Good News Weekend: 11 Reasons to smile in Liverpool right now

With so much going on in the world, and much closer to home, we could all use a bit of light relief so here at The Guide Liverpool we have launched Good News Weekends.

Every single weekend starting Friday at 5pm and finishing Sunday night, The Guide Liverpool will bring you GOOD NEWS ONLY! Uplifting stories, positive vibes and the very best of Liverpool City Region.

Do you have good news to share? Maybe some personal news, information about your business, or something happy you have heard? Email us goodnews@theguideliverpool.com

It can be tough to switch off from the bad news but there is still stuff to look forward to, even in Tier 3, it’s not all doom and gloom, so here’s 10 reasons to smile this weekend in Liverpool Cit Region.

Liverpool comes together!

Our cit and wider region united once more this week as MP’s dismissed plans for free school meals during holidays. That didn’t stop the Scousers pulling together though. Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson has pledged £300,000 towards school meals in the city. And the likes of The Florrie, Laura’s Little Bakery, The Watering Can, LIDS Delivery, LFC and more have all offered some incredible support. When Scousers stick together – anything can happen!

The gyms are back open

We never thought we’d be so happy to be slogging through a PT session again, but we really are. They’re back open from Saturday morning and to be honest we’ve been wearing gym gear at home most days anyway so we might as well go to the gym.

It’s going to be a pop-tastic 2021

M&S Bank Arena

2021 can’t come soon enough and it’ll be bringing a pop overload with it. The M&S Bank Arena has been filling up its diary with massive artists, including Little Mix, McFly, Dualists Lipa, Stormzy, Gary Barlow, Steps and – because we could really do with someone never letting us down at the moment – everyone’s favourite Newton-le-Willows lad Rick Astley is back too.

See what’s on at M&S Bank Arena.

Liverpool’s coming back stronger

We get knocked down, but we get up again … and Liverpool will be going into 2021 with lots of new developments lined up which will change the look of the city. There’s the £5billion Liverpool Waters regeneration, the Blues new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, and the Knowledge Quarter making us a centre of excellence in science, health, technology, culture and education. And, once the roadworks are finished, we’ll also have a new greener Strand and Lime Street.

Great movies are on the way again

It’s not been the best summer for film releases, but they haven’t gone away altogether, they’ve just been pushed back a bit. We’re probably going to have to wait until spring for Bond, but even if Daniel Craig’s taking his time we’ve still got three huge sequels to look forward to … Eddie Murphy is back in Coming 2 America, so is Gal Gadot in Wonder Woman 1984, and there’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Plus a movies you may have heard of called The Batman, filmed right here in Liverpool and due for release in 2021.

And new Royals are on telly

It feels like we’ve watched enough Netflix, Prime and Apple TV over the past few months to last a lifetime, but it keeps on coming. So much is heading our way in the run-up to Christmas, but a big one is the new series of The Crown (yes, Charles and Di are in this one) and there’s not long to wait. Season 4 is on Netflix from November 15.

Take your pick of live theatre

Theatre’s been away far too long but now it’s coming back with socially-distanced performances. There are shows at the Unity, pantos, Christmas Carol at the Playhouse and a Christmas Selection Box at the Royal Court featuring a mix of live music, comedy and just all-round festive fun. The cast will change throughout the run and there’ll be half a dozen on stage every night so like all the best selection boxes, you’re bound to get some of your favourites.

We’re getting a new Liverpool radio station

Saturday night lineup

Lee Butler’s heading up the DJs launching a new digital DAB station packed with anthems, In Demand Radio, from 9 November. Lee will be hosting the breakfast show alongside a line-up of other presenters including Baz Todd on drive-time, Dan Kelly, Josef Hollywood, Ste Weaver and Gemma Cutting. There’s also dance legends Dave Graham, Armin Van Burren, Ian Redman, Sie Austin, Roger Sanchez, Ste Cocky, Liam Hincks, Ian Longo, Dave Pearce, Spyatcha and Sasha so even if you can’t go clubbing just yet, you can tune in and get your own dance floor going at home. Listen in here, and stay with us and more in Demand news is announced soon – https://idrad.io/

Knowsley Safari’s Enchanted

If there’s something guaranteed to lift spirits then it’s Enchanted at Knowsley Safari. The magical Christmas trail is coming from November 21 to December 23 with amazing illuminated animals, music and festive food. There’s also the Santa Experience where a family of up to six can meet the big man in his sleigh. Book your tickets for your bubble here.

Drive-in Christmas films AND panto!

Yes, not just one, but both – on in The Parking Lot Social Winter Festival at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Get your panto fix from the comfort of your own car with a brand new drive-in Cinderella shown on two massive 40-foot screens, watch Christmas movie favourites and get ready for a Big Weekender of silent disco, car-a-oke, party bingo and quizzing. It’s all on December 9-13 and you can book tickets now here.

It’s the weekend!

Yes we know, weekends haven’t been the same for ages now. BUT that doesn’t mean you can’t get that Friday feeling the city.

The majority of restaurants are still open with the likes of Mowgli, Maray Allerton Road, Lerpwl, Wreckfish, Baltic Market, Punch Tarmey’s, Duke Street Market, Ghetto Golf, Art School, East River and more all still serving.

We are blessed with lots of outside space to help you clear your head, with walking routes in Formby, West Kirby, Croxteth Park, Allerton and Southport. And if its a weekend in, then just head to the DELIVERY page in our Liverpool Directory for hundreds of food and drink options. ‘Good News’ Weekend on!