The Guide Liverpool Heroes - VOTE NOW! 
Pilgrim, the critically acclaimed restaurant from owner Jamie Duffield and chef Jack Williams, is set to reopen at a new location on 121 Allerton Road, Liverpool, in 2024.
Known for its unique culinary concept, Pilgrim draws inspiration from Jamie’s personal journey along the Camino Frances, part of the historic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
This spiritual route, which passes through Spain, Portugal, and France, deeply influences the small, seasonal menu, offering diners a taste of the region’s food cultures.
Pilgrim has found its home in the city’s Allerton district, where the 24 cover restaurant and wine bar will feature an open kitchen, terrace and a small, productive green space filled with pollinators, shrubs and herbs for use in the kitchen.
Refillable wine bottles to take out or drink in lend an air of casual intimacy as they aim to become part of the community, as well as a destination for those looking to explore the burgeoning restaurant scene in the city and the wider north west.
Guests can expect a short menu which will regularly change; featuring dishes such as Butterflied Mackerel with Guindilla Sauce, redolent of the smoky, fire tinged cuisine of the Basque region as well as Heritage Potatoes, Caramelised Onions and Serra de Estrella cheese from the Eastern mountains of Portugal and Fig Leaf Ice Cream, a continental flavour made from locally sourced fig leaves.
Following a winding path of its own, Pilgrim returns after a four year hiatus to their spiritual home in Liverpool. What started life as a series of sell out pop up events in Dalston in 2017 took flight when the team won a place on the BBC show ‘Million Pound Menu’, filmed in Manchester in 2018.
Remaining in the North West, the restaurant then became a critically acclaimed standalone within Liverpool’s celebrated Duke Street Market, receiving rave reviews from national figures such as Grace Dent for the Guardian and Marina O’Loughlin for The Times, who commented that ‘Pilgrim is a restaurant I want to return to again, and again’ and that ‘Pilgrim is a blast’.
A Michelin Bib Gourmand followed, which the team retained through the pandemic as they expanded their operation into an at home meal kit and bottle shop. As they move back into a bricks and mortar space, they hope to continue their positive relationship with Michelin.
Jamie Duffield said:
“We’re so delighted, excited, relieved…you name it, to be finally opening in our own space. This little site in this corner of Liverpool is exactly what we’ve been looking for and even when we’d stripped it all back to bare bricks, it felt like home.
“Becoming part of a neighbourhood like Allerton is such a big part of what we want to do; we want locals popping in to refill a bottle of wine they liked and maybe see what’s new and we want them to be perched at the kitchen bar chatting to people who have jumped on the train over to see us from Manchester or even up from London.”
Pilgrim will open in Liverpool in late 2024, sign up here for more information and to receive emails. Reservations will open, the restaurant will serve dinner on Wednesday’s and Lunch and dinner from Thursday – Sunday.
For the latest news around Liverpool click here.
The last surviving video rental shop in Liverpool is hosting a weekend of pure ‘90s nostalgia with classic films, arcade games and tunes from the decade.
VideOdyssey in Toxteth, Liverpool is one of only a handful of shops left in the UK renting out and selling vintage VHS tapes.
It’s also got an arcade of retro games including iconic titles like Ms. Pac-Man, Street Fighter II, Donkey Kong, and Double Dragon.
Now VideOdyssey has teamed up with FACT to transport movie fans back to the era when VHS was king, showing six cult classics from Friday October 25 to Sunday October 27.
As part of FACT’s Cinema in the City film programme, the weekend will have double feature screenings of Pump Up The Volume starring Christian Slater plus 90s slacker comedy Kicking and Screaming on Friday, Juice starring Tupac and Boyz N The Hood with Cuba Gooding Jr on Saturday, and on Sunday it’s Swedish coming of age story Show Me Love followed by Natasha Lyonne in satirical comedy But I’m A Cheerleader.
In addition to the back-to-back double-header of films, there’ll be a chance for audiences to sharpen up their gaming skills with unlimited access to the arcade, and bring back some memories with a soundtrack of ‘90s music.
VideOdyssey, based at the old studios of Toxteth TV on Windsor Street, was opened in 2018 by self-confessed ‘80s and ‘90s nostalgia lover Andy Johnson, as a tribute to his favourite director Quentin Tarantino. He believed that in a world of streaming, other people felt just as passionately about saving and watching old films in a physical format as he does.
Lewis Eyles, Film & Events Officer at FACT, says that’s what makes VideOdyssey the ideal location for the weekend pop-up event.
He says:
“Since 2021, FACT has been hosting Cinema in the City events to showcase films beyond our Wood Street art centre and bring incredible cinema to unique locations and audiences across the city. When we decided to create a retro throwback season, VideOdyssey was the perfect choice, as it is one of the last remaining video stores in the UK.”
The six films featured across the weekend will be shown on original VHS, meaning everything has a genuine feel.
“There are countless iconic films from the ’80s and ’90s that shaped entire generations and continue to influence today’s cinema landscape,” adds Lewis. “Screening each film from an original ex-rental VHS tape adds an authentic layer of retro charm that we hope will transport viewers back to the era of videotape rewinding.
“It was difficult to choose just six for the weekend because we had a very long list of films we wanted to showcase from both the ’80s and ‘90s.
“In the end, we chose these six ’90s films because they are coming-of-age classics. With the programme, our focus was on highlighting a decade of cinema that defined a generation—allowing those who saw these films the first time around to relive the nostalgia, while giving newer film lovers a chance to connect with these incredible stories and feel the lasting impact of retro cinema.”
Doors open at 6pm and the first film starts at 7pm on all three nights. There’ll be drinks and food, from Fozia’s Kashmiri restaurant on Friday, Scottabocca Pizza on Saturday and Moi Bakeshop on Sunday.
Tickets are priced £13/£10 students & conc, and can be booked here.
Find more events across Liverpool here.
Having achieved so much in 2024, The K’s now look towards the future with the news that they will play their first major outdoor headline show at Salt & Tar on Bootle Canalside on August 8th 2025.
The K’s take their place among a strong array of big names to have headlined the 3000 capacity venue, ranging from fellow rising rock ‘n’ rollers Red Rum Club through to all-time legends Tom Jones and Status Quo.
Fans who pre-order a signed and hand-numbered limited edition first press copy of the band’s second studio album HERE will receive access to a ticket pre-sale which is now open. Remaining tickets will then go on general sale from 10am Wednesday October 23rd. Stay tuned for more information on the new album, which will be released in the summer of 2025.
The band’s vocalist/guitarist Jamie Boyle says:
“It feels like ages since we’ve played a headline show in Liverpool so what better place for our first ever outdoor headline! We played this venue a few years ago with Cast and loved it so it was a no brainer for us when it came to picking where we wanted to play!”
As The K’s plan ahead for bigger things on the horizon, time to recap everything that they have achieved in 2024. The band’s debut album ‘I Wonder If The World Knows?’ lived up the immense potential that they have shown since debuting in 2017 with ‘Sarajevo’. It also proved the growing scale of their devoted following, who took the record to #3 on the UK Official Album Chart as well as shooting straight to #1 on the Independent Albums Chart. Their rise was recognised with the prestigious Best Breakthrough Act accolade at the Northern Music Awards.
Meanwhile, their shows have demonstrated that they can command an audience in any circumstances they’re placed in, ranging from gigs as guests to Liam Gallagher, Blossoms and Lottery Winners as well as the Reading, Leeds, Truck and This Feeling By The Sea festivals. Their own headline tour earlier this year was entirely sold-out, with highlights including London’s Electric Ballroom and Manchester’s O2 Victoria Warehouse. The latter show has been documented in their first ever live album, which sold-out its entire limited edition run within a day.
There are a handful of chances to catch The K’s in action before the year is out. Five of their six headline shows are long sold-out, while the remaining date has been upgraded to a bigger venue. They will also tour with Jamie Webster in November, and will return to the O2 Victoria Warehouse to perform as special guests during Blossoms’ week of special homecoming shows.
Book tickets for The K’s show at Salt and Tar here.
Find more events across Liverpool here.
Cream Classical is to return to Liverpool’s Pier Head for a spectacular night On The Waterfront in June 2025.
Cream Classical fans don’t have long to wait for the next instalment as the dance music behemoths have just announced its return to On the Waterfront, taking over Liverpool’s iconic Pier Head for a very special Cream Classical Ibiza show on Saturday 21st June 2025.
Cream Classical will be bringing the outstanding 50-piece Kaleidoscope Orchestra, performers, and vocalists together for another spinetingling performance featuring some of the biggest tracks from Cream’s longstanding residency on the white isle plus a jam-packed DJ line up from some of the superclubs biggest players. Over the last 30 years Cream has captured the hearts of millions becoming the soundtrack to a generation, no matter where your heart lies whether that be at its spiritual home in Liverpool or its Balearic base of Ibiza, this show is not to be missed!
This latest news follows the recent announcement marking the highly anticipated return of On the Waterfront 2025, now a cornerstone of Liverpool’s cultural landscape. The four-day celebration is back to take over the city’s Pier Head from Thursday 19th – Sunday 22nd June 2025 with its biggest line up to date, with 17-time Grammy Award winning artist Sting already announced as Sunday’s headliner. The globally renowned artist who is celebrated both for his groundbreaking solo career as well as frontman and songwriter in the seminal band The Police responsible for classics including ‘Englishman in New York’, ‘Fields of Gold’ and ‘Redlight’, Every Breath You Take’, Roxanne’ and ‘Message in A Bottle’ to name just a few.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Liverpool’s waterfront, framed by the Three Graces and the River Mersey, On the Waterfront 2025 is the perfect setting for what is already shaping up to be an unmissable weekend of live music!
Tickets are expected to sell out, sign up now for presale access which goes live 9am (BST) Friday 25th October, general tickets go live 10am (BST) www.onthewaterfrontfestival.com/classical
See what’s on this week in Liverpool HERE.
MTV today announced the first in the line-up of global artists set to perform at the 2024 MTV EMAs, taking place on Sunday November 10 at Manchester’s Co-op Live.
Additionally, Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale, plus screen stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Turner-Smith and Lucien Laviscount, will take to the stage as presenters.
Benson Boone
Benson Boone has rocketed to global stardom with his intimate, diaristic style. His viral smash-hit “Beautiful Things” from his debut album ‘Fireworks & Rollerblades’ remains the most-streamed song in the world this year to date and is now certified 5X Platinum. Fresh off his MTV VMA win for “Best Alternative”, Boone now heads to Manchester to treat MTV EMA fans to a very special performance.
RAYE
Singer-songwriter RAYE is bringing her silky smooth vocals to the stage for her debut solo MTV EMA performance. One of the brightest stars in music today, RAYE holds eight Top 20 UK singles, 5 billion global Spotify streams and the Double Platinum song, “Escapism.”, which was also the year’s highest-selling single from a female British artist.
Shawn Mendes
Multi-platinum, GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes is set to make a highly anticipated return to the MTV EMAs. With the recent announcement of his forthcoming fifth studio album, Shawn, Mendes continues to captivate with his latest singles “Why Why Why,” “Isn’t That Enough,” and “Nobody Knows,” which reflect the inspiration drawn from his travels and personal experiences over the past few years.
Teddy Swims
Teddy Swims’ debut album “I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy” has resonated with fans around the world. Breakout 4x Platinum, Billboard Hot 100 Chart topping single “Lose Control”, has helped propel Swims to new heights with “Part 2” to his album landing in January. Swims isn’t finished with 2024 yet, as he prepares to bring his powerhouse vocals to the MTV EMAs.
The Warning
One of rock’s fastest-rising bands are set to make their mark on the MTV EMAs. As The Warning near the end of their headline world tour – having amassed hundreds of millions of streamsand countless fans along the way – the Mexican-born sister trio now have their sights set on Manchester, hot off the success of their latest studio album “Keep Me Fed”.
The 2024 MTV EMAs will broadcast at 9pm GMT Sunday 10th November on MTV UK, Channel 5 and Pluto TV, and will be available on demand on Paramount+ from 12th November.
Fans can vote for their favourites across categories including “Best Song,” “Best Artist,” “Best Collaboration” here until 00:00 CET on November 6. The “Biggest Fans” winners will be voted for at a later date on social via @MTVEMA.
Book tickets for the MTV EMAs here.
Find all the latest Liverpool music news here.
With six-number-one singles and millions of global sales, the iconic trio – Siobhan Donaghy, Mutya Buena and Keisha Buchanan are back and bigger than ever, continuing their triumphant comeback with their UK 2025 tour, the biggest of their career.
With stops in Leeds, London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and Newcastle.
Since reuniting in 2019, the original lineup have solidified their place in British pop history as one of the most successful and influential vocal groups of the 2000s and have been warmly welcomed back. Since their return, they have shut down their Glastonbury stage twice due to demand, sold out The O2, and performed to record breaking crowds at major festivals across Europe.
Keisha, Mutya and Siobhan said:
We are so excited to announce our biggest ever UK tour. The last few years have been an absolute blast, and we can’t wait to hit the road together next spring! Wait until you see what we’ve got up our sleeve! See you in April!
Tickets are on sale now – book here.
Find more music events in Liverpool here.
Jurassic World: The Exhibition will keep its gates open in Manchester until 12th January 2025, giving fans the ultimate, Jurassic World experience over the festive season.
The exhibition officially opened its iconic gates in Manchester this summer with a star-studded launch. The exhibition has seen tens of thousands of explorers step foot inside Jurassic World to get closer to life-sized dinosaurs than ever before. It has captured the imaginations of all ages, transporting them through richly themed prehistoric environments and providing an interactive experience with realistic Jurassic World dinosaurs.
Jurassic World: The Exhibition is a family-friendly exhibit of massive proportions based on one of the biggest blockbuster franchises in cinema history. Visitors walk through the iconic Jurassic World gates, explore richly themed environments, encounter a life-sized brachiosaurus, velociraptors, including fan-favourite Blue, and the most fearsome dinosaur of all, the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex. And for the first time in the UK, Mancunians will also witness the armored adult Ankylosaurus, and the ferocious Carnotaurus.
Fans are encouraged to move fast, as this has been a hugely popular attraction and tickets are expected to go quickly. Tickets will also make a unique Christmas present experience
Guests will be able to imagine what it would have been like to roam amongst these breathtaking creatures, and even interact with baby dinosaurs, including “Bumpy” from the popular animated series Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous from Universal Pictures, Amblin Entertainment and DreamWorks Animation, currently streaming on Netflix; and Jurassic World: Chaos Theory – a second series following the events of Camp Cretaceous, just launched on Netflix.
The exhibition has now become one of the fastest selling exhibitions since its launch with nearly eight million tickets sold in 22 cities around the globe.
Book tickets for Jurassic World: The Exhibition here.
Find events across Liverpool here.
The Holly Johnson Story at the Museum of Liverpool is now open offering an unmissable journey through the life and career of one of the city’s most iconic and influential artists.
The opening of The Holly Johnson Story exhibition celebrates the 40th anniversary of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s ground-breaking album Welcome to the Pleasuredome and delves into the legacy of Holly Johnson as a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community.
Here are 10 reasons why you should experience this incredible installation.
A tribute to a cultural icon
Holly Johnson, the frontman of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, is one of Liverpool’s most celebrated LGBTQ+ figures. This exhibition honours his journey from local talent to international fame, showcasing his cultural impact as a musician, artist, and activist.
Marking 40 Years of Welcome to the Pleasuredome
The exhibition coincides with the 40th anniversary of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s iconic album, Welcome to the Pleasuredome. Featuring timeless hits like Relax, Two Tribes, and The Power of Love, the album’s legacy and impact on music and pop culture is at the heart of the exhibition.
A unique exploration of LGBTQ+ history
Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the exhibition captures the stories of local LGBTQ+ people offering a personal and authentic look into the gay scene of the 1980s.
Rare memorabilia and iconic costumes
Fans of Holly Johnson and Frankie Goes to Hollywood will be thrilled to see rare memorabilia, including iconic costumes designed by Leigh Bowery and Vivienne Westwood.
Personal stories of living with HIV
The Holly Johnson Story features personal audio accounts of people living with HIV in Liverpool, produced in collaboration with Sahir House, a sexual health and wellness charity.
These stories provide a poignant look at the experiences of those affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Holly Johnson’s art on display
In addition to being a musical icon, Holly Johnson is an accomplished visual artist. The exhibition includes a selection of his paintings, showcasing another side of his creative genius and allowing visitors to connect with his art beyond his music.
Celebrate LGBTQ+ activism
Holly Johnson’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and his unapologetic activism in the face of HIV stigma are central themes of the exhibition.
The Holly Johnson Story shines a light on his fearless activism, which helped pave the way for greater acceptance and visibility of LGBTQ+ people in the public eye.
Go back in time to 1980s Britain
The exhibition takes visitors back to the social and political unrest of 1980s Britain.
Through the lens of Holly Johnson, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of how this turbulent era shaped Holly’s music and his will to create a change in society.
See the collaborative efforts with local arts organisations
The Holly Johnson Story is the result of a collaboration between National Museums Liverpool, Homotopia, and DuoVision Arts.
This partnership brings together some of the city’s best cultural institutions, providing you with an experience that you won’t soon forget.
Giving a platform for the next generation of Queer talent
As part of the exhibition, there will be a wraparound programme featuring performances, talks, and music from emerging local queer artists.
There will be more news on this to come.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Holly Johnson or simply interested in exploring LGBTQ+ history and art, The Holly Johnson Story is a must-see exhibition.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey through the life of one of Liverpool’s most iconic figures – The Holly Johnson Story at the Museum of Liverpool is open now until 27 July 2025. Tickets are £5 and children (0-17) go free.
To book your tickets for The Holly Johnson Story click here.
For the latest news around Liverpool click here.
You can deck the halls with boughs of holly – but these days we love showing off a bit of festive flare with a wreath!
Nothing says Christmas without a circular flurry of foliage welcoming visitors to your front door and in these make-and-do days, it’s so much better when you can create your own.
There’s plenty of wreath making workshops happening from now until December and if you want to be certain of a place, you’ll want to get booking now. Here’s 10 to get you started…
Hope Street Hotel
Hope Street Hotel’s holding its first ever wreath making workshop on Monday, November 25, at 6.30pm. Norwegian Wood Florist will be hosting the event on the hotel’s fifth floor – so there’ll be lots of lovely winter views across the city – and, for £50 per person, you can enjoy a glass of prosecco and a mini mince pie before creating your natural work of art.
More info here.
Malmaison
Wreath making and afternoon tea – how many fabulous boxes can this event tick? Join the Malmaison Hotel for its Christmas Wreath Making Workshop on Saturday, November 30, between 12:30pm-5pm. Hosted by the talented team at Ada Lilly Florist you can craft your very own seasonal wreath, with all materials provided, and indulge in a festive afternoon tea once your masterpiece is completed. It costs £70 per person.
More info here.
Make North Docks Liverpool
Chelsea RHS Gold medallists Louise and Deb are waiting to teach you how to make your own festive wreath using natural materials – and you can toast the season with a glass of vino while you get creative! The Natural Wreath Making with Wine event is being held at Make North Docks in Regent Street on Friday, December 6 from 6-9pm (and they say they’ll even throw some snacks in too). Tickets are £50.
More info here.
92 Degrees
The Jamaica Street coffee shop is holding two Christmas Wreath Making Workshops – one on Saturday, November 30 (6.30-9pm), and another on Sunday, December 1 (5.30-8pm). Local flower farmer John and his team from Lakes & Rivers Flower Farm will show you how to create a beautiful Christmas Wreath to take home and hang on your front door, and the event, costing £65, includes complimentary festive treats and a glass of prosecco or a hot drink.
More info here.
Bluecoat
Artist and professional upcycler Gemma Longworth will be offering her expert guidance at this wreath making workshop at the School Lane arts centre. You can get into the festive spirit by creating your very own seasonal wreath using fresh foliage and decorations, with step-by-step instructions from Channel 4’s Find It, Fix It, Flog It presenter. Perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters, it’s on Sunday, November 24, 1-3pm, and tickets are £48 with all materials included.
More info here.
Duke Street Food & Drink Market
Escape the holiday hustle and join the folks at Duke Street us for an evening of creativity and relaxation. In this Festive Wreath Making workshop, you’ll craft your own beautiful, eco-friendly festive wreath under the expert guidance of Nat from Somerset Blooms on Wednesday, November 27, between 6pm and 8pm. Cost is £60.29.
More info here.
The Wheelbarrow, Greenbank Sports Academy
It’s the fourth year The Wheelbarrow has held a fun and festive event where you can make your very own Christmas wreath – and not only do you get the chance to be creative, you get to enjoy the artisan stalls at its luxury makers market, being serenaded by live music … and a vegan winter stew and glass of prosecco or soft drink is included in your £54.88 ticket price.
More info here.
The Reader at Calderstones Park
Learn how to forage and craft a beautiful seasonal hanging door wreath in The Reader’s Festive Wreath Making Workshop with local florist Booker Flowers. It’s being held on Sunday, December 8, 10am – 1pm, and tickets are £60 per person. The morning will begin with foraging for foliage in the grounds of the Mansion House, before heading back indoors to create a natural wreath with the materials you’ve gathered. Fresh coffee and tea and cakes will be served too!
More info here.
Speke Hall
Head to the Tudor mansion house to learn how to create your own Christmas wreath with step by step instructions and one-to-one assistance from expert craftspeople with more than 10 years’ experience at Speke’s Christmas Wreath Making Workshop on Friday, December 6, 10am-1pm. Tickets are £50 and to book call 0344 249 1895.
More info here.
Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa
Formby Hall reckons you’ll be the envy of your neighbours after their professional florist has shown you how to create the perfect Christmas wreath with oodles of winter flowers and accessories. There are workshops on Sunday, December 1, 2-4pm; Thursday, December 5, 7-9pm, and Sunday, December 8, 2-4pm. It costs £45 per person and includes a glass of fizz, festive cakes and free flowing tea and coffee. To book, email christmas@formbyhallgolfresort.co.uk
or call 01704 875 699.
More info here.
For your ultimate guide to Christmas in Liverpool click here.
A six-week public engagement has launched, giving people an opportunity to comment on the issues facing hospital gynaecology and maternity services in Liverpool.
It follows the approval of a case for change by the board of NHS Cheshire and Merseyside at a meeting on 9 October 2024.
The case for change highlights that the biggest challenge facing these services is the fact that they are located on a different site to most other acute and specialist care, which can cause problems and delays with care – Liverpool Women’s is the only specialist centre for gynaecology and maternity in the country where this is the case.
People can find out more, download an information booklet summarising the key issues, and complete a short questionnaire at www.GynaeAndMaternityLiverpool.nhs.uk The website also features a number of short films with staff involved in delivering gynaecology and maternity care, explaining more about the challenges in their own words.
As part of the public engagement, a series of face-to-face and online listening events will take place during November, giving people the opportunity to hear about the issues from clinicians and take part in small group discussions. Sessions will be held in Knowsley, Liverpool and Sefton, with people welcome to attend whichever is most convenient for them.
Details of the events and how to register are available at www.GynaeAndMaternityLiverpool.nhs.uk or by calling 0151 702 4353 (Monday to Friday, between 8.30am – 4pm) or emailing engagement@cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk These contact details can also be used to request information in different formats or languages.
Dr Fiona Lemmens, Deputy Medical Director for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside said:
“Although issues around hospital gynaecology and maternity care in Liverpool have been looked at before, this is a new opportunity to tackle what we believe is an urgent health priority for our city. Before we begin developing potential options, we need to hear what staff, patients and members of the wider community think about the reasons for change being presented, and gather their experiences of using services.
“Gynaecology and maternity services are key parts of our local NHS, and the organisations involved with providing this care are committed to working together to find a long-term solution to tackle the challenges we have. It’s really important that we also hear the voices of the local people who depend on these services, so that this can inform our work as we move forward.
“At this stage, no decisions about how services might look in the future have been made. However, whatever proposals might be put forward at a later date, it’s important to stress that the Crown Street building where Liverpool Women’s Hospital is based will remain a key part of our local NHS system, and we are continuing to actively invest in and develop this site.”
Dr Lynn Greenhalgh, Chief Medical Officer for Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust said:
“The health needs of our population have changed since Liverpool Women’s Hospital first opened its doors almost 30 years ago. For example, around 60% of women who have their babies at Liverpool Women’s have additional health needs that need to be managed alongside their pregnancy. Increasingly, the people we care for also need services that aren’t based at the hospital.
“We have extremely talented and committed staff working our city’s hospital gynaecology and maternity services, and there are measures in place to manage issues and keep care safe for now, but we need to look at how protect what we have for the future. We believe that the people of Liverpool deserve to have the very best experience of care, wherever they are being treated, but our current arrangements mean that this isn’t always possible.
“To help us begin to make plans, we really need to hear what people think about the challenges facing services. We’re looking forward to gathering views from across our communities over the coming weeks, and hearing what matters to people about these services, and what their own experiences of care have been.”
The NHS will be working with a wide range of partner organisations and local community groups to help share information and encourage people to take part in the engagement.
Once the engagement closes on 26 November 2024, all responses gathered will be analysed by an independent organisation and put into a report, which is likely to be published in early 2025. This feedback will be used to help inform what happens next, including the development of any proposals for how hospital gynaecology and maternity services could look in the future.
Public engagement on hospital gynaecology and maternity services in Liverpool will run from 15 October to 26 November 2024. People can find out more and share their views at www.GynaeAndMaternityLiverpool.nhs.uk
Professionals from across Merseyside to host conference on the affects of trauma – READ MORE HERE.
A local LGBTQ+ couple, Craig and Daniel from Wirral, have shared their inspiring adoption story during National Adoption Week (21-27 October), exemplifying this year’s theme that “the journey to a family is not always a traditional one.”
According to recent research from You Can Adopt, over 25% of approved adopters in 2023/24 were part of the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the evolving nature of modern families.
As part of National Adoption Week, Craig and Daniel have shared their journey to fatherhood, which began when they had their daughter placed for adoption when she was just 9 weeks old.
Reflecting on the process, Daniel said:
“Honestly, we were a little worried about how we would be perceived being a gay couple. But the second we met our social worker all those worries disappeared.
“The best part of the process was when we saw our daughter’s profile. We knew straight away that she was going to be our daughter. We went to the matching panel very quickly and before we knew it, she had moved in. It was quick but felt so right.
“We left our old life for a new one and being a parent is the most rewarding thing – we wouldn’t change it for anything else”.
According to the same survey by You Can Adopt, the vast majority of the public (88%) feel it’s important to teach children that families come in all shapes and sizes, and that this promotes acceptance of children from non-traditional family units (52%). However, (51%) of the public surveyed were not taught this themselves when growing up.
Cllr Stephen Bennett, Chair of the Children, Families and Education Committee for Wirral Council, said:
“Children are currently waiting longer to be adopted due to the lack of approved adopters. But there could be many people out there who don’t realise they could adopt successfully, due to stigma which is simply untrue.
“If you’re thinking about adoption, please take that first step and get in touch with the team.”
If you want more information about adoption, please visit www.adoptioninmerseyside.co.uk
For the latest news around Liverpool City Region click here.
Wongs Jewellers, a family-run business in Liverpool, has taken home the top prize at this year’s Merseyside Independent Business Awards.
The Merseyside Independent Business (MIB) Awards, which was held at The Titanic Hotel, saw 500 attendees gather to celebrate the city’s thriving independent businesses.
The awards, which spanned 13 categories, recognised a diverse range of businesses that contribute to Merseyside’s economic and social fabric. Among the winners were:
- Hope Street Hotel
- MyCardium AI (Tech Business)
- Evolving Mindset (Mental Health Organisation)
Founded in 2013 by Morecrofts Solicitors, the MIB Awards shine a light on the passion, resilience, and creativity of local businesses that are integral to the region’s economy.
Alison Lobb, Managing Partner at Morecrofts Solicitors, said:
“Independent businesses are the backbone of Merseyside’s economy, and it’s incredibly important to recognise the resilience and innovation these businesses bring to our region. We are thrilled to celebrate their successes, and it is incredible to see the strong community spirit which unites these diverse enterprises.”
The headline sponsor of the MIB Awards is The Liverpool BID Company. Announcing Wongs as the winner, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Communications, Katie Bentley, said:
“Judges said this business encapsulated everything on the checklist for an amazing independent.
“Their entry demonstrated excellent client care, approachability, engaging marketing campaigns and commitment to investment in the city region.
“Judges noted that the business in question has built a recognisable brand, while remaining local and offering its clients exceptional service.”
Full list of winners below:
Trades or Manufacturing Business of the Year – Sponsored by JEC Business Finance
Winner: Kimpton
Professional Services Business of the Year – Sponsored by Butterworth Spengler Insurance Group
Winner: Sutcliffe
Culture & Tourism Business of the Year – Sponsored by Merseyrail
Winner: Hope Street Hotel
Commended: Blackstock Market
Best Creative Business – Sponsored by Forresters IP
Winner: MyCardium AI
Children Focussed Business of the Year – Sponsored by One Knowsley
Winner: Evolving Mindset
Commended: Forget Me Not
Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by The Guide Liverpool
Winner: Wong Jewellers
Best Start-up Business – Sponsored by Bruntwood
Winner: Unity Lives
Bar of the Year – Sponsored by Everton Stadium
Winner: Arts Bar
Food Venue of the Year – Sponsored by B&L Creative
Winner: Squash
Commended: The Watering Can
Health and Wellbeing Business of the Year – Sponsored by Titanic Hotel Liverpool
Winner: Katumba Drumming & Movement
Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Handelsbanken
Winner: Caring Connections
Digital & Technology Business of the Year – Sponsored by DSG Accountants
Winner: MyCardium AI
Business Person of the Year – Sponsored by FPC
Winner: Kiera Vogel, Senate Group
Overall Merseyside Independent Business of the Year – Sponsored by The Liverpool BID Company
Winner: Wongs Jewellers
For the latest news around Liverpool click here.
The Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards shortlist was officially announced today setting the stage for an exciting celebration of the region’s thriving tourism and hospitality sector.
An expert judging panel whittled down a record number of entries across 19 categories into the shortlist revealed today. The number and quality of entries reflects the continued growth of the city region’s tourism industry.
The finalists will now go forward to a glittering awards ceremony at Liverpool Cathedral on Thursday 27 February 2025.
Organised by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and supported by the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), the prestigious awards highlight the best of tourism and hospitality across the city region.
This year’s 19 categories include awards for accommodation providers, attractions, food and drink venues and new tourism businesses. New for this year are the Accessible & Inclusive Tourism award and the International Tourism award.
Fourteen of the winners will then go forward to the Visit England Awards for Excellence in June 2025.
Cllr Wharton, Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade said:
“Once again, we are delighted to have received so many entries for the Tourism Awards this year. With tourism now worth over £6bn to the Liverpool City Region these awards are a celebration of our city region’s thriving tourism industry and its enormous contribution to our economy. Year on year the support for the awards continues to grow as businesses recognise the value of being involved. In particular it is pleasing to see support for the two new categories – Accessible & Inclusive Tourism and the International Tourism Award. Special thanks go to our experienced panel of judges who have had a difficult job in shortlisting this year as the quality of entries have been so high.”
More than 60m people visited the city region in 2023, generating over £6bn for the local economy.
Bill Addy, Chief Executive at Liverpool BID Company and Headline Sponsor, said:
“As we prepare to gather together again to celebrate those working in our tourism industry and visitor economy it is a moment to think about how important these businesses, individuals and events are to our city region economy. It is not just jobs but experiences, welcomes, visits, special days out and cultural moments. Tourism is a vital ingredient in the business of the Liverpool City Region and its importance is something we just both celebrate and innovate to keep ourselves ahead of the game in such a competitive field.”
The ‘Liverpool City Region Hidden Gem’ category will also be back for 2024 and sponsored by The Guide Liverpool. This category will be voted for by the public and will recognise the region’s ‘best kept secret’. Hidden Gems could be attractions, bars, restaurants, tours, or natural assets which are off the main tourism trail.
The headline sponsor is Liverpool BID Company, with associate sponsor Liverpool ONE. Other confirmed sponsors and event partners are ACC Liverpool, Bolland & Lowe, BDO LLP, The Guide Liverpool, Kimpton, Knowsley Safari, Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool Football Club, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, London Northwestern, Merseyrail, MSP Global, My Time, National Museums Liverpool, PIB Insurance, Ticket Quarter, The Art School, The City of Liverpool College, The Metro, Virgin Experience Days and Wild Thang.
The full shortlist is:
B&B and Guest House of the Year
The Bowden Lodge
The Braemar Southport
Sunnyside Guest House
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
Garden by The Bay
Happy Days Apartments
Quest Apartments Liverpool City Centre
Staybridge Suites Liverpool
The Eden Warehouse
Hotel of the Year
Hope Street Hotel
Malmaison Liverpool
Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village
Pullman Liverpool
The Municipal Hotel & Spa MGallery Liverpool
Titanic Hotel Liverpool
Business Events Venue
Aintree Racecourse
Escape Live Liverpool
Hilton Hotel Liverpool
Rum Warehouse at Titanic Hotel Liverpool
Spaces at The Spine
The Lake House
New Tourism Business Award
Arts Bar Baltic
Blackstock Market
Eureka! Science + Discovery
Gravity Max Liverpool ONE
Salt & Tar
School Lane Hotel
Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award
Eureka! Science + Discovery
Liverpool Cathedral
Liverpool Philharmonic
Strawberry Field
Sunnyside Guest House
Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award
Future Yard
Liverpool Philharmonic
Liverpool Properties, National Trust
NORD
Sunnyside Guest House
The Eden Warehouse
Titanic Hotel Liverpool
International Tourism Award
Hotel Anfield
Liverpool Cathedral
Liverpool Tourist Information Centre
The Beatles Story
Taste of Liverpool Award – Café/Bistro of the Year
Crosby Coffee
Imagine More Café at Strawberry Field
Museum of Liverpool Café
The Bluecoat Café
The Lake House
The Watering Can
Taste of Liverpool Award – Restaurant of the Year
Antonio’s Bar & Grill
Chamber 36
Delifonseca Dockside
Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill
Salt House Tapas
Tik Taco
Pub of the Year
The Bridewell
The Jacaranda
The One O’Clock Gun
The Red Fox
The Windmill Southport
Experience of the Year
Fab 4 Taxi Tours
Mersey Tunnel Tours
National Trust, The Beatles’ Childhood Homes
Reel Tours
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Liverpool Football Club Tours & Experiences
Liverpool Cathedral
National Trust, Speke Hall
The Beatles Story
World Museum Liverpool
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
British Music Experience
Port Sunlight Museum
Royal Liver Building 360 Tour
Sefton Park Palm House Preservation Trust
Strawberry Field
Entertainment Venue of the Year
Arts Bar Hope Street
Albert’s Schloss
Liverpool Philharmonic
Salt & Tar
Shakespeare North Playhouse
The Liverpool Empire Theatre
Tourism Young Person of the Year
Jack Frank, Hilton Hotel Liverpool
Ellen Taylor, INNSiDE By Melia
Philip Barnes, Mersey Ferries
Erin Lorimer, Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village
Liam Roberts, School Lane Hotel
Tom Hughes, The Bus Yard
Daisy Cooper, Titanic Hotel Liverpool
Unsung Hero Award
Mark McKenna, Liverpool Tourist Information Centre
Craig Cavanagh, Masons Liverpool
Phil Witter, National Museums Liverpool
Simon Osborne, National Trust
Jean Milton, Port Sunlight Village Trust
Bridget Mulroy, Shakespeare North Playhouse
Veso Mihaylov, The Jacaranda/Jacaranda Baltic
By nominating a ‘Hidden Gem,’ they could be catapulted into the Tourism Awards spotlight. Please click here to nominate your Hidden Gem.
Find all the latest Liverpool news here.
Paul Bradford, 48, from West Kirby, is set to achieve an incredible comeback as he competes in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, two years after surviving a near-fatal cycling accident.
Paul, a dad of two, will be competing in the Championship in aid of the North West Air Ambulance (NWAA) Charity which he says he “owes his life to”.
In 2022, Paul, a dad of two, qualified for the Ironman World Championships. One month prior to competing, whilst on a training ride, he crashed into the back of a stationary van.
Paul was given a 10% chance of survival after he sustained a severe traumatic brain injury. His condition was further complicated by a fractured skull, broken ribs and a severely broken jaw.
Due to the severity of Paul’s injuries, the NWAA Charity was called to provide enhanced pre-hospital care.
He was given a general anaesthetic, intubated to keep his airway open and was placed on a ventilator at the scene.
Paul was then flown to Aintree University Hospital and subsequently transferred to the specialist Walton Neuro Centre due to the extent of his brain injury.
On 26 October 2024, Paul will take on one of the most gruelling endurance events in the world, covering 140.6 miles across an ocean swim, a technical bike course, and a vibrant coastal marathon run.
Paul said:
“I was shocked to find out that that the North West Air Ambulance is a charity and is funded solely by the generosity of the public. This knowledge made me determined to raise awareness and funds for them, so they can continue saving lives.”
In 2023, Paul ran the London Marathon in aid of the charity that saved his life and raised over £5,000 in vital funds.
Rebekah Bullen-Calderbank, Events Coordinator at NWAA said:
“We are so thankful for Paul’s support over the past couple of years. From completing the London Marathon in 2023 and now the Ironman World Championship, he really is an inspiration to us all.
“Our lifesaving charity doesn’t get government funding, and we aren’t part of the NHS. We rely solely on our dedicated supporters to raise the £18 million we need each year to bring the hospital to the patient.”
For more information about how you can support Paul’s journey and the North West Air Ambulance Charity click here.
For the latest news around Liverpool click here.
At their meeting earlier this month, Sefton Council’s Cabinet approved that Kooth, a universal digital service that provides mental wellbeing support for the Borough’s young people, be recommissioned until at least 2028.
Kooth commissioned by Sefton Council, is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychology and supports young people aged between 10 and 25 with a free and anonymous, online, chat-based mental health support service.
The service is designed to allow young people to seek support at a time suitable for them wherever they access the service online. The chat function is available from 12noon to 10pm Monday to Friday, and between 6pm and 10pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Kooth is linked into other local services, and where more specialised support is required, young people are signposted or referred to the most appropriate help.
Cllr Diane Roscoe who is Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families said:
“As well as all the usual pressures of growing up and transitioning into adulthood, today’s young people are feeling the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of the national cost-of-living crisis. Plus, there has been the fall-out from July’s tragic events in Southport.
“That is why it is so important to have a service like Kooth in place, where young people from Sefton can turn to mental health professionals for support when they need it.
“Kooth provides them with low-level support that helps young people manage their mental wellbeing and avoid developing more serious mental health problems.”
Kooth has been operating for over 20 years and is commissioned across England. An independent review showed that Kooth effectively helps young people to boost their mental health and wellbeing. User report improved self-esteem, increased hope in their aspirations, and reductions in feelings of loneliness, low mood and anxiety.
The annual cost for the Kooth service will be £130,000, funded through the Council’s Public Health and Children’s Services, and Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (Sefton Place).
As well as its universal offer, Kooth will engage specifically with young people who may particularly face mental health challenges. This includes those living in the most deprived areas of Sefton, children and young people with experience of care or homelessness, young carers, LGBTQ+ young people, and ethnic minority groups.
Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing said:
“It’s great to see the positive impact Kooth can have on young people and part of that is that the service has been developed and shaped by those young people, so it is providing what they want, in the way they want it.
“Not having this kind of service in place, or a gap in service, could have a harmful effect on our young people, so I am pleased we have been able to agree this seamless continuation for the next three years.”
Young people across Sefton can access one-to-one confidential text-based chats with qualified counsellors and emotional wellbeing practitioners.
There are also monitored forums, advice and tools to help boost mental wellbeing, all of which are available via the Kooth website.
Find all the latest news for Sefton here.
Liverpool FC is calling on supporters to share their views on all aspects of ticketing as part of a major review aimed at shaping the club’s long-term ticketing strategy.
The new survey, which launches today, 21 October, invites Liverpool FC fans to provide open and honest feedback on a range of topics related to men’s first-team fixtures, including home and away ticket access, pricing, the auto cup scheme, and match credits.
The LFC ticketing survey will be sent via email to a wide range of supporters including current and lapsed Members and Season Ticket Holders. Fans are reminded to check their junk folders if they have not received the survey across the day.
Anyone who doesn’t fall into one of these groups, however, is able to access the survey here. The deadline to complete the survey and provide feedback to the club is 5pm, Monday November 4.
This survey will form part of ongoing engagement with a broader section of supporters, as LFC recognises the need to constantly evolve and improve its ticketing operations. With this in mind, the club has developed a new set of ticketing principles which, alongside fan feedback, will help guide ticketing development over the coming seasons.
The new ticketing principles, which have been created in consultation with the Supporters Board, can be viewed in full here (Link only live from 10.30am, full details below) and include the ambition to make ticket access a realistic goal for all supporters while also recognising loyalty, with transparent data, protection against misuse, and a considered pricing approach.
Phil Dutton, Vice President Ticketing & Hospitality at LFC, said:
“We want to hear from as many fans as possible to help develop our ticketing strategy moving forward. Our ticketing approach is constantly reviewed, and we recognise there is a lot of work to do as we deal with a number of continuing challenges.
“These include – but are not limited to – unprecedented levels of demand following the completion of the new Anfield Road Stand, which has brought our capacity to 61,000, and increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks on our systems. Couple these challenges with advancement in technology in recent years, it meant the time was right to start a full review of our ticketing operations.
“Our newly devised guiding ticketing principles are a statement of our ambition and where we want our ticketing operations to ultimately be. This is a long-term project and will not lead to overnight changes in our approach, but we want to engage with supporters to develop our long-term strategy.
“We look forward to receiving feedback from a wide range of fans and thank them in advance for taking the time and effort to engage with this ongoing process.”
For the latest news around Liverpool click here.
You can’t beat the experience of live theatre, and The Floral Pavilion Theatre in New Brighton has got something for everyone this autumn/winter.
Whether you fancy a night of murder mystery or a hilarious cult classic, laugh-out-loud stand-up from some of Britain’s top comedians including Liverpool’s own John Bishop, live music or shows the whole family can enjoy, the Floral Pavilion has them all!
The programme has only just been announced so now’s the perfect time to get the best seats booked and dates in your diary to look forward to.
Here are five reasons you should book tickets for upcoming shows at The Floral Pavilion …
Laugh along with some of the biggest names in comedy
Fantastic comedy is just what we all need more of and it’s taking centre stage at The Floral Pavilion this season. Highlights include Scouse comedy superstar John Bishop bringing his brand-new show Back At It on November 3 followed by superb raconteur Gyles Brandreth with his one man show on November 4 and Jason Manford doing back-to-back nights of A Manford All Seasons on November 6 & 7. After a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Festival, man of many voices Jon Culshaw headlines on February 21 and who needs Love Island when you can go to Al Murray the Pub Landlord’s Guv Island on March 22!
See world-class music artists performing live
The Floral Pavilion is a great venue for live music and this autumn/winter it’s got something for every taste including a chance to hear all-time classics from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie and Marvin Gaye in The Greatest Hits of Motown on October 17, The Mersey Beatles performing A Hard Day’s Night in full on November 23 and, direct from the Royal Albert Hall, a tribute to the home of country music with A Country Night in Nashville on February 13.
Enjoy a whodunnit and a comedy classic on stage
If you love playing Cluedo as a board game, you’ll love it even more adapted into a stage spoof. Cluedo 2, starring TV favourite Jason Durras Colonel Mustard and Coronation Street actress and Strictly Come Dancing champion Ellie Leach as Miss Scarlett, will have you puzzling to work out who did what to who and where, from November 12-16. Keeping the focus on laughs, Jake Quickenden is lothario Bob in the outrageously funny comedy Rita, Sue and Bob Too, on from February 26 to March 2.
There’s plenty to keep all ages entertained
Little theatregoers can see some of their favourite characters come to life in magical family shows this season. David Walliams’ Awful Auntie goes from page to stage in an exciting adventure for age 5+ from October 24-27, and there’ll be puppets, music and lots of audience interaction when the much-loved animals of Rod Campbell’s best-selling Dear Zoo arrive on November 5. And, of course, Christmas means panto time and swashbuckling fun with an all-star cast in The Further Adventures of Peter Pan – The Return of Captain Hook, from December 6 to January 5.
Make a full afternoon or evening of it with delicious food and drink
Have a tasty treat before a matinee with a choice of sandwiches, pastries and light bites at The Floral Café or, if you’ve booked for an evening performance, The Panoramic Lounge overlooking the river has delicious two and three-course menus so you can relax and have dinner before the show then head back to your table for dessert and drinks in the interval.
Find the full programme and book tickets at The Floral Pavilion website.
One of Liverpool’s most exciting breakthrough acts, Red Rum Club, will make their highly anticipated debut at the Red Rum Garden at Aintree Racecourse next spring.
Red Rum Club will headline a huge outdoor concert on Friday 16 May 2025, following a day of exhilarating racing at the iconic venue.
This show marks the band’s biggest hometown performance to date, capping off a monumental 2024.
The Crosby-born sextet’s fourth studio album, Western Approaches, soared into the top 10 of the UK album charts, achieving their highest chart position yet. They followed this success with a massive hometown gig at the M&S Bank Arena, drawing 9,000 fans, and a summer filled with appearances at the UK’s most prestigious festivals.
Red Rum Club’s music is intricately entwined with the sounds of Merseyside, pioneering what has been described as their “Mariachi Merseybeat”. Currently touring with contemporaries Blossoms and set to tour with The Jockey Club Live alumnus The Wombats in the new year, performing live is where the band feel most at home.
Red Rum Club said:
“To say we’re excited to play Aintree Racecourse is an understatement. Outdoor summer shows are our favourites, and where better to play than in the Red Rum Garden? We’ve all been to the races at Aintree over the years and it’s a fantastic day out – we can’t wait to see you all there!”
After a trio of spectacular shows in the North West at Haydock Park Racecourse this year, which attracted over 25,000 music and racing fans to the hallowed ground, The Jockey Club Live are thrilled to announce the return of live music to Aintree Racecourse.
Dickon White, Regional Director of Jockey Club Racecourses, North West said:
“Red Rum Club are the perfect headliner to welcome music back to Aintree Racecourse in 2025. Not only are they one of the most exciting homegrown acts in recent years, but to have them perform in the Red Rum Garden feels incredibly fitting!
“With tickets available from £30, which include an exhilarating evening of races, we’re proud to provide a value for money entertainment destination for Merseyside and beyond.”
The Jockey Club Live events are renowned for combining an electric evening at the races with a spectacular concert, in an informal and relaxed open-air setting.
Throughout 2024, the concert series welcomed some of the nation’s biggest music talents to historic racecourses across the country, with headliners including Busted, James Arthur and Becky Hill. In addition to world-class live music, the events provide a selection of culinary delights for all, ranging from street food to the racecourses’ array of exceptional restaurants.
Tickets for Red Rum Club at Aintree Racecourse will be on sale at 10.00am on Friday 25 October via thejockeyclublive.co.uk, with a presale available to customers at 10.00am on Wednesday 23 October.
Sign up to The Jockey Club Live’s mailing list to secure the best price by buying in advance during the presale window. Tickets are priced starting from £30 for presale, and from £35 general sale.
There will be hospitality packages available to suit all budgets.
The Jockey Club Live will be hosting live concerts after racing at racecourses across the country including Sandown Park, Market Rasen, Carlisle, Newmarket, Aintree and Haydock Park in 2025. Keep an eye out for future announcements…
For the latest news around Liverpool click here.
Hits Radio Liverpool, formerly known as Radio City, celebrates 50 incredible years on air on today, 21 October.
Launched on Monday 21 October 1974, Radio City became one of the UK’s most successful radio channels, known for its record-breaking listening figures and numerous industry awards for excellence.
Over the last five decades, the radio station has been an industry leader, producing some of the country’s finest journalists, sports reporters, presenters, production teams, and business talents.
Its legacy is felt not only across Merseyside but nationwide.
To honour this momentous occasion, 200 former staff members and current team members came together on Friday 18 October at Dicey Reilly’s in Wolstenholme Square to raise a glass and celebrate five decades of broadcasting brilliance.
Some travelled from as far as Australia, Europe, and across the UK to be part of the celebration, showing just how special Radio City has been to so many.
The event was organised by Molly Marshall (Hits Radio Liverpool/former Radio City) and Carolyn Hughes (former Radio City, now of Carolyn Hughes PR Ltd), who have played a key role in the station’s many landmark celebrations. The duo felt it was important to mark the 50th anniversary with a fitting tribute to the station’s long-lasting impact.
Molly Marshall said:
“Radio City has a special place in many hearts throughout the region, and also with the many former employees who travelled far and wide on Friday to acknowledge this very special day. 50 glorious years and so many memories made for so many people, I am beyond proud to be one of the longest-serving members of staff and delighted that we could celebrate 50 wonderful years.”
Carolyn Hughes added:
“We wanted to make sure that there was a celebration and an acknowledgement for the former staff who worked so hard to make Radio City one of the most successful independent stations in the country. The amount of love, affection, talent, and genuine appreciation in the room on Friday evening was testament to the amazing team who built the Radio City legacy.”
The evening was a heartwarming reunion, with former sports presenters who have gone on to work for the BBC, Sky, and international channels, as well as presenters who have built impressive careers in radio and TV.
It was a chance for old colleagues to reconnect, for newer employees to meet the legends of previous decades, and to toast to the station’s founder, Terry Smith, who passed away three years ago. Without Terry’s vision, Radio City might have remained just a dream.
In addition, former employee Al Stirling has created a nostalgic website, www.radiocityis50.co.uk, where staff can access photos, videos, and memories from the event and throughout Radio City’s illustrious history.
Cheers to Radio City for 50 glorious years and to every single employee who played their part in making it a local, regional, national and international success, without every single one of them the amazing journey would not have been impossible!
For the latest news around Liverpool click here.
One Direction fans gathered in Liverpool yesterday for a vigil in memory of Liam Payne.
Fans of Liam Payne wrote messages in tribute to the singer, who died on Wednesday.
Vigils for One Direction singer Liam Payne have continued over the weekend after his death in fall from a hotel room balcony in Argentina.
There was a gathering of Directioners, the name given to followers of The X Factor-formed boy band, at the Keel Wharf Bridge at Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool on Saturday.
The fans wrote messages in tribute to the singer, 31, who died on Wednesday.
One memorial card said Forever Young, a nod to the Alphaville track of the same name that One Direction covered, but did not formally release as a single.
Fans lit candles and had carboard signs with the band’s lyrics on them, including one saying “I’m missing half of me when we’re apart”, from the single If I Could Fly by One Direction.
Photographs of Liam Payne, flowers, teddy bears and balloons were left at the bridge, and the group sang One Direction songs.
Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office No 16 said it was investigating the incident at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires as an “inconclusive death”.
Liam’s father, Geoff Payne, travelled to the Argentinian capital on Friday to arrange the repatriation of his son’s body.
Kate Cassidy, Liam’s former girlfriend said “nothing about the past few days have felt real” after his death at the age of 31.
The social media influencer, who had been in a relationship with Payne for around two years, said she was at a “complete loss” after police in Argentina said the singer died falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires.
“Thank you for all of the kind words and love that has been sent my way,” Cassidy said in a statement posted on her Instagram story.
“I have been at a complete loss. Nothing about the past few days have felt real.
“I ask and pray that you’ll give me the grace and space to navigate this in private.
“Liam, my angel, you are everything. I want you to know I loved you unconditionally and completely.”