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Okay, so if you’re out and about with your mates, how many of you are talking about getting more active this year?
It might not be a New Year, New You, but odds-on it’s a better you.
Getting healthier and more active is never a bad idea – and getting the right gear to do it in is always an added incentive. It makes your sport or activity easier and you more effective – and Selfridges Trafford Centre is just bursting with ideas and inspiration.
From paddle to Pilates, or running to racing down the ski slopes, the iconic store has got a range of looks and brands that’ll support your effort while making you win hands down in the style stakes.
Style to suit your sport
Whatever you’re doing to work up a sweat or cool down afterwards, Selfridges has got you covered, with a huge collection of sportswear from high-performance gym wear to the latest in athleisure. You can take your workout to the next level with luxury tops, bottoms and outerwear, hit the ground running with a new pair of sports shoes, or take to the slopes dressed in ultra-modern ski suits. Having the right outfit can help you push through barriers, so it’s curated high-quality wear that can help you reach your goals while looking good.
Accessories at the ready!
Selfridge Trafford Centre’s fitness gear doesn’t just include the outfits from joggers to jackets, it’s got everything you need to go with them from water bottles to massage guns, goggles, gloves and helmets, and that all important kit bag to put it all in. And it’s not just about what’s going on in the sports centre or the great outdoors (although if you do want to wander in the wilderness it’s got a fab range of weather-resistant coats and hats to help you get ahead). If you prefer to practice your postures or work on your core in the comfort of your living room, you can stay secure and supported with a non-slip yoga mat.
Brilliant brands
Selfridges has got all the top names you love like Adanola, Gymshark, North face and Sweaty Betty, as well as new favourite Varley from husband and wife team Ben and Lara Mead (and if it’s luxurious, soft-to-the-touch fabrics you want, this is definitely one to look at). There are designer dreams too and, if it’s the snow you want to look cool in, search out Goldbergh, My Ski Sunday, Perfect Moment, and more.
Personal Shopping
If you’re spoilt for choice or you’re not sure what suits, ask Selfridges’ Personal Shoppers to get on side. They’re in the premier league of fashion and lifestyle experts and know exactly what’s in store, able to source a selection of outfits and styles that will put you on the winning team and save you hassle so you can put all your energy where it’s needed.
A handy half-hour away
Selfridges’ Trafford Centre store is only half an hour away from Liverpool and the Regent 1 car park is right next to the store (Sat Nav: M17 8DA) so it means there’s no issue finding a space to leave the car – and you haven’t got far to carry all those carrier bags you’ve collected inside!
Find out more on the Selfridges website.
Find more great days out in Manchester on The Northern Guide.
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.
Phil Vickery will be returning to this year’s Southport Flower Show on Friday 21st August and cooking live in the Cookery Theatre.
Having been part of the ITV This Morning family for over 25 years, Phil is firmly regarded as one of Britain’s favourite and well known chefs.
After starting his career as a commis chef at The Burlington Hotel on Folkestone seafront, Phil worked his way up the kitchen ranks.
Phil has worked in Michael’s Nook hotel in Grasmere, sous chef at the Michelin starred Gravetye Manor in East Grinstead and Ian McAndrew’s Michelin starred restaurant, 74, in Canterbury.
As head chef of The Castle hotel in Taunton for 9 years, Phil won an incredible string of accolades including a Michelin star and 4 Rosettes in the AA guide, British meat chef of the year, dessert chef of the year, county restaurant of the year good food guide and Times restaurant of the year.
His no nonsense, no waffle, easy style of food has gained him many fans, but all with a serious underlying depth of food knowledge and expertise. As he will always remind you, he’s just a cook.
He has become a firm favourite on the demonstration show circuit and regularly packs out, shows, halls and events around the country. He also hosts and comperes events in his relaxed easy going style.
He’s been a fixture on the nation’s television screens too, appearing on Ready Steady Cook (150 shows) Proof of the Pudding, Phil Vickery’s Pudding Club, and Save Money: Good Diet., plus many more.
As the longest standing chef on ITV This Morning for some 24 years, he presents live and pre-recorded cookery items as well as his own cookery segments from plus locations across the globe, some 150 films now. His globe -trotting has taken him to more than 40 countries and states, including Machu Pichu, the Amazon, great barrier reef, Rio de Janeiro, Uganda, Namibia, India, Alaska, Vietnam and the Orient Express from Bangkok to Singapore, plus many countries in Europe.
An award-winning author, Phil is also a leading authority on gluten-free products and the National Food Ambassador for Coeliac UK, plus food for a diabetic diet.
He has written 17 books on many subjects from pork to game, to desserts, food for diabetics and latterly frozen and canned foods.
Phil also travels the world, meeting talented people and creating amazing food in some jaw-dropping locations. From the Haddock fishermen of Aberdeenshire to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, where Phil learns to cook Wagyu tenderloin.
Phil will join BBC Gardeners’ World Presenter Adam Frost and Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke as part of this year’s line-up.
This year’s Southport Flower Show will be held at the wonderful Victoria Park on Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd August. We have lots more exciting announcements to make in the coming months.
Book your tickets for Southport Flower Show here.
Find out what’s on in Southport throughout 2026 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 30th anniversary revival of Shelagh Stephenson’s Olivier Award‑winning comedy The Memory of Water is coming to the Everyman
The story is set in the Winter of 1996, as The Spice Girls topped the charts, football had failed to come home, and Dolly the Sheep had just been cloned. The Memory of Water tells the story of Mary, Teresa, and Catherine, three sisters who return to their Northern childhood home for the first time in years, for their mother’s funeral. As they sort through clothes, keepsakes, and ghosts of the past, the whisky flows, resentments surface, and long-held silences crack open with unexpected laughter.
The production will run from Wednesday, 25 February to Saturday, 14 March.
Nathan Powell, Creative Director of Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, said:
“This is a beautiful story about family — full of love, laughter, and the kind of chaos that feels instantly familiar. Stephenson captures how we all remember things differently, and how those memories shape who we are. It’s moving, funny, and deeply relatable — a perfect fit for the Everyman stage.”
Directed by Lotte Wakeham (Artistic Director at Octagon Theatre, Bolton) this production features a stellar cast in this powerful and funny family drama including Vicky Binns (Coronation Street, Emmerdale), Victoria Brazier (The Book Thief, Octagon Theatre), Reginald Edwards (The Walrus Has A Right to Adventure, Liverpool Everyman), Charlie De Melo (Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare’s Globe), Helen Flanagan (Coronation Street), Polly Lister (One Man, Two Guvnors, Liverpool Playhouse; Speedo Mick – The Scouse Stomper, Liverpool’s Royal Court), Leah Marks (Vignettes 2025, HER Productions), and Charlie Ryan (The Jungle Book, Spring and Port Wine and Little Shop of Horrors, Octagon Theatre).
Lotte Wakeham, Director of The Memory of Water added:
“The Memory of Water is one of those rare plays that makes you laugh out loud and then catches you off guard with its emotional truth. I’m thrilled to be directing this special 30th anniversary revival, and to be collaborating once again with our wonderful friends at Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse.”
The Memory of Water is co‑produced with Octagon Theatre Bolton, following their 2022 collaboration on One Man, Two Guvnors, bringing together two of the North West’s leading producing theatres to celebrate one of the most beloved British plays of the past three decades.
A post-show discussion will be held after the 7:30pm performance on Wednesday 4th March, hosted by the theatre’s Creative Director, Nathan Powell. It’s also free to attend with a ticket for that evening’s performance.
The show also includes a Captioned performance on Thursday 26 February 7.30pm, a British Sign Language performance on Thursday 5 March 7.30pm, an Audio described performance on Wednesday 11 March 7.30pm and an Enhance performance on Saturday 14 March 2.00pm for people with visual impairment, which includes a pre-show delivery of Enhanced programme notes and a Touch Tour.
The Memory of Water runs at the Liverpool Everyman from Wednesday 25 February to Saturday 14 March, with ticket prices from £16–£47.
Book your tickets here
Find out more about the theatre shows that are coming to Liverpool in 2026 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 World Boxing Championships took place in Liverpool back in September 2025, boosting the local economy and reinforcing the global standing of the city.
The new study revealed that hosting the event delivered multiple economic, social and reputational benefits. Nearly 8,000 spectators bought tickets for the event, with 92 per cent describing their experience positively, while 96 per cent rated Liverpool as a good or very good host city.
The Report stated that the Championships delivered an overall economic impact of £4.03 million, with many of the prime beneficiaries being local hotels, shops and businesses in the hospitality sector, with visitors spending £1.83 million over the course of the competition.
55 per cent of tickets were purchased by spectators from outside of the Liverpool City Region, with 43 per cent coming from other parts of Great Britain, four per cent from Ireland and eight per cent from the rest of the world. Since their stays, 94 per cent of out-of-town spectators said they would recommend visiting Liverpool to friends and family.
Local sentiment was also very favourable, with 95 per cent of Liverpool residents expressing interest in hosting the event, or similar boxing events, again.
The President of World Boxing, Gennadiy Golovkin, added:
“The World Boxing Championships 2025 was great event for Olympic style boxing and a fantastic platform for our male and female boxers to showcase their skills and abilities to a huge global audience.
“I know from speaking personally to many of the boxers at the Championships that they were very impressed with the staging and organisation of the competition and I would like to thank the Local Organising Committee and all of their partners for hosting and delivering a world class event that has delivered a wide-range of benefits to both the sport of boxing and the host city of Liverpool.”
Jason Harborow, Chair of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Event Steering Group, commented:
“The World Boxing Championships was a fantastic event for the sport and the city of Liverpool and I would like to thank all of the LOC stakeholders and partners that did such a great job of making it happen from the initial bid process to the delivery of the 10-days of competition at the M&S Bank Arena.
“The boxers produced a world class competition and it is fantastic to see that the Championships have delivered so many wider benefits to both the sport and the city, which once again demonstrated to a worldwide audience that Liverpool is a brilliant place to host major sporting events.”
The World Boxing Championships also delivered benefits to thousands of people in local communities across the City Region. More than £50,000 worth of boxing equipment was distributed post-event to local clubs with more than 1,000 tickets going to schools and clubs; and an ‘Unsung Heroes’ project recognised 19 people from boxing clubs for their contributions to the grassroots of the sport with a series of portraits, photographs and stories that were exhibited at St George’s Hall for the duration of the Championships.
A bespoke literacy programme, ‘Literacy Kicks’, also created learning opportunities for more than 1,200 Primary School children in Liverpool and over 2,700 people in the boxing community participated in a series of Mental Health Fitness workshops, delivered in partnership with the charity, Movember.
Find out more about The World Boxing Championships here
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.
New Year, New Car? You won’t find a bigger or better choice than at Motor Range.
And you don’t just get the biggest selection in the North West, you get even lower prices because their massive sale of the year is now on.
The family run business has been selling cars throughout the region for more than 20 years.
Having moved from their showroom in Maghull, the flagship store on Dunnings Bridge Road, Liverpool, has been open since October 2016, and they launched their newest showroom in Manchester in April.
Motor Range sells more than 10,000 vehicles every year.
Shaun Lane, Group Sales Director at Motor Range, said:
“We’ve worked hard to build the biggest and best choice of quality used cars in the North West, all with permanently low prices.
“What our customers really love about Motor Range is how convenient we make car buying. You can choose your car and drive it away the very same day, something you won’t find at any other car supermarket in the region.”
Right now there are £1000’s to be saved across a huge range of different makes and models.
Buying a car is easy and relaxed
Motor Range has the biggest and best choice of used cars in the North West, with over 2000 cars available. They pride themselves on making any used car purchase easy and relaxed with great value and outstanding customer service. Motor Range cars are ready to drive away the same day, so there’s no need to wait around for your new car!
Unbeatable finance
Motor Range is the only car supermarket in the North West to deal with over 25 finance lenders which means they can get you a finance package designed specifically for you and your budget. Unlike many other car supermarkets, you don’t need a deposit to buy a car from Motor Range, and their “Pick a Car, Pick a Payment” scheme lets you pick your own finance payments.
During the Big Sale Motor Range is also offering Finance Deposit Contributions on a range of popular models with contributions varying from £250, £500, £750 and £1000 to make a new car even more affordable!
More for your part-exchange
If you want to part-exchange your current vehicle you can get a free instant valuation using their website. Motor Range accept any vehicle as part-exchange and will give you their best possible price – and you can use your part-exchange as a deposit for your next vehicle or get the value back in cash.
Sell your car to Motor Range
Motor Range now offer a car buying service, so if you’re looking to sell your car in 2026, get a free instant valuation on their website. Unlike other car buying sites, they use real market data to give accurate valuations, settle existing finance and sort all DVLA paperwork to make it completely hassle free.
Outstanding customer service
Rated Excellent on Trust Pilot, Motor Range boasts thousands of 5 star reviews from their customers and prides itself on providing outstanding customer service 7 days a week.
Check out the huge savings on the Motor Range website.
Get more of the best deals across the city right 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 new public awareness campaign aiming to help men in Kirkby and Birkenhead spot the early signs of head and neck cancer.
This early detection is key to increasing their chances of life-saving treatment. Head and neck cancers are little-known by the public despite becoming more common, especially in Merseyside.
The campaign is being run by Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance (CMCA) with support from Caja Ltd., a transformation consultancy specialising in health and social care.
The light-hearted 10-week campaign uses a cartoon character, Hanc, to prompt people to check their head, face, and neck for anything unusual each month. The self-checking routine has the slogan: “Give a T.O.S.” – which stands for Touch, Open Wide, Speak.
These are three quick steps that help people check for potential symptoms:
- Touch – Check for lumps on the neck, lips, or in your mouth
- Open Wide – Look for ulcers or red/red‑and‑white patches in your mouth or on your
- tongue
- Speak – Listen for hoarseness in your voice
People with symptoms for three weeks or more are being urged to seek advice from their GP surgery.
The campaign is largely focused on Birkenhead and Kirkby, which have some of the highest levels of head and neck cancer in the region. It’s targeting those most at risk from head and neck cancer – men aged 40 and over who smoke and/or drink heavily.
Whilst the campaign is focused primarily on men – as more than two in three people who get head and neck cancer are male – it is important that everyone stays vigilant to these symptoms.
The campaign, which is running until April, is using behavioural‑science approaches to motivate people more effectively with messaging shaped by insights gathered from 74 local men.
The campaign activity will appear across social media and in local venues with materials including mirror stickers, beer mats, and air fresheners in pubs, bars, barber shops, and other places popular with the target audience.
There will also be a targeted GP surgery communications campaign in Kirkby and Birkenhead, with information being sent out to men who are at high risk.
Jon Hayes, Managing Director of CMCA, said:
“Millions of men across the UK already carry out regular checks for signs of cancer. By helping more people in Kirkby and Birkenhead do the same for head and neck cancer, the campaign aims to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes for those most at risk.
“The core ambition of the campaign is to encourage those at highest risk of these cancers to check themselves monthly for potential signs. The more aware we can be of changes to our body, the earlier we can seek advice and the better chance we have of getting effective treatment.”
“We want men to give a T.O.S. about their health and not ignore it if something is wrong.”
Find out more on the Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance website.
Find all the latest Liverpool news here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Lightport, an amazing light installation running from 14th–16th February, will invite visitors of all ages to step into a vibrant world of colour, sound and movement.
Sefton Council officers and Volunteers are working hard to prepare the Town Hall Gardens in Southport ahead of the upcoming Lightport experience.
The experience will transform Southport’s Lord Street into an immersive, walk-through trail of interactive light installations inspired by the beauty and joy of rainbows, creating magical visuals for everyone to enjoy. The playful installation will stretch across a 400-metre route in the heart of the town.
Southport’s Town Hall Gardens will be the centrepiece of this incredible display, with work already underway. Temporary floral planters in the centre of the gardens are now in the process of being decommissioned and rehomed with community groups across Sefton, while benches around the perimeter of the Gardens will soon be permanently relocated elsewhere in the town centre.
These works not only complement the exciting 2026 Elegantly Eccentric events programme but also precede the long-term redevelopment of the Town Hall Gardens as a multi-use, family-friendly events space.
A spokesperson for Sefton Council said:
“Many of the benches feature plaques, with the majority relating to corporate donations or historic commemorations dating as far back as 1959.
“A small number of plaques contain tributes to people who have sadly passed away and we will handle their relocation with the utmost care and respect.
“Anybody whose family members are named on a memorial bench are invited to get in touch to share their preferences for relocation.
“However, we appreciate given the age of these plaques family may not come forward. In this instance Sefton Council will ensure these benches are, where possible, relocated as close to the gardens as possible.
“Other benches will be relocated within Southport, including alternative locations across the town centre or placed in the care of local community organisations.
People wishing to make contact regarding a family member’s bench are asked to email communications@sefton.gov.uk by Monday February 9th so their views can be considered.
For more information about Lightport, click here.
Click here to find out what else is on in Southport this year.
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.
Santa’s Secret Forest, is set to return in 2026, and to celebrate an overwhelmingly successful inaugural year, organisers are offering a limited number of early bird tickets.
Ranked #1 Attraction in Liverpool, by traveller ranking on TripAdvisor, Santa’s Secret Forest welcomed thousands of delighted guests in 2025, transforming Orrell Hill Woods, Hightown into a breathtaking festive wonderland filled with everything you need to make unforgettable festive family memories.
Building on last year’s success, Operation Christmas 2026 promises even more magic. Brand-new additions will be revealed throughout the year, including the UK’s largest and most spectacular ‘real to touch’ snow machine, which will turn Merrywood Market into a truly whimsical winter wonderland.
With Christmas memories made once a year but treasured forever, now is the perfect time to plan ahead. Families are encouraged to secure their place early and take advantage of this strictly limited Early Bird ticket offer—once they’re gone, they’re gone!
Bookings for 2026 go live on Thursday 29th January at 9am, including all popular dates and dedicated SEN sessions.
Early Bird Ticket Options Include:
- General Admission Tickets (including SEN sessions) from £48.40 (inclusive of booking fee)
- Light Trail Only Tickets – £16.50 (including booking fee)
- Luxury VIP Experience Tickets are also available to book
As an added festive bonus, Early Bird tickets can also be spread over three monthly payments via Klarna and Revolut, making it easier than ever to plan ahead.
James McMahon, Director of Sidestep Events Ltd., said:
“The feedback from 2025 has been breathtakingly good and the reviews are amazing. We cannot wait to share the exciting new additions we have planned for Santa’s Secret Forest in 2026. Watching the delight on families faces was a total joy in 2025 and we can are looking forward to doing it all again with some wonderful new surprises.”
Book your tickets on the Santa’s Secret Forest website.
Find out what’s on across Liverpool this January 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.
Returning for 2026, the Liverpool Hospitality People Awards celebrate the outstanding individuals who power the city’s vibrant hospitality and visitor economy.
The awards recognise the talented people working across Liverpool’s hospitality sector — from hotels and restaurants to bars, attractions and visitor services, in association with headline sponsors Liverpool Accommodation BID, Liverpool ONE, Saffron Vanilla and Titanic Hotel Liverpool.
The 2026 awards will feature 16 categories, including Rising Star and Unsung Hero, celebrating both customer-facing staff and those working behind the scenes. In addition, the prestigious Judges’ and Chairman’s Awards, which are not open for public entry, will honour inspirational figures who have made a significant impact within the sector.
Peter Schriewersmann and Helen Roberts, Co-Chairs of the Liverpool Hospitality Association, said:
“The Liverpool Hospitality People Awards are more than an event; they are a celebration of the incredible people working within the Liverpool City Region’s visitor economy. These awards recognise the dedication, passion and hard work shown by individuals and teams across all areas of hospitality. Following seven successful years, we hope to welcome more nominations than ever in 2026 while continuing to raise vital funds for some fantastic charities.”
Last year’s event raised over £25,000 for good causes, with the Liverpool Hospitality People Awards proudly supporting both local and national charities.
Bill Addy, Chief Executive of Liverpool Business Improvement District, added:
“Liverpool Accommodation BID is thrilled to be a joint headline sponsor of the Liverpool Hospitality People Awards 2026. Hospitality lies at the heart of Liverpool’s identity and visitor economy, and these awards celebrate the people and businesses who make our city such a welcoming and vibrant destination. We are proud to champion the sector and the talent that drives it forward.”
Liverpool ONE also joins the awards as a headline sponsor.
Donna Howitt, Deputy Centre Director at Liverpool ONE, said:
“Liverpool’s greatest strength has always been its people, whose warmth and generosity of spirit create an experience unlike anywhere else. These awards provide a vital platform to recognise those who go above and beyond to deliver outstanding service, helping our hospitality and retail sectors remain vibrant, resilient and future-focused.”
Applications for the Liverpool Hospitality People Awards 2026 are now open, with submissions accepted until midnight on Friday 27 February 2026.
Finalists will be announced in early March, with winners revealed at an awards ceremony on 30 April 2026, hosted by long-standing supporters Titanic Hotel and Rum Warehouse.
Additional sponsors include The Guide Liverpool, Sugar and Lime, PIB Insurance Brokers, Wigan Beer, MSP Global, The Hospitality Hero, Red Events Creative, RW Wedding Photography and Cool Breeze Events.
Find out more about the Liverpool Hospitality Awards here.
Find more business news across 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.
Magic WKND 2026, taking place at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium this July, has become the fastest-selling edition in the event’s 20-year history.
Nearly 50,000 tickets have already been sold since going on sale last month, marking the most rapid uptake ever for the flagship Super League event, which first took place in Cardiff in 2007.
All 12 UK-based Super League clubs will compete at Everton’s new waterfront home across the weekend of Saturday 4 July and Sunday 5 July, bringing rugby league’s biggest rivalries and derby fixtures to Liverpool’s waterfront.
RL Commercial has confirmed that the stadium’s Lower tiers are sold out for Sunday and for Full Weekend Passes, while Trinity Bar and Village Street are also sold out across Saturday, Sunday and Full Weekend Passes. Hospitality sales have exceeded 60% capacity within the first month, underlining the scale of demand for the event.
With very limited Lower tier availability remaining for Saturday passes, interest is very high and fans are advised to purchase their tickets as early as possible.
The stadium previously hosted a sold-out Rugby League Ashes fixture between England and Australia in the autumn, marking the first major non-football event at Everton’s new home.
Since opening, Hill Dickinson Stadium has quickly proven its credentials as a premier venue for elite sport and large-scale events. With Premier League football, Magic WKND, Cote d’Ivoire v Scotland World Cup warm-up fixture, UEFA EURO 2028 and further major events due to be announced in the coming weeks, the stadium is establishing itself at the forefront of the UK’s next generation of multi-purpose sporting and entertainment venues.
Magic WKND now builds on that momentum, as thousands of supporters prepare to return for one of rugby league’s showpiece weekends.
RL Commercial’s Director of Marketing and Communications Joe Steel said:
“There’s a clear excitement about taking one of the biggest dates in the rugby league calendar to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium – and it’s brilliant to see supporters responding in this way.
“We’re hoping it will be the biggest and best Magic WKND yet with all the ingredients there to make for an absorbing and enthralling two days of action.
“There’s a full festival experience waiting for fans to enjoy – on and off the pitch.
“Plenty of supporters who witnessed the Ashes Test match at Everton in November were amazed by the world-class venue. And Super League is looking forward to being the next to take the stage.”
Magic WKND offers a full festival atmosphere, including unreserved seating, a pass-out system to enjoy the Budweiser Plaza fan zone, live entertainment, in-bowl fan games and competitions.
Supporters from all 37 professional rugby league clubs are already represented among the tens of thousands of tickets sold.
Early-bird tickets, with a 20% discount, remain on sale until midnight on Thursday 26 March. Everton Season Ticket, Premium and Forever Blue+ Members have already been contacted, and will be contacted again, with information on how to secure seats and access to premium bar and restaurant packages for this landmark event.
Book your tickets for the Magic WKND here.
Hill Dickinson Stadium is also set to host its first international fixture this March, 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.
Grammy-nominated guitarist and singer, Fatoumata Diawara, is set to make her triumphant return to Sefton Park this summer, fifteen years after her first UK festival performance at the festival.
The UK’s biggest celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture makes its return to Liverpool on 20th and 21st June this summer. Africa Oyé is the UK’s biggest celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture and returns on 20th and 21st June as a ticketed event following a fallow year in 2025.
Diawara is a well-known figure in African music whose performances ‘tell the story’ of the continent, with her being known for singing in her mother tongue, Bambara. Having fled Mali at the age of 19 to write her own story, Fatoumata Diawara continues, at 43, to examine society’s flaws while celebrating her dual life as an artist and a mother.
Artistic Director of Africa Oyé, Paul Duhaney, said:
“I first met Fatou at Oyé when she was performing as part of the legendary Oumou Sangre’s band way back in the early days of the festival. She handed me a CD and told me she was launching a solo career. You could tell back then she was destined for big things and we booked her in 2011 for one of her first UK solo shows. It’s amazing to see how far she’s come since then and to be able to bring her back as a headliner this year.”
Diawara recently made history, becoming the first woman of colour to be given an Epiphone signature guitar. At the 2019 Grammys, she was nominated for Best World Music Album.
The organisers are committed to making it as affordable as possible for its audience, with Liverpool City Region dwellers currently able to buy tickets for just £11 – an Earlybird price freeze for locals.
This year’s celebration, as always, will deliver an eclectic mix of international live acts, emerging talent, community performances, world cuisine and much more, with Nigerian Afrobeats star Patrotanking and Congolese eco-punks Fulu Miziki already announced for the event.
Book your tickets for Africa Oye here.
We spoke to the creator of Africa Oye to find out what’s new for this year, 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.
Liverpool City Council is to deliver a visionary new SEND school and become a ‘net zero in operation primary school’ built around a unique village community vision.
The new Princes Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) School in Dovecot will offer state-of-the-art learning and therapeutic environments purpose-built for children with diverse and complex needs and who have been given an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The project is backed by £37m of investment and provides 250 SEND places.
Ridge and Partners LLP were appointed as consultants to design the scheme through to RIBA stage 3 (planning) and currently remain as design advisors to LCC. An open and competitive process to select the main contractor is currently ongoing.
The project responds to the urgent need to replace the school’s ageing estate with Princes SEND School, currently operating across four sites that, while safe, are reaching the end of their functional life and cannot adequately meet pupils’ growing, complex needs.
This follows the £10m regeneration of Bank View School in Speke in December, which increased additional SEND places.
In Liverpool, pupils with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) rose by 50% between 2020 and 2024.
The approved scheme will consolidate provision into a single, modern campus adjacent to Colwell Road in Tuebrook, with facilities designed to future-proof education and care. The campus will host specialist spaces, including hydrotherapy pools, with opportunities for the wider SEND community to access certain facilities outside school hours to keep in line with its community-minded design.
As the facilities will be net zero in operation, this will mean cutting operational carbon emissions while improving comfort and resilience for pupils and staff. The new school is expected to open by the 2029 academic year, following completion of construction and commissioning.
Councillor Jo Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Employment, Educational Attainment and Skills, said:
“This is a transformative moment for inclusive education in Liverpool. By delivering our first Net Zero in operation school, we’re investing in world-class environments that put children and families at the heart of a sustainable future.
“Princes SEND School’s ‘village community’ concept brings education, therapy, and family support together in one place. Now that we have planning approval we’re ready to move quickly and get spades in the ground.
“I also want to reassure parents and carers that we remain committed to making improvements to the current Princes School buildings whilst they remain in use.”
Pete Hawkins, Chair of Governors at Princes School, said:
“They say it takes a village to raise a child, but for our families, their village is getting smaller. Their children may not be able to do the same activities as children at mainstream schools, and they don’t have the same opportunities to socialise. We want to create a place where they feel they belong.”
Find out more news about Liverpool City Council here
Find more Liverpool News here
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
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Speedo Mick has revealed he thought about turning down an honour from the King because he felt conflicted over accepting it.
Mick was named in the King’s New Year Honours List, receiving a British Empire Medal for his services to charity after his incredible treks around the country raised more than £1million.
BEMs are awarded specifically for an achievement or contribution that’s very hands-on in the community, often in recognition of local charitable achievements or innovative work that has resulted in real impact.
But although he says it was “something I could never have imagined in a million years”, Mick admits he still thought long and hard about whether to refuse it.
He explains:
“When I got the letter telling me about the honour, I absolutely wasn’t expecting it, it was a complete surprise, and I still don’t know who nominated me. When I saw it was from His Majesty I thought I’d forgotten to pay my tax!
“At first I read about four lines and then I put it down for a while because I was processing what I’d just read, it was a lot to take in, so I didn’t read it all for a few hours.
“I wasn’t sure if I could reconcile it with me personally and my own morals. I’ve always been anti-establishment, I’m a working class lad and we’ve had to fight for everything we’ve got. They’re on the other side of the tracks and we’re not aligned so I honestly wasn’t sure.
“I even wondered whether I should make a statement — maybe refuse it altogether – because I care. Because inequality hurts. Because I’ve lived on the wrong side of it.”
Mick says he took months making his mind up, contacting friends and family to get their reactions.
“I was seriously thinking I might not take it so I phoned loads of people up who I value and trust and respect, including my best mate, and I said ‘look, I’ve got a dilemma.’
“I was going to listen with an open mind, but every single person said, ‘take it, you’ve worked hard enough for it.’ So I listened to a lot of opinions before I made the decision.
“I even phoned my family in Ireland and asked them, because I wanted some guidance from them about what I should do, but they said, ‘you’ve turned your life around and it’s an acknowledgement of how far you’ve come.’ That was it, I didn’t need to ask anyone else.”
Mick, who’s about to embark on his latest fundraising Arctic challenge in February, will be presented with his BEM in London in May and plans to take his two granddaughters with him to the ceremonies.
“I’ve got to go to the Tower of London and then to Buckingham Palace so I’m going to take one of my granddaughters to each,” he says.
He hopes that by accepting the honour he can inspire other people who’ve been through or are still going through their own struggles, and help more grassroots charities to support those who need it most.
“It’s not about the awards, I’ve never been looking for awards or medals, it’s the good deed that you do that really matters.
“I’ve had such incredible support from the people of Liverpool, I’m so grateful for that, and I just hope this honour from the King can help me do more work. I realised I needed to think of the bigger picture, not just myself.
“The letter says, ‘to the founder of the Speedo Mick Foundation’ and I was buzzing about that. It’s something I’ve made happen and that’s massive to me and hopefully the charity will be able to continue for years to come – me in my knickers, doing my thing, now by royal approval!”
Find out more about the Speedo Mick Foundation here.
Speedo Mick is also teaming up with an Olympic champion for his next huge challenge, 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.
Article updated Thursday, 22 January 2026.
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, you might need to get thinking about how you’re going to show your love to that certain someone close to you.
And you’re in luck if you’re in and around Liverpool – because there’s a load of offers that’ll set hearts racing.
Barnacle Restaurant and Bar
Love is in the air at Barnacle Restaurant and Bar. The team are celebrating Valentine’s from Wednesday 11th to Sunday 15th February in the beautiful Grade II listed Old Blind School building on Hardman Street.
Their Valentine’s exclusive specials menu features beautifully crafted dishes by Head Chef David Alonso alongside Barnacle’s main menu to special Valentine’s cocktails, so there’s plenty of choice. And to make Valentine’s extra special, Barnacle’s Fizz and Flowers package can add a touch of romantic magic, with a stunning bouquet at the table and a glass of Henners sparkling wine on arrival to set the tone.
So whether it’s a first date, a long-overdue night out, or celebrating years of glorious love, Barnacle is the place to be this Valentine’s, as Harry and Paul Askew’s brasserie continues to tell the story of the city’s maritime history and how this has shaped Liverpool as a global gastronomic destination.
Find out more here.
Frederik’s – Hope Street
Frederik’s is doing it differently, with not one Valentine’s evening but three.
Fred’s Weekend of Love from Thursday, February 12 to Saturday, February 14 is about celebrating love and whoever it’s with.
There’ll be live music or a DJ, and they’re offering five plates or pizzettes to share, plus a dessert each for £25pp (based on 2 diners).
Plates include pan-fried chilli & garlic prawns with cherry tomato and sourdough; slow roast beef ragu tagliatelle with parmesan, and buffalo cauliflower wings with a garlic aioli dip. (ve), and puds feature rich chocolate torte & red berry compote and sticky toffee pudding, with vanilla ice cream and toffee sauce.
Find out more here.
Titanic Hotel
‘Love on the Docks’ is a great way to get into the good books and treat your other half to a luxurious night at the Regent Road hotel. From only £125 per couple, you can enjoy an overnight stay, a full English breakfast and a bottle of wine on arrival.
Add a romantic dinner in Stanley’s Bar & Grill – we recommend the Surf and Turf experience with two 6oz fillet steaks and a thermidor lobster tail with mornay sauce for £105 for two – or a Couple’s Retreat at its Maya Blue Wellness spa, and you’ll be in the good books for a long time to come.
Find out more here.
Miller and Carter
The Albert Dock restaurant’s offering the chance to indulge in two decadent experiences from Sunday, February 7 to Sunday, February 15.
Choose the Valentine’s set menu with a three course meal from £41.50 – including a main event 8oz fillet or 10oz Wagyu sirloin – to which you can add a glass of Moët & Chandon Champagne for just £10; or if you prefer to share, go straight to the Limited-Edition Sharing Steak Experience for two.
Enjoy 28oz of 50-day aged Black Angus finest cuts, luxurious sides including sauteed greens and chantenay carrots, grilled lobster tail, and sumptuous steak sauce for £95 – or pair your experience with a bottle of luxury wine including Moet & Chandon Imperial Champagne or Whispering Angel Rose for £135.
Find out more here.
Gusto
Celebrate the day of love with a dedicated three-course sharing menu and a glass of house wine for £50 per person, available from February 13-14.
Start with creamy Burrata, then devour 390g Chateaubriand or their Seafood Risotto for the main event, and finish with The Grande Éclair paired with strawberries and cream for an unforgettable dinner.
Find out more here.
Little Leaf and Leaf Smithdown Road
For everyone celebrating love, friendship, or simply with a shared devotion to delicious desserts, the teams at Little Leaf on Thursday 12th and Leaf Smithdown on Saturday 14th February are ready to welcome guests to their special Valentine’s editions of Pudding Club.
There are five indulgent dessert courses lovingly crafted by Leaf’s in-house patisserie team, each paired with one of Leaf’s loose-leaf teas. This is the perfect treat for couples, besties, or anyone with a sweet tooth on Valentine’s. Pudding Club starts from 7pm.
Find out more here.
Flight Club
Running between 13th and 15th February, Flight Club is giving the classic Galentine’s go-to – Bottomless Brunch – a fun and energetic twist with the addition of Social Darts.
What could be better than gathering all your BFFs together for flowing drinks, good food, and some competitive fun to toast the more time for your besties? Plus, throwing a dart can be pretty therapeutic!
Flight Club’s two-hour bottomless brunch includes a welcome cocktail to get the good times going, followed by a bottle of Prosecco or four beers each, live DJ sets and bottomless sourdough pizza paddles for the full two hours. The two hours are split with 60 minutes at the oche and the second hour at a bar table to polish off the pizza and Prosecco post-Social Darts. Tickets are priced from £33 per person.
Find out more here.
The Art School
Valentine’s Day at The Art School is being celebrated on Saturday 14th February with Chef Patron Paul Askew and his team preparing three wonderful experiences.
The Art School are ready to immerse guests in the exquisite splendour of their Sugnall Street home with their Celebration Prix Fixe Menu lunch and early evening services at £89.00 per person for an aperitif and 4 courses, along with an optional wine flight – £50.00 per person.
This is followed by a full Celebration Menu service in the evening at £145 per person for aperitif, snacks and four courses and an optional Wine Flight – £75 per person. Downstairs in The Art School Cellars, there’s a special afternoon tea service with champagne, handmade open sandwiches, and patisseries to be enjoyed too.
Find out more here
Malmaison
This Valentine’s Day, Malmaison has launched ‘Malentine’s Day’ with two offers available to enjoy.
Indulge in an overnight stay with a three‑course Veuve Clicquot dinner, complete with three perfectly paired drinks each, followed by a full cooked breakfast the next morning. Going all in? Add a bottle of Champagne and late checkout
Or, treat your loved one to an indulgent three course Valentines menu paired with three Veuve Clicquot cocktails
Available from the 1st February – 28th February
Find out more here
The Botanist
Cosy up at The Botanist and tuck into a three-course sharing menu for two for just £39.95 per couple.
No Valentine’s date? No problem!
Celebrate Galentine’s Day on February 13 instead with the ultimate ‘girl dinner’ featuring a fresh Caesar Salad, seasoned chips, and a perfectly chilled Martini. Whether it’s romance or friendship, you can make this February one to remember.
Find out more here.
Fazenda Radizio Bar & Grill
From £60 per head, you can enjoy a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, a butter-bathed lobster tail to share, its signature Churrasco Experience and a special Valentine’s dessert.
And you can celebrate love with them from February 9-15.
Find out more here.
Hope Street Hotel
Love is definitely in the air at the Hope Street Hotel where you can toast to romance in its luxurious spa. Stay in one of the rooftop or terrace suites, enjoy the private outdoor spa bath, and sip a complimentary bottle of Nyetimber under the stars.
The experience starts from £395 and is available to book until February 28.
Find out more here.
London Carriage Works
Dine at the London Carriage Works at the Hope Street Hotel and you can enjoy a special Valentine’s Lunch or Early Evening Dinner with two or three courses for £35 and £45 respectively.
Starters include Butternut squash, parmesan, pickled mushrooms and shallot, and Chalk stream trout with celeriac, green apple and vanilla; and mains feature pan-roasted rump of lamb, shoulder navarin, confit potato, black kale and mint, and poached chicken, thigh kiev, fennel, smoked garlic, and pomme anna.
The evening dinner menu is from £75 per person and includes an amuse bouche, a three course menu and coffee and truffles.
Find out more here.
Malmaison
Check in and turn the volume up on romance this Valentine’s Day at Malmaison. Enjoy an overnight stay with a three-course Veuve Clicquot dinner, complete with three perfectly paired drinks each, followed by a full cooked breakfast the next morning from £254.
Add a bottle of Champagne and late checkout and make the morning part of the fun.
Find out more here.
Voyager’s Restaurant & Bar
Nestled on Parr Street in the heart of Liverpool’s Ropewalks District, the restaurant has unveiled an irresistible Valentine’s menu that promises bold flavours, beautiful plates, and a touch of indulgence.
Voyagers’ Valentine’s menu, priced at £49 per person, includes a glass of fizz, freshly baked focaccia with marinated olives, two small plates and one side dish.
Standout dishes include chargrilled sea bass with curried parsnip purée and pomegranate; 8oz rump steak with chimichurri; burratina with blood orange, fennel, pistachio and honey; and salt & pepper squid finished with hot honey and garlic aioli.
Find out more here.
Voisin
It’s okay to be cheesy on Valentine’s Day and you can join Voisin in Heswall for a Cheese and Wine Tasting on Saturday, February 14 itself.
For £40 per person you get six wines paired with six cheeses.
Find out more here.
Smoke & Dough
Smoke & Dough Liverpool is where ‘love, laughter, and smoky flavours come together’ for a celebration you won’t forget. On February 14 – from 12 noon to 10.30pm – you can enjoy a four-course meal for £39.99 per person – and you even get a free glass of bubbly to toast your special event.
Find out more here.
BOXPARK
For a fun way to spend Valentine’s Day, team up as detectives and try to track down a murderer at BOXPARK’s live immersive Murder Mystery Bottomless Brunch, from 2pm to 7pm.
Along with plenty of clues to solve, you’ll get two hours of bottomless drinks, a choice of food vendors to keep all tastes happy and entertainment courtesy of DJ Tizzle.
Find out more here.
Keep checking back with us as we will be adding even more events and great places to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Liverpool.
For more events taking place around Valentines Day head over to our calendar here.
The end of January is finally in sight so that’s definitely worth celebrating! If you’re looking for ideas, here are 18 things to do in Liverpool this week …
See Kamari the adorable White Rhino calf at Knowsley Safari
New arrivals at Knowsley Safari are always an extra special reason to visit and right now you can see the latest addition to the family: super-cute Kamari, the nine-week-old baby Southern White Rhino calf, who can be spotted with her mum Bayami, usually on warmer dry days.
Find out more here.
Corked has opened on Oriel Close
It only opened just before Christmas so if you missed it, Corked is one to get on your new year to-go list. On Oriel Close alleyway off Water Street, it’s not only a bar serving wines, cocktails and beers, it’s also a wine and sherry shop so you can sip in or takeaway, Wed-Sun.
Find out more here.
Matchday screenings at BOXPARK Liverpool
Big games coming up for the Reds and Blues and if you can’t be at the grounds for the action, the atmosphere at BOXPARK is the next best thing – and you can grab fantastic street food from one of the vendors. Everton v Leeds is Monday night, then Liverpool v Newcastle on Saturday.
Find out more here.
Make the most of the last of the Jan deals
One of the things that’s made January feel not so bad is the brilliant deals lots of restaurants, attractions and hotels have been offering for the month. Most are still on until Saturday, but the clock’s ticking and slots usually fill up so if you fancy a discount it’s best to get booking.
Find out more here.
Last Chance to see Mary Poppins at the Liverpool Empire
The reviews for this show have been phenomenal, and it’s been described as one of the best ever to come to the Empire. It’s 100% a feelgood experience, so if you love everyone’s favourite nanny, and a night of non-stop singing, dancing and joy, don’t miss it, on until Saturday.
Find out more here.
Sefton Palm House reopens this weekend
The Palm House has been closed through January for maintenance and pruning, but if you’ve been missing it, the good news is it reopens to visitors from 10am this Friday and a programme of events including family craft club, yoga and jazz afternoons restarts in February.
Find out more here.
The Ghost of Graves End at Unity Theatre
For thrills and chills that don’t take themselves too seriously, head to the Unity Theatre this week for The Ghost of Graves End. It’s a spooky Victorian comedy inspired by classic ghost stories but with plenty of added silliness. On from Wednesday to Saturday.
Find out more here.
Lost in Music at Floral Pavilion
If classic disco of the ‘70s is your music era, you’ll love Lost in Music at the Floral Pavilion this Thursday. It’s a tribute show that’s packed with glitterball hits from back in the day, from artists like Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor and Sister Sledge, all performed live on stage.
Find out more here.
Arctic Monkeys Exhibition at BME
Fans of Arctic Monkeys, or anyone interested in album cover stories, should get to British Music Experience’s new exhibition, Don’t Believe the Hype, all about the artwork of Arctic Monkeys’ 2006 debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not. On now until March 22.
Find out more here.
Pilgrim reopens in Allerton
Award-winning restaurant Pilgrim, which featured on TV in My Million Pound Menu then won lots of fans upstairs at Duke Street Market, is back at a new venue on Allerton Road. Like its successful predecessor, regularly-changing menus are inspired by the Camino de Santiago.
Find out more here.
Try burgers from Bernie’s
Burgers at Bernie’s are absolutely huge, it’s no wonder there’s queues to get them. With specials like BBQ pulled pork, and the giant gravy and brisket burger – not forgetting mac n cheese bites – you’ll find them behind Pastille bakery on Bath Street by Princes Dock, 4-10pm Thurs-Sun.
Find out more here.
Titanic Exhibition at White Star Line Hotel
If you’re fascinated by the story of Titanic, and who isn’t, this exhibition of rare artefacts at the White Star Line Hotel James Street is a must-see. It features a wooden deckchair, personal letters, a fragment of sheet music and a section of the Grand Staircase. Until March 10.
Find out more here.
First Port Sunlight Village market of 2026
There’s always something going on at Port Sunlight Village and this Sunday it’s the Market which is filled with stalls selling everything from farm-fresh fruit and veg and award-winning cheeses, locally-sourced honey and artisan bakes to original gifts and crafts. Free entry, 9am-1pm.
Find out more here.
Southport Jazz Festival
Jazz is massive at the moment and fans will be descending on Southport this weekend for live music across three days and nights at The Grand on Lord Street. A packed programme includes the Swingtime Big Band featuring Liane Carroll and Emma Holcroft, and The Clare Teal 5.
Find out more here.
The Hot Place Sauna opens on Wirral
Fancy an exhilarating hot/cold plunge experience to get your blood pumping? The Hot Place Sauna in Thurstaston has a wood-fired sauna inside a converted horsebox to warm you up plus an outdoor cold plunge and it’s available for private hire if you want it just for mates or family.
Find out more here.
Laura’s Deli
Foodies looking to shop local and stock up with top quality produce should head to Laura’s Deli on Dovedale Road in Mossley Hill because it’s got a great selection including natural wines, cheeses, dressings, sauces and marinades, honeys and jams, kimchi and kombucha.
Find out more here.
Breakfast from Kiosk Coffee in Freshfield
Right next to Freshfield train station, Kiosk Coffee makes an ideal indie morning pitstop if you’re heading out for a walk. There’s a selection of pastries including filled croissants, or you could go for the healthy option with homemade granola, Greek yoghurt and fresh fruit.
Find out more here.
Cast’s gig at Jacaranda Baltic
Scouse heroes Cast are back on stage in the city this Saturday, with two album launch shows at Jacaranda Baltic, coinciding with Independent Venue Week. There’s one at 4pm and a second at 7pm, both 14+, and a limited number of tickets are still available for the afternoon gig.
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.
Liverpool Waters at Princes Dock has marked another strong year of progress with flexible office space growing in demand.
With near-capacity occupancy and an influx of new lettings, the area’s success has been highlighted as one of the city’s most dynamic business destinations.
With fully furnished suites at No. 12, all-inclusive pricing, ultra-fast broadband, charred kitchens, meeting rooms, parking, and the option of short-term contracts, Flexible workspace has been a key feature at Princes Dock.
In December 2022, the offer expanded into No.10 Princes Dock, creating more than 60 additional desks alongside boardrooms, meeting spaces and breakout areas.
Since then, the response from Liverpool’s business community has exceeded expectations. Over the past 18 months, Princes Dock has welcomed a diverse range of new tenants, including media organisation The Guide, Global Ports Holding, Lambert Smith Hampton, Roblox developers Abracadabra Studios, SME Wealth Management and LRB Law.
Tenant momentum has continued with several new moves and expansions confirmed in the past week:
- SME Wealth Management is now located in a larger 10-desk suite in No 10 Princes Dock, expanding from their current office as the business grows.
- New tenant Exploreae, a global‐science initiative promoting open‐source satellite and resource-economics, has moved into a suite in No 10 Princes Dock.
- Liverpool Cruise Port has secured additional space along its existing corridor, further strengthening its presence at Princes Dock.
- LRB Law has renewed its tenancy for another two years following strong growth.
- The Roblox developers, Abracadabra Studios and Dev House UK have signed on for an additional year, continuing their base at Princes Dock.
- Another new tenant, the brand and design agency ‘Into The Light’, has moved into a new office in No.12. The company was occupying a suite in No.10 while Peel Waters prepared their new workspace.
Simon Ellis, Managing Director at Into the Light, said:
“Into the Light has experienced strong, sustained growth over the past three years and that momentum is set to continue into 2026 and 2027 as we expand our client base, specifically targeting the FMCG sector. As a business built around collaboration, creativity and problem-solving, we needed a workspace that genuinely supports the way we work.
“Princes Dock at Liverpool Waters gives us exactly that. The space is light, airy and expansive, with room to think, to collaborate and to bring clients together in a creative environment. The openness of the building, combined with the quality of the surrounding waterfront and outdoor spaces, makes it an ideal location for workshops and creative sessions, and a fantastic base for the next stage of our growth.”
Princes Dock combines the tranquillity of a waterfront setting with exceptional connectivity to the city of Liverpool. Tenants benefit from riverside views, open-water swimming facilities, and even the UK’s first floating sauna.
The development has also become a preferred location for growing SMEs. Flexible, scalable suites allow businesses to expand without the disruption of a major move. One standout example is digital signing specialist E-Sign, which has upsized its office three times within Princes Dock thanks to sustained growth – each time remaining within the same supportive workplace community.
The growth at Princes Dock also reflects a wider national trend, with demand for flexible and co-working spaces continuing to increase across the UK. Many landlords now anticipate dedicating a substantial proportion of their office portfolios to flexible space by 2030.
This demand spans all business types – from freelancers and sole traders looking for 1-2 desk spaces, to large corporates seeking regional hubs or project-based offices. Community-focused, service-led environments like Princes Dock are increasingly setting the standard for modern, agile workplaces.
Liza Marco, Senior Asset Manager for Liverpool Waters, said:
“We’re seeing growing demand for high-quality, flexible office spaces, especially from start-ups and SMEs who want room to grow without the stress of relocating. Princes Dock offers exactly that, in an inspiring waterfront location that supports wellbeing, innovation, and business success. It’s an ideal base for companies looking to scale up in Liverpool.”
To find out more about the office space available at Liverpool Waters here
Find more Liverpool News here
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Legendary Liverpool record shop The Musical Box has discovered a connection to two pivotal figures in The Beatles career.
The shop on West Derby Road already has confirmed history linking it to John Lennon and original drummer Pete Best who regularly went in there in the early 60s to look for new releases.
Now, thanks to a customer, they’ve been able to add another two names to their famous customer list: manager Brian Epstein and Joe Flannery, who was the band’s booking manager in the early days.
The Musical Box, which was recognised last year as the oldest independent record store in England, has been in the same family for four generations.
Tony Quinn, his wife Paula and their son Craig currently run the shop, taking it on from Tony’s mum Diane and nan Dorothy, who was the original owner.
Diane is now 88 but is still able to recall some of the big names who popped in more than 60 years ago.
So, when a customer commented on The Musical Box’s social media that friends Joe Flannery and Brian Epstein were among them, Tony and Paula were able to double check with her.
Paula explains:
“We put a 1960s post on our socials and one person commented underneath that we were mentioned in Joe Flannery’s book which was called Standing in the Wings.
“They sent us a page highlighting a quote saying: ‘he took a trip with Brian Epstein to the font of all wisdom, The Musical Box, for records that NEMS did not have in stock’.
“I mentioned this to Diane, my mother-in-law, and she said she was aware that Joe Flannery used to come into the Tuebrook shop while she was there. He used to live in Tuebrook, by the Carlton, and she said she’d met him several times because he used to come in and promote his brother’s band, Lee Curtis and the All-Stars.
“We think he came in with Brian Epstein around 1962/63 because that’s when they were working together.”
Paula says it makes sense that they would have chosen The Musical Box because the shop was known at the time for having records by artists that weren’t so well known in the UK.
“Diane has told me that seamen used to visit the shop who’d been to America and they’d tell her and her mum all about the new artists they were aware of. Then when Diane and Dorothy saw the artists’ names on a new release list they would order them in.
“That explains how they had records and artists nobody else knew about at the time – they were being given a heads-up by the customers.
“They used to get American GIs based at Burtonwood coming in too, asking for Elvis Presley before he was well-known here, so the same happened. Diane said to her mum, ‘there’s that Elvis Presley on the new release list’, so then they ordered it in.
“They were always introducing the city to all these new artists.”
This latest Beatle story fits another piece into the fascinating jigsaw of The Musical Box’s history, and Paula says they’re grateful to customers who help them continually add to it.
“People are definitely very invested in the history of our shop, we’ve got lovely loyal customers and we’d never have known about this without them,” she adds.
“It’s not just our history, it’s customers’ past too. When they come in all those memories come back so we’re keeping it going for them as well.”
Find out more about The Musical Box here.
Find out about the new documentary about the early days of The Beatles 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.
Everton manager David Moyes believes Thierno Barry is finding his feet after his fourth goal in five Premier League matches secured a 1-1 draw at home to Leeds.
James Justin’s first since since September 2024 had put the visitors deservedly ahead before the Toffees, booed off at half-time, improved and Barry – who scored just once in his opening 18 league games – nicked the ball past Karl Darlow from close range.
“I’m really pleased for Thierno. There are a lot of strikers in the Premier League who cost a lot of money and it’s not easy for them either,” said Moyes.
“Recently we have not been creating that many chances, (so) he has had to take what he can. The bigger thing is he is a young French Under-21 international finding his way.
“His English was OK, not great, and I think he is just beginning to get settled in, (learning) how the Premier League works, what’s expected for the intensity of the league.
“He is getting used to the work levels and coming with that he is getting a few goals as well. We need to try to create some more chances so he can maybe get a few more.”
Leeds boss Daniel Farke was satisfied with a point, even though that allowed Nottingham Forest and West Ham to gain ground on them after they both won at the weekend.
“Overall a really good result for us on the road, especially after an impressive result for Everton last time (beating Aston Villa),” he said.
“The first half was impressive and it was unlucky we couldn’t capitalise. We had some great chances and we should have scored.
“It was clear at some point in the second half they would show up but I got the feeling we were still controlling the game even with less possession.
“We could have defended a bit sharper but I liked the reaction from the lads in the last 10 minutes.”
Asked whether their rivals’ results near the foot of the table had affected their mood going into the game, Farke added: “Not at all. We just focused on this game as we can’t influence what other teams are doing.
“It’s a long road, 38 games, you have to accept sometimes the teams around you win games.
“For us it was important to show another good performance. Slightly disappointed we didn’t win all three points because it was a possibility but it was a good result on the road.”
Read the Everton v Leeds match report 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.
Everton’s Thierno Barry continued to justify manager David Moyes’ faith by equalising in the 1-1 draw at home to Leeds at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The volume of boos at half-time with the hosts trailing to James Justin’s goal indicated the level of annoyance fans had with another lacklustre display, but that would easily have been eclipsed had the Frenchman not maintained his recent hot streak.
Having scored just one in his first 18 Premier League matches, the 23-year-old now has four in his last five, including the winner at high-flying Aston Villa last time out.
Despite having the more experienced Beto on the bench, Moyes kept Barry on the field despite the situation looking increasingly dire and he was rewarded when the striker nipped in front of Sebastiaan Bornauw to clip Idrissa Gueye’s cross into the roof of the net in the 76th minute.
The release of frustration around the stadium was palpable but, had Gueye’s shot from the edge of the area gone in off the crossbar instead of rebounding away, the half-time jeers would have been long forgotten.
Everton’s record of winning only once at home since November is largely responsible for the frustration of fans, who have seen only four league victories at home all season.
The draw was a blow to Leeds, who were hoping to maintain the gap to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest and West Ham, who both won at the weekend.
But one defeat in their last 10 league matches has at least given them a platform, although they too will have wanted a better return than three wins in that spell.
David Moyes believes the return of quality players proved the difference against Leeds United – and can be crucial to the Blues' hopes for the rest of the season. 🔵
— Everton (@Everton) January 26, 2026
Everton may have feared the return of their former striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who left them in the summer, but the closest he came was hitting the post from five yards.
Instead it was Justin, scoring his first Premier League goal since September 2024, who made the 28th-minute breakthrough after taking advantage of some slack defending.
Jayden Bogle and Anton Stach combined down the right, a profitable avenue throughout the first half, and although Calvert-Lewin could not get a touch on the cross, Justin arrived at the far post to blast home after Dwight McNeil failed to track his run.
Everton complained Iliman Ndiaye, together with Gueye back after winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, had been fouled earlier in the move but they were clutching at straws.
Then Calvert-Lewin’s instinctive first-time poke rebounded off the post but the best Everton could muster in response was James Garner slicing an optimistic left-footed shot into the side-netting and the boos quickly followed.
Moyes’ response was to switch to a back three, meaning a first appearance of the season for Jarrad Branthwaite after hamstring surgery, with a fit-again Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall replacing McNeil.
It prompted an improvement with Ndiaye’s attempt blocked by Bornauw and Barry’s shot bringing the best save of the game from Karl Darlow.
However, the Leeds goalkeeper could only watch as the Frenchman’s close-range effort flashed past him for the equaliser.
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Edge Hill University and Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust have announced a new strategic partnership.
By bridging the gap between clinical excellence, academic research and community insight, this five-year partnership will allow both institutions to work more creatively and collaboratively.
The partnership formalises years of successful cooperation through research projects, student placements and shared academic expertise, moving toward enhanced training, research, and service delivery.
Professor George Talbot, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Exchange) said:
“As a university, our greatest strength lies in our community and partnership working, and we share with Alder Hey a commitment to our local communities. Our new joint mission is to create knowledge that changes lives, right across the North West.
“We look forward to working ever more closely with Alder Hey on connected and complementary areas of expertise, so as to position the region at the forefront of workforce development, in alignment with the Government’s emerging 10-year Health Plan.
“As a university partner we aim to offer something which enhances Alder Hey’s mission, whether it be through our network of school connections, our expertise on using sport and the arts to improve people’s lives or our plans for delivering continuing professional development education.”
Initially, the partnership will focus on two critical areas at the intersection of health and education:
- Virtual wards, exploring innovative ways to deliver hospital-level care in the home environment.
- Mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention in education and the wider community, supporting children and young people’s mental wellbeing in health and school settings.
Edge Hill and Alder Hey will also co-create a comprehensive suite of professional development opportunities, curate resources across both institutions and establish regular collaborative forums to inform future workforce strategies.
The partnership aims to look beyond traditional clinical boundaries, utilising Edge Hill’s expertise in sport and the arts to improve staff resilience as well as patient wellbeing.
Dr Katherine Birch, Director of Alder Hey Academy, said:
“At Alder Hey, everything we do is driven by a simple but powerful ambition: to give children and young people the best possible start in life, not only through outstanding clinical care, but by contributing to the wider conditions that help them thrive. Education, opportunity, innovation and community are central to that mission, as they are to Edge Hill’s.
“Both organisations are deeply rooted in this region and proud of the role we play within it. We share a belief that institutions like ours have responsibilities that go beyond our walls: to develop talent, to support social mobility, to contribute to the local economy and to create opportunities together that will shape the futures of generations to come.”
Edge Hill’s Dr Helen O’Keeffe, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Education, and Colin Johnson, Interim Dean of Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, added:
“By combining clinical, academic and community insights, we aim to enhance training, research and service delivery.
“Together, we will co-develop innovative approaches that strengthen the skills of those working with children and young people, support integrated practice and contribute to shaping a happier, healthier, more inclusive future for the next generation.”