The Guide Liverpool HEROES 2025 
Southport, still reeling from the tragic events of 29th July, has seen incredible community spirit, with numerous fundraising activities taking place to support various causes.
Now Southport Pleasureland is gearing up for a huge event on 1st September, as the Merseyside seaside town comes together for a day of fun, music, and fundraising.
Norman Wallis, the owner of Southport Pleasureland, has pledged to raise £1 million for local hospitals and the North West Air Ambulance.
To kickstart the goal, Southport Pleasureland will host a special event on Sunday, 1 September, slashing ticket prices from £24.99 to £15, with all proceeds going toward the fundraising efforts.
Norman Wallis said:
“A lot of people in the region still refer to Pleasureland as ‘The Fair’, and I think that’s mainly down to how long it has been since they last visited.
“We’ve invested a huge amount into making Southport Pleasureland a destination that the town can be proud of, and I am always delighted to show our visitors that a visit to Pleasureland is so much more than a day at the fair—it’s a place to come and make memories with your family.
“That will be especially true on 1st September, as we’ve pulled off an incredible lineup of entertainment and activities for the day, all in aid of our fundraising efforts for the hospitals and the Air Ambulance.”
Visitors to the event are in for a musical treat with some fantastic acts set to perform. In addition to The Lilacs, announced last week, two new headline acts have been revealed.
Aziz Ibrahim, best known as the lead guitarist for The Stone Roses and his work with Ian Brown, Simply Red, Paul Weller, and Asia, will grace the main stage.
Joining him will be Eurodance sensation Ian Van Dahl, bringing old-school trance vibes to the festival with hits like the 1999 classic Castles in the Sky.
Legendary local broadcaster, host and entertainer Claire Simmo will be in the park throughout the day too, adding her own very special touch of sparkle to proceedings.
The Southport Together Family Fun Day promises a packed schedule of entertainment and activities, including:
- Unlimited access to all the park’s rides and attractions
- Three stages featuring live music acts throughout the day
- Stilt walkers, dinosaur rangers, close-up magic, and roaming performers
- Displays of classic cars, trucks, military vehicles, and emergency services vehicles
- A craft village showcasing local makers and craft stalls
Tickets for the event can be purchased directly on the Southport Pleasureland website by selecting 1 September on the booking page.
For those unable to attend but still wishing to support the cause, donations can be made via the GoFundMe page.
For more info on Southport Pleasureland click here.
For the latest news around Liverpool click here.
Liverpool City Region’s tourism industry has reached a remarkable milestone, with the sector now valued at over £6 billion, according to new figures released today.
The latest independent research for 2023, commissioned by the Liverpool City Region Local Visitor Enterprise Partnership (LVEP), highlights the strong recovery of tourism since the pandemic, contributing significantly to the region’s economic growth.
The sector continues to demonstrate strong signs of recovery since the pandemic, contributing to the overall economic growth of Liverpool City Region.
Headline figures show:
- Liverpool City Region tourism value has increased 21% from 2022 to £6.25bn.
- Visitor numbers have increased by 4.4 million from 2022 to 60.29m.
- The number of staying visitors has risen to 6.016m (compared to 5.833m in 2022)
- The number of day visitors continues to rise and now stands at 54.28m – an increase of over 4 million visitors from 2022.
- Jobs in the sector have risen to 58,435 a 13% increase since the 2022 figure of 51,605
- Other figures show hotel occupancy rates from 2022 rose 2.2% to 76.5% in 2023, almost level with the 2019 figure of 78.4%.
The international appeal of high-profile events across the region such as the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool and the Open Golf Championship in Wirral alongside wider city region events including the Southport Airshow, the Grand National and Liverpool Biennial, coupled with an annual uplift of 7% in the average income per occupied room (ADR) will also have contributed to the positive impacts recorded in 2023.
The number of staying visitors has also risen from 5.833m in 2022 to 6.016m in 2024- the highest since 2017, with spend by staying visitors increasing by 17% to £2.4bn.
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said:
“This is a fantastic milestone for the Liverpool City Region and a testament to the incredible resilience and creativity of our area. To see the visitor economy now generating over £6bn is proof that our efforts to showcase the best of what we have to offer – from our stunning cultural landmarks to world-class events – are paying off in spades.
“2023 was a year like no other, with the vibrant colour and glitter of the Eurovision Song Contest, which put us on a global stage, and events like The Open and the Grand National drawing visitors from far and wide. Our region’s appeal is stronger than ever, and these figures show that people are voting with their feet.
“But it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the jobs and opportunities this growth is creating for local people. We’ve worked hard to make Liverpool City Region a destination that’s not just great to visit but great to live in. With more visitors staying, generating record-breaking hotel occupancy, and our cultural events calendar packed to the brim, we’re proving that this is a place where the world wants to be—and that’s something we should all be proud of.”
The city region has also followed national trends with the number of visitors staying in non-serviced accommodation rising by 4.4%. Liverpool is ranked the third highest city by VisitBritain for the number of nights reserved in short term rental properties
Initiatives spearheaded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, in collaboration with local authorities and businesses, have been instrumental in promoting the region.
A three-year £3.2m Destination Marketing project, supported by the Strategic Investment Fund has focussed on delivering a coherent programme of regional marketing activity, hand in hand with public and private sector businesses, targeting domestic and overseas growth markets and dispersing those visitors and their spend across the region.
The business events sector has also been boosted by continued £1.25m support from the Strategic Investment Fund and working in partnership with the newly formed Accommodation BID and ACC Liverpool. This partnership has previously supported 32 conferences in the city region, creating an economic impact of over £14m with over 36,000 delegates welcomed to the city region, totalling 363,000 bed nights. The continuation of this project will continue to support critical events for the city region.
The city region’s tourism sector is poised for continued growth with the recently formed LCR LVEP. This pioneering partnership chaired by Tony Hall CBE, Lord Hall of Birkenhead, will position the region as one of Europe’s major events capitals, seeking to deliver maximum economic benefit across the city region from its worldwide visitor appeal. The new Board will now shape a five-year destination management plan which will be launched in March 2025.
The figures are published by the STEAM (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor) model, which is used throughout the UK tourism industry to measure economic impact of the visitor economy. Hotel occupancy data is provided by STR Global Ltd. For a full version of the report please click here.
For more info on Liverpool City Region Combined Authority click here.
For the latest news in Liverpool click here.
The Land of Lights Lantern Festival is returning to Warrington this winter.
The Land of Lights will be opening in Gulliver’s World Resort for a second time from October with new lights and a brand-new theme for 2024.
The cultural and artistic lantern festival was a first for the theme park in 2023 after proving successful at its sister site in Milton Keynes.
And it was such a hit that it’s going to be back again this year.
The new theme will be WonderWild which organises say will bring ‘nature and animals to life like you’ve never seen before’.
Describing the festival, Ross Partridge, Lands of Lights festival manager, said last year: “It’s a spectacular, illuminated attraction that provides people from the local area with a great night out, as well as attracting visitors from far and wide to Warrington to experience the breathtaking moments and awe-inspiring installations bursting with energy and culture.”
The Land of Lights Lantern Festival, which sits alongside the resort’s other Christmas events and activities, includes thousands of handcrafted lanterns and hundreds of thousands of LED lights to create new fantasy worlds at the popular venue.
Different realms being created for 2024 include a Fantasy Forest, Ice Kingdom, and Winged Wonders, all developed amid an enchanting journey into a reimagined world of nature, plants, and animals.
And it’s not just lights.
Aimed at all ages, as well as a vivid dream world, the lantern festival will offer music and entertainment, and street food and drink from local vendors will be available throughout the event.
There will also be photo points across the trail to capture magical moments for your Insta page – or just for you! – and there will be dog-friendly nights along with free parking.
Super Early Bird tickets are set to be released from this Sunday, September 1.
To find out more about The Land of Lights Lantern Festival click here.
For the latest news in Liverpool click here.
Watch our highlights from last year’s Land of Lights below:
Liverpool City Council is inviting businesses and individuals across the city to join an inspiring conference.
Celebrating Care Leavers: Making a Difference Together is aimed at supporting young people transitioning out of care.
The council, supported by Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Richard Kemp, is calling on organisations to join a movement that empowers young people who have overcome extraordinary challenges.
The business community has a pivotal role in providing opportunities and support to care-experienced young people, and participation is crucial to making a lasting impact.
Liverpool is home to over 700 care leavers aged 18 to 25, with many experiencing barriers. The conference is a unique chance to celebrate their achievements, understand their challenges, and explore how the business community can offer real, lasting support.
What to expect
During the event young people leaving care will take part in powerful performances and share their personal journeys of resilience and their visions for the future.
Attendees will also hear from key leaders including Cllr Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, and Jenny Turnross, Director of Children and Young People’s Services, who will discuss positive developments and specific needs of care leavers.
They will also learn about successful initiatives led by organisations such as John Lewis, Everton in the Community, and Liverpool FC Foundation.
Getting Involved
This conference is not just about discussion, it’s about action. The council’s aim is to foster a collaborative environment where ideas are shared, best practices are exchanged, and innovative solutions are developed.
On the day, businesses are encouraged to pledge their support for the young people leaving care in any way they can. Whether it’s a follow-up discussion with the service, connecting care leavers with mentors, offering access to enriching experiences like tickets to cultural, sporting, and community events, or facilitating work experience opportunities. Every contribution helps to broaden horizons and foster a sense of belonging.
Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Richard Kemp, said:
“I am proud to be hosting this event in partnership with Liverpool City Council, CCLA, an investment manager for charities, faith-based organisations and local authorities, and with active involvement from care leavers themselves.
“We want to bring together key stakeholders to listen and address the unique challenges these young people face. Supporting care leavers is a cause deeply important to me, and I have dedicated my term to this vital work.
“As Lord Mayor I have created a £100,000-a-year fund for three years to support care leavers. This fund, made possible by generous contributions from the Lancashire and Merseyside Community Foundation, is providing small grants to care leavers.
“I will continue to focus on raising awareness and creating opportunities to empower care leavers. I invite all our partners and the community to join me in making a lasting impact on their lives.”
Jenny Turnross, Director of Liverpool City Council’s Children and Young People’s Services, said:
“We’re thrilled that the Lord Mayor has chosen to support care leavers across the city during his year in office and we’re excited to be supporting this really important event.
“We envision a community where care leavers are fully supported, empowered, and able to thrive. We encourage our partners and local businesses to join us in making a meaningful difference in their journey towards independence and success.”
Places to the conference are limited and need to be booked in advance.
Please confirm attendance to Celebrating Care Leavers: Making a Difference Together by filling in this short form.
For the latest news in Liverpool click here.
A community project in Kirkdale that has been bringing residents together through art is set to blossom once again.
The Flower Streets project has already transformed the neighbourhood with nine large-scale murals on the gable end of houses, each illustrating the flower after which the street is named.
The artworks are a celebration of the community and aim to rejuvenate the area, as well as addressing the issue of anti-social behaviour.
And now two more incredible pieces of work are to be added to the collection.
From today (27 August), acclaimed visual artist Madeleine Pires – who has been responsible for all the work to date – will return to Kirkdale to add additional murals on Harebell and Snowdrop Streets. These new additions to the collection should be finished by the end of September.
Before the creation of the murals, residents and school groups were invited to be part of an engagement programme which included free workshops encouraging storytelling, writing, drawing, painting, and an appreciation of ecology.
With everyone encouraged to share their experiences and stories, it fostered a sense of unity and collaboration.
After the first nine were completed, a community celebration event took place to highlight the strengthened community bonds and renewed pride in the area.
The streets which already have an artwork in their honour are Crocus, Daisy, Harebell, Pansy, Snowdrop and Woodbine and it took around seven months to complete the work at the initial nine locations.
To document the project and its impact, a short film has been produced, showcasing the journey and stories behind the murals which can be found on dot-art’s website.
The Flower Streets project has been curated by Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team, who commissioned local arts organisation dot-art to deliver the project.
It forms part of the Safer Streets Initiative and the Creative Neighbourhoods programme and has also been supported by Dowhigh, Huyton Asphalt and Culture UKSPF.
The School of Psychology at Liverpool Hope University will be using the Flower Streets Projects as a case study. They will be researching the impact of greening this urban area.
Throughout 2024/2025 the research collected will demonstrate how this has affected the mental health and wellbeing of local people.
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:
“This has been an ambitious project, but the response to the stunning series of murals has been incredible, and local residents have really taken the work to their hearts – and after spending so much time there, I believe Madeleine has now become an honorary member of the community!
“It’s initiatives like this which really showcase the power or art and creativity – the vibrant artworks are now a permanent symbol or resilience and the positive change that can happen when people come together with the same, positive goal.
“Everyone involved should feel incredibly proud of what has been achieved, and I can’t wait to see the next two transformations take place over the coming weeks.”
Artist, Madeliene Pires, said:
“Art is made to be seen and it’s for everybody. There’s a lot to be said for people coming together and these murals are an extension of that. It has been a joy to work on so far and I can’t wait to get started on the next two!”
Managing Director of dot-art, Lucy Byrne, said:
“It’s been such an honour to be involved in this project. We were tasked with finding an artist who would do justice to this tight-knit community and bring something really beautiful to their lives, and we knew Madeleine would be perfect.
“She spent six months really getting to know the community and has made genuine friends and this experience will have a tangible legacy which is just priceless.”
Flower Street resident Nora, said:
“I’ve lived on this street for 50 years and I think this is wonderful – it feels as though they’re recognising we are here.”
For the latest news in Liverpool click here.
Breakout Liverpool is definitely one of the most fun ways to spend 60 minutes anywhere in the city – and it’s not just great for groups of mates, it’s perfect for families.
Did you know Breakout Liverpool, on Sir Thomas Street, is one of the longest running escape rooms in the UK? It has a choice of 16 different themed rooms, which take real teamwork to crack before the time runs out.
Here’s why Breakout is a top choice for families and for adults too over summer and beyond …
With 16 themed rooms, there’s something for everyone
Each one has its own unique story, from a detective whodunnit to ghost hunts, horror and a zombie invasion. Some rooms are more suitable for families, so Breakout recommends choosing the lowest 3/5 difficulty rating.
Four rooms are especially popular with families: Wanted, which has a Wild West cowboy theme, Supernova, which is space themed, The Heist bank robbery and Shipwrecked where you have to escape a haunted pirate shipwreck.
It’s suitable for all ages
Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult, but otherwise there are no age restrictions, and younger team members are often better than adults at puzzle solving!
Breakout recommends only over-16s take on the horror rooms, although even in those there are no live actors jumping out so it’s not too scary… they include: Outbreak, Vacancy, The Facility, and The Haunting.
It’s also an alcohol-free venue so the whole experience is really family friendly.
It’s fun whatever age you are
Everyone gets to join in and contribute as part of the team which is rare in a group activity.
It’s a great way for parents to get kids away from their phones for an hour and do something face to face, the time goes so quickly when you’re busy solving the challenges because everyone’s totally absorbed.
You can work together or compete
The escape rooms can accommodate between two to five people. But, if you’ve got a larger group, you can split into two teams and go up against each other in a race against not only the clock, but each other too!
Two murder mystery themed rooms, Detective Office A & B, are exactly the same so you could go head-to-head to see who can uncover the killer fastest.
All 16 rooms look and sound amazing
Each one is fully immersive so you feel you feel like you’re living the experience, and you’ll recognise a lot of the music that’s used from well-known films or games.
The design team have done an incredible job, making the rooms so realistic, they transport you – you wouldn’t believe you were on Sir Thomas Street!
You’ll make fantastic memories
Beat the clock and you’ll get to have a group photo to show everyone you did it. The Breakout team will take one on your camera or your phone free as part of the experience so, as well as talking about it for ages afterwards, you’ll have a pic as a reminder too.
You can get discounts even in school holidays
Alongside regular pricing Breakout offers an off-peak price all day Monday to Thursday, and up to 5pm on Friday, and the more people you have in the room, the cheaper it becomes per person!
It’s in a great location and it’s all indoors
Breakout is near Metquarter, on Sir Thomas Street, so it’s very convenient for the bus stops and Merseyrail stations as well as all the city centre restaurants. And, because you’re inside, if the weather suddenly changes, you don’t have to alter your plans.
For more info and to book your slot at Breakout Liverpool click here.
For the latest news around Liverpool click here.
Oasis today end years of feverish speculation with the confirmation of a long awaited run of UK and Ireland shows forming the domestic leg of their OASIS LIVE 25 world tour.
Oasis will hit Cardiff, Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Dublin in the summer of 2025. Their only shows in Europe next year, this will be one of the biggest live moments and hottest tickets of the decade.
The Oasis live experience is unlike anything else. The roar that greets them as they step on stage. A set full of wall-to-wall classics. The spine-tingling sensation of being in a crowd singing back every word. And especially the charisma, spark and intensity that only comes when Liam and Noel Gallagher are on-stage together.
The brothers have flourished with their own projects since the band split in 2009, with ten UK #1 albums between them as well as countless festival headline sets and stadium and arena shows. But Oasis is something else. There has been no great revelatory moment that has ignited the reunion – just the gradual realisation that the time is right. Yet the timing must be a subconscious influence. This Thursday represents thirty years to the day since their electrifying debut album ‘Definitely Maybe’ was released, while 2025 will see the equally essential second record ‘(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?’ reach that same anniversary.
Oasis commented,
“The guns have fallen silent.
The stars have aligned.
The great wait is over.
Come see.
It will not be televised.”
Plans are underway for OASIS LIVE ’25 to go to other continents outside of Europe later next year.
Oasis’s legend has only been amplified in their absence. The classics that Liam and Noel have played in their solo shows have inspired phenomenal public demand for the band to make a long-awaited return, while the ‘Knebworth 1996’ film provided a taste of their exhilarating live performances to a whole new generation. They remain a huge draw in the streaming era, with 21.5 million monthly listeners at Spotify alone and a total of 12 billion streams to date. This Friday will also see the release of the Deluxe 30th Anniversary Edition of ‘Definitely Maybe’, which is available to pre-order here.
The shows are:
JULY 2025
4th – Cardiff, Principality Stadium
5th – Cardiff, Principality Stadium
11th – Manchester, Heaton Park
12th – Manchester, Heaton Park
19th – Manchester, Heaton Park
20th – Manchester, Heaton Park
25th – London, Wembley Stadium
26th – London, Wembley Stadium
AUGUST 2025
2nd – London, Wembley Stadium
3rd – London, Wembley Stadium
8th – Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium
9th – Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium
16th – Dublin, Croke Park
17th – Dublin, Croke Park
A quick recap of the Oasis story. Formed in Manchester, the band quickly became one of the biggest cultural phenomenons of the era as ‘Definitely Maybe’ became the fastest-selling debut album in British history – and has since reached 17 x Platinum in recognition of 5 million+ domestic sales. All seven of their studio albums went straight to #1, as did their 2010 compilation ‘Time Flies…’. Their catalogue of features eight #1 singles, from ‘Some Might Say’ to ‘The Importance of Being Idle’, as well as another fifteen Top 10 hits.
That huge following translated to the live arena, most famously playing to 125,000 people each night during two shows at Knebworth. Other big moments included two headline sets at Glastonbury in 1995 and 2004; huge homecoming shows at Manchester City’s Maine Road stadium; and a run of Wembley Stadium gigs which were documented in the live album ‘Familiar To Millions’.
Their accolades have included six BRIT Awards, including the Outstanding Contribution to British Music, two Ivor Novellos, and seventeen NME Awards.
Tickets for the Oasis UK tour dates go on sale from 9am on Saturday, August 31st and will be available here, here and here. Dublin tickets will be available from 8am that same day from here.
Find out the latest in Liverpool here.
Liam and Noel Gallagher have announced they are back together as Oasis and have released dates for a 2025 tour.
The Oasis website reads:
Oasis today end years of feverish speculation with the confirmation of a long awaited run of UK and Ireland shows forming the domestic leg of their OASIS LIVE ’25 world tour. Oasis will hit Cardiff, Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Dublin in the summer of 2025. Their only shows in Europe next year, this will be one of the biggest live moments and hottest tickets of the decade.
Oasis commented:
“The guns have fallen silent.
The stars have aligned.
The great wait is over.
Come see.
It will not be televised.”
Plans are underway for OASIS LIVE ’25 to go to other continents outside of Europe later next year.
Tickets for the UK dates go on sale from 9am on Saturday, August 31st and will be available from ticketmaster.co.uk, gigsandtours.com and seetickets.com. Dublin tickets will be available from 8am that same day from ticketmaster.ie
Fans of the Manchester rock band have pleaded with the brothers to regroup since they disbanded in 2009, prompted by a backstage brawl at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris.
During Liam’s headline Reading Festival set on Sunday evening, he dedicated the Oasis track Half The World Away to his estranged brother Noel and later their hit Cigarettes & Alcohol to people who he said hate the rock band.
At the end of the gig, the same clip teasing Tuesday’s date was shown on the stage’s main screens.
Reunion rumours have circulated over the years but intensified recently amid the apparent thawing in the feud between the pair.
A report in The Sunday Times cited industry insiders who claimed the brothers were set to perform a string of gigs next year, including shows at London’s Wembley Stadium and Manchester’s Heaton Park.
There is also speculation that a Glastonbury headline slot could be in the works.
Liam fuelled the rumours by offering some tongue-in-check responses to fans who flooded him with messages on social media asking for confirmation.
After The Times posted the article on X, formerly Twitter, a fan said Heaton Park is a “terrible venue for concerts”, with Liam responding: “See you down the front.”
When another asked when the reunion dates will be announced, he replied: “Next Friday.”
The rocker also tweeted on Sunday morning that he “never did like that word FORMER”.
It comes as the band’s classic debut album Definitely Maybe is set to mark its 30th anniversary this week with a special edition release.
Liam has been touring the UK this summer on his Definitely Maybe tour to celebrate the 30 years since its release in 1994.
Noel has been notably absent from the concerts but during a show in Cardiff, Liam made a point of dedicating Half The World Away to his “little brother”, saying he is “still playing hard to get”.
Liam also played a host of Oasis hits during his headline performance at Leeds Festival on Friday night.
Fans were also surprised to hear Noel pay Liam a string of compliments in an interview released last week with music journalist John Robb at Manchester’s Sifters Records in honour of the album’s 30th anniversary.
Reflecting on Liam’s performance on a number of their hits, Noel said: “It’s the delivery or the tone of his voice and the attitude.
“I don’t have the same attitude as him.”
He also jokingly compared Liam’s voice to “10 shots of tequila on a Friday night” and his as “half a Guinness on a Tuesday”.
Formed in 1991, the Britpop group rose to fame with hits like Wonderwall, Don’t Look Back In Anger and Stop Crying Your Heart Out.
They went on to become arguably one of the biggest bands in British music history before their break-up in 2009.
The brothers went on to have successful separate careers, with Noel fronting the group Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.
Visit the website where the potential Oasis reunion announcement will be made here.
Find out the latest in Liverpool here.
Rumours of an Oasis reunion have picked up steam once again, with reports claiming the Gallagher brothers are going to unite next year for a series of gigs.
Formed in Manchester in 1991, the rock band was led by lead guitarist Noel Gallagher and his brother and lead vocalist Liam Gallagher during their 18 years together.
They went on to become one of the most successful groups to emerge during the Britpop era of the mid-1990s before their acrimonious split in 2009, prompted by a backstage brawl at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris.
The band signed to independent record label Creation Records in 1993 and released their debut album Definitely Maybe on August 29 1994.
Featuring tracks including Supersonic, Rock ‘n’ Roll Star and Cigarettes & Alcohol, it became a great critical and commercial success, and propelled the Manchester band to stardom.
The group started living up to the rocker stereotype and made headlines when they missed their first international gig in Amsterdam in 1994 because they got deported back to the UK after getting caught up in a drunken brawl on the outbound ferry.
In 1995, the delivered their second studio album – (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? – which became the fifth biggest selling album of all time in Britain.
The album contained some of their biggest hits including Wonderwall, Don’t Look Back in Anger and Champagne Supernova – songs which have gone on to become globally known.
The band released a further five studio albums, four of which went to number one in the charts while 1998’s The Masterplan peaked at number two.
During their time together they played across the world, sold out New York’s Madison Square Garden in 2005 and headlined Glastonbury in 2004.
The brothers had been known to get into arguments over the years, but things reached breaking point at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris when Liam began swinging around a guitar.
Noel has recalled in interviews that he left the venue and was sitting in the back of a car outside the music festival in France when he made the decision to leave the group.
Speaking on Sky Arts programme Noel Gallagher: Out Of The Now, he said: “And the driver pulled off and that was it. I didn’t feel a sense of relief because I knew there was a shitstorm coming. And there was going to be a lot of nonsense talked about it.”
In the programme, the guitarist also admitted he feels their break up helped cement their legacy as one of the greatest British bands of all time.
He said: “I’d written every meaningful song that was ever recorded by Oasis. And it was my life, I directed it and creatively it was my thing. With the benefit of hindsight it was the best thing for me and for the band.
“Because the band now, Oasis back in 2009 were not lauded as one of the greats of all time. There was a kind of undercurrent of, ‘well they should really call it a day’. That’s what I felt anyway.
“I felt that people had stopped listening to the records and were coming to see us trot out the hits, and it’s a position I never wanted the band to be in. But now, of course, we’re seen as up there with all the greats.”
Since their split, Liam and Noel have been locked in a war of words, often taking digs at each other in the media or at shows.
At the NME Awards in 2018, Liam told the PA news agency that his brother was the villain of the year, saying: “He’s worse than Donald Trump. He’s the biggest liar and biggest faker in the business.”
In 2015, Noel said he would “never forgive” his brother for walking out on the band during a series of live shows before they broke up.
In an interview with the Daily Mirror, he said: “You would have to go out and say in English to a load of perplexed Japanese people, ‘I know you don’t understand what I am f* saying, but the singer has gone off, so I am going to sing the f* rest of the songs’. I could never forgive him for that, ever.”
The year after Oasis’ split, Noel formed his own band, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, which has experienced commercial success, with the first three albums all reaching number one in the charts and the most recent record, 2023’s Council Skies, peaking at number two.
Noel played the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury in 2022 with his band where they played a selection of their own tracks before he went back to his Oasis roots by playing a performing some of the band’s biggest hits.
Liam has enjoyed his own success as a solo artist as well, achieving five number one albums including 2017’s As You Were, 2019’s Why Me? Why Not, 2022’s C’mon You Know and two live recording albums – MTV Unplugged and Knebworth 22.
His recent collaboration album with fellow Mancunian John Squire also soared to number one earlier this year.
Liam has also performed major festivals over the years including The Other Stage at Glastonbury in 2017 and Trnsmt festival earlier this year, but each time he has also treated fans by performing a selection of Oasis classics.
While the pair have done well separately, fans have been pleading with the brothers to regroup for years.
Reunion rumours have circulated over the years but they have intensified recently amid the apparent thawing in the feud between the pair.
Earlier this week, fans were surprised to hear Noel pay Liam a string of compliments in an interview with music journalist John Robb at Manchester’s Sifters Records in honour of their debut album’s 30th anniversary.
Reflecting on Liam’s performance on a number of their hits, Noel said: “It’s the delivery or the tone of his voice and the attitude. I don’t have the same attitude as him.”
He also jokingly compared Liam’s voice to “10 shots of tequila on a Friday night” and his as “half a Guinness on a Tuesday”.
As part of the celebrations for the debut album, Liam has been touring the UK this summer playing the record in full.
Noel has been notably absent from the concerts, but during a show in Cardiff Liam made a point of dedicating Half The World Away to his brother, saying he is “still playing hard to get”.
Find out more about the potential Oasis announcement here.
The world’s oldest living man has turned 112 at his care home in Southport, Merseyside.
John Tinniswood was born in Liverpool on August 26 1912, the year the Titanic sank, and became the world’s oldest living man in April, saying the secret of his longevity is “just luck”.
Asked how he feels to be turning 112, he told Guinness World Records (GWR): “In all honesty, no different.
“I don’t feel that age, I don’t get excited over it. That’s probably why I’ve reached it.
“I just take it in my stride like anything else, why I’ve lived that long I have no idea at all.
“I can’t think of any special secrets I have. I was quite active as a youngster, I did a lot of walking. Whether that had something to do with it, I don’t know. But to me, I’m no different [to anyone]. No different at all.”
On what the biggest difference in the world is over the course of his life, he said: “It’s no better in my opinion, or hardly any better, than it was then. Probably in some places it is, but in other places it’s worse.”
On the secret of his longevity, he told GWR it’s “just luck.”
“You either live long or you live short, and you can’t do much about it,” he added.
Beyond eating a portion of battered fish and chips every Friday, Mr Tinniswood said he does not follow any particular diet.
“I eat what they give me and so does everybody else. I don’t have a special diet,” he said.
Mr Tinniswood lived through both world wars and is the world’s oldest surviving male Second World War veteran. He worked in an administrative role for the Army Pay Corps.
In addition to accounts and auditing, his work involved logistical tasks such as locating stranded soldiers and organising food supplies.
He went on to work as an accountant for Shell and BP before retiring in 1972.
A lifelong Liverpool FC fan, Mr Tinniswood was born just 20 years after the club was founded in 1892, and has lived through all eight of his club’s FA Cup wins and 17 of their 19 league title wins.
Mr Tinniswood met his wife, Blodwen, at a dance in Liverpool, and the couple enjoyed 44 years together before Blodwen died in 1986.
Their daughter Susan was born in 1943.
Since turning 100 in 2012, he received a birthday card each year from the late Queen Elizabeth, who was his junior by almost 14 years.
The oldest man ever was Jiroemon Kimura from Japan, who lived to the age of 116 years 54 days and died in 2013.
The world’s oldest living woman, and oldest living person, is Japan’s 116-year-old Tomiko Itooka.
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An outdoor courtyard takeover at The Reader’s Storybarn in Calderstones Park, Liverpool on Sunday 1 September, 11am to 5pm, will include a Tell a Tale tent, Imagination Station, face-painting, games and live music. Free entry.
National charity The Reader is celebrating the end of summer with a free one-day family-friendly festival.
Storybarn Fest at The Storybarn, Calderstones Park, Liverpool, on Sunday 1 September, 11am – 5pm, is the perfect way to round off the summer holidays. The outdoor courtyards of The Storybarn and Ice Cream Parlour will be transformed into a vibrant, colourful family hub.
Highlights will include a creative craft Imagination Station for children, Tell a Tale storytelling tent, face-painting, story-building parachute games, live music from the Singing Mamas and of course, award-winning ice cream by small, independent family producer, Cheshire Farm.
Martyna Puciato, co-manager of The Storybarn, said:
“The Storybarn will be open for drop in all day and families will be able to explore it for free.
“We will be taking over the outdoor Ice Cream Parlour and Storybarn courtyards, bringing them to life with a Tell a Tale tent filled with cosy blankets, pillows and bookshelves for children to explore, plus regular storytelling sessions and face-painting.
“There will be an Imagination Station where children can take part in Storybarn-inspired crafts from creating their own hot air balloons, toilet roll robots and monster headbands to colouring in Storyhunters.
“We will also have a relaxed room in the Hide Out with sensory toys where people can chill if it gets too much.
“It is set to be a magical day, full of imaginative play and stories for all ages.”
Storybarn Fest! will also see the launch of The Storybarn’s new weekly autumn timetable along with announcements of upcoming seasonal Halloween and Christmas activities for families.
The Storybarn is a magical reading retreat for children and their grown-ups founded by national Shared Reading charity The Reader and set in the heart of beautiful historic Calderstones Park.
It hosts a variety of weekly children’s activities inspired by stories and books from Tiny Acorns, Teeny Tales, Incy Wincy Rhymers, School Holiday Clubs and Storybarn Relaxed Sessions, as well as a wide range of seasonal events and birthday parties.
Makers at the Mansion, also happening on the same day at The Reader’s home inside the Grade II listed Mansion House and gardens from 11am – 5pm. It will be showcasing the best local independents and handmade candles, soaps, jewellery, home décor, clothing, art, crafts and more.
Visitors will also be able to find out more about the history of The Storybarn, and The Reader’s work as a charity running more than 420 Shared Reading groups across Liverpool, the UK and internationally where people meet weekly to connect and share experiences through stories and poems. Groups are free and open to all.
This event is free with no booking required – find out more on The Reader website here.
The annual YEP Directors Festival takes place at Liverpool Everyman from Friday 27 September to Saturday 12 October.
Following the festival, on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 October, the YEP Writers Showcase will present new works by nine YEP writers. With five directors collaborating with YEP Producers and YEP Technicians, this year’s festival highlights the new talents emerging from the award-winning Young Everyman & Playhouse [YEP] programme.
The first show of the festival is Play House by Martin Crimp. It tells the story of a young couple, Simon and Katrina, played by Reice Carmichael and Sophie Wolstencroft, as they attempt to make a home across thirteen brief scenes, covering work, pregnancy, parents, and weird neighbours. The play is directed by Eira Murphy, produced by Natalia Szumiec, and runs on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 September.
Ruckus by Jenna Fincken is a one-woman thriller inspired by true stories of women’s experiences. It delves into the issue of coercive control, a problem that tragically claims the lives of up to three women a week in the UK. Olivia Parsons plays Louise, with her partner Ryan voiced offstage by Francis J. Brack. Directed by Kate Thornhill and produced by Jay Branigan, it runs on Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 October.
Bull by Mike Bartlett, directed by Dominic Quinn and produced by Libby Laycock will be on stage from Friday 4 to Saturday 5 October. An exploration of the blurred lines between office politics and playground bullying. Three young, highly ambitious employees Tony, Thomas and Isobel are played by Reiss Barber, Adam Gannon and Lizzie Wilde, and the manager Carter is played by Cellan Scott.
Middle by David Eldridge, directed by Olivia Byrne and produced by Ellie Luke, delves into the relationship between Maggie and Gary, played by Heather Tomlinson and Cellan Scott, as it reaches a crossroads. This sharp drama offers a poignant portrayal of middle-aged, middle-class marriage runs on Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 October.
Burying Your Brother in the Pavement by Jack Thorne is a play specially written for young people, telling a story of sibling grief with emotional honesty and imaginative flair. Tom is played by Alfie Ross, Joel Cousins as Luke, and Molly Rosa Hannah plays their sister Courtney. Sam Kelly portrays Luke’s friend, Tight and features Jemma Iveson in various roles. This play, directed by Tyler Kane and produced by Caitlin Henry, runs on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 October. This year’s Festival Producer is Kathryn McEvilly.
Hayley Lindley-Thornhill, Head of Young People & Community of the Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse theatres said:
“YEP Directors Festival is a very special event as it marks the end of our training programme for 18-25 year old Directors. Since February, they have been developing and learning their skills and directing their first full-length show in our studio space. Each Director is supported by one of our YEP Producers with a team of technicians from our YEP Technicians programme. It enables our YEP company to collaborate with each other and really takeover our spaces.”
Following the YEP Directors Festival, the YEP Writers Showcase will take place on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 October. The event will spotlight new work by this year’s YEP Writers, including Sam Cooper, Anais Paul, Libby Raby, Hope Tsuma, Ro Lewis, Erin Eynon-Daly, Liana Khonje, Evyn Seaton-Mooney, and Beattie. There will be an open casting call for four paid acting opportunities for the Showcase. Details will be shared on our website on Friday 23 August.
Tommo Fowler, New Works Associate of the theatres added:
“Over the past year, a group of young poets, screen-writers, essayists and artists have come together to read, watch, analyse and disagree about plays – and now the time has come for them to write one!
This incisive and hilarious group of emerging playwrights will be showcasing ten-minute scenes, putting all they’ve learned into practice to create a constellation of pieces that are sure to entertain, move and inspire.“
YEP offers training in directing, creative writing, and technical theatre for 18-25 year olds. The Directors Festival and Writers Showcase are supported by the Everyman & Playhouse Theatres, which have been igniting creative sparks and fostering talent development for decades.
Tickets are priced at £5 and you can get them on the Everyman & Playhouse Theatres website here.
The North West Air Ambulance Charity (NWAA) is inviting everyone to join #TEAMNWAA and brighten up Wavertree Park, Liverpool, at the first NWAA Bubble Rush event on August 25, 2024.
Bubble Rush is a family-friendly, foamy fun run promising to be a highlight of this Bank Holiday Weekend, and everyone is welcome to take part.
You can walk, run, toddle or dance through this pushchair and wheelchair-friendly fun run. There’s no age limit and the whole family can take part in the fun activities and course.
Those taking part will receive an official NWAA Bubble Rush t-shirt to burst over the start line into a wave of foam.
There will be four coloured bubble stations filled with foamy fun and entertainment, and the overall course is two laps running to approximately 5km, but participants can also opt to run only one lap if preferred.
This will be an awesome summer day out suitable for friends and family, all whilst raising vital funds and support for the charity’s lifesaving vision of bringing the hospital to the patient.
The North West Air Ambulance Charity’s provides pre-hospital care 365 days a year, with consultant level doctors and critical care paramedics providing lifesaving enhanced, expert medical assistance to people across the entire North Nest region.
Sophie Cumby, Events Coordinator at the NWAA said:
“We’re so excited to be launching this exciting event in Liverpool, this year is the charity’s 25th Birthday and what a way to celebrate with fun for all the family! We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who is taking part in NWAA’s Bubble Rush, your support is so vital.
“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 £12 million we need each year to bring the hospital to the patient.”
You can sign up to take part in NWAA’s Bubble Rush here.
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A Liverpool solicitor has lost almost six stones so she doesn’t embarrass her daughter at her wedding!
Hazel Bacon was delighted when eldest daughter Holly announced she was getting married to girlfriend Ellie next year…
But she dreaded the thought of the pictures she’d have to pose for.
She said:
“Ellie is a lovely girl, and her mum is beautiful too … and I didn’t want to be the fat mother-of-the-bride on the photos,”
“I’d wanted to lose weight for a long time, and the news gave me the kick up the backside I needed.”
“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved. I’ve lost almost six stones and gone from a size 24 to a 14.
“Now I won’t feel I need to hide away. I can smile, enjoy the day, and just be happy for Holly.”
Hazel, 58, a family law solicitor from Huyton, had never had a problem with her weight growing up, but saw it spiralling after having children: as well as 24-year-old Holly, she has another daughter Poppy, 22, and a son, Christopher, 35.
She says:
“I had children quite young and I was with the kids’ dad but he didn’t have a job at first so it meant I was a new mum, supporting him and our family and, as a newly-qualified solicitor, I wasn’t earning much.
“Money was tight so I bought frozen crispy pancakes and sausage rolls, all those filled pastry things, and the weight just went on.”
Hazel’s weight rose to 17st 5lb, heavy even for her 5ft 10in frame, and she cringes at the diet that did it.
Breakfast was often four slices of heavily buttered white toast with jam or Nutella, and lunch might be Greggs’ pasties or sausage rolls, or a tuna and salad baguette with mayonnaise – always with a bag of crisps and a bar of chocolate.
“My evening meal would be a pie and mash with lots of butter, or a battered fish with chips, or pizza.”
She’d often open a bottle of wine and a family-size bag of crisps later on and polish both off, and she loved cakes and sweets: “I could eat a whole bag of chocolate peanuts on the drive home from work.
“I did want to lose the weight,” says Hazel. “But there was always a reason to put it off.”
News of Holly’s wedding changed everything.
“I didn’t want to be the huge, overweight mother of the bride who spoiled the photos, or who spent her time trying to hide in them.
“More than anything I didn’t want to show Holly up.”
Hazel joined Slimming World in May last year and has lost 5st 11lbs to reach 11st 8lbs.
With 6am starts for work, Hazel doesn’t always have breakfast, but she’s mindful of what she’s eating.
Lunch will be a baked potato with tuna and salad, and her evening meal might be spaghetti bolognese or chilli, all cooked from scratch.
“I love things like the homemade Slimming World pizzas made with a wholemeal wrap and cheese from my Health Extras allowance too which I have with spicy air-fried crispy potatoes and salad.
“And I really like plain yoghurt with loads of fruit, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and raspberries, and cereal. I have that as a pudding with my evening meal or a snack for supper.
“I’d be lying if I said it was always easy, but I’ve been surprised at how easy it has been.”
Hazel now walks around four miles a day and even signed up for one of this year’s Cancer Research UK Races for Life, running the 3K trek – ‘which I would never have managed in a million years if I hadn’t lost the weight’ – and earning the title of highest fundraiser out of 150,000 who ran it after raising a whopping £5,525.
Hazel admits:
“I want to be as healthy as I can for as long as I can. I have a grandson Cole who’s coming up for two who I look after for one day a week and I want to be able to get up and run around after him.
“My children are so delighted and I tear up when they keep telling me how proud they are of me.”
Holly and Ellie are tying the knot in August 2025 and Hazel, who has just been given her Slimming World group’s Woman of the Year award, says: “I’m getting excited about buying my outfit and choosing a lovely dress instead of a sack.
“And when the photographer says smile, I’ll happily give my widest grin, instead of scurrying behind everyone else to hide.”
* Hazel attends classes run by Dean Simpson-Humphreys at Huyton RAFA Club, Ellison Grove, Huyton on Wednesdays 09.30am, 11am, 5pm and 6.30pm. For more information call Dean on 07714 894482.
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A groundbreaking clinical trial testing the safety of a new lung cancer vaccine, BNT116, has commenced across England and Wales, marking a significant milestone in cancer treatment.
The first UK patient received the new lung cancer vaccine on Tuesday at the National Institute for Health Research UCLH Clinical Research Facility in London, with another patient set for trail at the Clatterbridge Centre in Wirral.
Here’s what we know so far:
But what is the vaccine and how does it work?
The vaccine, known as BNT116, utilises messenger RNA (mRNA), the same technology used in the Covid-19 vaccines.
The jab works by presenting the immune system with tumour markers from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This primes the body to fight the cancer cells that are expressing these markets while leaving healthy cells untouched.
How is it administered?
This trial will aim to recruit people with NSCLC – from early-stage before surgery or radiotherapy, to late-stage disease or recurrent cancer – to have the jab alongside standard immunotherapy.
The first patient to have the vaccine – Janusz Racz, 67, from London – had six consecutive injections given five minutes apart over a half hour period.
Each jab contained different RNA strands. He will get the vaccine every week for six consecutive weeks and then every three weeks for a year and then every three weeks for a total of 54 weeks.
What are the potential outcomes for lung cancer patients who have the jab?
Professor Siow Ming Lee, a consultant medical oncologist at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH), which is leading the trial in the UK, said he hopes the vaccine will prevent lung cancer from coming back.
Immunotherapy has made “big progress”, according to Prof Lee, but still does not treat all lung cancer patients successfully.
He describes the jab as “another additional immune approach attack” and said it could be an “extra boost” to improve survival rates for people with the disease.
What is the scale of the trial?
The phase one clinical trial will take place at 34 sites across seven countries.
Six are located across England and Wales, with the National Institute for Health Research UCLH Clinical Research Facility leading the trial in the UK.
Other hospital sites are Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Velindre University NHS Trust in Cardiff, The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust on the Wirral, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London, and The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Overall, is it hoped about 130 lung cancer patients will be recruited for the study, with 20 based in the UK.
What does the trial hope to achieve and what could happen next?
As a phase one study, this trial will determine the safety of the BNT116 vaccine.
When a phase one trial is successful, researchers usually move on to phase two, which will look at effectiveness and usually includes a larger number of patients. A phase three trial is larger still and usually compares a new treatment to standard treatment.
Prof Lee said he hopes this vaccine eventually “becomes standard of care worldwide and save lots of lung cancer patients”.
Are there vaccines for other types of cancer?
Yes. In April, a final phase three trial involving a personalised mRNA jab for melanoma was launched at UCLH.
The vaccine is custom-built for each patient in just a few weeks and works by telling the body to hunt down cancer cells and prevent the disease from coming back.
A phase two trial, involving pharma firms Moderna and MSD, found the treatment dramatically reduced the risk of the cancer returning in melanoma patients.
In June, it also emerged the first patient in England had received an mRNA vaccine for bowel cancer, which is being developed by BioNTech and Genentech. The trial at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham forms part of NHS England’s Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad.
What do jabs like these mean for cancer care and what could the future hold?
Prof Lee described vaccines like this as “the next big phase of cancer treatment”.
BNT116 is made by BioNTech, which signed an agreement with the Government in July 2023 to provide up to 10,000 patients with precision cancer immunotherapies by 2030.
NHS England’s Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad is also working to fast-track patients to get vaccines at the earliest opportunity.
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A vital opportunity has arisen for Merseyside’s creative and cultural community to make a real difference in the lives of young people.
Arts Emergency, a mentoring organisation dedicated to helping young people from under-resourced backgrounds access arts and humanities opportunities, are calling for volunteers to join their transformative programme.
Arts Emergency are wanting to inspire the region’s next generation of artists, thinkers, and creatives aged 16-18 as part of the exciting programme.
Research has found that young people from privileged backgrounds are four times more likely to make it into the creative industries than their peers and only 16% of people in the arts and humanities come from a working class background.
Arts Emergency’s mentoring programme is designed to tackle these inequalities at a grassroots level by pairing passionate young people with mentors who are professionals in various creative fields. By providing guidance, encouragement, and industry insights, mentors play a crucial role in helping these young people navigate their next steps and realise their full potential.
As Arts Emergency expands its reach in Merseyside, the organisation is seeking volunteers from the creative and cultural sectors to join their movement. Ideal candidates include artists, writers, designers, musicians, actors, curators, and other professionals from the arts and humanities who can spare just one hour a month to share their experience with young talent.
Neil Griffiths, Arts Emergency Co-Founder & CEO, said:
“Merseyside has an incredible wealth of creative talent and cultural heritage. By pairing young people in the area with mentors from this dynamic community, we can ensure that the next generation of artists and thinkers reflects the diversity and vibrancy of the region.”
Turner prize winning artist Mark Leckey said:
“Arts Emergency to me is important in that it is offering a kind of opportunity to people from a background similar to the one I grew up in. Where art is often seen as something very alien, and alienating and there doesn’t appear any access to it, there doesn’t appear to be any pathway that can be taken.”
George, an aspiring musician and 2023 Arts Emergency Mentee, said:
“[My mentor] gave me the extra confidence boost I needed to take the next step and apply to pursue music at university.”
Katy, an artist & civic practitioner and 2023 Arts Emergency mentor, said:
“Everything felt like a shared learning journey. Mentoring is not just a great way to give back. It’s also a great way for people who are already working in the industry to expand their sense of community and learn from younger artists.”
Volunteering with Arts Emergency is a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people. Mentors provide more than just career advice; they offer a lifeline of support and a network of contacts who can open doors to exciting opportunities. Additionally, mentors benefit from the rewarding experience of fostering the next generation of creative talent and contributing to a more inclusive and diverse cultural landscape.
Supporters of the organisation include actors Julie Hesmondhalgh, Lolly Adefope and Mathew Baynton, comedians Joe Lycett and Nish Kumar, author and journalist Reni Eddo-Lodge and writers Sarah Perry and David Nicholls.
Join the Arts Emergency community and help change the future of the creative and cultural worlds. Applications are open until Monday 30 September. Sign-up here.
The application process includes a brief form. Training and ongoing support are provided to ensure a successful mentoring relationship.
For more info on Arts Emergency click here.
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As Squeeze celebrates their 50th anniversary with a massive UK tour this year, the legendary British band is gearing up to deliver an unforgettable live experience.
If you’re thinking about watching Squeeze live at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool, here are five reasons why you won’t want to miss this anniversary spectacular…
Half-century of hits
Squeeze has spent the last 50 years making some of the most memorable songs in rock history.
From classics like Up the Junction, Cool for Cats, and Tempted to their 80s and 90s gems like Hourglass and Some Fantastic Place, the setlist is filled with timeless tunes.
Fans can expect a journey through their back catalogue, offering them a rare opportunity to experience both the hits and hidden gems live on stage.
Special guest: Badly Drawn Boy
Joining Squeeze on their 50th anniversary tour is none other than Damon Gough, better known as Badly Drawn Boy.
Celebrating his own milestone of 25 years in the music industry, Badly Drawn Boy’s soulful sound will set the perfect tone for an evening of excellent entertainment.
Expect to hear fan favourites from his Mercury Prize-winning debut The Hour Of Bewilderbeast to tracks from his most recent album, Banana Skin Shoes.
Supporting a vital cause
Squeeze is once again supporting The Trussell Trust, a charity dedicated to providing emergency food and support to those in need across the UK.
Audience members are encouraged to bring food donations to the show, with collection points available throughout the venue.
This is a chance to enjoy great music while making a meaningful difference to people facing hunger in the UK.
An unforgettable live experience
Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook lead an incredible lineup of musicians that includes; bassist Owen Biddle, guitarist Melvin Duffy, percussionist Steve Smith, keyboardist Stephen Large, and drummer Simon Hanson.
Their live performances are nothing short of a masterclass in music, the energy and chemistry on stage promises to be a night of pure magic.
Exclusive anniversary surprises
As part of their 50th anniversary celebrations, Squeeze is diving into their archives of previously unreleased material.
The band is currently working on new songs too, meaning fans might get a sneak peek at fresh tracks alongside their beloved classics.
Squeeze will be at the M&S Bank Arena on Saturday, 19 October 2024, with tickets starting from £34.95.
To book your tickets to see Squeeze at M&S Bank Arena Liverpool click here.
For the latest news around the city click here.
The Labour Party Conference is heading to Liverpool in September for the first time since the party’s General Election win back in July.
The Labour Party Conference is a huge event, putting a national and international spotlight on the city, and the first chance for the new Prime Minister and some of his top team to take to the stage.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Labour Party Annual Conference in Liverpool …
When is it on and where will it be?
The conference runs from Sunday September 22 to Wednesday September 25 and events will be held at the ACC, the Exhibition Centre and the waterfront Pullman Hotel. The official Fringe venues will be ACC Liverpool, The Pullman Hotel, The Hilton Hotel and Leonardo Hotel.
How many people will be there?
Last year’s Labour Party Annual Conference, which was also here in Liverpool, was attended by a total of 18,000 delegates.
Why is it important that it’s in Liverpool?
This is the sixth time the Labour conference has been held at ACC Liverpool – it was here in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2022, and 2023 – and it doesn’t just bring in thousands of people to the event itself, it also has a massive knock-on effect for the wider economy. Last year’s conference was estimated to have given the city a record £29million boost.
What happens at the conference?
It’s an opportunity for Labour Party members, activists and delegates from affiliated organisations including trade unions to come together to hear more about policies, get involved in debates and attend events.
The conference is basically split into three hubs – the main Exhibition Centre space is usually dedicated to an auditorium for speeches from Ministers and Labour MPs which are the major focus for media coverage.
Alongside those there is also an exhibition hall with around 300 stands, a Fringe programme which last year included more than 500 events, panels and Q&As, as well as other more informal socials. At previous conferences, local businesses have been given a chance to discuss issues and share their experiences with the Labour Party through a dedicated Sunday session.
Who’ll be here and what are going to be the highlights?
This year’s speech running order is still to be finally confirmed but so far it is: Keir Starmer’s Leader’s speech on Tuesday September 24, Deputy Leader Angela Rayner on Sunday and Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Monday.
The Prime Minister’s afternoon speech is obviously the biggest box office, so auditorium balcony tickets for that are allocated by a ballot.
For the latest news around Liverpool click here.
Elsie Dot Stancombe’s funeral will take place in Southport today.
A special day will be held to celebrate the life of seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe who died in the Southport knife attack.
The parents of Elsie Dot Stancombe have asked for her funeral, to be held on Friday 23 August, to be referred to as Elsie’s Special Day.
Elsie, Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine and Bebe King, six, suffered fatal injuries in the attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at a studio on Hart Street on July 29.
Those who knew Elsie best have been invited to attend her funeral at St John’s Church in Birkdale, near Southport, at 10am, while others will be able to pay their respects at the church hall and Liverpool Road Methodist Church, where the service will be screened.
Mourners are asked to wear pastel or bright colours, but not black, for the service.
A statement on the Facebook page for FJ Gibb Funeral Directors said:
“Elsie’s mum and dad, and her family, are encouraging friends and all the local community to give her the best possible celebration on Friday – ‘Elsie’s Special Day’.”
A funeral procession will pass through Birkdale to the church ahead of the service.
After the service the procession will pass the site of floral tributes outside the Atkinson arts centre in Southport, with a tribute as part of the cortege from Royal Mail, where Elsie’s father David works.
The service is the last of the funerals for the victims to be held.
Axel Rudakubana, 18, has been charged with the murders of Elsie, Alice and Bebe, as well as the attempted murder of instructor Leanne Lucas, businessman John Hayes, and eight children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and possession of a kitchen knife with a curved blade.
For the latest news around Liverpool click here.
Today the historic site of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Stuart Sutcliffe and Pete Best’s first performance as The Beatles is set to be honoured with a commemorative plaque from World Origin Site.
The unveiling ceremony which starts at 17:00, will be a large celebration with activities on all three floors, featuring live music, big surprises, and the unveiling itself at 18:00. In August 1960 at The Jacaranda on Slater Street in Liverpool John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison played alongside Stuart Sutcliffe and Pete Best for their first performance under the name that was to make musical history, The Beatles.
The location of this historic performance has long been acknowledged by dedicated fans and music historians, yet it remains relatively unknown to the wider fan base. However, this is about to change. Tourists in Liverpool and visitors to Slater Street will soon be able to take a photo in front of the place where The Beatles truly began.
World Origin Site places plaques at pivotal locations where groundbreaking events shaped the modern world. Among its accredited sites are landmarks such as the first rocket launch, the Wright brothers’ inaugural powered flight, and the discovery of penicillin. The plaque at The Jacaranda marking The Beatles’ first performance will proudly join this esteemed company.
While still embracing its Beatles heritage, The Jacaranda now thrives as more than a simple tourist spot. It hosts live music every night, serving as a vital hub for grassroots performances and sustaining Liverpool’s musical heritage and future.
Mark Davyd, CRO Music Venue Trust, said:
“The Jacaranda exemplifies everything Music Venue Trust and the community of grassroots music venues across the country have been telling the government and the music industry for ten years. It’s a space with an incredible history that is still playing a key role in supporting and nurturing news and developing artists.
“It’s fantastic to see this important plaque recognise its historic role, and just as important that the new government works with the live music industry to ensure that its vital role in the future of UK music is equally respected and appreciated.”
Dave McCabe, Frontman of The Zutons said:
“Grassroots music venues like The Jacaranda are so important because without them there’s no growth, there’s no education and there’s no real experience. They give you a chance to learn about what it is you love about music and find an answer as to why you wanted to do it in the first place.”
Graham Stanley, Director of The Jacaranda said:
“We have always been proud of our Beatles heritage, but we haven’t had a clear way to explain it until now. Being awarded World Origin Site status is an amazing privilege for us. It probably wasn’t a big gig for the band; their name and reputation were really made during the Hamburg tour which began just days later. But our venue is where they adopted the most famous band name in history.”
Diane Glover, Marketing Manager at The Beatles Story:
“Liverpool’s leading Beatles’ attraction, The Beatles Story are thrilled that the birthplace of Merseybeat, the legendary Jacaranda, is getting its due recognition with a green plaque. This hidden gem was where the band cut their teeth, and this award cements its place as a cornerstone of Liverpool’s musical heritage.”