The Guide Liverpool Heroes - VOTE NOW! 
The blight of parked cars blocking pavements and pathways could be targeted in Liverpool, thanks to a new proposed parking strategy.
Liverpool City Council is aiming to take significant steps in its efforts to create a more sustainable and people-centred approach to parking, as outlined in a report to its Cabinet next week.
The Council has also set out steps to prioritise the use of public transport, walking, and cycling which will improve urban mobility and reduce reliance on private vehicles.
Councillors will debate the adoption of the Liverpool Parking Strategy on Tuesday, January 21. This key plan will guide parking policy and decision-making across the city for the next 20 years and beyond.
The strategy, if approved, will guide the Council in maximizing the use of limited city space for the benefit of residents, businesses, and visitors.
The strategy aligns with the Council’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable transport options. It will encourage a shift away from car dependency and prioritize active travel.
The plan will also help to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment and reduce reliance on private vehicles.
The strategy follows the announcement of new car parking charges, to be introduced from March 2025. It is the first increase of parking charges on council car parks in more than 10 years.
The hiring of 52 new enforcement staff to help tackle parking issues is also underway.
The Council will engage with stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and community groups, to gather feedback and refine the strategy before final adoption.
Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:
“This is an important step towards creating a more sustainable and liveable city. The Parking Strategy will play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation in Liverpool, ensuring that our city remains a thriving place for everyone.
“I know how frustrated many residents are with the blight of pavement parking. Addressing this is a key priority for Liverpool City Council, and this strategy will shape how we do this.
“Pavement parking causes a particular blight for people using prams or wheelchairs. It forces them onto the road, which is dangerous for the pedestrian but can also lead to traffic in the road being impacted as drivers slow to avoid them.
“I would encourage everyone who feels they are affected by this plan to engage with the consultation process to ensure their view are heard and taken into consideration. It’s vital that everyone in our community plays a part in implementing the new strategy.”
Find more information on the Liverpool City Council website.
Find all the latest Liverpool news here.
Bold Street saw a 14,000 footfall on Sunday as Liverpool BID Company’s ‘Celebrating Bold Street’ welcomed street performers, workshops, competitions, music and more.
The total footfall count on Bold Street on Sunday 13 August was 14,201, a 48% increase year on year and a 36% increase on the previous Sunday (10,437).
Organised by Liverpool BID Company, the ‘Celebrating Bold Street’ and ‘Celebrating Castle Street’ events returned after a three year hiatus and featured jam-packed programmes of street entertainment, music, workshops, chef’s demos and more, sharing the unique character of two of the city centre’s most striking streets.
Local businesses contributed with their own events and special offers to showcase the unique character and offer of the city centre locales.
Liverpool BID Company also reveals that they are offering £2k worth of support to a cultural festival on Mathew Street running from 21-24 August and coinciding with International Beatle Week.
Decoration and animation will include window art on Mathew Street, the ‘All You Need is Love’ heart as a selfie spot, and street performers.
Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool BID Company, said:
“We know that this year has seen a number of challenges on our high streets and businesses. Creating animation and a pull to boost footfall helps more people to see the personality and possibility of our city centre.
“Castle Street and Bold Street are filled with a combination of independent businesses and family favourites, a blend of hospitality and retail that helps to showcase the best that Liverpool has to offer.
“We want to thank all of our city centre businesses who showed real enthusiasm and excitement for these events.”
For more on Bold Street click here.
Plenty of us are lip sync superstars with a hairbrush in the bedroom – but how many can perform in front of a live audience?
As part of its ongoing fundraising drive, Liverpool’s Woodlands Hospice is hosting a ‘Lip Sync Battle’ in the city in the next few weeks.
On Wednesday, October 4, Camp & Furnace in the Baltic Triangle will be the venue for the challenge where contestants will go head to head to compete for the ‘Gob on Legs’ trophy and be crowned Lip Sync Champions.
Local firm MD Productions will be supporting the show by providing backing dancers for each act from their professional dance company, whilst using the event as a training project for the MD training arm
Students at the academy will be tasked with choreographing the act and backing dancers to create entertaining stage routines that will wow the audience. Contestants will attend rehearsals with MD Productions through September to perfect their routines.
There are 10 planned performances on the night, including solo artists or groups of up to four, with the audience choosing the winner through text voting.
Your host for the evening is our very own Jay Hynd, no stranger to interviewing huge international stars such as Beyonce and Kim Cattrall, Jay is more than ready for the divas of Liverpool’s very own Lip Sync Battle.
Confirmed acts so far include Ben Osu from Made in Liverpool TV, John Gibbons from The Anfield Wrap, presenter and No More Kennels founder Rebeckah Vaughan, and acts from Tilney Group Wealth Management, Brabners Solicitors, the Old Stables at Allerton Manor, and a team of palliative care nurses from Aintree Hospital, amongst others.
They will lip sync to artists including Black Eyed Peas, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Jessie J, Ariana Grande, Freddie Mercury, Little Mix, Madonna and more.
All proceeds from ticket sales, audience voting, raffles and contestants’ fundraising efforts will go to Woodlands Hospice Charitable Trust.
Woodlands provides specialist palliative care for people with cancer and other life limiting illnesses, plus a wide range of support treatments and services for patients and their families.
It needs to fundraise more than £3000 per day to keep its operation going.
Early-bird tickets for the event are £10 each and are on sale now at www.livlipsync.uk
More information can be found at https://www.woodlandshospice.org/lip-sync-battle
You shall go to the ball! Black tie glamour and glitz arrives at St George’s Hall this winter for two very special party nights.
Brand new for Winter 2017, the stunning St George’s Hall will receive a snowy make over for a black tie, Christmas party event like no other. On Saturday 16th December, you’re invited to glam up and get down as the Great Hall opens its doors for The Snow Ball.
If you’re still looking for a unique Christmas party event to impress your colleagues or friends, this is it. Dressed to impress, you’ll be welcomed with a glass of festive fizz on arrival before dancing the nights away to your favourite floor fillers, in one of the city’s most impressive venues.
Pic Credit: Mike Allanson
Get ready to bust some serious moves on the dance floor as crooning sensation, Perfectly Frank adds a bit of old school swagger to the Saturday night event and four piece band Co.Uk perform all the chart classics from the 60’s til now. As well as being the most Instragrammable Christmas party venue in the city, the Snow Ball will also have food available to purchase on the night to make sure you’re still dancing away when the lights come up and the last slowy is played.
Here’s 5 reasons why you should have your Christmas party at the Snow Ball….
1 – The Venue
If you’ve never been inside St George’s Hall, prepare for the wow factor, especially at Christmas time. This show-stopping venue will make you feel every inch the Princess or Prince you are as you mount the famous steps and take to the great hall dance floor.
2 – Black Tie
Now come on, who doesn’t love a bit of glamour on their Christmas night out? Girls this is a code white event! Full on rollers, lashes, nails and tan are a must and you can really go to town choosing a red carpet gown to be seen in. Guys, get practising your best James Bond looks and prepare to smoulder!
3 – Walking in a Winter Wonderland
The music line up for the two nights are proper big band experiences. Prepare to hear Motown and Swing classics that everyone knows the words too, plus a DJ set that will take you from the golden age of Frank Sinatra, to the modern day charts, all in one night. All together now…Rocky Robin…tweet….tweet…tweet….
4 – Say Rudolph!
Lets face it, who is going to attend a Black Tie Christmas party event at St George’s Hall and not take hundreds of photo’s? The events team behind the Snow Ball are going all out to pull off a snowy transformation of the Great Hall and we know it’ll be all over social media within moments of the party starting. Charge that battery and get snap happy.
5 – The More the Merrier
The Snow Ball is truly the perfect night out for groups of friends and family at Christmas time and how’s this for a little stocking filler. Parties that book a table of 10 or more will receive a complimentary bottle of fizz on ice to get your party started!
The Snow Ball is just one of three special Christmas events taking place at St George’s Hall this winter, click here to find out all about the Christmas Jumper Ceilidh and the traditional carol concert with a twist.
Don’t miss your opportunity to go glam this Christmas at St George’s Hall. Tickets are priced at £25 and are available from See tickets here. Don’t forget to follow @SGHLpool on Twitter for regular updates ahead of the Snow Ball events.
We’d love to see and share your Snow Ball pics! Tweet us @TheGuideLpool or tag us in on Insta, @TheGuideLpool and we’ll share the best on our socials.
If you’re setting off for uni soon, and heading to the best city in the world, we’ve got some helpful hints and tips to save them pennies.
A students time at uni, these are set to be some of the greatest years of your life, but if you’re a new student in Liverpool this term then with great freedom comes great responsibility, and that includes being the boss of your own finances!
We know you’re itching to dive headfirst into all those epic social activities and make a boatload of new friends. But hang on, because making that money last until the end of term can feel like a proper mission.
Now, here’s the deal. Keep an eye on your cash flow, plan your spending, and you’ll ride this student adventure like a pro.
According to Ruki Heritage, the Director of Student Experience at the University of Bedfordshire, it’s a smart move to break down your expected weekly or monthly expenses when you’re studying. This can be a real game-changer, especially when you’re expecting those substantial sums of cash like loans or grants to roll in.
Liverpool’s waiting, mindset towards your finances, you’ll conquer it all!
Cheers to student life, and remember, your future self will thank you for those budgeting skills.
Dining Deals
Dining deals in Liverpool can be a tremendous asset for students looking to manage their budgets while enjoying the vibrant food scene that the city has to offer.
Dining out can add up quickly, but with dining deals, you can enjoy your favourite meals at a fraction of the regular price. Many restaurants, cafes, and eateries in Liverpool offer student discounts or special deals, making it much more affordable to enjoy a meal outside of your university’s dining facilities or your own kitchen.
Liverpool is known for its diverse culinary scene, offering everything from traditional British fare to international cuisine. Dining deals allow you to explore this rich variety without breaking the bank. You can try different dishes, discover new flavors, and expand your palate.
Some restaurants and cafes in Liverpool have loyalty programs that reward frequent customers with discounts, free meals, or other perks.
Many of the places offering dining deals in Liverpool are small, local establishments. By taking advantage of these deals, you’re not only helping yourself financially but also contributing to the local economy.
Download the Too Good To Go app for some fantastic lunch deals throughout the city!
Keep an eye out on our Food & Drink tab for all the latest on Liverpool’s bars and restaurants HERE.
Get a weekend job
Having a part-time job allows you to earn your own money, reducing reliance on student loans or parental support. This financial independence can be empowering.
Student life comes with various expenses, from textbooks to social activities. A weekend job helps cover these costs, reducing financial stress.
Work experience is invaluable for your future career. Even a part-time job can provide valuable skills and insights that you can add to your CV.
Balancing work with your studies can teach you valuable time management skills. Learning to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines is essential for academic success.
Earnings from a weekend job can be saved or invested for future goals, such as further education or travel.
Ideally you don’t want to be working anymore than 10-15 hours, remember your studies are the reason you’re here!
You can take a look at Liverpool City Region’s job board HERE. Or check out sites such as Indeed, or even go about it the old fashioned way, head on in to the venue itself and hand in a CV.
Check out all the FREE activities in the city!
There’s loads of free things to do in Liverpool – the beauty about our fantastic city is that there’s always so much going on, we are literally the epicentre of culture, music, and art… well… we think so anyway!
But let’s be honest now, with the state the country is in at the moment, with the cost of living crisis, expendable income just isn’t a luxury most of us have at the moment.
Take a look at our 50 FREE things to do in the city guide HERE.
Bulk Buying
University life can be hectic, with classes, assignments, and social activities filling your schedule. Bulk buying means fewer trips to the grocery store, saving you time and transportation costs. Plus, it cuts down on the temptation to impulse-buy unnecessary items.
When you buy in bulk, you can stock up on essential items like pasta, rice, canned goods, and toiletries. This ensures that you always have the basics on hand, preventing last-minute dashes to the store.
Consider teaming up with flatmates or friends to make bulk purchases. You can split the cost and share the goods, making it even more economical.
Knowing that you have a well-stocked pantry and essential supplies can provide peace of mind. It reduces the stress of constantly budgeting and shopping, allowing you to focus on your studies and social life.
Remember if you’re a new student in Liverpool – Keep checking The Guide Liverpool for all the latest in the city!
Mandela
The Zanzibar Club, based in Seel Street, will close its doors on November 1st this year ahead of planned changes and refurbishment.
The Zanzibar band performances will move a few hundred yards aways to the basement of Heebie Jeebies – also on Seel Street in Liverpool City Centre. A new name for this live music basement venue at Heebies will soon be announced.
The basement at Heebies has been a popular spot in the city for live music 2-3 nights a week already and investment will now be made into making this accessible even more across each week.
The Zanzibar itself is going to be refurbished and more information will also be announced in the very near future.
Zanzibar closed in 2020 after the devastating economic effects of the pandemic. However a local Liverpool independent stepped in to ensure that Zanzibar continued to contribute highly-prized value to the city’s musical and cultural heritage.
As has been widely publicised a large number of grassroots venues have closed over the past 4-5 years and the nighttime economy is completely different now to the way it was 10, 15 or 20 years ago. From redevelopment and drinking habits to the cost of living. The UK nighttime economy has evolved and businesses need to evolve with it to now survive.
Liverpool has a unique musical heritage and reputation around the globe, and The Zanzibar Club has been an integral part of that for thirty years.
Find out more about Zanzibar here.
Find more great nights out in Liverpool on our website.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Prepare to dance the night away as the iconic Jacksons take centre stage at the highly anticipated Liverpool Celebrates this August Bank Holiday weekend.
Making their long-awaited return to Liverpool, The Jacksons, featuring brothers Jackie, Tito, and Marlon Jackson, will headline the festival on Saturday, 24 August, with a performance that is sure to electrify the crowd.
Backed by a dynamic 10-piece live band, The Jacksons will deliver a show-stopping set filled with their greatest hits, including classics like “Blame It On The Boogie,” “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “Can You Feel It.”
From infectious rhythms to soulful melodies, The Jacksons will bring their signature style and undeniable energy to the Pier Head venue for a night of music and celebration.
Presented by Liverpool Celebrates in partnership with The Mathew Street Festival team, this musical extravaganza promises an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages.
In addition to The Jacksons, the Mathew Street Festival celebration will feature a lineup of acclaimed artists and emerging local talent, ensuring a diverse and vibrant experience for festival-goers.
From the legendary Holly Johnson of Frankie Goes to Hollywood to the chart-topping Lightning Seeds, Space, China Crisis, and N-Trance, there will be something for everyone to enjoy throughout the weekend.
Beyond the headline acts, festival-goers can look forward to immersive experiences curated by Jonny Bongo’s Festival Experience at the Dock.
Boyzlife – the Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy supergroup – rock the Pier with acclaimed Boyzone and Westlife number ones.
As part of the festival celebrations, Sunday’s lineup pays homage to music history with captivating tribute acts honouring icons like Abba, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, and The Doors.
And on Bank Holiday Monday, the Cavern Takeover will feature electrifying tributes to Adele, The Who, Elton John, Oasis, The Rolling Stones, and Dios Salve A La Reina – a renowned Queen tribute act flown in from Argentina.
Steven Fletcher at Liverpool Celebrates said:
“We are proud to announce a lineup which not only pays tribute to The Mathew Street Festival but also welcomes iconic, international groups such as The Jacksons back to Liverpool as well as a brilliant blend of local talent.
“The Jacksons are returning to the city for the first time in almost 50 years while Dios Salve A La Reina were show-stoppers at the last Mathew Street Festival in 2013.
“There will also be opportunities for emerging artists to perform at the festival, and we will be hosting opportunities for performers to earn the chance to take to the main stage across the weekend.”
Daniel Sanders of Liverpool Celebrates added:
“We hope we have put together a lineup music lovers from the city and beyond can be proud of and we are so excited to welcome people into Liverpool for this celebration.
“Liverpool Celebrates are delighted by the reaction of both the public and venues across the city since we announced the tribute to the Mathew Street Festival and we believe this lineup will deliver a bumper August Bank Holiday weekend of fun, music and memories to Liverpool City Centre.”
Tickets for Liverpool Celebrates are available to buy now – to book click here.
For the latest news in Liverpool click here.
The family of pub landlord Sam Mercer, who died following a leg operation aged just 35, have launched a charity in his name to support other people going through sudden loss.
Dad of three Sam ran The Volunteer Canteen in Waterloo, known as The Volly, and was a much-loved local community champion.
His death in February 2023, just days after an operation on his knee, left his parents and three brothers devastated and in shock.
Now they have officially launched the charity Sudden Sam to help others impacted by losing a loved one so unexpectedly.
Tom Hanlon, Sam’s younger brother, says the family feel passionately about giving people the support they need at what can be a very traumatic time.
He explains:
“Sam had a long-standing issue with his knee which got particularly bad in December 2022 so he went in for day surgery on Valentine’s Day 2023. We were going to his house to heat up food for him and my mum was there on the Friday, gave him his tea, kissed him on his forehead and said ‘love you’, and he said ‘love you ma.’
“We found him dead in his bed on the Sunday, five days after the operation.
“From the moment we found him, it’s been absolutely horrific. A whole multi-agency process started, involving the coroner, police because it was a sudden unexpected death, and the NHS. It was just endless and we didn’t know what to expect from one day to the next.
“We very quickly realised that there’s no support for a sudden death, and it’s so traumatic because you’ve got the grief but you’ve also got the shock. He was there one day then next day he wasn’t.
“There’s support for bereavement in a general sense but what we desperately needed was somebody to tell us what was going to happen because we’d just been thrown into the unknown.”
Sam’s family set up Sudden Sam at the beginning of the year, with an official launch this week to coincide with what would have been his 37th birthday.
Tom says the charity has four main aims:
Emotional support tailored to the individual. “I found that there wasn’t much support for sibling loss. A lot of people would say, rightly so, ‘how’s your mum?’ and then it would stop there. Sibling loss can be quite isolating so we wanted to tailor the support to the particular type of bereavement.”
Financial support. “We were lucky to have savings but so many people don’t, and especially with sudden loss at a young age, there can be no life insurance because it isn’t always a priority when there’s a cost of living crisis.”
Practical guidance. “It’s about just being a friend to the people going through it and supporting them; explaining the process of an inquest and what’s going to come so their grief isn’t secondary.”
Community awareness. “Grief is awful, no matter what, but we want to educate people on the impact of sudden loss.”
Sudden Sam is in the early stages, but there’s been a huge positive response and the charity has already been able to provide talk therapy and practical guidance for people who’ve lost a loved one suddenly.
They’re in the process of trying to get premises for a permanent base, and the official launch event at Bootle Cricket Club raised more than £6,000 profit to help fund the services. The next goal is to add children’s support, with art and play therapy, after seeing the effects first hand of sudden grief on Sam’s own three young children.
Tom said:
“It still feels unreal that Sam isn’t here. The Volly was a community hub and he truly was a community champion in every way possible. He did everything he could to support local businesses, and he was even given a Lockdown Hero special award.
“The turnout at his funeral was absolutely breathtaking and showed the impact he had. In the speech I did at the launch night I said Sudden Sam has completely taken off and that’s all down to Sam, because he did all the hard work and created the relationships in the community, all that me and the trustees have done is tap into that.
“People have got behind the charity because there is a big need for it but also it’s down to Sam’s legacy.”
You can donate to Sudden Sam here.
Find all the latest Liverpool news here.
Liverpool’s largest airline, easyJet, has announced a major expansion at Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA).
From next summer, an additional easyJet Airbus A320 aircraft will be based at Liverpool, supporting around 400 local jobs and offering more travel options for passengers across the North-West.
This comes as the airline posts it 2024 financial year results, in which it delivered a 34% improvement in profit before tax of £610 million. This was driven by another consecutive record summer and 56% improvement in easyJet holidays’ profits.
In its 2024 financial year the airline carried 18% more customers compared to last year, introduced eight new routes to Malta, Fuerteventura, Prague, Berlin, Marrakesh, City of Derry, Sharm el Sheikh and Oslo. and has recently added a seventh Airbus A320 aircraft to its fleet this winter.
Growth at Liverpool has driven by demand for leisure travel, with a quarter of customers at Liverpool travelling on an easyJet holiday. Beach packages have proven particularly popular, and holidaymakers have been heading to the likes of Costa Blanca, Majorca and Tenerife.
The arrival of an eighth aircraft at Liverpool this summer will enable the airline to offer customers even more choice for flights and holidays from Liverpool to Europe and beyond, such as a new summer service to Split in Croatia which went on sale last week.
Ali Gayward, easyJet UK Country Manager, said:
“Our success in Liverpool in a testament to the continued popularity of our flights and holidays, with over 2.2 million customers this year choosing us for our trusted brand, unrivalled network and great value fares.
“The growth of our fleet with yet another aircraft at our Liverpool base will not only support around 400 jobs, but is enabling us to further unlock the opportunity of the continuing demand that we see for both leisure and business travel in the North West.
“We’re already capturing this opportunity with the launch of more new routes, which will provide more customers with greater choice when booking a well-earned holiday, and we look forward to welcoming them on board.”
Paul Winfield, Director of Aviation for LJLA, said:
“We are naturally delighted to see easyJet further strengthen their operations here at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. As a long-term partner, easyJet have helped over 50 million passengers take advantage of Liverpool’s Faster, Easier Friendlier airport experience over the past 27 years and the basing of their 8th aircraft with eight new routes for next summer will see easyJet to continue to grow its operations here.
“It also brings the potential for further route expansion in the future, to the benefit of the Liverpool City Region and the wider North West and North Wales in what is the largest aviation market in the UK outside London. Today’s news is great for the local economy too, with more jobs created to help support their expanding operation.”
easyJet launched services from Liverpool for the first time in October 1997, with the opening of its base with flights to Nice, Amsterdam and Geneva, where it will now base eight Airbus A320 family aircraft.
easyJet has remained committed to Liverpool by maintaining a continuous operation and has grown to operate up to nearly 328 flights a week, offering 27 routes to 17 countries across Europe and North Africa and has flown over 53 million customers since operations began.
Today, easyJet connects Liverpool to major cities across Europe like Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin and Barcelona; to a range of fantastic beach destinations like Faro, Hurghada, Paphos, Corfu, Bodrum and Corfu; to popular ski resorts via Salzburg and Geneva and across the UK, with services to Belfast, City of Derry, the Isle of Man and Jersey, offering choice and great value fares for both leisure and business travellers.
Following the launch of easyJet holidays summer 2026 season, beach holidays and city escapes are on sale right up to the end of October 2026.
For more information on easyJet’s network from Liverpool click here.
Watch our conversation with LJLA about easyJet’s new route announcement earlier this year:
For the latest news in Liverpool click here.
Two new digital platforms, Drug Talk and the Wirral Multicultural Organisation (WMO) Digital Hub, will enable people from ethnic minority backgrounds to access support if they’re worried about drug and alcohol use for themselves, their family or friends.
Through unique digital and culturally sensitive features, the site’s focus will be on improving ease of access for advice and guidance for people across the wirral where English may not be a first language.
Co-designed with people from ethnic minority backgrounds, the Drug Talk platform contains ‘harm reduction’ information about a range of drugs and alcohol including health risks and laws, as well as street names for each substance.
Cllr Jean Robinson, Chair of Wirral’s Health and Wellbeing board, said:
“We all deserve access to support services we may need – but access can look different for different people.
“People from ethnic minorities backgrounds do not take more drugs than other people – in many instances, they take fewer drugs. However factors including; discrimination, cultural norms and poor knowledge about local services can be barriers to help and advice.
“Drug Talk is a powerful education resource for residents from ethnic backgrounds who may wish to access the same services available as their neighbours – but may struggle due to various barriers.”
While the site is available to any Wirral residents, its key features include:
- Use of the ‘Recite’ tool – which can translate to more than 100 languages via text or audio
- Non-stigmatising language – the website is culturally and religiously sensitive
- Information on drugs and the law that is particularly relevant to asylum seekers, refugees or migrants
The WMO Digital Hub has been redesigned to help the multilingual community access resources related to health and wellbeing and harm reduction.
The Hub will host a range of information for residents, partners and frontline professionals, including translated printable resources to make support and guidance accessible to everyone. The Hub will also signpost people to the Drug Talk website for advice and guidance in more than 100 languages.
Inspector Susan Stribling, lead for Project ADDER (Addiction, Diversion, Disruption, Enforcement and Recovery) at Merseyside Police said:
“We are pleased to have instigated and funded the WMO Digital Hub to bring it up to date with technology, design and information. This accessible platform will help our diverse communities access up-to-date harm reduction and treatment advice for drugs, alcohol, gambling and signposts support if someone becomes a victim of cuckooing, a form of criminal exploitation when someone takes over a person’s home for criminal activity.”
“Both digital platforms aim to remove some of barriers to accessing support and empower people to make the best decisions for their own health and wellbeing, and that of their loved ones.
“Our officers continue to target perpetrators who exploit vulnerable drug users, but this must go hand in hand with prevention and recovery. Prevention is at the heart of Project ADDER as we know that a whole-system, public health approach is vital to preventing drug related deaths, offending and drug prevalence.
“Thank you to all the partners involved who are committed towards a common goal – communities free from the harms caused by drugs.”
Nicky Taylor, Head of Department for ESOL & BSL at Wirral Met College, said:
“The research project was vital in providing us with evidence that this resource was greatly needed.
“It validated what our ESOL learners knew which was that there was a gap in education and education resource for people of ethnic minority, people for whom English is not their first language, asylum seekers, refugees and those of migrant status.”
Wirral Multicultural Organisation co-produced Drug Talk with Wirral residents of ethnic minority and staff from Wirral Met College, Wirral Ways, Merseyside Police’s Project ADDER, Response, Wirral Change, Deen Centre and Heart4Refugees. It was funded through Wirral Council’s Supplementary Substance Misuse Treatment and Recovery (SSMTR) grant.
The websites are open to all residents.
Visit Drug Talk here.
Visit WMO’s Digital Hub here.
Find all the latest Wirral news here.
Dirty O’Sheas is to open this September at the site of the old Empire nightclub on Seel Street Liverpool.
The old venue was closed after Sam Cook was tragically killed in October of 2017. The site has been closed since.
Now local independent leisure company Pub Invest Group will re-open the site as an Irish Bar. Pub Invest Group have traded for many years with well-known venues around Liverpool, such as the Rubber Soul Complex, McCooleys, Level, Soho and the Old Bank. Other venues that are also based on Seel Street and owned by Pub Invest Group include Peacock and Brooklyn Mixer.
Pub Invest Group will keep the basement of the venue closed as a mark of respect to Sam Cook and only the ground floor will be used to operate. The new venue will create around 25 jobs when it opens on the 1st September and will only open until 2am.
Liverpool nightlife ambassador and Pubwatch Chairman John Hughes who was one of the pioneers of the #Nomoreknives campaign in the city and reached out to Sam’s father, Alan, back in July and called him to inform him of the new site opening. John also made Sam’s Mum aware at a recent #Nomoreknives event to inform her also and offer any support needed.
John commented “I have worked closely with Pub Invest Group for many years and when they informed me of this opening, I was told the basement of the site would remain closed as a mark of respect. I met with the Liverpool Echo bosses also earlier in the summer to explain that the site would be opening again under the vastly experienced operators Pub Invest Group. The company have over 30 sites and will turn the site into an Irish pub closing 2 hours earlier than had been the case when the site was Empire.”
A spokesperson for Pub Invest Group added “We are fully aware of the horrific event that took place in the basement of the old Empire nightclub in 2017. We will only operate across the ground floor of the site and have worked closely with licensing on this site.”
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 an
Marie Rooney, Anfield community hero, honoured by The National Lottery on ITV primetime TV
The National Lottery’s ‘Big Surprise’ – which honours the individuals who have made a real difference with the help of National Lottery funding – will this Saturday (28 September) make a dream come true for a special grandmother, Marie Rooney, from Anfield, who has spent over four decades supporting her community.
The ‘Big Surprise’ is a 90-second weekly slot during the ad break of Saturday night primetime ITV shows – meaning local hero, Marie, 70, is set to get national recognition with around 5 million people expected to tune in across the ITV network.
Marie has become well known for her tireless dedication to her community especially with her involvement with the Anfield Sports and Community Centre where she has been involved working with young people for nearly 40 years. The facility provides sporting, social and recreational opportunities for one of the most deprived areas of the country.
Marie, who retired as centre manager earlier this year, has been credited with the development of thousands of young people that have passed through the centre’s doors.
Often going above and beyond what is required, friends have described Marie as always being the first to arrive and last to leave at events as well as donating presents and tickets to those less fortunate. Since moving to Anfield in 1976, Marie took on an active role in the area taking on roles including chair of the neighbourhood council and a school governor.
For Marie’s ‘Big Surprise’, The National Lottery arranged for her to be introduced to the 51,000-strong fans at Liverpool’s Premier League game against Newcastle on Saturday 14 September. Marie, a season ticket holder at Anfield, was given a special announcement over the PA system before being invited to join Liverpool footballing legends Bruce Grobbelaar and Ian Callaghan pitch side.
She was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a signed Liverpool shirt from the current crop of Liverpool stars and given a rousing standing ovation by the Anfield crowd.
Marie said, “What a special day that I will never forget. To have Liverpool players I have adored over the years like Ian and Bruce calling me a legend, it was a truly heart-warming moment. And getting a standing ovation from the Kop – wow, would you believe it?
“I have always been passionate about my community and that won’t stop, even in retirement.”
Marie’s ‘Big Surprise’ will air on ITV during the ad break of Britain’s Got Talent:The Champions on Saturday 28 September, and the all-important Saturday night Lotto results will also be revealed.
The Anfield Sports and Community Centre benefitted from £300,000 of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Improvement Fund for the 4 Football 4 Everyone (4F4E) project. The scheme, in partnership with the Liverpool FC Foundation, Liverpool City Council and the Premier League helped fund the centre’s redevelopment in 2015.
The work saw major improvements to facilities including a new full size floodlit artificial grass pitch, a three court sports hall, the refurbishment of existing artificial grass turf pitches and other works including new commercial office space.
In Liverpool, where the Anfield Sports and Community Centre carries out its work, almost 5,900 individual National Lottery grants have been allocated that have amounted to around £503 million of funding.
Players raise, on average, over £30M for National Lottery-funded projects every week across the arts, sports, heritage, health, education, environment, charity and voluntary sectors.
‘The Big Surprise’ is the continuation of the return of The National Lottery results to primetime TV through a commercial partnership with ITV (from 14 April 2018).
For more information on National Lottery funding please visit: www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk
For more information on the Anfield Sports and Community Centre please visit: www.anfieldsports.org
A south Liverpool dog lover has opened a zoomie park where dogs can have two acres of green space all to themselves to run around.
Anne McKenna created Zoomies Zone in Halewood to give owners somewhere close to the city to let their dogs off the lead safely.
Since it launched in August this year she’s had people coming from as far as Southport with their four-legged pals, either on their own or with friends they can interact well with.
Anne says there’s been a rise in the number of owners wanting a private place where their dogs can have fun without the worry of an incident with another dog or person.
And with American XL bullies due to be added to the list of banned breeds from December 31, meaning they’ll have to be kept muzzled and on a lead in public, she’s expecting that to go up even further.
“There are a lot of reasons why people use a dog park and the obvious one is reactive dogs,” she explains. “That can be reactive to other dogs, sometimes people, sometimes noise, there can be various triggers.
“Trying to walk a reactive dog is really difficult and it’s not always just your dog. You might take your dog out on a lead and be really sensible, but it could be other people letting their dog run up to yours.
“Those situations can make owners very nervous so to be able to go into an enclosed safe space, where there are high fences and nobody else there and to let them off the lead takes away that anxiety.
“When you watch what these dogs do when they’re here for the first time, some of them will look as if to say, ‘are you sure mum?’ and others will literally just run like mad the length of the field. It’s just so nice to see that especially when people tell you this is a dog that hasn’t ever been off the lead before.”
Anne says reactive dogs aren’t the only ones coming to Zoomies Zone, she also has dogs that can’t be let off a lead because they have poor recall, bitches on heat, rescue dogs and young dogs out for the first time after their vaccinations, as well as owners who are pregnant or have mobility issues.
This is her second dog adventure park – she opened the first one in Anglesey in the summer of 2021 to give visitors on holiday somewhere dog-friendly to go apart from the beach.
Halewood, where she’s from originally, was always a planned site but it proved difficult to make it happen.
“I’m the owner of four Labradors myself and I’ve always wanted to set up a secure park in Liverpool but finding land had proved near-impossible until one of my neighbours was selling this,” she explains. “We now have 16 acres on North End Lane, so we’ve turned two into Zoomies Zone and then we’ve got some woodland and horses grazing.
“As a local girl, it’s always been my dream to have a safe haven for dogs of all ages, sizes, temperaments and breeds while they exercise off lead.
“Not many will run for a full hour so we do have some 30-minute slots. Some dogs don’t run that much at all, they just like to mooch around, explore and sniff because that’s what comes naturally to dogs.”
Anne says she set about creating a space that combines what’s called natural enrichment for dogs, including mature trees, dog-friendly plants and a rainwater pond, with play stuff like obstacles, a tyre mountain and logs for them to climb and toys hanging on ropes.
Owners can choose to book a slot exclusively for their dog or dogs, or share the time with friends or family.
“As long as they know each other and know their dogs can interact well then they can come together. We would never advocate people booking with someone they don’t know, because it’s not a socialisation session for dogs that don’t know each other.
“Zoomies Zone is to give dogs some fun, either on their own or with others, and when you see them you can see how happy it makes them.”
For more info on Zoomies Zone click HERE.
It’s panto season. Oh no it’s not? Oh yes it is … well, nearly!
Christmas is getting closer and it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to celebrate it.
You can’t beat a bit of slapstick humour and the song and dance of a traditional panto to start the festive fun.
So if you want to get your seat sorted before the wicked witch can say abracadabra and turn you into a pumpkin, here’s nine pantos you can book in Liverpool this Christmas.
The Magical Adventures of Peter Pan – M&S Bank Arena
Set a course for Neverland this Christmas (17-29 December) with The Magical Adventures of Peter Pan at the M&S Bank Arena.
Join Peter, Tinkerbell, and the Lost Boys as they face off against the evil Captain Hook in this swashbuckling pantomime full of dazzling costumes, incredible 3D effects, and live music.
Perfect for all ages, it’s a festive must-see, so book your tickets before they fly away!
Book your tickets here.
The Scouse Red Riding Hood at Royal Court Liverpool
Get ready for a hilarious night out with Little Red and Big Blue at the Royal Court’s Christmas show, packed with laughs, live music, and scouse humor!
This adults-only panto follows Little Red as she heads to her nan’s with a pan of scouse, navigating through Spinney Woods filled with strange creatures and a wolf on the prowl.
Leave the kids at home and enjoy an unforgettable night of festive fun, jokes, and tunes that will have you singing all the way into the New Year!
Book your tickets here.
The Further Adventures of Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook – Floral Pavilion
The Floral Pavilion Theatre is set to host the enchanting pantomime, The Further Adventures of Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook,from 6 December – 5 January.
Join Peter, Smee, Tinker Bell, and Ethyl Mermaid on a thrilling journey filled with fun, laughter, and plenty of pirate mischief.
After defeating the evil Captain Hook, life has been peaceful in Neverland. But when a mysterious stranger arrives, Peter is forced to confront his past and decide his future. Will he ever grow up? And then there are the rumours – is it true that Captain Hook survived the stormy seas and is seeking revenge?
This production is a brand new adventure, full of comedy, chaos and crocodiles. As always with the Floral Pavilion, the show also promises sparkling sets, lavish costumes, and all the fun of a traditional family panto.
Find out more here.
Snow White the Christmas Panto – St Helens Theatre Royal
Maureen Nolan and Coronation Street’s Emrhys Cooper are set to head the cast of St Helens Theatre Royal’s fantastic festive family show this Christmas.
Pop legend and West End star Maureen will play the Wicked Queen while Emrhys, who is currently appearing on TV screens as Corrie’s Rowan Cunliffe, will take on the role of Prince Fredrick in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which comes to St Helens from Saturday 30 November to Sunday 12 January 2025.
They will be joined by panto royalty Leanne Campbell who is appearing digitally as the Magic Mirror, while the cast also includes St Helens’ favourite Lewis Devine as Muddles and Richard Aucott as Nurse Nelly.
The magnificent Seven Dwarfs will be voiced by Johnny Vegas, Joel Ross, Pete Price, Philip Regan (Queen of Scotty Road), Craig Phillips, Louis Emerick and John May.
Tickets, priced from £21, are on sale now.
Book your tickets here.
Disney’s Aladdin at Liverpool Empire
Experience A Whole New World this Chrtiasm at Liverpool Empire.
Witness the timeless story of Disney’s Aladdin, a thrilling production filled with unforgettable magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle! The show has already been seen by over 14 million people worldwide, where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.
More info here.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto: Rapunzel – Liverpool Everyman
Let your hair down with Rapunzel, as the iconic Everyman Rock ‘n’ Roll panto returns for 2024.
As ever there’ll be an awesomely talented bunch of actor musicians who sing, dance, entertain and play music live on stage, as they bring the classic fairytale to life in surprising style.
Get your tickets here.
Count Arthur Strong is Charles Dickens in ‘A Christmas Carol’ – Liverpool Playhouse
Arthur delivers the Charles Dickens story and follows this with his own adaptation of the most classic of festive tales, A Christmas Carol.
Due to public pressure, Count Arthur Strong extends his fond farewell to you, for a ‘once in a lifetime’ limited run. As he takes on, one of the literary greats, the famous Charles Dickens, and then goes on to present his one-man interpretation of A Christmas Carol. ‘If you miss it, you weren’t there!’
Get your tickets here.
Fairytale of New York – Liverpool Empire
After three sell out tours, the ultimate Irish-inspired Christmas concert is back with an even bigger production for 2024.
From the producers of Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of The Dubliners, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Irish culture as our talented singers, musicians and dancers perform a world class concert featuring all the festive favourites including ‘Driving Home for Christmas’, ‘Step Into Christmas’, ‘Oh Holy Night’ and, of course, ‘The Fairytale of New York’.
Get your tickets here.
A Christmas Carol – St George’s Hall
The haunting tale of redemption by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol, will run at St George’s Hall from 14 – 29 December, 2024.
Set on Christmas Eve, the story follows the miser Ebeneezer Scrooge, who is visited by the tormented ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley. Marley warns of the impending arrival of three spirits—Past, Present, and Yet to Come.
As each ghost takes Scrooge on a journey through his life, he is forced to confront past mistakes, seize opportunities for change, and try to alter his grim future.
Find out more here.
Star of Wonder – Unity Theatre
This Christmas, join three friends on a wonderous journey to follow a star. They fall-out, get lost, overcome obstacles and finally find what they are looking for…
Hilarious, magical and memorable – Star of Wonder is the perfect, laugh-out-loud show for all the family, full of clowning, magical interaction and brilliant puppetry.
The show will run at Unity theatre from 17 Dec 2024 – 21 Dec 2024.
More info here.
To keep an eye out for more pantos in Liverpool keep checking our calendar HERE.
Get ready to embark on a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and laughter as Willy Russell’s iconic one-woman show, Shirley Valentine, returns home to the Liverpool Everyman as part of the theatre’s 60th birthday celebrations.
Originally commissioned and staged by the Everyman, Shirley Valentine promises to reignite the magic of Russell’s timeless tale with Liverpool actor Helen Carter stepping into the role of Shirley under the direction of Stephen Fletcher.
Willy Russell holds a special place in the hearts of Liverpool’s artistic community. With an incredible career that spans decades, Russell’s association with the Everyman dates back to his breakthrough as a writer with productions like John Paul George Ringo… & Bert in 1974.
His return to the Everyman in 1986 saw the birth of the iconic Shirley Valentine, a play that has touched the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Willy Russell said:
“I’m delighted to be back at the Everyman, a theatre that holds a special place in my heart. As it has done for so many writers, actors and directors in its 60-year history, the Everyman gave me my first opportunities as a writer. I can’t wait to work with Helen and Stephen on bringing the play back home and seeing Shirley strut her stuff across the boards on which she was born.”
Mark Da Vanzo, CEO for the theatres added:
“Bringing Willy’s celebrated Shirley home is the perfect end to our 60th birthday year. It’s huge honour for us all to be working again with Willy after our revival of Educating Rita in 2015, and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate not just the Everyman’s past but look confidently to its future as well.”
Shirley Valentine is a life-affirming story of one woman’s journey of self-discovery, laughter, and liberation. Shirley once had a zest for life, but at 42 is left with an empty nest, an emotionally distant husband and only ‘the wall’ for company. When her best friend offers the trip of a lifetime to Greece, can Shirley’s dreams of a life less ordinary finally come true?
Millions have seen the movie, now see the one-woman tour de force on which the film was based.
Shirley Valentine will be on General Sale from midday on Wednesday 1 May (Priority Booking from midday on Friday 26 April), with tickets priced from £10 to £40. A programme of accessible performances and extra events are to be announced in July.
For more info on Shirley Valentine go to the Everyman and Playhouse website here.
Africa Oyé will platform some of the region’s best emerging DJ talent, alongside some familiar faces and a handful of guests from a little further afield, at the festival this June.
Two of the UK’s biggest names in African, Caribbean and Afrocentric sounds will play between the live acts on Oyé’s Main Stage this year, whilst the two dedicated DJ stages – Trenchtown and Freetown – will feature an eclectic ensemble of DJs, selectors and collectives, all providing the perfect backdrop to the weekend in Sefton Park.
The Oyé Stage
This year, Seani B marks his Africa Oyé debut. Born in London, Seani has taken the cosmopolitan surroundings he grew up in, and incorporated them into his unique musical blend. From Dancehall to Hip Hop, R&B to House and even Soca to Rock; if it is musical, Seani will be all over it.
One of the world’s leading dancehall and reggae DJs, Seani’s weekly BBC 1Xtra show is the most listened to specialist programme on the network, as well as having amassed over 90 million views for his sessions from Jamaica. In 2021 he was awarded the prestigious Broadcasters Press Guild Award for ‘Best Broadcaster Of The Year’ across all radio programmes in the UK.
However, it was for his work as a producer that Seani received the ultimate accolade; he won a Grammy for producing tracks on the Morgan Heritage album ‘Strictly Roots’.
Oyé are also delighted to be welcoming back DJ Edu. Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Edu began his career as one of the premier Homeboyz DJ crew, a resident at Carnivore, and as a presenter on Capital FM. Having been voted the Best Kenyan DJ in the UK in 2004, he started to see his life-long ambition materialise; putting the latest and greatest sounds produced by Africa’s new generation on the global map.
Through his BBC Radio1 and 1Xtra platforms, Edu has been able to break some of the biggest names on the global African music scene in the UK, including artists such as K’Naan, Nneka, Akon, and many more.
The Trenchtown Stage
Trenchtown was the festival’s first dedicated DJ space, established in 2012. It has played host to many of the city’s Dub and Reggae-inspired DJs, as well as showcasing some of the more upfront African sounds, including Amapiano, Kwaito, Gqom and Afro House. Trenchtown also features the original Oyé Inn with a comfortable seating area ideal for chilling out, and plenty of space for dancing the weekend away!
This year at Trenchtown, along with a selection of returning Oyé favourites, the festival will welcome some exciting new names, including DJ NS, Lady Spice and DANYKAS DJ. Following their storming set at Oyé ’23, G33 & Hannah Lynch (Girls Don’t Sync) are back to headline Trenchtown on the Saturday evening!
This is followed by a Reggae and Bass-heavy line up on Sunday, including sets by Dub Defenders, In Fine Style and Jamie Ape, to warm everyone up for Julian Marley’s headline set.
The Freetown Stage
Celebrating it’s sixth year at Oyé, Freetown will offer a diverse programme throughout the weekend, providing the finest in Afrobreat, Afro Disco, Latin and Jazz, as well as Funk, Soul, Hip Hop and Disco.
With seating providing the ideal chill-out zone, and a dancefloor for those that feel like moving, be sure to come along to sit back and relax – or to get up and dance!
2024 will see Freetown debuts from Colin Williams, Amber Rose and more. The festival are also happy to be welcoming back the likes of Eve’s Drop, Dharma Collective, and Lyrical Compact to the Freetown stage.
You can find the full stage setlists on the Africa Oyé website.
Find all the latest Liverpool news here.
The day to splurge your student loan has arrived as Liverpool ONE lines up a mega day of discounts especially for you!
You’ve got a valid reason to miss lectures on Wednesday 25th April 2018 as the Liverpool ONE Student Event is back, bigger and better and bursting with discounts and freebies, for one day only. This is your chance to flash your valid student ID and cash in on huge high street and designer brands plus take a load off after shopping with discounted food and drink offers at tonnes of restaurants and bars too.
While you’re going wild in the aisles picking up bargains galore there’s also a feast of entertainment on offer from a Just Dance Ubisoft® (US) Competition outside the ODEON, where the highest score wins £100 Liverpool ONE Gift Card, plus ping pong, picnic boats in Chavasse Park and an exclusive pop up bar to check out too.
Here’s our run down of the best discounts and freebies at the Liverpool ONE Student Event……..
5 Unmissable high street discounts
1 – Victoria Secrets
There’s an exclusive 20% discount offer from Victoria Secrets, so you can stock up on your summer lingerie for less!
2 – Ben Sherman
It’s not all about the girls, guys you can enjoy 20% at Ben Sherman too, almost short sleeves weather.
3 – Topshop
Everyone’s staple go-to store for basic tee’s to glitzy dresses, Topshop is offering 20% off for one day only.
4 – Superdrug
Would it be a Student Event without Superdrug? Get all your essentials for 20% less with your beauty card.
5 – Office
Best foot forward, pick up your new season trainees with 20% off full price footwear at Office.
5 Places to Eat on the cheap
1 – Barburrito
The best place to pick up a filling and cheap lunch, Barburrito is offering £4 burritos all day.
2 – Red’s True BBQ
Red’s invites you to chow down for less with 40% off you food bill.
3 – Greggs
This is epic! You can get a free slice of pizza with any purchase from Greggs. Stuff of dreams.
4 – Byron Hamburgers
If it’s a burger you’re hankering for, get to Byron as for one day only, there’s 50% off your food bill!
5 – Yard & Coop
Buttermilk chicken ahoy! Yard & Coop serve up the finest chicken in a basket and it’s 50% off just for you!
5 Places to say cheers
1 – Cozy Club
How do you fancy two cocktails for £9.95 at Cosy Club? Of course you do!
2 – Fuel Juice Bar
Drinks offers don’t have to involve alcohol! Fuel Juice Bar is offering 50% discount too.
3 – Tavern on the Green
Chill and go through your shopping bags at Tavern on the Green with 2 for £10 cocktails and 2 for £7 bottles of beer.
4 – Turtle Bay
We love the atmosphere at Turtle Bay where it’s never too early for cocktails! 2 for 1 between 11am-7pm and again from 9:30pm til 11pm!
5 – Yee Rah
Yee Rah at Liverpool ONE is keeping it simple. 241 cocktails all day. We like that a lot.
5 Top Freebies
1 – Dior at Debenhams
You can enjoy a free flash makeover and foundation matching service at Dior at Debenhams on Wednesday.
2 – Footasylum
Spend on new wheels at Footasylum and receive a free goody bag.
3 – Miss Selfridge
Get Spring ready at Miss Selfridge and spend £30 to receive a free goody bag.
4 – Utility
The first 50 customers to spend £15 or more will receive a free goody bag worth over £20.
5 – Fred Perry
There’s complimentary drinks and a DJ all day at Fred Perry, so go and have a mooch.
Win Big
If all that wasn’t enough, you could be in with the chance of winning a prize package worth more than £750 with the Liverpool ONE Student Event competition. Stuffed with products from The Body Shop, The Perfume Shop, Ben Sherman, Tessuti and more, all you have to do is answer one easy question, click here to enter and find out more.
To see the full list of discounts and offers available on Wednesday 25th April at Liverpool ONE head to www.liverpool-one.com/evets/student/event/ or click here. Don’t forget your I.D and happy shopping!