As Eurovision-fever hits Liverpool this week and thousands of people descend on the city, United for Ukraine key workers, Marianna and Okszana, have been invited to the Eurovision Village to join the celebrations and be on hand to support Ukrainian nationals who are looking to find employment and education in the UK.

Key workers Okszana and Marianna will set-up-stall in the ‘Discover Ukraine’ section of the Eurovision Village – it’s a dedicated zone celebrating Ukrainian creatives, with European food and drink on offer across the site. It makes it a perfect spot to catch the attention of the many thousands of Ukrainian refugees who’ll be attending the Eurovision events and the Grand Final itself.

United for Ukraine, set up shortly after the war broke out, aims to connect Ukrainian refugees with high quality employment, training opportunities, and support services in the region. The initiative is a coalition brought together at the request of leaders from the region, including North West Business Leadership Team (NWBLT), the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, The Growth Company, and with support from the NP11 group of Local Enterprise Partnerships and leading regional businesses. To date, the initiative has helped 201 people into employment.

The initiative offers a crucial point of contact through its two Key Workers. Their services and employment and education advice are truly making a difference – it’s a vital part in the refugee’s introduction to the UK. Okszana and Marianna, both formerly from Ukraine, provide the day-to-day support services for United for Ukraine andlisten to and advise Ukrainian refugees. Their inclusion in the Eurovision festivities is a nod to the unity of both British and Ukrainian nationals to support those who need it most.

As a thank you for their continued support and dedication for the Ukrainian community, on Saturday 13 May, their final day at the Eurovision Village, Okszana and Marianna have been invited to attend a special gala dinner at the Pullman, Liverpool.

Okszana Nepijvoda, Key Worker on United for Ukraine, said:

“I’m looking forward to spending three days at the Eurovision Village and I hope to meet lots of Ukrainians there and help them out. 

“I watch Eurovision with my family every year and I’ve always dreamed of attending the Grand Final. When it was announced it would be held in the UK, I knew I wanted to be there. It’s an indescribable feeling that’s difficult to put into words. I’m so grateful for the invitation – it’s something I’ll remember forever.”

Marianna Vaszilyiv, Key Worker on United for Ukraine, said:

“We’ll proudly be able to support our fellow citizens with their needs, such as employment and education. It’s also an excellent opportunity to promote United for Ukraine and establish new connections – creating and enhancing our network in the Liverpool City Region.

“Through Eurovision, it’s a great chance to showcase the beauty of Ukrainian voices and talents, as well as share our culture with the rest of the world. It’s a unique opportunity to demonstrate the bravery and resilience of our country.”

United for Ukraine will be represented at the Eurovision Village on Wednesday 10 May, Friday 12 May and Saturday 13 May.

For more information about the initiative and to share job opportunities, visit the website here.

Panto season’s nearly here and at The Floral Pavilion in New Brighton that means a magical show full of adventure, family fun and an award-winning baddie!

A trip to the Panto makes a great festive treat, so if you’ve not already got your tickets, here are 5 reasons why Floral Pavilion’s The Further Adventures of Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook will be a perfect family show this Christmas …

It’s a proper traditional Panto

Panto is a real art form unlike anything else you see at the theatre and Floral Pavilion’s Peter Pan Panto absolutely brings together all the best of the tradition in a sequel to the classic story. It’s genuinely all-ages entertainment that the whole family can enjoy, and you know that nans and grandads will have just as much fun as little ones cheering on Peter and Tinkerbell and booing the villainous Hook. 

The cast is fantastic and features some familiar TV and stage stars

The Further Adventures of Peter Pan has a brilliant cast including Tom Lister as Captain Hook who picked up the award for Best Villain at the first Great British Pantomime Awards. Tom, who soap fans will know from his time as Carl King in Emmerdale, will be back in Neverland for his Floral Pavilion debut alongside West End star Danny Colligan as Peter Pan and Sean Jones (much-loved by audiences as Mickey in Blood Brothers) who returns for a fifth year as Smee. They’re joined by a stellar cast of experienced West End performers to create a spectacular show.

You’ll love the costumes, sets and special effects

Like all the best pantos, the costumes and sets in the Floral Pavilion’s are bright, bold and really add extra sparkle to a show that’s already pure escapism. And because it’s Peter Pan everyone – especially younger theatregoers – will love seeing the flying sequences.

And, of course, there’s lots of singing and dancing

Panto wouldn’t be panto without songs and dance routines and The Further Adventures of Peter Pan  – The Return of Captain Hook has plenty. Audiences will recognise big chart hits which have been re-worked for the show and there are some great singers in the cast including Danny as Peter Pan who made it through to the live finals of BBC1’s talent search series Let it Shine.

It could be a pre- or post-Christmas family treat

The Floral Pavilion’s Panto runs from Friday December 6 until Sunday January 5 so it’s ideal for either getting the whole family excited for Christmas, or for having something to look forward to afterwards. And tickets would make a nice gift for that someone who’s tricky to buy for! There are dedicated school performances and a number of relaxed performances for people who might prefer something less formal, especially anyone on the autistic spectrum, people with dementia or with special educational needs. The storyline stays the same, so the magic isn’t lost, but loud noises or explosions are taken out or reduced and the audience can move around the auditorium and come and go.

To book tickets for The Further Adventures of Peter Pan click here.

Your ultimate guide to Christmas in Liverpool 2024 – click here.

Town and Country Sports, a leading community hub from Texas, is to join forces with Everton in an exciting new partnership. 

The Austin-based club is the latest addition to Everton’s International Academy Affiliate Programme (EIAAP), with the two clubs set to work together on curriculum sharing, player development, coach education and safeguarding procedures and practices. 

The EIAAP initiative provides clubs at all tiers of the game with access to the finest coaching knowledge from Everton’s renowned Academy to support with growth – a level of support that sets it apart from more traditional models. 

These include:  

• A holistic approach to player, coach and club development, offering technical support from Everton’s Finch Farm training complex and business and marketing support from its Royal Liver Building business headquarters 
• Regular support from a dedicated Everton Academy coach 
• Full access to the Everton Academy curriculum 

Town and Country Sports is a provider of youth sports across the community for all ages and abilities. 

Their soccer arm offers a variety of programs for players aged three to 18, from Recreational (U4-U19) to Academy (U8-U10) and Select (U11-U19). 

Recreational programmes provide a foundation for young players, with Academy programmes providing the next step on the pathway to a potential career in the game, via team competition. 

The Select level offers the highest level of development, providing an opportunity for older players to challenge themselves in a competitive, developmental environment. 

As an International Academy Affiliate partner, Town and Country Sports will have the opportunity to visit Everton’s state-of-the-art Finch Farm complex – the home of Everton’s senior men’s, senior women’s and academy teams – for education and training. 

Rich Swain, Soccer Director at Town and Country Sports, said:

“We are extremely excited to be partnering with an English Premier League club of the history and stature of Everton. 

“The opportunities this affiliation will provide our membership is unrivalled in the Austin area.  

“We share many of the same values, such as community, honesty, and integrity which makes this relationship a perfect match.” 

Everton International Technical Manager Paddy Byrne will assist in sharing the Everton Academy curriculum and methods used at Finch Farm to develop both player and coaching skills.  

This, in turn, will provide Town and Country Sports with additional knowledge and resources to assist with the Club’s goal to develop the stars of tomorrow in the United States. 

Byrne added:

“We are delighted to welcome Town and Country Sports as a partner club to  Everton’s International Academy Affiliate programme. 

“I’m excited to work alongside Rich, Soccer President Josh Brown and their team, and by sharing our values and coaching methods we will further enhance both our affiliate programme and Everton’s bond with North America.   

“I am sure this will prove a fruitful partnership for both clubs, and we can’t wait to get started.” 

Everton’s International Academy Affiliate Club programme, which is available to grassroots teams, professional sides, youth academies, girls’ and women’s teams, as well as colleges and universities, was launched in 2020. 

The programme, which aims to expand the knowledge and expertise of Everton’s player development processes to affiliated clubs across the world, has affiliates in the US, Canada, South America, Africa, Australia and Ireland. 

Find more information about Everton’s new partner, Town and County Sports here.

Find all the latest Liverpool news here.

We all know the city’s got some of the best bars in the North West – but what about their facilities?

And no, we don’t mean the sleek tables and chairs, or the add-ons they offer in addition to your drink, we mean the little rooms you seek out when nature makes its call.

The lavatories, the loos, the ladies, the little man’s room…!

Believe it or not, there’s some surprisingly stylish and funky loos across Liverpool and here’s our pick of the bunch…

The Philharmonic Dining Rooms

We couldn’t possibly start with anything other than the Hope Street pub whose spectacular gentlemen’s toilets have joined the likes of Buckingham Palace in gaining England’s top heritage status. Hailed as a ‘cathedral among pubs’, the Philharmonic was built during 1898-1900 and upgraded to Grade I Listed status for its outstanding ‘architectural quality and magnificent interior’ – not least the gents which, with their faux-marble urinals and opulent tiling, are among the most Instagrammed toilets in the UK. 

The Watering Can

The picturesque surroundings of Greenbank Park and the fabulous food and drink make the wonderful Watering Can worth a regular visit – but spending a penny is a pleasure too. It’s like nipping down to your grandad’s potting shed – albeit lavishly refurbished – with trendy trough sinks and copper piping, ornamental buckets and watering cans, and pretty hanging baskets overflowing with gorgeous greenery.

Beauty Bazaar – Harvey Nichols

We all need a compliment to perk us up every now and again and if you can’t rely on your other half to make you feel good about yourself, you can rely on Harvey Nics in Liverpool ONE. Stepping inside the first floor ladies’ conveniences will immediately reward you with a wolf whistle – and if that doesn’t put a smile on your face, nothing will.

Albert’s Schloss

A recent addition to the Liverpool bar scene – and a very welcome one – it’s not just the bar area with its spectacular stage shows and DJ performances that offers amazing entertainment – so does its loos! The fun never stops at the Bold Street party palace so even when you need to take a toilet break you can carry on dancing in the disco loos. Press the magic button for top tunes and flashing neon lights for your own fabulous private function.

Tonight Josephine

The designers went into overdrive to create this lush cocktail bar in Hanover Street – and they didn’t stop at the door to the ladies. Tonight Josephine is famed for hot pink interiors and glitz with a capital G so the loos don’t disappoint. There are mugshots of famous celebs plastered over the cubicle doors, even the grout on the pink tiles is pink(!), and the glitterball wallpaper is super-funky. There are neon signs with its well-known catchphrases like ‘this ain’t my first rodeo’ and as they happily admit it’s ‘selfie heaven’.

The Bridewell

No-one ever wants to get locked-up for the night but at Liverpool’s popular Bridewell pub going to the loo gives you a glimpse into the grim past and what it could have been like to be facing a spell in the cells in times gone by. The former Liverpool lock-up where Charles Dickens was once a special constable has still got many of its original features so paying a visit makes for an arresting sight.

Punch Tarmey’s 

Loos don’t come much more quirky than the gents at Punch Tarmey’s Irish Bar in the Baltic, where the more common porcelain urinals have been rather stylishly swapped for beer kegs. It certainly makes for a great talking point when you take a break with your fellow revellers.

Want to see more cool loos? There’s a whole instagram page dedicated to them HERE

The Salvation Army’s Strawberry Field in Liverpool has unveiled a rare, limited edition 12” vinyl acetate of John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band’s seminal hit record, ‘Give Peace a Chance’ and ‘Remember Love’, ahead of its 55th anniversary on the 4th July.

Already home to a unique John Lennon exhibition, this new addition is one of only 50 in the world and will be a temporary feature at the popular visitor attraction and of interest to the masses of Beatles fans who visit the city.

The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Ireland was among 50 charities gifted the vinyl acetates from Yoko Ono and Sean Ono Lennon. Each organisation was given the record to use to raise funds ‘for peace and love’ and The Salvation Army has now revealed its plans to put the gift on display at its visitor centre at Strawberry Field to help raise income for its charitable works.

The Liverpool visitor attraction provides the perfect venue to house the rare piece of Beatles memorabilia due to its historical connection to John Lennon, and ongoing significance as an international landmark of peace and love, which threads through The Salvation Army’s work and John Lennon’s legacy as a champion for peace. 

Originally released on 4 July 1969, the double-sided 12” acetates were hand-cut on the lathe at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, synonymous with the legendary work of The Beatles. Produced and executive produced by Sean and Yoko Ono Lennon, each rare record is stickered, uniquely numbered, and features a machine-printed signature from Yoko herself, making them highly collectable. 

The record can be seen on display in the visitor exhibition at Strawberry Field, where proceeds from ticket sales will help support Steps at Strawberry Field, a series of individually tailored programmes aimed at helping people with learning difficulties or other barriers to employment. Providing employment skills, work experience and volunteer placements, the scheme has helped hundreds of young people find fulfilling employment opportunities thanks to the personalised support provided. The limited edition acetate will then be sold at a future date to raise further funds to support The Salvation Army’s work at Strawberry Field.

To spread peace and goodwill – and with Sean and Yoko following its journey closely – the rare acetate joins many symbols of peace located within the grounds of Strawberry Field, including the Strawberry Field Bandstand with its ‘Imagine’ mosaic floor, a Ukrainian Peace Monument and the piano on which John Lennon wrote ‘Imagine’.

Trainees and graduates from the Steps to Work programme joined The Salvation Army’s Major Kathy Versfeld to unveil the vinyl acetate in the Strawberry Field exhibition, where it is now on display for viewing by the general public.

Major Kathy Versfeld, mission director at Strawberry Field, said: 

“It is an honour for us at The Salvation Army to receive and display this gift from Yoko and Sean at Strawberry Field. This recognition of The Salvation Army’s transformative work in communities across the country is truly humbling. Given Strawberry Field’s symbolic and historical connection with John Lennon and its ongoing significance as an international landmark of peace and love, it seems the perfect place for this unique piece of history to be – a place which meant so much to John Lennon.

“We are excited to offer visitors the opportunity to see the record in our exhibition, where their entry fee will support our charitable work helping young people with learning difficulties and barriers to employment to find meaningful paid work. I pray that people who come to see it are inspired by its messages, and the sentiment of Yoko and Sean’s gesture, to join with us in this global movement of peace and love.”

Find more information on the Strawberry Field website.

Find all the latest Liverpool news here.

National Museums Liverpool has announced an exciting programme of events for Eurovision this May.

Many of the events are part of EuroFestival (1 – 14 May 2023), the two-week long cultural festival taking place across Liverpool to coincide with the city hosting the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. Visitors to the city and locals alike can expect to see unrivalled entertainment, animating NML’s cultural venues and spaces like never before. From after-hours events throughout Eurovision week, to musical and cultural experiences delving deeper into Eurovision and its place in Liverpool, NML’s programme of events will complement the city-wide activity taking place throughout May. 

David Watson, Executive Director of Audiences and Media at National Museums Liverpool, said:

“Everywhere you look in Liverpool, there is talent and creativity. Our exciting programme will not only highlight some of the hidden stories behind Eurovision, but also platform local and international creatives along with our visitors – giving everybody their moment in the dazzling Eurovision spotlight.” 

Full details of NML’s events and activities are below: 

Eurovision XTRAs – 9 & 11 May, Museum of Liverpool 

National Museums Liverpool’s XTRA programme is an opportunity to experience our venues and spaces like never before outside our daytime opening hours. It’s one of the newest best kept secrets in town, and you won’t want to miss these uniquely curated events inspired by Eurovision. Join us for two XTRA events, on both Eurovision semi-final nights (9 and 11 May) and experience a programme of exclusive performances ranging from voguing, comedians to well-known vocalists and DJ’s plus delicious food and drink available throughout the evening.  

Eurovision Song Contest 2023 Grand Final Screenings – 13 May, Museum of Liverpool & World Museum

Join us for a night to remember as we screen the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 final in the incredible surroundings of Museum of Liverpool and World Museum. These extra-special screenings invite you to come together with friends and family for a brilliant night out, as Liverpool hosts the grand finale of Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine. Whether you’re a die-hard Eurovision fan or just looking to be part of the action, there’s something for you. 

Musical Stairs – 1 – 14 May, Museum of Liverpool 

The steps and terraces of Museum of Liverpool have a strong presence as part of Liverpool’s waterfront – now, they are being brought to life through large-scale interactive piano keys that adorn a segment of the stairs, encouraging musical play.  

Outdoor Immersive Projections – 1 – 14 May, Museum of Liverpool 

Head down to Liverpool’s world-famous waterfront to experience some incredible projections on the façade of Museum of Liverpool. Visitors can expect a dazzling show illuminating the venue in gorgeous technicolour and artistic formations.   

Eurovision Walk of Fame – 1 – 14 May, Museum of Liverpool 

The Eurovision Walk of Fame experience invites you to explore, see and hear iconic Eurovision moments from years past through AR technology. A selection of the iconic steps outside Museum of Liverpool will feature interactive scannable elements, compatible with social media platform Instagram, giving you the chance to relive some iconic moments from Eurovision’s past. This project is a collaboration between National Museums Liverpool, Ukrainian national Veronika Yasnska, and leading Ukrainian AR/VR creative agency ADVIN. 

Museum Sessions Live – 14 April – 14 May, Various Venues 

Our brand-new Museum Sessions Live initiative – inspired by National Museums Liverpool’s YouTube series ‘Museum Sessions’ – is a unique opportunity to experience live music in our venues, from a range of performers, as we celebrate the power of music and performance, along with the unrestrained joy, diversity and expression that Eurovision embodies. 

Youth Engagement Forum Song Competition – Online 

The Youth Engagement Forum would like to invite young people from across the city to write a song inspired by the themes of ‘Unity’ and/or ‘friendship’. The winning entries will get a chance to perform their song at a special Eurovision inspired event organised by the Youth Engagement Forum at the Museum of Liverpool. You can submit your song entry here. 

Eurovision Café: Coffee & Turntables – 11, 18, 25 April and 2 May, 12pm – 4pm, Various Venues 

Coffee and Turntables is DJ duo Ivan Thunder and Pete Martin who started the event in 2018 as the original Liverpool Baltic Triangle street party – with DJs spinning vinyl records throughout the Summer on Jamaica Street.  We’ll be turning our cafes into Coffee & Turntable sessions, spinning the best Eurovision inspired tracks, remixes and more.  

Euro Kids – 30 April, 11am – 4pm, Museum of Liverpool 

You’re never too young to enjoy a gig! Get down to the Museum of Liverpool where we’ll be getting in the mood for Eurovision with all the Euro classics, throwing some shapes and belting out our favourites. Tickets go on sale 8 April. 

After Hours: Song Writing Contest – 5 May, 6pm – 8:30pm, Museum of Liverpool 

NML’s Youth Engagement Forum are inviting young people from across the city to write a song inspired by the themes of unity and friendship, with the winning entries getting the chance to perform their song at a special Eurovision inspired event organised at the Museum of Liverpool on Friday 5 May. Fancy dress obligatory!  

Walker Art Party – 6 May, 10am – 5pm, Walker Art Gallery 

Excited about Eurovision and looking for a way to celebrate? We welcome all visitors to join us for this fun packed in which we will be celebrating all things creative. During the day you can expect a variety of both free and paid activities for different ages including art workshops led by Ukrainian artists, face painting, family discos, dressing up and more.  

Eurovision Insignia Keys – From 1 April – June 2023, Museum of Liverpool 

The iconic Eurovision insignia key chain will be on display at Museum of Liverpool. Liverpool mayor, Joanne Anderson received the Eurovision keys from Mayor of Turin, Stefano Lo Russo, at a special ceremony in St George’s Hall in February 2023, launching the start of Liverpool’s tenure as host to the world’s biggest music competition. Since 2007 each host city has made a key to add to the chain. A Liverpool key will be made later this year to be passed on to next year’s host. 

Superlambanana Takeover, Museum of Liverpool 

Two of the Museum of Liverpool’s external Superlambananas (smaller versions of the original by Taro Chiezo, on display in Tithebarn Street) will be refreshed in time for Eurovision. Local artist, Vince Cleghorn is working with Merseyside Polonia to represent the city’s Polish community on one new design for the iconic sculpture, and another will be painted in the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag as a show of solidarity with 2022 winners. 

There’ll be lots more opportunities for little ones, with Eurovision themed versions of classic events such as Babbling Babies, Family Art Club, Song Explorers and Craft & Create. 

The events also coincide with landmark new exhibition Return of the Gods at World Museum, the family-friendly exhibition that dives into ancient Greek and Roman mythology to expose the original ancient characters of the heroes and heroines of our time. Meanwhile Flower Fairies over at Lady Lever Art Gallery gives visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of illustrations from the Flower Fairies books by Cicely Mary Barker. 

For full details of what’s on at National Museums Liverpool for Eurovision events, click here and here.

Lime Street Central

On Monday 9 June, world renowned chef Jamie Oliver released a powerful documentary on Channel 4 focused on the importance of how schools support neurodiverse children.

‘Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution’ highlights the challenges faced by children with dyslexia and other forms of neurodiversity within the education system. The 50-year-old, who is the second highest British selling author, was labelled ‘slow’ before learning the truth about having dyslexia. The latest statistics show approximately 10% of the UK population are dyslexic, and the messaging in the documentary is clear – everyone is committed to doing their best for the children and young people in their care, but the education system is under pressure, and this is impacting children’s outcomes and futures.

As one of the UK’s leading providers of teaching training, Edge Hill University joins the Jamie Oliver pledge that no teacher will qualify without the necessary tools to teach all children, whatever their needs. This commitment goes beyond dyslexia, encompassing ADHD, autism, dyspraxia and other forms of neurodivergence.

Dr Helen O’Keeffe, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Education at Edge Hill said:

“We are delighted to be collaborating with The Jamie Oliver Group on this vital work and proud to offer our support to the Initial Teacher Education pledge. 

“As one of the largest providers of Initial Teacher Education, our mission is to work creatively with others to enhance life chances.

“We are committed to enabling the next generation of teachers to teach everyone in their care, know their responsibilities and build their baseline knowledge through rich and diverse developmental experiences, ensuring all children and young people can reach and exceed their potential.”

Every teacher that qualifies from Edge Hill will:

• Understand dyslexia and how to recognise and support it in the classroom.
• Be familiar with the full spectrum of neurodiversity, including ADHD, autism and dyspraxia, and how these needs may present and overlap.
  
• Be equipped to reduce barriers to learning by adapting teaching, planning inclusive lessons, assessing fairly and using reasonable adjustments and technology. 
  
•  Understand how to create classrooms where every child feels safe, understood, and able to thrive – where difference is not just accommodated but celebrated. 
  
• Know their responsibilities under the SEND Code of Practice and how to work collaboratively with families, specialists and school leaders.

Michelle Pearson, Head of Initial Teacher Education Strategy, Faculty of Education, Edge Hill University added:

“As an outstanding provider of initial teacher education, we recognise the importance of staying closely aligned with our school partners and the evolving needs of their pupils.

“We are committed to preparing our trainee teachers to help every child reach their full potential. Through collaboration with the Jamie Oliver Group and other partners, we aim to build a thriving community of practice that supports everyone across the education sector.”

As part of the Edge Hill’s commitment to support Jamie Oliver’s campaign, the University is running a free one hour online ‘Introduction to Dyslexia’ programme, led by the faculty’s experienced Dyslexia Course Lead, Kate Sutton.

There are four dates to choose from and they are open to everyone. The sessions are designed to offer expert insight into dyslexia. The session provides insight into the key signs educators should watch for and presents effective strategies to support children and young people with dyslexia.

The dates are as follows: 

Thursday 26 June 6-7pm
Wednesday 2 July 7-8pm
Monday 7 July 5-6pm
Tuesday 8 July 6-7pm

Find more information and details how to sign up 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.

Oktoberfest is coming to Liverpool’s Bier Halle, Albert’s Schenke, for the very first time over September 19th – October 3rd.

For a limited time only, the best bier on the planet will be available to sip by the schooner, pour by pint, or take a tour of the taps with a range of Oktoberfest bier flights, as Albert’s Schenke will be serving all 6 official Oktoberfest biers. 

Whilst the festivities begin in Munich on September 20th, Albert’s Schenke is very proud to announce that their Oktoberfest celebrations will begin on September 19^th with the big 6 Munich Breweries Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten making an early appearance on the taps at Albert’s Schenke a day earlier than anywhere else. It is a unique opportunity to savour the sumptuous half dozen of drinks before anyone else. 

MORE: Get the latest food and drink news for Liverpool here.

Alongside a lederhosen clad army, mini bier plates and Oktoberfest themed games, and Bier Hall piano sessions, Albert’s Schenke will be offering all guests who pre-book between September 19th – October 3rd, either a pint of one of the 6 official Oktoberfest biers or a Porn Star Martini on the house. Bookings can be made here.

For the duration of the Oktoberfest celebrations, Albert’s Schenke will also be offering a free stein to anyone who comes to the Schenke dressed in lederhosen.

MORE: 10 Wirral bars you need in your life

Brought to Liverpool by Mission Mars, the team behind award-winning food and drink venues such as Albert’s Schloss, Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza and Gorilla, Albert’s Schenke is the latest conception from the multi-concept hospitality operator, having opened in the city back in July to great acclaim.

It’s first come, first served for Oktoberfest at Albert’s Schenke – so book now and don’t forget to dig out the lederhosen!

Get all of the latest news for Liverpool and beyond here.

Got a story you would like to share with us? Email us info@theguideliverpool.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for regular updates for Liverpool.

The Queen

Everton FC has unveiled an exciting new multi-year partnership with Corpay, Inc., naming the company’s Cross-Border business as the Club’s Official Foreign Exchange Partner.

This partnership marks another major collaboration as Everton Football Club continues to expand its portfolio of corporate partnerships.

Corpay is a globally recognised leader in corporate payments, offering innovative and award-winning Cross-Border payment solutions.

Through the partnership, Everton will be able to utilise a world-class trading platform to process cross-border payments, mitigate foreign exchange exposure from their day-to-day business needs and manage global payments from a single point of access.

The partnership therefore aligns two dynamic brands, as Everton join Corpay’s Cross-Border business’s strong portfolio of sports partners across international football, tennis, swimming and rugby.

Richard Kenyon, Chief Commercial and Communications Officer at Everton, said:

“We are excited to welcome Corpay’s Cross-Border business into our expanding partnership portfolio and look forward to working them over the coming years and playing a part in their business growth.

“This announcement follows a successful summer of new deals which is great credit to my colleagues across the Club, particularly those leading the development of our commercial partnership portfolio.”

Brad Loder, Chief Marketing Officer, Corpay Cross-Border Solutions, added:

“The Corpay Cross-Border team is honoured to be named the Official FX Partner of Everton, one of the oldest and most successful clubs in English football.

“With our strong focus on growing the Corpay brand and business globally, this partnership further solidifies Corpay’s position as the corporate payments and currency risk management company of choice within the Premier League, and we look forward to working with Everton during the coming season and beyond.”

For more info on Everton Football Club click here.

For the latest news in Liverpool click here.

Liverpool’s Pride will take place on Saturday 26 July with a brand new march route and concept, but the same mission – to celebrate the city’s LGBTQ+ community.

Following the news last month that Liverpool Pride was to be cancelled, Sahir House launched a campaign to save the beloved event, and they succeeded.

We spoke to Ant Hopkinson from Sahir House, Claire McColgan of Culture Liverpool and Cllr Harry Doyle to find out more.

Liverpool’s next Pride march is set to bring people together for a powerful show of solidarity, visibility and inclusion.

Liverpool’s Pride will start at Pier Head where people are invited to gather from 9.30am for speeches and a vigil before the Liverpool Pride march sets off around 11.30am.

Leading the way will be a representative group from Liverpool’s trans community, organised by Protest Scouse Dolls. Behind them, disabled and neurodivergent people will be at the front of the wider crowd, setting a slow, steady and accessible pace for everyone to follow.

After that, the march will take a relaxed, open format – no strict blocks or barriers, just everyone walking together to celebrate community, diversity and support for each other.

Route details

Start: George’s Parade, Pier Head
Finish: Main entrance of the M&S Bank Arena

Here’s how the route will unfold:

• Starting outside the iconic Three Graces, marchers will head south along Canada Boulevard with the Mersey alongside them.
• The route passes Mann Island and loops round the Museum of Liverpool, circling the fountains and terrace before rejoining Mann Island.
• From there, it’s a right turn onto The Strand, then another right onto Salthouse Quay alongside the Royal Albert Dock.
• After crossing Gower Street at a marshalled crossing, the march will head over the Keel Wharf pedestrian bridge and finish up at the ACC Arena’s main entrance.

The full route is about 1.4 miles and is step-free, flat and fully wheelchair accessible.

At a steady, inclusive pace, the front of the march is expected to arrive in about half an hour, while those further back should allow up to 90 minutes to complete the walk.

Whether you’re there to march or to show support along the way, it promises to be a powerful moment for Liverpool’s communities to stand together and make sure no one is left behind.

Get all the info you need here.

Don’t miss out on events around Liverpool, keep up to date with The Guide Liverpool.

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.

Safari Careers Days that enable students to get a taste of what it’s like to work with animals has been announced by Knowsley Safari this National Careers Week 2024 (starting on Monday 4 March).

Available to secondary school and college students, it will include a guided tour of Knowsley Safari, which recently featured in Channel 4’s Secret Life of the Safari Park.

Students will also join a 45-minute workshop that focuses on different job roles at the safari including vet, keeper and researcher. After this, there will be a Q&A session that will allow students to grill a keeper about their day-to-day life at the safari.

Keeping the session both engaging and exciting, students will be tasked with various challenges during the workshop, one of them being a CSI investigation to test their veterinary skills by identifying symptoms of animal illness and making a diagnosis.

They will also be asked to design a new animal enclosure sign, create diet sheets for omnivore, carnivore and herbivore animals and undertake a research task that involves monitoring the behaviours of animals at different times of day, for example after they’ve been fed. 

Nicola Watson, LDRC Operations Manager at Knowsley Safari, said:

“The idea of this taster session is to give students an idea of the wide range of roles available in a safari and tell them what’s it like to work within zoological education, animal husbandry and welfare. We’ll also show them what their day to day could look like and explain career progression opportunities in the future.

“Safari life is exciting but also very hard work, so it requires people with passion and dedication. As part of the session, we will also provide some tips and advice on the recruitment process and what we look for in an applicant.” 

National Careers Week provides a dedicated time frame to focus on exploring career opportunities, understanding individual potentials, and setting ambitious yet achievable goals for the future.  

Each four-hour Safari Careers session costs £12 for under 16s and £15 for students 16 and over and will run between April and July.

Schools and colleges can find out more by contacting learning@knowsley.com   

For more info on Knowsley Safari click here. For the latest news in Liverpool click here.

A range of businesses in Birkenhead’s creative Argyle Quarter have been given a makeover thanks to a grant scheme for shop front improvements.

The Argyle Quarter Commercial Property Improvement Grant Scheme – funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority through the city region’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation – opened in September 2024, and invited businesses within the area to bid for funding.

The purpose was to help improve the look of the area while retaining heritage features and support business growth, contributing toward the ongoing regeneration of Birkenhead as a whole. 

10 businesses were successful in securing funding, and work has now been completed, giving the area a fresh new look which businesses are already reaping the rewards of. 

Rachael Downey from the The Lunch Bunch, said:

“It’s allowed us to have some beautiful stickers to be put on the windows, and footfall as a result of that has increased massively, there are lots of friendly new faces which has been amazing.”

Amy Butterworth, co-founder and CEO of community organisation Make It Happen Birkenhead, said the impact of the grant scheme has been significant:

“It’s not only improved the area in regard to the shop fronts, but it’s also brought us all together as local businesses and we’ve formed friendships. It’s had a profound impact on the area which is great for Birkenhead as part of the regeneration area.” 

Other businesses who benefited from the scheme include children’s entertainment company Wish Upon a Party Entertainment Limited. 

Ruth Rundle, the founder, said:

“We received £5,000 which has completely transformed our shop. It’s all been freshly painted, with new wood, and a brand-new front door and it just looks amazing.” 

Nihat Katar, who runs the Istanbul Barber, added:

“I was very happy to get the grant for the shop renovation, this area now looks very nice.”

With many of the businesses in this area being either listed or falling within a Conservation Area, supporting the retention of historic shopfronts and encouraging high-quality design of new frontages was a key component of the programme, as well as ensuring an approach to security, lighting and signage that respects the character of the conservation area. 

The shop front improvements come as local businesses in this area have also come together to launch the Argyle Independent Quarter, supported by the council and UKSPF funding. Spearheaded by Future Yard, Joy, Make CIC, Start Yard and Make It Happen, the new initiative is designed to bring the Quarter’s creative businesses together and build a thriving, entrepreneurial neighbourhood. 

The group are actively looking for people who want to collaborate or start something new, helping to realise the potential of this growing creative hub in Birkenhead. A business forum is being planned, and there is also the opportunity to secure affordable space in the Argyle Independent Quarter with practical business support to help fledgling and existing companies to grow. More information on the Argyle Independent Quarter and how to get involved can be found here.

Councillor Tony Jones, Chair of Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration & Housing Committee, said:

“It’s fantastic to see the tangible benefits this scheme has had for businesses in the Argyle Quarter. The difference in the shop fronts is plain to see and has really improved the overall look of the area, plus, it’s clearly already helping to generate more business and catch the attention of new customers. This combined with the launch of the Argyle Independent Quarter gives the area a real boost, making it an exciting place to be for creative, entrepreneurial small businesses.”

Cllr Mike Wharton, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade, said:

“We want our high streets to be busy and thriving places where people want to spend time. We want attractive streets with interesting and independent businesses. That’s just what we’ve been able to help happen in the Argyle Quarter. Supporting these individual businesses has enabled them to make improvements that have given a collective shot in the arm to the whole area.”

Find all the latest Birkenhead news here.

Jay & Simmo have your latest two minute update for Liverpool with lots of info on what you can get up to over the next few days in our city.

After hearing that the new Royal Liverpool Hospital launch has been delayed again we reflect on the news, and also get an update from the Royal and new developers Lang O’ Rourke. We also meet the hero police dog who has been fighting crime in Walton this week.

Plus news on a big gig coming to Aintree Racecourse this weekend and information on a new Oasis inspired exhibition happening at The BME.

Also we say a big good luck to everyone at Claire House ahead of the Claire House Cup this weekend in memory of Elliot Wild. Over 1400 youngsters will take part in helping to raise much needed funds for the hospice.

See what else is on in Liverpool this week here and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.