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The Grand National is the showpiece spectacle that’s loved by millions worldwide, but the thrill of Aintree Racecourse lasts all year-round and that includes at Christmas time.
Racing returns to the famous course on Boxing Day so if you’ve never experienced it before, or if you’re a regular racegoer, here are 6 reasons why you should visit Aintree this Boxing Day …
Start a new tradition
Football on Boxing Day has been a fixture, especially in Liverpool, for generations but who says there isn’t room for another sporting tradition? There’s no better year to start than this year, especially as the Reds and Blues don’t have matches on. Get the family together, or a group of mates, and make celebrating at Aintree an extra date in your diary to look forward to.
It’s super-easy to get to on the train
One of the big plusses of Aintree is just how easy it is to get to by train so nobody has to drive and you don’t even have to think about parking. Because it’s a bank holiday, Merseyrail will be running a special 30-minute service from around 09.30am to 7pm, but it’s laying on extra trains between Liverpool and Aintree station for anyone going to the Boxing Day racing and the station is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the main entrance.
Under 18’s go free!
Everyone loves a festive freebie and if you’re planning a race day out at Aintree this Boxing Day, you can make sure the whole family’s included because under 18s go free in the Grandstand and the Paddock so you can still get a great view of the action and keep the cost down.
Enjoy heart-pounding races
If you’re a racing fan, there’s really nothing quite like the excitement of cheering your horse to the famous Aintree finishing post. For anyone who’s only watched on TV before, this is a post-Christmas gift because hearing the sound of hooves on the turf thundering past is incredible. Not only do you get a full afternoon of races including the iconic William Hill Formby Novices’ Hurdle, the atmosphere at William Hill Boxing Day Racing is something special so it’s definitely a place to make extra memories.
A chance to wear your Boxing Day best
Aintree is famous for its style not just its racing, and that isn’t only true at the National. Getting all dressed up on Boxing Day is a Scouse essential, so here’s the perfect chance to go fully glammed (or suited) up and let everyone see you in your festive best!
Upgrade to hospitality
Christmas is a time to treat yourself and your loved ones, and that doesn’t have to stop on the 25th – keep it going for another day and make Boxing Day racing even more fabulous. Upgrade with one of Aintree’s hospitality packages including a meal, private tables and private betting, and really make it a day to remember. There’s even an exclusive platinum option that includes full Afternoon Tea with Champagne, and your own private balcony overlooking the winning post.
Book your tickets now on the Aintree Racecourse website.
Find out what’s on across Liverpool this Christmas here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
See what’s on in between Christmas and New Year in Liverpool.
The Christmas festivities might be over but there’s still loads going on in Liverpool until the party poppers signal the start of the New Year.
It’s a busy time as ever with plenty of fun to help you make the most of the rest of the season in the city.
So Happy Twixmas!
Liverpool ONE – Bar Hutte, Boxing Day Sales and more
Gorgeous lights to see, the incredible alpine village in Chavasse Park, and the Boxing Day sales – Liverpool ONE’s a hive of activity at any time of year but it comes into its own at Christmas – and Twixmas! Add blockbuster releases like Avatar: Fire and Ash at the Odeon, games galore at the likes of Junkyard Golf, and food and drink offers at its bars and restaurants, and this is one place to head to more than once.
Day out in Southport
More glitzy illuminations like the Bear and the Reindeer and the Musical Christmas Tree to enjoy at Southport, along with fab food at its amazing market, Silcock’s Funland at the Pier, panto at the Atkinson and some boss shops to get all those sales bargains. If you’ve over indulged on Christmas Day too, a brisk walk on the beach could be what you need to stave off the sluggishness.
Boxing Day racing at Aintree
Saddle up for a day of heart-pounding action as some of the finest horses, jockeys, and trainers take to the Aintree track this Boxing Day. There’s a full day of racing from 12 noon so why not gather family and friends together, soak up the atmosphere, and make memories that’ll last long after the tinsel comes down.
Young Frankenstein the Musical at the Playhouse
If you’re after a giggle, this is guaranteed to be high up on the chuckle ratings. From the creators of The Producers, it tells the story of Victor Frankenstein’s grandson who inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania and, with the help of sidekick Igor and lab assistant Inga, brings to life a creature who escapes causing chaos and comedy. On until Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Pantos continue
Who doesn’t love a panto, and the fun and frivolity continues at theatres across the city region with Jack and the Beanstalk for the Everyman’s legendary Rock ‘n’ Roll panto, Dick Whittington at the Theatre Royal in St Helens, a unique version of Cinderella at the Shakespeare North Playhouse and Sleeping Beauty over in New Brighton at the Floral Pavilion. Songs, slapstick, sequins and sparkle … what’s not to love?!
Or a panto for the big kids at the Royal Court
One to leave the kids home for, A Scouse Christmas Carol is just for the adults, so expect a bit of cheeky humour and a dash of naughtiness as the theatre puts a Scouse twist on the Dickens’ classic. Jacob Marley’s dead and nobody knows who bumped him off so his missus, Barbara, sets out to track down his killer – and she’s got her sights on Scrooge. On until January 24, 2026.
Be a tourist in your own city
There’s so much that gets people flocking to the city, but how often do we make the most of the amazing attractions ourselves? If you’ve got free time this Twixmas, why not check out Mersey Ferries River Explorer Cruise to enjoy the fabulous waterfront from the Mersey itself; visit The Beatles Story – the world’s largest exhibition devoted to the Fab Four; get a bird’s eye view of the city from The Royal Liver Building and learn more about one of the city’s most iconic attractions with RLB360, or take a trip to Strawberry Field, the former playground of John Lennon that’s now an interactive visitor centre.
Visit our museums with so much stuff to see between December 27th and January 4
We’ve got seven amazing museums and galleries and they’re always full of fascinating exhibitions. There’s still chance to catch some festive fun as well as some incredible displays like the Turner: Always Contemporary Exhibition marking 250 years since the birth of JMW Turner at the Walker, and Treasure: History Unearthed featuring the largest collection of treasure ever shown in the region at the Museum of Liverpool. At World Museum you can journey into space via its pioneering Planetarium, and at lady Lever, you can enjoy one of the UK’s finest collections of fine and decorative art including William Lever’s collection of Chinese porcelain and other Chinese works of art.
Catch a movie at the Everyman Cinema in Metquarter
At the Everyman it’s not just the latest film but a luxurious cinema experience you can enjoy. This is an A-list picture house where you can choose your movie, sit back in your luxurious seat, and order food – and maybe a cocktail or two – to be delivered right to you.
Be wowed with a visit to Liverpool Cathedral and a meal at the Welsford!
Built for the people, Liverpool Cathedral’s the largest cathedral in Britain and the fifth largest in the world. Designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott (famous also for creating the red telephone box!) the stunning gothic-style building is home to some amazing artwork – and it’s also home to the Welsford Bistro with a great breakfast and brunch menu, and mains like scouse that’s said to be the ‘best Scouse in Liverpool’.
Tuck into Liverpool’s new restaurants
The city’s got some of the region’s best restaurants, with new venues which are definitely worth a visit. Chef Paul Askew’s welcoming guests to fine dining at his new Barnacle Restaurant at the old School for the Blind in Hardman Street, while authentic family-run Italian restaurant Pasta Cosa is celebrating a new – even larger – Albert Dock counterpart to its base in Castle Street to ensure your fix offavourite handmade pasta dishes. Meanwhile Brewski’s arrived on The Terrace at Liverpool ONE bringing a taste of the steakhouses of New York and the taco trucks of California. (Brewski is pictured above)
Or a Christmas tipple at one of Liverpool’s new pubs
There’s nothing jollier than a festive pint or a glass of fizz with friends or family, and you can toast the season at a host of new or newly-refurbished bars and pubs in Liverpool like Madre sister Salon, a new tequila-led pool hall in Hanover Street; the drinks and social gaming venue Black Cat Club in Exchange Flags; Newington Temple, the historic pub recently restored to its Victorian glory by Liverpool-based Ma Pub Group, and St Peter’s Tavern in Seel Street, once Alma de Cuba and one of the city’s oldest churches.
IceBox at BOXPARK
You can channel your inner Torvill and Dean until January 11 with the outdoor ice skating rink at BOXPARK, and when you join them in January every paying adult can take two kids onto the ice for free! It’s back at the Cains Brewery Village with a bigger rink, and you can also tuck into some delicious street food, and warm up with some mulled wine and winter cocktails (although we’d suggest the latter once you’ve got your skates off!).
Liverpool Indoor Funfair
All the fun of the fair’s back at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool and as alwaysyou can expect jaw-dropping rides and attractions all under one roof, from the dodgems and the waltzers, to an inflatable slide, bungee trampolines, a ferris wheel, funhouse and more. There’s a café … and look out for quiet sessions too. It’s there until Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Need a last minute gift idea? How about booking a Virgin Experience in Liverpool – find out more HERE.
Iconic buildings and venues across the North West will light up green on Friday 3rd January to mark the first anniversary of the passing of James Lee Williams, known around the world as drag superstar The Vivienne.
From Liverpool to Chester, with venues on Manchester’s Canal Street also expected to take part, the tribute reflects the scale of James’ impact on the LGBTQ+ community, both locally and further afield.
One year on, James’ death continues to be felt by those who knew them personally, as well as by many who connected with their work through drag, theatre and television.
James Lee Williams was more than a performer. As the UK’s first winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, The Vivienne played a significant role in bringing drag back into the modern mainstream and opening doors for a new generation of performers. Coming from Colwyn Bay, James moved to Liverpool at 16, where The Vivienne was born, with the city playing a central role in shaping their career and public identity.
On 3rd January, Liverpool, with support from Chester and Manchester, will come together in remembrance and solidarity.
A number of Liverpool landmarks will mark the occasion by lighting up green, including St George’s Hall, the Liverpool Empire, M&S Bank Arena, and St John’s Beacon, with community venues such as The Lisbon, Superstar Boudoir and Heaven also taking part. The green lighting references James’ role as the Wicked Witch in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End and UK tour production of The Wizard of Oz.
The tribute will extend beyond Liverpool, with Chester, where James lived in recent years, also taking part, with both Storyhouse, Chester and the Rainbow Tearooms lighting up in recognition. Various venues across Manchester’ Gay Village that have the capability, will also light up to demonstrate how widespread the love for this north west queen is.
James’ family established the charity The House of the Vivienne in their memory, which supports people affected by substance use, with a particular focus on ketamine awareness, education and harm reduction.
This tribute is about remembrance and recognition, and about the region acknowledging the impact of one of its own.
Liverpool has long taken pride in celebrating its people, and on 3rd January the city will mark The Vivienne’s contribution in a way that reflects that tradition.
Read about the convoy of big-hearted bikers that dropped gifts off at Alder Hey this Christmas HERE.
Everton Women players Maz Pacheco and Toni Payne paid a special visit to The People’s Place as part of Everton in the Community’s Together We Can Make Christmas campaign, meeting three women whose lives have been transformed through the charity’s mental health support.
Joined by EitC CEO Sue Gregory, the Blues duo sat down with Tashi, Arjeta and Louise to hear their deeply personal journeys – stories of isolation, survival and recovery that highlight the life-changing impact of Everton in the Community’s work across the Liverpool City Region and how it has supported them through some of the darkest moments of their lives.
For Tashi, finding Everton in the Community was a turning point after years of struggling with her mental health: “Even from the first session, everyone was so friendly and included and encouraged me and that then led me to joining a community football team in Formby,” she said. “For me, this programme has saved my life.
“I was in a really dark place and had no interest in living my life. I never thought I’d make it past 30, let alone feel comfortable sharing my story. If my story can help just one person – a young girl, a teenager or an adult – then I would be so proud.”
Arjeta’s journey began after being encouraged to attend an Everton in the Community session whilst working to achieve asylum in the UK after being trafficked to the country from Albania: “I first found out about Everton in the Community in 2021 when my immigration case worker encouraged me to go along,” she explained. “I joined a programme called ‘Welcome to Football’ for refugees and asylum seekers and it was fantastic for me – it stopped me feeling isolated and I really enjoyed playing football every week, even though I struggled with learning scouse!”
Louise spoke openly about the long-term impact of a controlling relationship and the importance of finding the right support. “My body is strong but my mind is not,” she said. “It’s so hard to open up to someone you know. It’s often easier to talk to someone who doesn’t know you or your situation. No one really knows what you’re going through unless they’ve been there.”
During the conversation, Blues defender Maz reflected on the strength shown by the women.
“Do you three see yourselves as role models in the community?” she asked. “I’m sat here in awe of you all – there’s no doubt in my mind that you’re role models.”
The visit reinforced the values at the heart of Everton in the Community, with Maz adding:
“The more time I spend with Everton in the Community, the more I truly believe that it really is The People’s Club. Sitting down with you women and hearing what you’ve been through and how you’ve turned your lives around is incredible. I’m proud to play for Everton and proud to wear the badge – you realise just how special this club really is.”
The Club’s charitable arm first began delivering targeted development mental health programmes in 2008, using football as a tool to encourage like-minded people to come together and talk whilst keeping physically active. The charity now delivers 15 projects all focused on improving mental health for people of all ages including programmes for people suffering from social isolation, those living with dementia, veterans, and school children identified as being at risk of developing mental health issues.
And in March 2023, Everton in the Community opened The People’s Place, the Premier League’s first purpose-built mental health and wellness hub in the heart of Liverpool 4. The facility houses the charity’s mental health projects as well as providing a layer of professional support with GPs and mental health practitioners on site, promoting positive mental health and suicide prevention through an extensive range of evidence-based provision.
The visit forms part of Everton in the Community’s Together We Can Make Christmas campaign, which shines a light on the challenges faced by individuals and families at Christmas – including loneliness, poor mental health and social isolation – and calls on supporters to help ensure no one is left behind this festive season.
If you are able to help EitC support more women like Tashi, Arjeta and Louise then please visit www.evertonfc.com/eitc-christmas to make a donation.
Read more about Everton’s Christmas visit to Alder Hey HERE.
easyJet has launched its jolliest sale of the year – the Big Orange Sale – for Brits looking to explore more of Europe and beyond for less and ideal as a last-minute Christmas gift.
Over 1.2 million seats to and from the UK, and over 60k from Liverpool John Lennon Airport are now available to book with up to 20% off, including over February and October half-terms.
Discounted fares are available across thousands of easyJet flights to and from the UK between 5 January and 13 December 2026, to 140 destinations on the airline’s unrivalled short-haul network spanning Europe and beyond.
This includes flights to brand new destinations which launched for the first-time this year from Liverpool including to Naples, Marseille, Milan, Vienna, Madrid, Gran Canaria and Krakow.
easyJet holidays is offering savings of up to £400 off all package holidays currently on sale.
The leading package holiday provider is offering £400* off a minimum spend of £4000, £300 off a minimum spend of £3000, £150 off a minimum spend of £1500, £100 off a minimum spend of £800, and £50 off a minimum spend of £500 with the code BIGSALE.
Customers can choose from more than 8000 hotels in over 100 destinations in Europe and North Africa. Discounts are valid on holidays booked before 11pm on 3 March 2026 for travel between now and 31 October 2027.
All easyJet holidays include flights and hotel with 23kg luggage per person and transfers on beach holidays, all covered by its Ultimate Flexibility, offering freedom to change a booking, a refund guarantee, and best price guarantee.
Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said:
“By launching our Big Orange Sale today, customers can take advantage of our great value fares from Liverpool and make plans for a well-deserved break to look forward to in 2026.
“With over 45 new routes from the UK available for next year, customers can choose from flights and package holidays to up to 140 destinations across Europe and beyond, whether that’s to return to their top holiday hotspot, or discover somewhere new.
“We look forward to welcoming millions of customers onboard in 2026 and we remain focused on providing them with low-cost travel, flying them where they want to go, and always aiming to make the travel experience easy.”
Over the past 12 months, easyJet has continued to grow its network at the airport, having launched ten new routes from Liverpool including Malta, Fuerteventura, Prague, Berlin, Marrakesh, City of Derry, Sharm el Sheikh, Split, Lisbon and Paphos.
Great value fares are now available across thousands of flights from just £16.99*, including:
Liverpool to Berlin and Geneva from £16.99*, Vienna from £20.99*, Alicante from £21.49* and Faro from £22.99*.
The not-to-be-missed discounts are available to book from today, Tuesday 23 December until 11pm on Tuesday 3 February at easyJet.com and via the mobile app.
easyJet is the largest UK airline and as well as offering the greatest connectivity within the UK, it serves 22 UK airports, offering more than 640 routes to 140 destinations from the UK to Europe and beyond.
Visit the easyJet website to book your flights HERE.
Find out about easyJet’s massive Liverpool expansion HERE.
This Christmas, the Claire House Children’s Hospice team will be there for Merseyside families who need them most.
While many households across Merseyside unwrap presents on Christmas morning, dedicated nurses from Claire House Children’s Hospice will be working across Liverpool and beyond.
They will be bringing comfort and care to seriously and terminally ill babies, children, young adults and their families when they need it most.
At Claire House, opening on Christmas Day is a decision that’s always driven by need. If a child requires end-of-life support or specialist Butterfly care, the hospice will be there with round-the-clock support.
But even when the Wirral hospice itself can close its doors for the holiday, its nurses, part of the Palliative Care Services team, will be out in the community providing clinical care and support at home or in hospital.
They’ll be there to offer comfort and support to families going through an incredibly tough Christmas.
“From symptom management to emergency care and respite visits, our nurses deliver specialist care with compassion 365 days a year. And Christmas Day is no exception,” explains Louise Smith, Specialist Palliative Care Services Manager.
“This year, and every year, for families across Merseyside, we are just a phone call away if their child needs urgent care over the festive period.”
Here, Claire House’s nurses share what it really means to care at Christmas…
“I always feel privileged to do this work, but at Christmas that feeling is magnified. It’s a time when the little moments matter even more, and I’m reminded why I love what I do,” says Laura Sephton, Palliative Care Nurse Specialist.
“For us, it’s about ensuring Christmas still happens, no matter what the day is, bringing moments of magical normality for families during the most difficult time of their lives. And seeing families smiling and laughing in moments they didn’t think it would be possible. Just being there to hold and support them when it’s not so possible for all the magic and sparkle is so important,” adds Aine Kingsland, Associate Palliative Care Nurse Specialist.
“People often ask how can you do this job at Christmas, being on call and missing out with your own family, but for me if someone calls over Christmas they are going through the worst time possible and if there is anything I can do to make this a little bit better then I will,” says Clare Doig, Palliative Care Nurse Specialist.
Claire House provides vital care, not only in its Wirral hospice and West Derby site, but also out in the community and hospitals, giving families support wherever it’s needed. Through its Butterfly support team, bereavement services and specialist nurses, it continues to be a lifeline for families during the toughest times.
However, the hospice can only stay open all year round, and have its nurses out in the community, thanks to the generosity of the public.
To help children and families, and to watch the charity’s Christmas appeal video, visit: www.clairehouse.org.uk/izzy
Meet the teen with with cerebral palsy who is walking for charity in everyday in a festive challenge. Read more here.
An additional 130 children in the borough have now been identified as eligible for free school meals after a data exercise carried out by the council.
As a result, those children will receive supermarket vouchers to help support families over the Christmas holidays.
Sefton Council is continuing its holiday voucher scheme for children who receive free school meals, with eligible families given £15 per child per week. The vouchers are distributed through schools and can be used in supermarkets or online to buy food and everyday essentials.
More than 9,000 families across Sefton have already benefited from the scheme, which is funded through the council’s Household Support Fund.
Councillor Diane Roscoe, cabinet member for children, schools and families, said the support helps ensure children have access to healthy meals not just during term time but throughout the school holidays as well.
Councillor Liz Dowd, cabinet member for communities and partnership engagement, said the council’s use of data has helped identify more children in need of support, adding that schools could also receive additional pupil premium funding to provide extra resources for pupils from low-income households.
Alongside financial support, Sefton Council’s Family Hubs are running a programme of activities for young people over the school holidays. Details of events and timetables can be found on the council’s Family Hubs webpages.
More information about cost of living support available in Sefton is also available via the council’s website.
Get all the latest updates from around the City Region 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.
Sixteen-year-old Ella Bowles is one week into her 12 Days Before Christmas walking challenge, which sees her heading out every day until Christmas Eve to raise money for Dandelion Days, a not-for-profit organisation based in Scarisbrick that supports mental health and wellbeing through equine assisted learning.
Ella, who has cerebral palsy and cerebral visual impairment, is unable to walk without the support of a wheelchair or walker. Despite this, she has already walked more than 25km through Southport and Birkdale, often accompanied by Father Christmas and Rudolph, with a final target of 36km by Christmas Eve.
Originally aiming to raise £1,000, Ella has now increased her fundraising target to £3,000 following an overwhelming response from the local community. She has already raised more than £2,500, with five days of walking still to go.
Dandelion Days uses therapeutic work with horses and ponies to support children, young people and adults experiencing anxiety, depression and confidence issues. The charity is fully inclusive and welcomes people with a wide range of needs, including physical disabilities. Ella is also a volunteer at Dandelion Days and has been part of the team from the very beginning.
Ella’s mum, Jenny Bowles, said the support from Southport has been overwhelming, adding that Ella is determined to keep going despite sore legs and feet, walking in all weathers and at all times of day.
She said the community’s generosity has felt like Christmas magic and that Ella is now hoping to raise the final £500 needed to reach her £3,000 goal before Christmas Eve.
Ella said people across Southport and Birkdale have been stopping to cheer her on, beeping their car horns in support and donating along the way, adding that seeing familiar faces and receiving encouragement has made a huge difference.
Donations to support Ella’s challenge and the work of Dandelion Days can be made via JustGiving.
More information about the charity is available at the Dandelion Days website.
Claire House families make magical memories at North Pole Experience – 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.
A sign advertising treatment for venereal disease and a beer mat from Liverpool’s International Garden Festival, are just some of the items acquired by Museum of Liverpool curators in 2025.
Throughout the year, museum curators identify and acquire items relating to Liverpool’s rich cultural heritage. All unique and representative of stories from the city, the items range from the expected, to the more unusual.
The Museum of Liverpool celebrates and showcases Liverpool’s culture, character and heritage. Where some objects, thought of as more traditional museum items, may not be chosen, other more obscure, even unassuming items will take up a permanent place in the collections.
Items can be identified by the museum curators or are kindly offered to the museum by societies, organisations and members of the public. While not every item is accepted, curators carefully consider all items and decide which items would benefit the museum’s collection to represent the multitude of stories throughout the city’s long history.
Liz Stewart, head of Museum of Liverpool, said: “Each year our curatorial team surprise me with the range of objects we acquire for our collections.
“This year is no different. We have acquired items celebrating Liverpool’s diverse communities, recognised momentous occasions from 2025 that have taken place in the city, and brought to light centuries-old artefacts, including one hidden metres away from our Museum, that provide insight into our city’s rich history.
“Every item in our collection has a purpose, tells a story about our city and champions the stories we sometimes may not hear enough about in Liverpool. The stories of everyday people can offer some of the most important insights into the culture, character and history of the city, and our collection’s purpose is to represent the people of Liverpool – from centuries ago, up to the present day.”
Here are some of the items acquired by the Museum of Liverpool in 2025:
A sexual health sign
The museum acquired a sign highlighting where people could receive treatment for venereal disease across the city in 1974. The object was acquired by Brian Plumb – a trained nurse who worked at Liverpool Seaman’s Dispensary. The Museum added the sign to its collection, to highlight the history of sexual health in Liverpool, particularly as a port city, and the legacies of the Contagious Diseases Act.
A beer mat
This beer mat from Liverpool’s International Festival Garden was acquired by the museum from Terry Reed in 1984. She visited the festival that year from her home in Southampton and kept a beermat from the nearby Britannia Inn, as a souvenir. The museum has a range of items from the Garden Festival, but the pub holds strong memories of people’s visits to the site.
A gold posy ring
Acquired by the museum’s Archaeology team, this ornate and detailed gold posy ring would have been exchanged as a token of love. The ring was unearthed by a metal detectorist and donated to the Museum’s regional archaeology collection through the UK’s Portable Antiquities Scheme. It is currently on display the museum’s exhibition Treasure: History Unearthed, which runs until March 2026.
The Museum of Liverpool has hosted a Finds Liaison Officer for the Portable Antiquities scheme for nearly 30 years. This year the scheme has recorded over 1800 archaeological objects found by the public across Merseyside, Manchester and Cheshire.
A record
Recorded during the Second World War, this voice recording was sent from the front line, to loved ones at home. This is believed to have been sent by a soldier named Harry Haft, to his fiancée Eileen Murphy. The record has been digitised and is a touching Christmas message – describing the contrast between the festive season at home and on the front line. It was recorded during the Second World War on 21 December, but there is no indication of the year it was created. What is unusual about the record is the postmark date, 1946: two years after the war ended.
Harry Haft died on 21 December 1943 in Northern Italy.
A sweet mould
Acquired from Liverpool’s former sweet shop, the museum now holds in its collection a frame mould for the famous Foam Shrimp sweet, originally created by Tavener’s – the Liverpool confectionary maker. The museum featured a display this year looking at the life of the factory and its workers called Sweet: The Taveners Story. The mould is currently on loan and on display at The Atkinson in Southport.
A spearhead
Another object acquired by the Museum of Liverpool’s Archaeology team, this spearhead was found during building excavations on the site of Liverpool Castle – a medieval castle located in the Liverpool Courts area of the city centre. Not much is known about the spearhead currently, so the museum team will now work on gaining more information on the object, through x-rays and other techniques to work out just how old the spearhead is.
The Museum of Liverpool cares for over 100,000 archaeological objects discovered in the region. These items help us to discover more about the lives of people living in Merseyside in the past.
An invitation
Liverpool’s Bengali community has celebrated the Hindu festival of Durga Puja in Liverpool since 1977 – the oldest Durga Puja outside of London. An invitation from 2015, sent to members of the Bengali Association of Merseyside and North of England (BAMNE) in Liverpool, was acquired by the museum, highlighting the diverse range of communities in the city.
A major Hindu festival, Durga Puja honours the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Previously in 2009, BAMNE donated statues of Hindu deities – Ganesha, Lakshmi, Goddess Durga, Saraswati, and Kartikeya – crafted in Kolkata from clay taken from the River Ganges. The statues feature in the Our City, Our Stories display in museum’s The People’s Republic gallery.
A scarf
To mark Everton Football Club’s final men’s game at Goodison Park, the club created a scarf to be placed on the seat of every home fan attending the landmark day. Other items acquired around the move from Everton’s spiritual home included another special scarf created by Everton Heritage Society and a commemorative season ticket display box.
For visitors planning to visit over the festive period, the Museum of Liverpool and other National Museums Liverpool venues have differing opening hours:
20 – 23 December: 10am – 5pm
24 – 26 December: Closed
27 – 30 December: 10am – 5pm
31 December – 1 January: 11am – 4pm
2 – 4 January: 10am – 5pm
The museum returns to its regular opening hours of 10am-4pm Tuesday to Sunday from 6 January 2026.
You can explore highlights of their vast collections online here.
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.
Primary school pupils from Speke have designed a series of new road safety signs aimed at encouraging safer, more considerate parking in the community.
The eye‑catching signs, created by children from St Christophers Catholic Primary School, Middlefield Community Primary School, St Ambrose Catholic Academy and Stockton Wood Primary School, are now installed on residential roads near Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
Year 4 and 5 pupils were challenged to produce designs that would remind motorists to park responsibly and respect the residential nature of the area.
The competition was organised by Merseyside Police, with support from Liverpool City Council and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
The pupils and their winning designs were celebrated at an event at Speke Hall earlier this year, attended by pupils, teachers, families and support staff. During the event, the top entries were selected to be turned into official signage.
The winning designs feature colourful, imaginative illustrations encouraging road users to slow down, along with artwork celebrating Speke and the people, places and community spirit that make the area unique.
Persistent unsafe parking around Hale Road and Hale Drive has caused difficulties for residents, including blocked driveways, vehicles on central reservations, and footpaths being obstructed. These issues have also created visibility problems for pedestrians and increased the risk of collisions.
Thanks to funding from Liverpool City Council, the children’s designs have now been turned into signs positioned at key locations to remind visitors and motorists that they are entering a residential area.
The launch of the signs also coincides with Merseyside Police and partners’ involvement in Winter of Action – a major policing campaign running from 1 December to 31 January 2026 aimed at tackling crime, reassuring communities and promoting public safety across the region.
Constable Jo Stevens from Merseyside Police’s Prevention Team said:
“The children’s designs are not only informative but also eye-catching. We hope these signs will encourage responsible parking in the area.
“Illegal parking poses significant dangers to our community, increasing the likelihood of road traffic collisions and other incidents which require a police response. A key part of my role is to work with partner agencies to address the issues that matter most to our communities and minimise the risk of harm.
“I believe the children’s creative designs will serve as a powerful reminder to visitors that they are entering a residential area, promoting safer and more respectful parking practices.”
Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene said:
“Thank you to all the children who took part in this project, the new signs look fantastic and it’s our pleasure to ensure that they on show for everyone to see.
“The signs highlight just how much local children care about their community, and we hope they encourage everyone visiting to show the same respect by parking safely and considerately.”
The signs will remain in place as part of ongoing efforts to promote safety and support residents across Speke.
Find out more on the Merseyside Police website.
Find out what’s on across Liverpool this Christmas here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Liverpool FC has confirmed its schedule at Anfield over Christmas and into the New Year, offering a range of premium visitor experiences for visitors of all ages.
Recognised as a leading attraction at the Liverpool City Region Awards and further acknowledged nationally by VisitEngland, the LFC Stadium Tour & Museum provides unrivalled access and insight into the rich history of one of the world’s most iconic stadiums.
The Stadium Tour & Museum will be available from Boxing Day through to 31st December, with visitors also able to enhance their visit on 27th December by booking the Matchday stadium tour. Guests can soak up the build-up to kick off, take a seat in the Director’s box, and walk through the Player’s Tunnel just hours before the whistle blows.
For those seeking a truly unique perspective of Anfield this winter, the Anfield Abseil will be available from 28th December through January. Participants will descend from the Main Stand, passing the club crest while taking in panoramic views across the city as they complete the controlled 100ft descent.
Rounding off the programme, fans can enjoy exclusive access to Liverpool FC Legends through the Legends Q&A series. Mark Lawrenson, a five-time league Champion and European Cup winner, will appear on 3rd January, while prolific Red’s striker John Aldridge will take part on 10th January.
Each session offers an intimate experience, with the legends sharing insider stories, reflecting on incredible match moments and offering unique insights into their time at Liverpool FC.
- Book the Legend Q&A with Mark Lawrenson and/or John Aldridge here
- Book the LFC Stadium Tour & Museum here
- Book the Matchday Stadium Tour & Museum here
- Book the Anfield Abseil here
Find out more about what’s on at Liverpool FC here.
Find out what else is on across Liverpool this Christmas here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
The sister of Jeffrey McNish, who was killed at a festival in Toxteth, has spoken of how her family’s “world was torn apart” as detectives appeal for information 40 years after his murder.
On Saturday 10 August 1985, 22-year-old Jeffrey McNish from Forest Hill, South London, travelled to the Toxteth Caribbean Festival to see his cousin and other members of the Saxon Sound System, who were performing that weekend. Later that evening, Jeffrey was attacked by a group of men armed with cricket bats and stabbed three times at the Toxteth Sports Centre after a dispute involving admission fees escalated into violence between groups from Liverpool and London.
Jeffrey was taken to hospital for treatment but sadly died a week later at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
Six men were arrested in connection with Jeffrey’s death. In October 1986, one man pleaded guilty to affray and another pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice. Both received suspended sentences, but no one has ever been prosecuted for Jeffrey’s murder.
Marking 40 years since her brother’s death, Jeffrey’s sister Kimberley, who was just six years old at the time, said:
“In August 1985, our world was torn apart for the second time. Just months after losing our mother in May 1985, our big brother Jeffrey was murdered.
Jeffrey was a loving brother who never minded me tagging along. I remember him holding my hand when our mother died, making sure I felt safe.
The last Christmas I spent with him was in 1984. He surprised me with a huge Sindy House, pretending it was from Father Christmas. That was the kind of brother he was — always thoughtful, always making me feel special.
To me, Jeffrey was always my fun big brother. I remember the time he took me through a car wash for the first time. He warned me not to open the window, but of course I didn’t listen and ended up soaked while he laughed so hard.
My very last memory of Jeffrey is in our kitchen at home. He told me that when he came back from where he was going, he was going to change his surname to match mine. At the time, I didn’t understand that he was never coming back.
His murder has left a lasting impact on our family. My dad became overprotective, fearful that something terrible might happen to us too. That fear never went away, especially because Jeffrey’s killer has never been found. In 2017, my dad passed away never knowing who was responsible.
We are appealing to anyone who knows anything about what happened to Jeffrey. Please, after all these years, help us find justice for him. Our family has lived with this pain and unanswered questions for decades. We need answers, and we need closure.”
Howard Rubbery, Head of Merseyside Police’s Serious Crime Review Unit, said:
“Jeffrey’s death has had a profound and lasting impact on his family, particularly his sisters and other close family members, one of whom sadly passed away still searching for answers and justice.
Although 40 years have passed since Jeffrey’s death, there is no time limit on providing information. His sisters are still waiting for the answers they deserve.
We know there are people who were at the festival that weekend and who know what happened. My appeal is for those individuals to come forward and tell us what they know.
Do you know who stabbed Jeffrey three times at the Caribbean Festival in Toxteth on Saturday 10 August 1985? Any information you provide will be handled with care and sensitivity, and we can put measures in place to protect anyone brave enough to come forward after all these years.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police by direct messaging @MerPolCC on social media or by calling 101, quoting reference 25001000832.
Find out about Merseyside Police’s other work 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 mother, former barrister, entrepreneur and community advocate Sue Wright has been overwhelmed by the heartfelt support she has received since sharing the news of her recent stage 4 cancer diagnosis.
Messages, cards and flowers have poured in from across the country, reflecting the enormous impact Sue has had on so many lives.
Sue was diagnosed only weeks ago after a period of sudden and unexplained illness. The news has been devastating for Sue, her fiancé Faisal, and especially their five children, all of whom Sue first fostered and then adopted into their family.
Supporters have been deeply moved by Sue’s strength and honesty, and many have asked how they can help. Although she is touched and grateful for the flowers and gifts she has received, Sue’s focus is now firmly on her children’s futures. With their world already transformed by the diagnosis, Sue is asking that anyone who wishes to show support considers making a donation to the JustGiving page created by close friends, to help provide ongoing security, stability and opportunity for the children she loves so deeply.
For Sue, the future wellbeing of her children is everything. Having fostered and adopted them, she has worked tirelessly to give each one love, protection, and a safe place to belong. The fundraising appeal aims to support their long-term emotional, educational and financial needs.
Sue has lived a life defined by compassion and possibility. Growing up in foster care herself, she worked her way from homelessness to the Bar, qualifying as a barrister specialising in child protection in Liverpool. Along the way, she was supported by a woman she credits with changing the course of her life, a care home owner named Mrs Smythe.
It was there Sue first heard the words that reshaped her future:
“There is always more room at the table.”
Those words became the foundation of the family she later built, welcoming children who needed love, stability and a place to belong.
Earlier this year, Sue was nationally recognised as one of the UK’s most extraordinary women, celebrated for transforming her own childhood challenges into a life of advocacy, achievement and care for others. Her story has been featured in The Sunday Times and honoured at the 2025 Women of the Year Awards, where she was recognised for her work with children and families.
Just two weeks after her diagnosis, Sue stood on stage at Liverpool FC’s Anfield Stadium, at her fundraising event held in collaboration with Home Bargains advocating for the most vulnerable families across the Liverpool City Region. At the event, she helped raise £100,000 for a number of local causes supporting those in need, including Liverpool
Women’s Hospital, Amy and Friends, Age UK, and several additional small charities within the community. It was a moment that perfectly reflected her strength, drive and lifelong passion for giving back, even in the face of personal adversity.
As Sue continues treatment and spends precious time with her family, she remains deeply grateful for every message, gesture and act of kindness. Her hope now is that this support continues not in flowers or gifts, but in the form of a lasting legacy for the children who have filled her life with pride, purpose and love.
Sue Wright is a former barrister, entrepreneur, fundraiser and nationally recognised community leader. Having grown up in foster care, she has dedicated her adult life to advocating for vulnerable children, becoming a mother to five through fostering and adoption. Her work has helped raise substantial funds for children’s charities, and her story has been shared nationally in major publications and media outlets.
If you’d like to donate, you can do so here.
Find the latest in & around 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.
BOXPARK Liverpool is hosting the ultimate bottomless brunch party with back to back bottomless from 6pm until 9pm!
With a host of live entertainment including bands, DJs, interactive games, karaoke and the ultimate after party as you countdown to the new year, the multi-faceted venue has thought of each and every detail so that guests can ring in 2026 in style.
For just £45 per person, guests will enjoy bottomless drinks for two hours, plus a meal of their choice as they’ll receive a £10 food voucher to spend at one of the venue’s amazing streetfood vendors including Christakis, Yoki Social Table, Yum Cha, Shake?, Rock N Rogue and Simply Salt N Pepper.
There are two slots available for Bottomless Brunch; 6-8pm or 7-9pm.
Joel Lee, General Manager at BOXPARK Liverpool, said:
“We’ve had a fantastic year at BOXPARK Liverpool and we’re so excited to see 2025 out and ring in the New Year in style. We’ll be celebrating all evening long with amazing bottomless brunches; that’s unlimited drinks for two hours plus a main meal of your choice for just £45pp! To keep everyone entertained until the clock hits 12, we’ll have a line up of the city’s best DJs and bands and then guests can get involved with funny games and karaoke – a must for all NYE parties! Tickets are expected to sell out so please book your preferred slot in advance and we’ll see you on NYE for the ultimate celebration!”
Book your tickets on the BOXPARK Liverpool website.
Find out what’s on across Liverpool on New Year’s Eve here.
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From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
In the words of the classic Slade song, it’s Christmasssssss!
There’s so much going on in the city and the celebrations can really start on Christmas Eve when most of us have clocked off from work and got in proper ‘Santa’s coming’ mode.
From pantos, the Christmas Market, cosy pubs and cocktails – and even a bit of last-minute shopping – Liverpool’s got the lot.
Liverpool Christmas Market
The Christmas market will really get those jingle bells ringing in your ears with fabulous craft stalls, loads of great places to eat – including the famous Spud Man van – bars and rides and activities, and plenty of festive selfie spots with life size Nutcrackers and Polar Bears to capture the magical memories. It’s open until 5pm.
Go and watch a pantomime
Nothing says Christmas like a bit of booing and hissing at a panto and the city region’s got a few fab ones to choose from including Sleeping Beauty at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton starring former Eternal singer Kelle Bryan; Jack and the Beanstalk, the Everyman’s favourite Rock n’ Roll panto, and Cinderella with Corrie’s Katie McGlynn at the Epstein.
Christmas on the Park at Liverpool ONE
Christmas on the Park was created especially for families so it’s ideal for that final festive outing before the big day itself. There’s children’s rides, festive games, food and drink and tasty treats, and it’s there until January 1 – so if you do get stuck peeling spuds and wrapping pressies, you can still enjoy it for a whole week after.
Shop in Liverpool ONE stores
There’s always one gift you’ve forgotten or not managed to get hold of but – fear not! Liverpool ONE’s stores from chain favourites to independents and boutique shops are open until 5pm selling everything from chocs to smellies, fashion, homeware, and everything else in between. You might even fit in a meal or a crafty cocktail in one of its amazing bars and restaurants.
Cathedral services
Soak up the meaning of the season with some carols or a traditional Christmas service in one of the city’s two cathedrals. At Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral that means family-friendly services and atmospheric evening worship with uplifting music, prayer, and carols that capture the heart of Christmas from 11am to 11.30pm; and at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King First Vespers of Christmas and Blessing of the Crib at 3pm; the Christmas Vigil Mass at 6pm, and Midnight Mass starting at 11.45pm.
Cheshire Oaks
Cheshire Oaks is always fab for the festivities with its annual Christmas lights and Winter Village boasting the UK’s tallest Christmas tree, market stalls, food, and other festive attractions like ice skating and Santa’s rides on the Ferris wheel – along with loads of shops selling all your designer gifts and party outfits at discount prices of course. You can make the most of the magic until 5pm on Christmas Eve.
Tuck into the Pen Factory
If the dazzling decorations don’t get you into the festive spirit, the mouthwatering Christmas menu at this popular Hope Street venue will. Fancy feasting early? Then how about a Christmas Eve meal with starters including chilli and ginger king prawns and honey and cider chorizo, or mains including Cornish hake, smoked chicken supreme and spiced 8oz lamb rump – and loads of fantastic desserts. Go on … it’s Christmas, you’re allowed!
Find more info here.
See the lights and shop local at the Royal Albert Dock
The Albert Dock’s looking as gorgeous as ever this Christmas with sparkling lights and deccies throughout the colonnades and Bella and Bertie looking all glam and festive as ever. You can enjoy a city trip to see the spectacular illuminations – and shop for a unique gift in one of its incredible indie stores.
Cosy pubs like The Monro, Dog & Collar or The Bridewell
Christmas and Boxing Day can be really busy, so why not take a moment and sit and chill in one of our friendly and intimate city pubs. You can enjoy roaring fires, fabulous festive decorations – have you seen the Dog & Collar because their special Santa and goodies lights display is definitely worth a photo! – and relax with a pint, a glass of fizz, or a cracking Christmas cocktail.
Visit Southport with the family
From its glitzy illuminations like the Bear and the Reindeer and the Musical Christmas Tree to the food at its amazing market, Silcock’s Funland at the Pier, panto, cracking shops and some of the best bars and restaurants, Southport’s got it all for a boss Christmas Eve day out – with bells on! And if you’re feeling brave, or you need a fix of fresh air, take a walk on the beautiful (breezy) sandy beach.
Enjoy festive food at Hawksmoor, San Carlo or Barnacle
Liverpool’s lucky to have some of the most amazing restaurants offering the finest cuisine from around the world so if you can’t wait for your turkey roast on December 25, why not treat yourself to a Christmas Eve feast? Our favourite Italian go-to San Carlo in Castle Street is offering its most luxurious Christmas Fayre menu yet from £48.50 per person, and steaks supremo Hawksmoor is pressing pause on the chaos and remembering what makes it special – great food, brilliant people, and a few festive touches done properly (their cows in blankets are the best!). Meanwhile you can help Barnacle enjoy their first Christmas in Hardman Street with their special Christmas Eve dining experience being served from midday to 4pm.
Christmas cocktails at The Municipal Hotel
The Palm Court bar at the incredible Dale Street Hotel’s got a new collection of Hero Cocktails that capture the spirit of Liverpool in every glass. The Love to Liverpool cocktail menu includes ‘Boss Tha’ with Grey Goose, Cherry Cordial, Absolut Vanilla, Chambord, Lapsang Tea, and Municipal Champagne. It’s looking as glittery at Santa’s grotto right now so you can toast the season in style.
A Christmas Eve day out at Roxy Ball Room
As always Roxy’s packed with fun and festive vibes and it’s got some brilliant packages to get your Christmas party started, from Drink & Sleigh with any drink and a game from £10, to Festive Faceoff for food, a welcome drink, drinks vouchers and game from £50. Great value – and great fun!
Drinks at PINS Social Club
You can’t miss PINS out this Christmas, so even if you’ve not got time for games, don’t forget to call in for drinks and see it at its seasonal best. PINS has transformed its rooftop into an Alpine-themed retreat with fire pits and cuddly throws, and as well as sparkling lights, it’s got cocktails, karaoke cabins, and live music.
There’s just no excuse for not having yourself a very Merry Christmas Eve in the city.
The new Mersey Ferries landing stage and linkspan bridge at Woodside are now successfully in place.
The installation was an eye-catching sight for onlookers by the River Mersey earlier today as the impressive Lara 1 floating crane was used to install the new 120-tonne bridge. Meanwhile the 52-metre long, 350-tonne landing stage was floated across the river and connected to the new supporting piles.
An expert team on both sides of the river co-ordinated the complex two-day process, ensuring it ran safely and smoothy across the busy shipping lanes. The challenging procedure was capture in stunning drone and time-lapse footage, covering the journey from start to finish.
Now the landing stage and pontoon are in place, the final fit out will be completed which includes a modern waiting room to boost the passenger experience.
The new landing stage is the next phase of major investment in Mersey Ferries, seeing the 39-year-old landing stage, linkspan bridge and supporting boom structures carefully dismantled and responsibly recycled and replacing it with new infrastructure – ensuring Mersey Ferries continue to serve the region for years to come.
It’s all part of the wider 20-year Mersey Ferries strategy, which includes the multi-million-pound refurbishment of Seacombe Ferry Terminal, which reopened in 2022, and a new ferry for 2026, which is currently being constructed at Cammell Laird in Wirral and last month took to the river for the first time as part of its basin testing.
Cllr Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee, said:
“For generations, the Mersey Ferries have been carrying people across the river to work, gigs, the football and a day out shopping, and we’re determined to make sure this continues for many years to come.
“Alongside the new Mersey Ferry, these works at Woodside highlight our commitment to the future of ferries as a much-beloved cultural asset for our city region.
“We’re really pleased to be playing our part alongside Wirral Council in the transformative regeneration in this are that will be taking place over the next few years.”
Find out more on the Mersey Ferries website.
Find out what’s on across Liverpool this Christmas here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Everton Football Club has agreed a new partnership with BarberBoss who become the Club’s first Official Men’s Grooming Tech Partner.
Founded in Birmingham and now expanding globally – including the recent opening of an Asian headquarters in Singapore – BarberBoss is swiftly establishing itself as a leader within their sector. The brand has gained significant recognition across the UK and Europe for its high-quality grooming tools, modern design and accessible price points.
The partnership will see the BarberBoss brand showcased to global audiences on matchdays at Hill Dickinson Stadium, across Everton’s digital and social media platforms, and through a series of activations throughout the multi-year agreement.
Mark Rollings, Chief Partnerships Officer at Everton, said:
“BarberBoss is a growing consumer brand that is challenging established names in the male grooming technology sector, with exponential growth across the UK, Europe and Asia. Their impressive industry recognition and rapid global expansion make them a perfect fit for Everton as we continue to develop innovative, high-performing partnerships. This is an entirely new commercial category for the Club, and we’re excited to welcome such a dynamic, fast-rising brand into our growing commercial portfolio.”
BarberBoss has earned multiple industry accolades, including being named by The Telegraph as
producing 2025’s “Best Value Hair Clipper for Men” and “Best Value Father’s Day Grooming Gift”, as well as receiving recognition as The Times’ “Regional Rising Star” in 2025, underlining its stature as a fast-rising international challenger brand. Its products continue to feature in top-tier recommendations from Amazon, GQ Magazine and leading consumer guides across the UK, Europe and Asia.
Minnie Nguyen, Founder and Director at BarberBoss, said:
“BarberBoss are honoured to be part of the Everton Football Club family now, and look forward to supporting the team and fans at Hill Dickinson Stadium. As I have been a Premier League fan since childhood, this is an exciting personal connection, as well as professional. The BarberBoss team are very enthusiastic about this powerful pairing and can’t wait to see our products in the hands of players and fans alike; growing our community to include Everton and bringing a positive impact to both sides of this partnership.”
BarberBoss joins Everton’s expanding partnership roster, following major agreements this year including the stadium naming rights partnership with Hill Dickinson and Founding Partner deals with Pepsi, Budweiser, Castore, Aramark, Seat Unique and Christopher Ward.
Find out more on the Everton FC website.
Find out what’s on at Hill Dickinson Stadium this Christmas here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Agent, the award-winning Northern marketing agency, has gifted over 2,000 brand-new books in December – worth a total of £15,000 – to the young people who need them most as part of its annual All You Read is Love campaign.
Agent personally delivered thousands of books to children, schools, charities and other organisations across the North West in December, including Alfie’s Squad and Kirkdale St Lawrence primary school in Liverpool. All You Read is Love, launched in 2020, has now gifted £75,000 worth of brand-new books during the last six years, reaching more than 7,000 young people.
Agent partnered with specialist global book distributor Publiship for the third consecutive year, who made an incredible donation of books in support. Further incredible donations came from major organisations the agency works with, including Northern Rail, MSB Solicitors and worldwide IT services and consulting firm CGI.
And for the first time, the campaignwas backed by Children’s Laureate and award-winning author and screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce, as well as the National Literacy Trust (NLT). Recent research from the NLT suggests just one-in-three children aged between 8-18 enjoy reading in their spare time, which is a 38% decrease 2005 and the lowest score ever recorded, making Agent’s campaign more important than ever.
Alfie’s Squad, who received their donation a few days ago, is a non-profit organisation founded by Alfie Fitzsimmons who lost his father to suicide at the age of 15 in 2017, inspiring Alfie to take action and make a difference to the lives of other children who have been bereaved by suicide. It is the only charity in the UK offering their unique support, with team activities that reduce feelings of isolation while inspiring friendships and increased self-worth for young people aged 6-17, as well as supporting parents and carers.
Alfie Fitzimmons, Founder of Alfie’s Squad, said:
“We are the only support group for children bereaved by suicide in the whole of the UK. I lost my dad, personally, and we have grown to over 50 children after starting in 2017 with just me and my mum.
“The children we support love coming here and All You Read is Love kindly donated over 100 brand-new books, to be gifted to the children using our service.
“Everything is on a screen today; having an opportunity to get back into reading and find something they are passionate about is so positive, helping young people inside and out of school, not only with their reading but with literacy and confidence.
“Alfie’s Squad are so grateful to Agent and All You Read is Love – this donation is so beneficial.”
CEO of Agent, Paul Corcoran, said:
“The North West is filled with resilient young people under the age of 18 who are often hiding in plain sight. It is easy to walk past them in the street without realising any untold pain they may be going through in their private lives.
“A book is a simple gift that can open a world of opportunity for a young mind. All You Read Is Love’s core aim is to help children on their reading journeys, and we are incredibly proud to have done this over the last six years.”
Find out more about the All You Read is Love campaign here.
All You Read Is Love was supported by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, read 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.
The award-winning Millers Quay residential development at Wirral Waters has reached full occupancy – marking a major milestone in the regeneration of the Wirral waterfront and proving the commercial success of this pioneering £130m project.
Delivered on time and on budget by Peel Waters, in partnership with construction group GRAHAM, funding partner Pension Insurance Corporation plc, and Wirral Council with support from Homes England, Millers Quay has transformed the local skyline. The development has created 500 high-quality, sustainable new homes, while providing a significant boost to the local economy.
Last year saw the first two buildings – Copper Mill and Steam Yard – completed, with all 150 apartments let within just three months. Now, the final four buildings – Soda Factory, Salt House, Glaze Works and Lime Studio totalling 350 new homes – have all been let just nine months after their completion.
Millers Quay’s popularity reflects its bold architecture, stunning waterside views, and sustainability credentials. The development incorporates solar power systems, air source heat pumps, and extensive green spaces within the emerging Northbank neighbourhood.
Olivia, key worker and resident, commented:
“We absolutely love it, it’s amazing, it’s a lot cheaper than we were paying over the water, and everything that we get included, like the pavilion which has rooms that you can work from and obviously the gym, when you put it all together is it is a great price really and great value for money.
“We’ve got one of the balconies facing the water and it’s absolutely gorgeous. The balcony is very large, we weren’t expecting it to be so big, I grow all kinds of stuff on there now which is really nice, we have the sun all day long.”
Another resident commented:
“We love the big colourful buildings. They are like landmarks, you can even spot them from across the water.
“After work it’s really lovely to just come out to the dockside and feel the breeze after you’ve been in a building all day. It’s such a lovely place to come and sit, and there’s lots of wildlife around as well, so it’s nice to just kind of sit, relax and listen to the birds.
“It’s really affordable and the fact you got extra facilities thrown in, it is all just tick tick tick basically.”
Further enhancing the community, a new Sainsbury’s Local store was approved by Wirral Council earlier this year and is expected to start onsite in early 2026. The purpose-built store will be located at the corner of Dock Road and Duke Street, providing a valuable amenity for residents at the heart of this growing neighbourhood.
Millers Quay has also been widely recognised for its social impact. £44m was spent with local supply chain partners and over £1m per month was invested in local labour during construction. The project employed over 1,000 people, with almost 75% of the workforce living within 30 miles of the site.
An exemplar of brownfield regeneration and sustainable construction, Millers Quay is a key element of Peel Waters’ UK-wide portfolio of vibrant and innovative waterfront developments, delivering jobs, economic growth, new homes, and public spaces across the country.
James Whittaker, Managing Director at Peel Waters, said:
“Millers Quay is a real success story for Wirral Waters. It’s been fantastic to see so many people settling into their new homes and enjoying the waterside setting. This milestone underlines the huge appetite for high-quality, sustainable homes in the area and is a great example of what brownfield regeneration can achieve.”
Hayley Rees, Managing Director of PIC Capital at Pension Insurance Corporation, said:
“We’re delighted to have achieved full occupancy at Millers Quay, a major milestone for both the development and our targeted investment approach. This demonstrates the strong demand for high-quality, socially impactful assets, and reinforces our purpose that investing with a long-term perspective not only secures the cashflows required to meet our policyholder commitments but also delivers lasting benefits to the communities in which we invest.”
Leader of Wirral Council, Councillor Paula Basnett, said:
“Millers Quay is more than new homes – it’s a thriving, inclusive community that reflects our ambition to create sustainable, high-quality neighbourhoods along the waterfront. By delivering homes that are beautifully designed, affordable, and accessible, we’re ensuring regeneration benefits everyone.
“This milestone shows what strong partnerships can achieve – transforming a brownfield site into a vibrant community, creating jobs, and boosting our local economy. It’s fantastic to see residents embracing their new waterfront homes.”
Elliot Lux, BTR Asset Manager, JLL, also commented:
“We’ve been inundated with enquiries since day one. The level of demand for Millers Quay has been phenomenal – we’ve never seen anything like it – and it’s been fantastic to see so many residents moving in and making it their home.”
To find out more about Millers Quay, visit their website.
Get the latest from the Wirral 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.
Creamfields has announced the return of Tiësto with an all-new sound inspired by his trance roots for the 2026 festival.
Taking fans back to where it all began, the global icon will deliver a very special Steel Yard debut performance on Sunday 30th August, marking one of the most anticipated moments of the weekend.
One of the most influential figures in electronic music history, Tiësto has consistently redefined, reshaped and reignited the genre, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture along the way. Renowned for his multiplatinum international anthems, history-making performances and boundless creativity, it would be impossible to imagine electronic music without his influence. A GRAMMY® Award-winning DJ and producer, Tiësto effectively pioneered the modern Las Vegas DJ residency, became the first DJ to perform at the Olympic Games and has delivered era-defining records across the last three decades.
With career sales surpassing 40 million albums, more than 30 billion streams worldwide, eight Billboard Hot 100 hits and over a dozen RIAA multiplatinum, platinum and gold certifications, Tiësto’s legacy continues to reach new heights. Enshrined as one of the most influential and inventive DJ/producers of all time, he remains a driving force at the forefront of global dance music.
This latest creative chapter sees Tiësto triumphantly revisiting the melodic and trance-inspired sounds he helped pioneer, bringing his career full circle. His Steel Yard appearance at Creamfields 2026 promises an immersive, high-impact set that celebrates his roots while showcasing a renewed and evolved sonic direction.
The only artist to have been crowned “The Greatest DJ of All Time” by Mixmag, Tiësto’s decade-spanning career has continually shaped and redefined the electronic music landscape, cementing his status as a true icon of the genre.
He joins an already stellar Creamfields 2026 line-up, with Calvin Harris, Swedish House Mafia, Disclosure, Faithless, Underworld, Armin van Buuren, Sonny Fodera, Amelie Lens, Ewan McVicar, Armand Van Helden, Chris Stussy, Josh Baker, Kettama, AZYR, Cloudy, Fantasm, Holy Priest, Jowi, Max Dean, Paige Tomlinson and Novah, with many more still to be announced.
With over 80,000 dance music fans set to make their annual pilgrimage to Cheshire from Thursday 27th to Sunday 30th August Bank Holiday weekend, Creamfields 2026 is firmly shaping up to be one of the most memorable editions in the festival’s history.