The Guide Liverpool Heroes - VOTE NOW! 
Sitting as a shining light on the trailblazing sound of the here and now, Sound City returns as the home of new music discovery and the beating pulse of music fans’ favourite new artists across Liverpool City Centre.
Kicking off with the Sound City+ Conference on Friday 2nd May 2025 before the multi-venue festival kicks off between 3rd-4th May 2025.
Reflecting the most exciting new artists that are destined to soundtrack the year ahead – Sound City sits as a temperature check on the bands and artists making their mark before anyone else, with next year’s return already shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend in Merseyside.
Announced today is the first full wave of names heading across Liverpool City Centre next May, joining previously announced headliners The Royston Club with an array of leading new favourites, beloved rising stars and names making their mark in the year ahead.
Selling out venues across Europe and emerging as a true breakout sensation, Nieve Ella brings her anthemic indie-rock to Sound City following a year that has seen her become one of the most talked about names in new music. Latest EP ‘Watch it Ache And Bleed’ cements why, and by the time Sound City rolls around it’s a surefire guarantee that Nieve Ella will be THE name on everyone’s lips.
Rianne Downey heads to The festival for 2025 after a spectacular few years which has transformed her into the beloved voice that spans generations. After being hand-picked by the iconic Paul Heaton to perform with him across his latest live show and album, fans will see just why Rianne sits a cut above the rest when she steps onto the stage as a special Afternoon Headliner. Blazing a trail for modern guitar music, overpass are sure to elicit unstoppable scenes – with cuts like ‘Be Good To Yourself’, ‘Of The Night’, ‘Beautiful’ and more showcasing why sell-out gigs an ever-building rise has followed.
The feel-good punk fizz of Panic Shack is destined to be an unmissable highlight from a band who take the live music experience and run with it for a Sound City moment that’s sure to see moshpits and singalong joy, whilst the all-encompassing hooks of Siobhan Winifred touch down and prove why an ever-growing world of fans are flocking to the front for a future indie-pop superstar that’s ready to seize 2025.
Homecomings and the best of local talent bursting from Liverpool can be found front and centre with The Cheap Thrills whose appearance is guaranteed to be a roadblock of epic proportions as they emerge as a bursting force in modern indie. The hypnotising and magnetic darkness of TTSFU comes after making waves across the UK as an essential new artist forging her own distinct path, whilst Maya Delilah touches down with her transformative heart-on-sleeve songwriting bound to leave Sound City in awe of an inspiring new voice making waves.
With Alex Spencer, The Clause, Delights, Cliffords, The Stingrays, Mandrake Handshake, Basht, The Heavy North, Better Joy, Mitch Saunders and more announced today, it sets the festival apart, that perfectly distills not only amazing new artists making their mark, but also as a reflection of a scene that music fans are creating for themselves. The beating pulse of breaking music, Sound City is about unearthing tomorrow’s chart-toppers and Glasto headliners during a venue-hopping weekend across one of the world’s defining music capitals.
Speaking about Sound City 2025 and the first wave of names announced today, Managing Director Becky Ayres says:
“We’re delighted to reveal our first wave of names heading to Sound City in 2025, joining our first announced headliner in The Royston Club. Everything we are about at Sound City is on the here and now, the artists shaping the future, and the industry’s next steps. We’re especially proud that today’s lineup is 60% made up of female and gender-diverse artists. That’s why we are the UK’s lead festival for Keychange, spearheading the next generation and providing that platform and route for underrepresented artists. We can see that across the names being announced today, with so much more to be unveiled in the coming weeks and months.”
Book tickets for Sound City here.
Find more music events across Liverpool here.
Liverpool Hope University is inviting the people of Liverpool to tackle some of society’s greatest challenges at a new community event launching this December.
The Festival of Futures takes place at the University’s Hope Park campus between Monday 2 and Wednesday 4 December and is an opportunity for people from across the city to come together to explore solutions to important global issues related to the UN’s sustainable development goals.
With 45 events taking place over three days, the free festival includes expert speakers and collaborative workshops covering everything from the future of work and fossil-free careers to drugs and justice. There will also be several fringe and social events led by local comedian, Henry Churney.
Some of the most thought-provoking sessions include:
Islamophobia and far-right extremism: Exploring the impact of the 2024 UK riots
- This session will discuss the concepts of hate, Islamophobia, and far-right extremism, with insights into the recent UK riots. Representatives from the Muslim community will share their personal experiences with Islamophobia, providing a platform to understand the challenges faced by Muslims in the current social climate.
How to make Liverpool a child-friendly city?
- This workshop will raise awareness and understanding of children’s rights and UNICEF’s Child Friendly City initiative. Participants will hear from the Liverpool Child Friendly City team and have an opportunity to apply their learning and contribute to a project capturing children’s voices.
AI in society – Facts, fiction, and representations
- The Terminator and Black Mirror are two examples that portray the future of AI in a dystopian way. This workshop will explore the reasons why AI has been portrayed in such a manner as well as the implications this has had in the public representations of AI since its recent refinements. It will explore and contrast the representations in fiction and in popular discourse with some of the facts, attempting to distinguish the real ethical and technical issues surrounding it from imagined ones. The workshop will provide an opportunity to discuss how we can take action to help our communities understand the real scope, limitations, and ethical challenges that AI implies as opposed to the fictional representations of its implications.
Professor Cate Carroll-Meehan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences at Liverpool Hope University, said:
“The Festival of Futures aims to be more than just an event.
“It is an opportunity to debate, discuss and learn about some of the grand challenges facing us as we head into 2025 and we hope it can spark meaningful action among our staff, students and stakeholders from across Liverpool.
“The festival underscores our commitment to engaging with the local community and we look forward to welcoming the public to experience three days of inspiring innovation and collaboration.”
This is a free event. Attendees must book onto individual sessions as part of the festival. Please claim your free ticket/s via Eventbrite.
To find out more and to view the full line-up, please visit the Festival of Futures website.
Find more events across Liverpool here.
As winter draws near, dance music fans are already looking ahead to the highlight of next year’s festival season – Rockstar Energy presents Creamfields.
Renowned as one of the world’s biggest electronic music festivals, attracting 80,000 attendees every August Bank Holiday, the team behind the award-winning festival is gearing up for an all-new Creamfields experience in 2025.
Never ones to stand still, Cream HQ is ushering in a new era for the festival, unveiling an array of brand-new areas and cutting-edge features designed to take the festival experience to the next level. Always pushing the boundaries, these fresh additions promise to redefine what fans can expect from the ultimate dance music weekender.
Introducing ‘Downtown’
A brand-new Sports, Wellness and Entertainment Village, ‘Downtown’ offers festival goers a chance to mix fun, fitness, games, beauty and relaxation. Highlights include:-
- Activities: Inflatable 5-a-side football, Basketball, Mini Golf, Bingo Bango, Rave Karaoke, and more.
- Entertainment: With a carefully curated timetable of entertainment including Live and theatrical performances, quizzes, DJ Academy, Karaoke, Rodeo Bull, Games Arcade, Tug of War and win a DJ set in the Turntable Takedown.
- Fitness & Wellness: Kickstart your day at the Fitness Zone, where you can join a variety of exercise groups. Enjoy features such as an on-site gym, CrossFit training, pull-up and running competitions, rave aerobics, yoga, Zumba, and relaxing massage and meditation sessions.
- Dining & Drinks: Enjoy great food, drinks and live entertainment at the Culinary Quarter, featuring healthy options including a salad bar, smoothies, and juices.
- Hair & Beauty: Stay festival ready with daily pampering, including hair styling, makeup, nails, beauty treatments, and plenty of glitter to shing all day and night
Refresh and unwind at ‘Freshfields’
For those seeking relaxation, Freshfields is a brand-new onsite retreat offering premium facilities:
- Wellness Luxuries: Saunas, hot tubs, ice-cold showers, sun loungers and chill out space
- Pamper Tent: Complete with hairdryers, straighteners, and everything you need to stay fresh.
- Hot Showers & Proper Toilets: Because comfort matters.
Ultimate Stay at ‘Dreamfields Hotel’
For the ultimate luxury festival experience, Rockstar Energy presents Creamfields 2025 will be launching the ‘Dreamfields Hotel’. After 12 months of meticulous planning, this exclusive retreat offers:
- Deluxe Accommodation: A range of ensuite accommodation including Safari Tents, Safari Grands, Tenthouses, Tipi Tenthouse Suites with luxury bedding and premium amenities.
- Exclusive Perks:
- An exclusive entrance for seamless access for hotel guests.
- Welcome drink on arrival at reception
- Complimentary Reserved parking a short walk from reception
- Exclusive access to the hotel spa (sauna, hot tub, cold tub) and a private hotel lounge complete with a fire pit, use of the BBQ, and comfortable seating.
- Gold Festival Ticket Included: with access to the exclusive hospitality arena and complimentary meal each day
A New Stage: Electric Forest
Creamfields 2025 introduces the Electric Forest, a stunning new stage set amidst immersive woodland-inspired décor, bringing nature to life with cutting-edge design and jaw-dropping production. Expect electrifying performances from some of dance music’s biggest stars. With its magical atmosphere the Electric Forest is set to be another game-changing firm fixture of the festival.
With these ambitious new additions and upgrades, Rockstar Energy presents Creamfields 2025 is shaping up to be the most unforgettable edition yet, heralding a new era of festival magic for the UK’s most beloved dance weekender. Whether you’re heading to Creamfields for the beats, the wellness, or the luxury, 2025 has something for everyone. Add to that over 300 of the world’s biggest electronic artists yet to be announced and it appears Cream HQ is just getting started….
Tickets on sale 9am (GMT) Friday 29th November 2024 – book your Creamfields 2025 here.
Find out what other concerts are happening across Liverpool here.
Everton has launched Club View, a social space at Everton Stadium that will offer supporters an exclusive membership combining the excitement of live football with a private concourse experience and the opportunity to rub shoulders with Blues legends.
Located centrally within Level 3 of the East Stand, Club View will be the only space of its kind inside the stadium and offer access to an exclusive bar and prime elevated halfway line seating, as well as a host of additional matchday benefits.
This new concept will be made available exclusively to fans eligible to buy a Season Ticket membership for 2025/26 when it goes on sale in January. As such, sales for Club View membership will run in parallel with the Club’s 2025/26 Season Ticket sales windows to allow for the careful management of demand and ensure fairness for all supporters eligible to purchase Season Ticket seats at the new stadium.
Everton announced in October that Season Ticket priority would be based on supporters’ Season Ticket tenure since the 2002/03 season. More information on this process can be found here.
The Club’s eagerly anticipated move to its new 52,888-capacity waterfront stadium is already redefining and modernising what premium experiences at major venues will be like. All of Everton’s Bars, Restaurants and Experience packages have now sold out and there is a growing register your interest list for supporters keen to try out the range of top-class offerings on a match-by-match basis.
Club View’s private concourse, spanning the centre of the stand, will offer stunning views over Everton Stadium’s bustling Plaza and across Everton Valley, back towards our historic homes. TV screens on the concourse will allow members to follow all the action from the rest of the sporting world, while the space will feature bespoke artwork and memorabilia celebrating the Club’s rich history and legacy.
The Club View concourse also features an enhanced bar experience, with each membership including a £10 credit for every matchday that can be used to enjoy the food and drink on offer*. Each Member will also benefit from a matchday programme* and exclusive entry into draws for money-can’t-buy-prizes, as well as the opportunity of free upgrades, providing the chance to sample some of the Bars, Restaurants and Experiences around Everton Stadium.
Club View membership will go on sale as an option to Season Ticket Members in January 2025, with membership priced at £1,200 per person.
Supporters with accessibility requirements can purchase a seasonal Club View membership and will be assisted on matchdays in accessing their allocated accessible seating location on Level Two in the East Stand.
Concessions are restricted to Senior and Young Adult in this location, at a discounted rate of £900.
Find out more about Club View and the new Everton Stadium here.
Find out the latest in Liverpool here.
*Available for every league game.
Merseyside Police has launched its annual Christmas campaign, Operation Shepherd, aimed at preventing crime and protecting communities during the festive period.
The force-wide operation will see an increased police presence across Merseyside, with officers patrolling shopping centres, Christmas markets, and other popular festive locations to help keep the public safe. Specialist units including the Dog Section, Mounted Section, and Roads Policing will also be deployed to support the operation.
Chief Inspector Chris Bland, who is coordinating Operation Shepherd this year, said:
“Christmas should be a time of joy and celebration, but unfortunately, some criminals see it as an opportunity. That’s why Merseyside Police is continuing to tackle crime throughout Christmas and into next year, using every resource at our disposal to keep our communities safe.
“We would all like a cracking Christmas, so don’t let criminals take advantage and spoil yours. By working together and staying vigilant, we can make it harder for opportunistic criminals to succeed.”
The public will see plenty of officers from neighbourhood policing teams out at busy spots across Merseyside. Officers will be sharing useful crime prevention advice and encouraging members of the public to become a ‘Christmas Crime Cracker’ by taking simple security measures to protect their possessions, such as security marking valuable items – a proven method to deter thieves and help recover stolen property.
Merseyside Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:
“Christmas is a time for families to come together to make special memories. Sadly, there are those who see the festive period as an opportunity to exploit those who may be vulnerable, to take what doesn’t belong to them, and to attempt to bring misery to our communities. We are determined to not let them do that.
“That’s why Merseyside Police will be out in force, in our city and town centres and in our neighbourhoods, with increased patrols to deter those callous individuals from spoiling the festive fun, while also providing reassurance and advice for anybody who needs it. Operation Shepherd will see officers and staff working around the clock, offering crime prevention advice and high visibility activity, to make sure everyone can enjoy the season safely.
“I would ask that you help the police; stay alert, be extra vigilant and look out for one another. Above all, enjoy what should be a magical time of year for everybody across Merseyside.”
The operation will run throughout the festive period and into the New Year, with extra officers policing the vibrant night-time economies of the city and busy town centres throughout Merseyside. Officers are linked in with CCTV operators and work in partnership with local businesses, door staff, licensees and bar staff to help make sure you feel safe whilst enjoying a night out.
Chief Inspector Bland added:
“Let’s crack down on crime together this festive season. You can play your part by staying alert while you’re out and taking simple steps to protect yourself and those close to you from crimes like burglary, robbery, and fraud. Whether it’s ensuring your home is secure when out shopping, being mindful of your surroundings when using cash machines, or checking that online purchases are legitimate, these small actions can make an enormous difference.
“Our officers are here to help, so please don’t hesitate to approach them for advice or to report anything suspicious.”
Report crimes or suspicious behaviour to Merseyside Police via the social media desk on X @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘MerPolCC’ or call 101. You can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999.
If you have been affected by crime, Victim Care Merseyside can help. Their local, trained staff can offer you free, confidential, non-judgemental advice and support.
Find more information on the Merseyside Police website.
Find all the latest Liverpool news here.
Camelphat are back with a huge cinematic experience next Easter in one of their biggest home-coming shows to date.
Billed as ‘an immersive trip for the senses, a fusion of colour, cutting-edge sound & visual creation’ – Camelphat Presents EXPERIENCE in Liverpool for Easter 2025.
Launching Easter Weekend 2025 in their beloved hometown, Liverpool – CAMELPHAT will deliver a fully cinematic encounter of the mind, the body & your soul. Experience the EXPERIENCE on Sunday 20th April at Blackstone Warehouse.
As dance music lifers, Camelphat have never swayed from the dancefloor and this firmly rooted passion has propelled them to global success. Their ability to create music that resonates with both mainstream audiences and underground enthusiasts is something very few artists successfully achieve.
This Easter, they’ll be unveiling their dynamic new concept in their home city (where else?!), transforming Blackstone Warehouse into a multi-sensory playground.
Blackstone Warehouse one of the north wests biggest clubbing institutions offers the perfect backdrop. Renowned for hosting some of electronic music’s biggest names and its legendary all dayers, the venues newly installed 360˚ staging and production will elevate EXPERIENCE to the next level.
Get ready to dive headfirst into the future of clubbing!
There is expected to be a high demand for this event, presale tickets go on sale 10am (GMT) Tuesday 3rd December with any remaining general sale tickets going on sale at 12pm (GMT) sign up now HERE.
See what else is on around Liverpool in our Calendar HERE.
Everton Stadium is set to open in 2025 but you can get a sneak peak now with this new 3D virtual Tour.
Everton has launched an online 3D tool that gives supporters the ability to experience the views from all areas of the Club’s future home.
The immersive virtual model of Everton Stadium, created in partnership with Ticketmaster, means fans can check out 360-degree views from every seating section of the Club’s new 52,888-capacity home.
Seats at the stadium will go on sale to existing Season Ticket Members from January, and the feature, named Virtual Venue, will help Evertonians choose where they want to watch the match from. The tool also enables fans to make direct comparisons between different blocks and stands, to help further inform decision-making.
The software is available at evertonfc.com/Season2526 and can be accessed by any supporters wanting to understand what the experience will be like to sit in the new stadium.
At the point Season Ticket sales begin in the New Year, the Virtual Venue tool will be further enhanced, providing Evertonians with the ability to see the view from every individual seat, helping them make their final decision on where to buy.
Supporters will also have the ability to easily share views they have found with friends and family via messaging apps or social media.
Last week, Everton began to share more details about what each stand at Everton Stadium will have to offer, including concourse facilities and accessibility provision. Information on all areas of the stadium can be found at evertonfc.com/Season2526.
Visit Virtual Venue and experience the views inside Everton Stadium by clicking here.
Secretary of State visits Everton Stadium – READ MORE HERE.
Liverpool Theatre School’s third-year students are set to showcase their talent in a two-night run of Jim Cartwright’s bittersweet comedy-drama Two.
Jim Cartwright’s Two will be performed by the Liverpool Theatre School students at The Hope Street Theatre on 2 and 3 December.
The poignant play explores the complexities of human relationships through the lives of characters in a local pub, which is run by a bickering couple.
Set over the course of one evening, the poignant play is filled with emotional tales of celebration, loss, love and despair. Serving up laughter and melancholy in equal measures, Two promises to keep the audience entertained as the regulars reveal their secrets in a series of monologues and duologues.
The landlord and landlady’s own dark tragedy comes to light when a little boy is left behind by his father, leading to an unexpected reconciliation.
Principal Maxine Ellis, said:
“Two is a very funny play, yet it’s also incredibly moving. The range of emotion, combined with such a diverse set of characters, makes Two a fairly tough play to perform. Our third year students have really risen to challenge during rehearsals and we’re looking forward to putting on a fantastic production.
“As our final year students prepare for life as professional performers, taking to the stage at The Hope Street Theatre will provide an excellent opportunity for them to really push themselves as they put their training into practice. I would encourage anyone with a love of theatre to join us for what promises to be a thrilling performance from the next generation of stars.”
Liverpool Theatre School – whose patrons include dance legend Wayne Sleep OBE, as well as TV and musical theatre star Anita Dobson – accepts only the most talented students on its professional training programmes in dance, musical theatre and acting.
The centre of excellence boasts a long list of success stories, with graduates going on to star in hit shows such as Mamma Mia!, Frozen, SIX, Starlight Express, Blood Brothers and Wicked.
The performing arts school, which hosts an annual graduate showcase in Media City and stages shows at local theatres throughout the year, offers training designed to give young people the skills they need to work in the industry.
Liverpool Theatre School encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, providing a number of fully funded places and bursaries to help make high level training more accessible.
Tickets for Liverpool Theatre School’s production of Two are available from Ticketquarter, at £14.50 each or £8.25 for students (including booking fee).
To find out more about Liverpool Theatre School, please visit liverpooltheatreschool.co.uk.
For the latest news around Liverpool click here.
Liverpool will host a special auction of skateboards next month to support the campaign for Gabe’s Law, which seeks to make multi-storey car parks safer, and to raise funds for three vital charities.
The campaign is in memory of Gabe Santer, a member of Liverpool’s skate community who tragically fell from a car park with an illegally low railing in 2020.
Last year, the Multi-Storey Car Parks (Safety) Bill, known as Gabe’s Law, was introduced to Parliament by Maria Eagle MP. With a change of Government, the Bill will now have to be reintroduced, which it’s hoped will be early next year.
In the meantime, Gabe’s dad, Johnny, has joined with skate shop Lost Art and the LJMU Liverpool School of Art and Design to showcase some designs before selling them to the highest bidder.
All funds raised will be distributed to mental health charities Mind and The Ben Raemers Foundation which supports those from the skateboarding community as well as anti-poverty charity Trussell.
Johnny Santer said:
“The skate community has come together to help raise the profile of Gabe’s Law and to support my campaign for the development of an Olympic skatepark in the city.
“I’m grateful to Lost Art for donating the used skateboard decks, the artists and students for their innovative designs and look forward to seeing the artwork and highlighting some of the issues relevant to the skate community, who often feel marginalised.”
Mike O’Shaughnessy, from the Graphic Design and Illustration Programme at School of Art and Design, LJMU said:
“This is a unique collaboration born from a personal friendship and a tragic event.
“By joining with skaters, the creative community is not only helping to keep Gabe’s spirit alive and hopefully help change the law but also highlighting the need for a new world-class skatepark in the city.”The event takes place on Thursday 12th December at The Atrium Gallery, JLADA Building, Duckinfield Street, L3 5RD and starts at 6.30pm.
Find out more about Gabe’s Law and how you can join the campaign here.
Find all the latest Liverpool news here.
An exciting week-long festival of arts and culture is coming to The Capstone Theatre and Liverpool Hope University’s Creative Campus this March.
From 20th until 27th March, Angel Field Festival will showcase an enthralling and diverse programme of music, art, dance, film, workshops and discussion.
Kicking things off on Thursday 20th March will be the award-winning Dife Youth Ensemble, from Acadiana’s Best Dance Studio of 2024, FE Conservatory. This show will see Liverpool welcome the vibrant culture of Louisiana Creoles and experience a captivating performance showcasing the heart and soul of the state’s rich heritage, infusing the infectious rhythms of traditional Zydeco music with the expressive power of contemporary dance.
Snooker legend Steve Davis’ electronic band The Utopia Strong will take the Angel Field stage on Friday 21st March. Formed in Glastonbury in 2018, the group released their self-titled debut album in 2019 and their second, International Treasure, in 2022. As no less a sage than Andrew Weatherall proclaimed, The Utopia Strong are “gnostic sonics in a nutshell”.
The Saturday afternoon of the festival will see a performance from Liverpool stalwarts The Savoy Jazzmen.
The group first performed at the Mardi Gras Jazz Club Liverpool in May 1960 and regularly played in the Downbeat Jazz Club. A poster can be seen in the city’s World Museum advertising the group’s session in the club with the Swinging Blue Jeans, and they also played at the original Cavern; a brick in the wall opposite the new Cavern commemorates their sessions there.
That evening sees the focus then turn to classical music, with a stunning showcase from the Hope Metropolitan Orchestra and Choir. The concert will put the spotlight on Mozart’s great works from 1791, including his piano concerto in Bb, k.595, the operas The Magic Flute and La Clemenza di Tito, the Clarinet Concerto k.622, the string quintet in Eb k.614, the much-loved motet Ave Verum Corpus.
Sunday 23rd March will see a performance of Waterside in the Cornerstone Theatre – an emotional, thought-provoking and magical journey that unravels the culture of totemism, taboos, and plagues in the Niger Delta. The show is presented by Kininso Koncepts, a creative and cultural organisation that aims to “inspire greatness and make relevant statements through storytelling and deep-rooted research into African culture and tradition”.
Waterside will explore the significance of culture, family, memories, and dreams, delving into historical issues of oil exploitation and struggles of Nigerian youth.
Then on Sunday evening, music of a reflective nature will take over the Capstone Theatre. In A Landscape features works by the composers Erik Satie, John Cage and David Revill. French composer Satie was an early pioneer of musical modernism exerting a profound influence on 20th-century music, meanwhile American composer Cage was a legendary American composer and music theorist. British composer Revill, who passed away in 2024, is the author of The Roaring Silence, the authorised biography of Cage.
Young talent from Liverpool Hope University Drama Society and the Young Everyman Playhouse Programme will be celebrated on Monday 24th March in Stages of Youth. The show will feature a debut performance of the The Wee Wake, written, directed and produced by second year student Aoife Kane. Liverpool Hope Drama Society has developed its Stages of Youth performance employing a range of exciting devising techniques.
The visual art offering at this year’s festival sees (a contemporary) phantasmagoria’s successful run at Tension Fine Art in London built upon with the aptly named (a contemporary) phantasmagoria (2). This exhibition will extend its range and ambition for the prestigious Cornerstone Gallery at Liverpool Hope University’s renowned Creative Campus. A private view and talk will take place on 25th March with pre-booking essential.
East Meets West – A Musical Interpretation of Poem’s Savors is a programme that includes a piano recital alongside a lecture on the subject of contemporary piano works combining Eastern and Western cultural influences.
The show in the evening of the 25th March will feature Hua Lin, one of the most prominent contemporary Chinese composers, alongside Chinese pianist Lei Cai, Professor of Piano at Ouachita Baptist University, USA.
These two artists will perform pieces and introduce works to the audience through reading English translations of Chinese poems and through the showing of traditional Chinese paintings.
Wednesday 26th March will see a unique telling of one of the wildest Scandinavian fairytales, The Hairy Girl. Cirque do Soleil performer Kersti Ståbi remixes this old tale with the power of Japanese Taiko drumming, described as “music you can hear with your eyes” with its martial arts influences and dynamic use of the drummer’s body. The Hairy Girl thunders through the world on her goat, beats up troll hags, saves her sister from a grim destiny, and uses all her cunning to find a future for them both.
The festival will draw to a close with a performance of the sensational Moutya – A UNESCO-Inscribed Cultural Heritage of Seychelles. This soulful and evocative show is steeped in Seychelles’ history. More than a dance; Moutya is a profound expression of freedom, resilience, and unity.
Born out of the hardships endured by enslaved Africans, the art of Moutya became a means of secret communication and a form of resistance. Today, it is a proud symbol of Seychellois identity and Creole heritage.
Angel Field Festival is an exciting week-long festival of arts and culture at The Capstone Theatre and Liverpool Hope University’s Creative Campus from 20th until 27th March 2025. It will showcase an enthralling and diverse programme of music, art, dance, film, workshops and discussion.
For more information and tickets, visit the Angel Field Festival website here.
Find more events across Liverpool here.
Liverpool entrepreneur Chelsea Kelly has joined forces with former Adidas Senior Vice President of Brand Operations Jay Pollard to create a new activewear brand.
With an extensive, combined and diverse experience within the sportswear industry, both Chelsea, 34, and Jay, 62, also from Liverpool, have created ATIA Active.
Chelsea established her thriving business, Love Allura, in 2018, which quickly became a six-figure success, offering renowned activewear brands like PE Nation and Varley.
Later, she became the Head of UK Operations and exclusive distributor of the Australian brand Lilybod.
Jay began his career at Dunlop Slazenger in Crosby back in 1985, managing footwear quality control all over Asia including Korea, Taiwan, Pakistan, Philippines and Thailand.
After joining Adidas in 1995 in Indonesia, he moved to China, and then the Adidas Head Quarters in Germany where he remained for 21 years, becoming Senior Vice President of Brand Operations responsible for all global product creation.
With Chelsea’s forward-thinking approach and obsession with style and fashion, and Jay’s credentials, ATIA is aiming to become a much-loved brand and a respected player within the industry.
With a vision of ‘The Confidence To Achieve’, ATIA is created for the modern woman, giving her the tools to live her life as her highest self by actively inspiring her mind and body.
ATIA has carried out extensive consumer profiling to bring clarity to their product and brand, with each element from ideation through to production taken care of by the ATIA team.
Chelsea has hired London-based designer, Ffion Appleton Jones, who also has a wealth of experience with luxury brands including Off White and industry giants Nike and Adidas.
With custom developed fabrics and exclusive silhouettes and patterns, ATIA has focused on every detail to ensure that performance and style fuse to produce beautiful pieces that can be worn in and out of the gym.
Chelsea said:
“It was always an ambition of mine to create my own brand so when Jay reached out, it just felt like it was meant to be. With his background and career, it was a no brainer for us to create ATIA together. Within four weeks of an initial meeting in a cafe in Lark Lane, we had a business plan and the process of defining the brand had started.
“ATIA is perfect for women with busy lifestyles, who want to look and feel good from the inside out. Our pieces can be worn both to the gym or for day-to-day, with quality and fit being at the forefront. I’m incredibly excited to officially launch ATIA and share everything we have been working tirelessly on for almost two years.”
ATIA Active is now live and available to shop worldwide from their website www.atiaactive.com
For the latest news in Liverpool click here.
Liverpool City Council partners with George House Trust to provide free infant formula to mothers living with HIV.
Liverpool City Council is collaborating with HIV support charity George House Trust to support the City’s bold ambition of ending new HIV diagnoses by 2030, as part of its commitment to the global Fast-Track Cities initiative.
There are currently 901 people living with HIV in Liverpool, which is relatively low compared to other similar core cities. Over the last 10 years, the city’s testing rate has doubled (increase of 111%), and late diagnosis rates are falling. This is good news and means that many people are testing sooner, and that more people are being supported into treatment and care as early as possible.
Thanks to funding from Liverpool City Council, the Public Health team will work closely with George House Trust to ensure babies born to mothers living with HIV have access to free infant formula. This initiative eliminates the small risk of HIV transmission through breastfeeding and provides much-needed reassurance to families.
Due to advances in HIV treatment and care, the number of babies born with HIV has dropped significantly in recent years. Providing free infant formula not only protects newborns, but also alleviates the financial burden on families, especially in the context of rising living costs.
The British HIV Association (BHIVA) recommends exclusive infant formula feeding to prevent HIV transmission through breastmilk. While cases of HIV transmission to babies in the UK are extremely rare, this initiative further supports Liverpool’s ambition to achieve zero new HIV diagnoses by 2030.
New mothers will be referred to George House Trust by their midwife or HIV consultant and infant formula will be provided from birth until the baby is 12 months old.
The scheme is live now and builds on George House Trust’s existing services in Liverpool, including one-to-one support, counselling, peer mentoring, and group activities.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, said:
“We are proud to launch this vital initiative. Over recent years, Liverpool has made significant strides in tackling HIV, from improving access to testing, to ensuring excellent care and support. This is another example of how our Fast-Track Cities partnership is delivering projects that make a real difference to our communities.”
Director of Public Health for Liverpool, Professor Matthew Ashton, said:
“We are absolutely committed to ending all new transmissions of HIV in Liverpool by 2030. We have an ambitious plan to prevent new cases, and to support people with HIV to live well. This initiative will reduce onward transmission and is an innovative way to provide much needed support to mothers living with HIV in our City”.
Find more information on the Liverpool City Council website.
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.
After more than a decade of serving coffee lovers at Liverpool’s Metquarter, local legend Antonio Modica is making an exciting move.
His much-loved coffee business, Dantonio’s, will open the doors to its brand-new, beautifully renovated unit on December 1.
The updated space promises a warm and inviting slice of Italy in the heart of the city, complete with nods to Antonio’s Italian roots.
After COVID, and being forced to close his business down, Antonio struggled to keep up with the larger coffee chains and was grateful for his loyal customers who would consistently come back and support his business, customers that Antonio now considers as family.
Antonio was also supported by fellow local business owner Sugar Smith, who posted on her social media for her followers to support Antonio’s business during the time after COVID, when the business was quiet. Her post went viral and gained over 5,000 shares and hundreds of comments and likes from those in the local community wanting to support Antonio’s business.
Sugar Smith said:
“I’m super excited to see the growth of Antonio’s coffee stand moving to a shop within Metquarter – this couldn’t have happened to a nicer man. I can’t believe from our first meeting that he would go viral and gain so much support from all over Liverpool. He really does make the best coffee! Most importantly though, I can now call him my friend – well done Antonio.”
Amongst the local support after Sugar Smith’s post was influencer Iwan Steffan, who posted a video to his Tik-Tok of him visiting Antonio’s coffee shop that went viral with over 290,000 views and thousands of likes and comments in support of Antonio’s independent coffee shop.
Iwan said:
“I am thrilled to see Antonio finally getting his own store in the gorgeous Metquarter – and where better fitting than the old Costa shop! I absolutely love seeing small businesses thrive and I think this will be a great business move for Antonio. I’ll be visiting myself to make some content of the new shop opening. Antonio makes the absolute best coffee in Liverpool!”
Antonio Modica, owner of Dantonio’s said:
“I am so happy to finally be able to open the doors to my new coffee shop. The team at Metquarter along with my loyal regular customers have supported me so much and it is great to see this pay off with the opening of my new shop. My customers are truly like family to me, so I am so glad to be able to offer them a new venue to relax and catch up with friends.”
Jennina O’Neill, Centre Manager at Metquarter, said:
“Myself and the whole Metquarter team are so happy we are able to support Antonio’s business growth with the move to a standalone shop. Antonio really does have such a loyal customer base, and it is brilliant to see how they have supported him, allowing the business to take its next step and bring a slice of Italy into Metquarter. He really does supply the best coffee in the city, and we are excited to see where this next chapter takes him.”
Dantonio’s will open 8AM-6PM Monday to Saturday and 9:30AM-5:00PM on Sunday within Metquarter, located on the lower level of the shopping mall.
For more info on Dantonio’s at Metquarter click here.
For the latest news in Liverpool click here.
A rooftop garden in Warrington which aims to inspire the community to be more eco-friendly has won two prestigious awards within the same month.
Culture Warrington and Golden Square’s Sky Garden scooped Gold at the International Green Apple Environment Awards at a glittering ceremony in Kensington Palace, London.
The annual event recognises, rewards and promotes environmental best practice around the world and saw Sky Garden compete against more than 1,200 other entries.
It won Gold in the ‘Retail Community Partnerships’ category for the positive impact it has had on schools, community groups and families with fresh produce grown by a team of dedicated volunteers.
The accolade comes just weeks after Sky Garden was certified as ‘Thriving’ by the RHS in the ‘Britain in Bloom: It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards North West’ in Bolton.
It was in recognition of how the charity Culture Warrington works with volunteers to bring the community together through a series of events throughout the year, such as the annual Harvest Festival.
Amanda Moore, Culture Warrington’s Education and Sustainability Officer, leads on the Sky Garden project which was launched two years ago. It is often referred to as Warrington’s ‘secret garden’ because it is tucked away on the top floor of Golden Square’s car park – but anyone can visit at any time during the shopping centre’s normal opening hours.
Amanda said:
“The Sky Garden project has been fantastic to dream up and work on. Obviously, the work up here isn’t just about awards and recognition, but at the same time it is really good to know that people have heard about the garden and value the work we do. It’s definitely been a busy time with two award ceremonies in one month but we couldn’t be happier with how it’s turned out.”
The site is a ‘living addition’ to Warrington Museum’s natural history offer and is used for wellbeing and educational projects, with the aim to make the town centre a more biodiverse place to work and live and showcase what you can do with a small green space.
Amanda said:
“It’s hard to remember sometimes that the garden started as a bare patch of concrete. We’ve grown a lot and had some great times along the way. School workshops, harvest festivals, drawing classes, willow weaving and wandering Green Men being some of my favourite things. I’m looking forward to planning out the next year’s activities soon so watch this space!”
Kim Moate, Support Services Manager for Golden Square, added:
“Working with Amanda to bring the Sky Garden project to life has been a pleasure, and we are really excited to plan next year’s activities.”
Find out more about the Warrington Sky Garden here.
Find all the latest news across the North here.
A new adults-only comedy version of Panto favourite Cinderella is premiering at Liverpool’s Hope Street Theatre this month.
Writer Matt Sheffield has given an outrageous new twist to the classic fairytale with his play Cinderella: After The Prince’s Ball(s), staged over three nights, from November 28 to 30.
After a challenging few years battling addiction, mental health struggles and serious physical injuries, Matt – who studied at Liverpool Uni – has found his voice in comedy, using his unique blend of humour and raw honesty to create laugh-out-loud scripts and inspire others.
His latest work is a raucous no-holds-barred adult show, filled with risqué humour and plenty of surprises, that reimagines what really happens after Cinderella’s magical night at the ball.
“This isn’t your family panto,” says Matt. “It’s a cheeky, irreverent take on the Cinderella story with a cast of characters who are, quite frankly, out of control. We’ve put a lot of heart into this show, our cast is all local talent from the Merseyside area, and I hope the audience has as much fun watching it as we’ve had making it.”
The panto is being produced by Matt’s independent production company, That Bunch Of Weirdos, which he formed earlier this year.
Although it’s a comedy at heart, After The Prince’s Ball(s) also reflects Matt’s personal journey of survival and renewal.
After facing numerous struggles, including a life-changing rugby injury which led to addiction, and a mental health diagnosis, he credits his passion for writing and storytelling as a crucial part of his recovery.
“Writing saved my life,” he says. “It helped me channel my pain and chaos into something that could make people laugh and maybe even think a little differently about the challenges they face.”
Beyond promoting the show, Matt hopes to use the platform writing has given him to reach other people who are battling addiction, mental health issues, or simply feeling stuck. “I want to show people that there’s a way out, that creativity and laughter can be a lifeline. If my story helps even one person feel less alone, it’s worth it,” he adds.
You can follow the production on social media: @thatbunchofweirdos
To book your tickets for Cinderella: After The Prince’s Ball(s) click here.
For the latest news in Liverpool click here.
The Liverpool City Region has been announced as a new £6.75 million UKRI Creative Cluster for the Music sector today.
Led by the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), MusicFutures will, over the next five years, establish the Liverpool City Region as a music research and development (R&D) powerhouse and ecosystem.
The five-year funded programme, delivered by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) on behalf of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will catalyse growth and innovation in Liverpool City Region’s music sector. By focusing on driving R&D and innovation through emerging technologies as well as talent and business development, MusicFutures will supercharge the Liverpool City Region’s already thriving music sector and future-proof the city’s reputation as a global music city, ensuring its continued cultural and musical relevance on the world stage.
Informed by industry needs and powered by partnerships, MusicFutures brings together over 20 strategic partners from across the Liverpool City Region—including the ACC Liverpool Group, operators of Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena, convention centre and exhibition centre, Adlib, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Liverpool City Council. Working together, this partnership will leverage collective strengths to drive economic sustainability while addressing key challenges in environmental impact and inclusivity across the entire music industry value chain.
By providing new funding opportunities for both small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), bespoke training for music makers, and industry mentorship, MusicFutures will fuel artistic, technological, and IP breakthroughs that will diversify and strengthen the UK’s position at the forefront of the global music industry.
Ultimately, the new music cluster will create clear pathways for musicians, professionals and businesses within the music industry and the wider creative economy – into sectors like gaming, film, and extended reality (XR) – supporting the creation of sustainable, high-paying jobs and business growth.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced the cluster while Minister of State Chris Bryant will reference the cluster in a video address to the BEYOND Conference in Salford.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:
“Talent is everywhere but opportunity is not. That’s why we are supporting firms, artists and freelancers that are innovating, using new technology and driving growth in creative clusters across the country.
“Liverpool and Merseyside hold a special place in our nation’s music landscape, and this funding will support imagination and experimentation across the city and region, as creators explore how we can make gigs more environmentally friendly.”
Welcoming the announcement, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram said:
“The Liverpool City Region has a long and proud history as one of the world’s most iconic places for music.
“From the Beatles to the vibrant live music scene that continues to thrive today, I’m proud that this new funding will continue to build on that legacy, ensuring we remain at the cutting edge of music innovation for years to come.
“MusicFutures will not only elevate our cultural status on the global stage, it will also unlock new opportunities for local talent, businesses and communities – creating jobs, nurturing creativity and driving economic growth across the region.”
Cllr Lam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council said:
“Liverpool is all about music. It’s always been a big part of our city and has put us on the map worldwide. Now, we’re ready to take it to the next level.
“We have big plans to change the game for music in Liverpool. Making the city a Creative Cluster for the Music will ensure young talent and businesses grow, as well as make music more important for everyone in our city.
“We want to create high-paying jobs, boost music tourism, and lead the way in eco-friendly music.
“I’m delighted with the announcement and I’m looking forward to working with our partners and the government to make these projects a reality.”
The Creative Cluster will enable the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University to deliver collaborative, industry demand-driven programmes. MusicFutures will foster commercial opportunities through local and external investment, while placing equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of its unique ecosystem.
By addressing regionally identified gaps in talent (skills and training) and management and business development, especially for persistently under-represented communities, it will empower over 1,400 regional music businesses to flourish and create a more fair and inclusive future industry.
The new MusicFutures clinic will serve as a hub for legal and business support, specifically designed to assist small businesses, independent creators, and innovators who lack access to professional IP services. By helping identify new opportunities for commercialisation and addressing challenges like an increasingly AI-driven landscape, the clinic aims to empower local talent.
Professor Richard Koeck from the University of Liverpool, who is leading MusicFutures said:
“We have a clear goal and that is to transform the Liverpool City Region (LCR) into a global leader in music innovation. By connecting our combined world-leading research capacity with an already thriving sector ecosystem of more than 1400 businesses, we will not only further strengthen Liverpool’s global reputation for music innovation, but also create a boost for other highly successful creative industry sectors in the City Region.”
Professor Rachel McLean, Director of LJMU’s Liverpool Screen School and Liverpool School of Art & Design, and Chair of the Liverpool City Region’s Creative and Digital Cluster Board said:
“MusicFutures is a fantastic initiative which will enable us to build on the strengths of the city region’s flourishing music sector and develop new opportunities for creatives and organisations in the industry.
“Liverpool recently became the world’s first ‘Accelerator City’ for climate action, under UN Climate Change’s Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action (ECCA) programme. Working with our partners in MusicFutures, we will use our research and innovation expertise to support the development of a sustainable and inclusive sector that equips artists and businesses to meet future challenges, ensuring they have the skills, training and experience they need to succeed.”
Alongside the University of Liverpool and LJMU, the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) will deliver skills and training through creating apprenticeships for the next generation of musicians.
Professor Sean McNamara, Principal and CEO of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) said:
“We are delighted to be contributing to MusicFutures, an exciting and innovative collaborative programme. This will harness our city and our region’s creative sectors through providing creative learning and professional skills development for emerging creative technologies, and the next generation of music artists and entrepreneurs.”
Find out more about the MusicFutures programme here.
Find out the latest in Liverpool here.
Tickets are now on sale for an amazing series of tourism events in Southport.
The three biggest events in the resort’s calendar are once again returning to the delight of thousands as Sefton Council release ticket details for the 2025 Southport Air Show and British Musical Fireworks Champion of Champions weekend, along with the free entry Southport Food & Drink Festival.
People are being urged to act fast and snap up tickets for the amazing Southport Air Show and the British Musical Fireworks Championship, which this year sees six former winners go head to head for the title of ‘Champion of Champions.’
Hosted by Sefton Council, the bumper calendar of incredible days out also includes the Southport Food & Drink Festival in the summer (May 30th – June 1st), with entry to this mouth-watering event remaining completely free.
Tickets for both the Southport Air Show (August 30th – 31st) and the British Musical Fireworks Championship (September 27th – 28th) are expected to sell out fast.
Under 16s will be able to get into the Southport Air Show for free, while entry will be free for Under 5s for the British Musical Fireworks Championship
This years British Musical Fireworks Championship will once again be held across two days, with six competitors fighting it out over a weekend to be crowned the very best of the best.
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said:
“We are over the moon to be able to once again host our three flagship tourism events in 2025 and we look forward to welcoming tens of thousands of people to our beautiful Borough.
“Tickets are on sale from today for the thousands of people who adore our events and I urge you to get them now before they sell out
“Entry to the Southport Food & Drink Festival remains completely free.
“We’re also continuing to offer free entry to the Southport Air Show for anyone under the age of 16 and the British Musical Fireworks Championship for under the age of five.
“We are delighted that we can provide such stunning high quality events for our residents and visitors, as well as complimenting an already bustling calendar of other major events like the Southport Flower Show, Southport Comedy Festival and much more!
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to our beautiful borough and we look forward to seeing you very soon.”
Find out more information about all of these Southport events here.
Find out what else is happening across Liverpool City Region here.
Storm Bert might have caused the cancellation of some of the big switch on events this year, but Wirral will still be twinkling for Christmas.
Here are 14 things you can do to celebrate the festive season in style.
Pick your tree, shop for foodie gifts and enjoy breakfast or lunch at the farm
Claremont Farm is one of Wirral’s best farm shops and will take all the stress out of picking your tree.
Browse the well-stocked farm shop afterwards and warm up with a hot breakfast or bowl of winter soup.
Claremont Farm, Old Clatterbridge Road, Bebington
Find our more here.
The Church Farm Santa Experience
The Santa Experience is a 60-minute journey around the farm with colourful characters, real reindeer, magical lighting, special effects and a very personalised visit to see Santa.
The journey takes place on the tractor and on foot at a number of locations around the farm.
Each paying child* will also receive a chocolate gift from Santa and a marshmallow to toast on the fire.
There will be a refreshment area just before the experience starts where you can buy drinks and snacks and there will also be some photo points setup too.
*The free under two ticket doesn’t include personalisation, a chocolate gift or marshmallow. If you would like these then just book your under two in as a child instead.
Dates and prices:
Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December
Tickets £16 per person
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December
Tickets £18 per person
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December
Tickets £19 per person
Saturday 21, Sunday 22 and Mon 23 December
Tickets £20 per person
Church Farm, Thurstaston.
Find out more and book here.
Browse the stalls at Brimstage Hall and Courtyard
Christmas is coming to Brimstage with a festive market and grotto.
As well as local crafts and beautiful gifts, plus homemade cakes, there will be live music and children’s donkey rides. Visitors can also enjoy festive drinks and hot mince pies.
The event takes place on Saturday 3 December between 10am and 6pm, and Sunday 4 December between 10am and 4pm. Parking and entry to the event is free.
The event’s nominated charities include Brimstage Defibrillator and Me Again.
Brimstage Hall & Courtyard, Brimstage, Wirral CH63 6JA.
Find out more and book to see Santa here.
Panto fun at the theatre
A night at the panto is the perfect family fun for Christmas and you can enjoy The Further Adventures of Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton from 6 December – 5 January.
The production promises sparkling sets, lavish costumes, amazing song and dance numbers and giggles galore.
Find out more and book here.
Dazzle at the Snow Ball
Get your friends or workmates together and enjoy a brilliant festive night out at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton.
At the Snow Ball themed night you can enjoy a festive cocktail before tucking into a three-course meal with crackers. Have fun in the photo booth then hit the dance floor.
Pre-order your drinks in advance and you’ll receive 15% off your order. Your drinks will be delivered to your table for your arrival.
The Snow Ball nights take place on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 December, £55 per person.
Find our more and book here.
Breakfast with Santa
The kids can enjoy meeting Santa, a delicious breakfast and receive a gift at Thornton Hall this festive season. And you can enjoy a cooked breakfast too.
Adults: £27.50
Children: £16.
Available on Saturday 7, 14, 21 December; Sunday 22, Monday 23 and Tuesday 24.
Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa, Neston Road,Thornton Hough.
Find out more and book here.
Mosh Tots Christmas Special
The Mosh Tots Band are getting together for a Christmas Special celebration.
There will be Rudolph’s Present Hunt and a full set of Elves’ Christmas Crafts to get involved with.
Plus, everyone is encouraged to come dressed in their most festive outfits.
The kids can enjoy the fun at Future Yard, 75 Argyle Street, on 15 December, 11am-1.30pm.
Find out more and book here.
Shop at the farmers’ market
The West Kirby Farmers’ market takes place on the fourth Saturday of every month which means you have one more before Christmas.
Stock up on food from 20 local producers.
St Andrews Church hall and car park, 9am -12noon, Graeme Road, off Meols Drive.
Visit Santa in his Winter Wonderland
The kids can meet Santa this Christmas at Gordale Garden Centre.
They will take a magical adventure through the wonderland before reaching the enchanting grotto.
This is a charity grotto run by The Hospice of the Good Shepherd, who receive 100 per cent of the ticket price.
The grotto is located in an undercover canopy area, so please wear warm clothing as it may get a little chilly.
The grotto opens 11am on Saturday 30 November and will run until Monday 23 December.
Opening times: Weekdays 1 – 6.30pm and weekends 11am – 5pm
Ticket prices: £8 per child, £4 per infant and £1 per adult.
Child and infant tickets include an age appropriate gift from Santa.
Online booking in advance is essential to avoid disappointment.
Goredale, Chester High Road, Burton, South Wirral.
There are also festive donkey rides available.
Find out more and book here.
Storytime with Father Christmas
Father Christmas will be at Ness Gardens for two weekends this year.
There will be time for each child to have a chat and if you’d like to, bring a letter to Father Christmas on the day.
The kids can meet him on Sunday 8 and Sunday 15 December.
There are sessions at 10am, 12 noon and 2pm.
There will be 20 children each session, and the entry fee of £9.50 per child includes meeting Father Christmas, a present, admission into the gardens on the day and reindeer food to take home.
Please let the gardens know if you have any accessibility requirements on the day.
Ness Gardens, Neston Rd, Little Neston, Ness CH64 4AY.
Find out more and book here.
Christmas Tea and Carol Service
Enjoy tea before a special service of story and song to celebrate the festive season.
This special carol service will take place at West Kirby United Reform Church, Meols Road, on Sunday 22 December, 5pm – 6.15pm.
Parking available at West Kirby School for 5pm.
Enjoy a festive feast at Leaf
From sharing festive platters to classic Christmas dinners, there is a celebration meal for everyone at Leaf West Kirby.
The festive sharing platter features delicious dishes including maple glazed pigs in blankets, apple and sage arancini, mini goat’s cheese and mulled cranberry eccles cake. Vegetarians can enjoy a mezze platter or go for a main course of Kale and sweet potato pie.
Two courses for £23.95, three for £29.95.
See the website for more details and to book.
Brunch with Santa
Enjoy brunch with Father Christmas on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December 10am – 3pm at Hickory’s, West Kirby.
Bring your little ones to meet Santa, share what’s on their Christmas list, and find out if they made the nice list.
Enjoy a smokehouse brunch with homemade fluffy Pancakes topped with Strawberries, Chocolate & Hazelnut or dig into the Great American Breakfast.
For the youngsters there are pancakes, or the mini American breakfast, or classic Mac ‘n’ Cheese and the Southern Fried Chicken Burger.
Village Road, West Kirby, Merseyside CH48 3JN
Find out more and book here.
Storytime with Santa
This Magical interactive Christmas experience returns to New Brighton.
Visit Santa and his elf for stories, songs and gifts.
Sunday 22 December, Vale Park Arts Centre in Wallasey.
10am – 5:30pm (Last entry 4.30pm). Costs £19.50.
Find out more and book here.
Find more Christmas events across the Liverpool City Region here.
Land of Lights is back at Gulliver’s World Warrington and the amazing lantern festival is better than ever.
This year’s WonderWild adventure at Land of Lights promises an enchanting and illuminated journey into a reimagined world of nature, plants, and animals.
And here’s five reasons why you need to go (or should that be glow?)!
Magical worlds to visit
WonderWild is bringing nature and animals to life with thousands of handcrafted lanterns and hundreds of thousands of LED lights to create fantasy worlds which take you on an immersive enchanted journey through the popular venue. Different realms have been created for 2024 including a Fantasy Forest, Ice Kingdom, and Winged Wonders which sit alongside the resort’s other exciting Christmas events and activities.
There is even a brand new Christmas lantern display within the trail this year, which features giant Nutcrackers, Santa at his North Pole Lodge, and huge bauble photo-points to make sure you can capture the mems.
Magic – and music!
As well as vivid dream worlds – there’s even a lollipop forest – Land of Lights will inspire some festival vibes with a mix of music throughout the trail and entertainment including sparkling stilt walkers and a ‘Glow-bot’ show.
Describing Land of Lights Ross Partridge, festival manager, says: “It’s a spectacular, illuminated attraction that provides people with a great night out, experiencing breathtaking moments and awe-inspiring installations.”
Fido is free to go too
Everyone is invited to Land of Lights. It’s suitable for all ages, and young and old will love it just as much as each other. There are dog-friendly nights so you can take the furriest member of your family to make your lantern adventure even more p-awesome, and there’ll be waste bins and water bowls throughout the trail too.
Fabulous food
It’s not just about the amazing lights and wonderful worlds, there are gastronomic delights to be had as well! In the food hub you’ll be able to enjoy Yorkshire pudding wraps, German bratwurst, fruit crumble and waffle desserts, as well as drinks and more. Around the trail, stalls will be serving speciality hot drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, while Lagado’s Restaurant & Grill (located between the entrance and exit plazas) is the place to go for a range of sit-down meal options on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Free parking
Land of Lights at Gulliver’s World Warrington is easy to get to. By car, if you are on the M62, just exit at Junctions 8 or 9 and follow the brown signs to Gulliver’s door, or from the M6 get off at Junction 22 and follow the directions to Warrington. And if you’re getting there by train, go to either Warrington Central or Warrington Bank Quay. Warrington Bus Station is just around the corner from Central where you can catch the Number 18 or 17C. It’s a short walk from Bank Quay Station into the centre of Warrington to the bus station to catch the same.
Land of Lights is at Gulliver’s World Warrington until Saturday, January 4.