presents Don’t Believe the Hype a new temporary exhibition uncovering the Artwork of Arctic Monkeys’ Debut Album.
The exhibition explores the creation and cultural legacy of one of the most recognisable album covers of the 21st century: Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, the 2006 debut by Arctic Monkeys, with the exhibition launching 20 years to the day of the album’s release.
Centred on the artwork surrounding the album, the exhibition moves beyond the iconic cover image to examine the wider visual world from which it emerged – a sequence of ordinary moments, encounters, and traces that together formed an authentic portrait of youth culture at the time.
The exhibition documents the conceptual journey of Scott Jones, Creative Director for the album, alongside original photographic material, outtakes, interior imagery, and personal artefacts from the period. It traces a day-in-the-life approach to the album’s visual identity: the cover image, single artwork, and photographic sequences that documented a specific moment in time.
Together, these materials form an extended visual document of youth, place, and lived experience, shared spaces, boredom, anticipation, and the small moments that later took on cultural meaning.
The exhibition also reveals for the first time the photograph that inspired the smoke-filled photobooth image that became the album’s cover.
Twenty years on, Don’t Believe the Hype… invites reflection on why this imagery continues to resonate. In an era dominated by algorithmic feeds, optimisation, and self-conscious performance, the exhibition looks back to a pre-platform digital culture shaped by peer-to-peer sharing, early social networks, and collective discovery, where visibility was communal rather than curated.
The exhibition reframes the album artwork not as an act of branding, but as a social document of a generation at the edge of the attention economy.
Scott Jones said:
“Most album artwork reflects youth culture after the fact. This was different. The images didn’t try to perform or exaggerate what was happening around them – just document them. The artwork came from ordinary moments, from waiting around, from nights out, from being there. The poetry was already present; the work was in celebrating it.”
Liz Koravos, Executive Director at the British Music Experience said:
“This exhibition allows visitors to slow down and look again at an album artwork many people think they already know. By placing the artwork back into its original context – its objects, its moments, its ordinariness – we can better understand why it connected so deeply, and why it still resonates today. Launching the exhibition on the 23 January, we mark 20 years to the day that the album was released. What makes the record curatorial gold is its specificity. The songs are rooted in queue lines, taxi rides, sticky dance floors, and half-heard conversations, yet they translate universally. We’re excited to mark the anniversary through this temporary exhibition and in doing so, highlight how important the band’s contribution is to the history of British rock and pop.”
Book your tickets now on The BME website.
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Claire House Children’s Hospice is calling on Merseyside to help turn unwanted gifts and pre-loved items into vital care for babies, children and young adults.
The charity’s shops are currently in need of good quality donations. And supporters are being encouraged to donate unwanted items that are clean, complete and in great condition.
With many people still sorting through cupboards and drawers after Christmas, now is the perfect time to pass on unwanted gifts and quality items that deserve a second home.
The most in-demand donations include:
- Ladieswear
- Menswear
- Children’s clothing
- Unwanted Christmas presents (new or nearly new)
- Children’s toys (complete and good quality)
- Books
- Fashion accessories
- Bric-a-brac and homeware items in good condition
Every high-quality item donated helps Claire House raise more cash through its shops, supporting seriously and terminally ill children and their families across Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales.
Tracey Allwright, Head of Retail at Claire House said:
“Our shops are a lifeline for Claire House,”
“Every January, we open donation bags with a sense of excitement, you never know if it’ll be a designer scarf or a novelty gift that didn’t survive Christmas Day! The best part is when those good quality items go on to find a new home.
“Right now, we really need good quality, saleable items that our customers will love. A stylish top, a nearly new Christmas gift or a complete toy can make a huge difference, not just on our shelves, but to the families who rely on our care.”
Money raised through Claire House shops helps provide specialist nursing, therapies, emotional support and precious memory-making experiences for seriously and terminally ill babies, children and young adults.
Tracey added:
“By donating something lovely that you no longer need, you’re helping us be there for children and families during some of the toughest moments of their lives,”
“It’s a simple act of kindness that goes a long way.”
Donations can be dropped off at Claire House charity shops across the region. Supporters are encouraged to check opening times and donation guidelines before visiting.
Find your nearest Claire House shop here.
Get the latest charity updates across Liverpool here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
The Southport Caravan Show is set to return this January, taking place from Thursday 22 to Sunday 25 January at Riverside Holiday Park.
The annual event brings together everything connected to holiday home ownership, all in one place. With free entry and free parking, it offers visitors the chance to explore what holiday home living could look like, whether they’re just starting to browse or already considering their options.
More than 50 new and pre-owned caravans will be on display throughout the four-day show. Visitors will be able to step inside each one, take a look around the interiors, compare layouts and specifications, and see the range of optional extras available. Prices for caravans at the show start from £19,995.
As well as exploring the caravans, guests can enjoy complimentary refreshments or book a table at the Coast & Country Bar and Restaurant for food and drinks. A number of exclusive show offers and packages will also be available during the event.
Everything takes place within the grounds of Riverside Holiday Park, giving visitors a chance to see the facilities on offer. These include an indoor swimming pool, children’s play park, splash zone, gym and jacuzzi. Across the wider Harrison Holidays collection, holiday parks are located in Cumbria, Lancashire, Northumberland, North Yorkshire, Scotland and Suffolk, with facilities ranging from golf courses and tennis courts to outdoor pools and soft play.
The Southport Caravan Show is organised by family-run holiday park operator Harrison Holidays and receives strong feedback from visitors each year. Many value the chance to look around the caravans in person, speak directly with the team and discuss finance options available on the models on display.
The event is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with free on-site parking available.