The Guide Liverpool Heroes - VOTE NOW! 
A blueprint for the future of the public transport network supported by Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram will be considered this week.
Set to go before the Combined Authority today, the new plan is designed to help drive future improvements to the city region transport network until 2040 and includes the city region’s six local authority areas for the first time. With a clear vision, goals and set of policies, the proposed plan provides a blueprint for making the transport network safer, more integrated, more attractive, sustainable and accessible to all – which are the key pillars of Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram’s vision for a London style transport system.
Its role is to guide future investments designed to continue to support communities and improving transport for everyone while aligning to wider Combined Authority ambitions, for example, achieving net zero emissions by 2035.
Cllr Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee, said:
The Local Transport Plan is about making sure we grow our public transport system, supported by franchised bus services and a greatly enhanced rail network, that helps people get to school, work, training and travel for leisure and pleasure. Improving the health and quality of life for people and communities as well as ensuring the network and assets are well maintained are key to its success.
“We’re building from a strong position, fortified by significant achievements including our new state of the art trains, a new station at Headbolt Lane and active travel routes, together with franchised bus services and a new Mersey Ferry on the horizon.
“Delivering the priorities in this plan would enable us to build a fully integrated London-style transport system, along with better connections to and from the region.”
The LTP4 five goals are:
- Support good, clean job growth
- Achieve net zero carbon and an improved environment
- Improve health and quality of life
- Transport that’s well maintained and tough
- Plan and respond to uncertainty and change and be innovative
An in initial public consultation on the vision and goals took place in 2022 and which welcomed the aims of the draft plan. Subject to Combined Authority approval, the latest plans will be shared for open consultation from early October 2024.
Further information on the public consultation, including the launch date, will be available in coming weeks.
Find more information on the Liverpool City Council website.
Find all the latest Liverpool news here.
Get ready to rock out for a great cause as the UK’s No.1 Green Day tribute band headlines the first-ever Rock For Dogs event in aid of the People’s Animal Welfare Society (PAW Society).
Taking place at Hangar 34 on Thursday 14 November, Rock For Dogs promises to be packed with hits from legends like The Offspring, My Chemical Romance, Blink 182, Sum 41, and Good Charlotte, performed by top cover act Punk Rock 101.
Expect all the Green Day classics from tribute stars Ultimate Green Day, alongside a 90s and 00s punk rock soundtrack.
It’s set to be an unforgettable night of nostalgia that will also help support a great cause – PAW Society, a foster-based cat and dog rescue charity.
Tickets are just £15, and there will be a raffle with some incredible prizes, including a limited-edition Snickers skateboard deck, signed by skateboarding legends like Mike McGill, Steve Olson, Kevin Staab, and Tony Alba.
All funds raised will go directly towards supporting PAW Society’s work in rescuing and rehoming animals.
PAW Society is dedicated to placing rescued animals in foster homes rather than kennels or catteries, ensuring they receive proper care in a stress-free environment.
Trustee and event organiser David Wise said:
“We’re committed to helping families experience the joy of rescue animals by expertly matching them with pets. Money raised from Rock For Dogs will help us save more animals like Olly, a dog who overcame serious neglect after being rescued from a ‘kill shelter’ and is now ready for adoption.
“We’re excited to bring this amazing event to Liverpool. Every ticket sold helps us save more animals. So grab your friends, join us for a night of great music, and help us give more animals the happy lives they deserve. See you in the mosh pit!”
Rock For Dogs is happening on Thursday 14 November 2024 at Hangar 34 in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle.
Tickets are available now via the venue’s website.
For more info on Rock For Dogs click here.
For the latest news in Liverpool click here.
Global pop sensation Dua Lipa is set to play in Liverpool next summer with not one, but two unforgettable performances at Anfield Stadium.
Due to overwhelming demand, Dua Lipa has added an extra night to her Radical Optimism Tour, and will now perform at the iconic home of Liverpool Football Club on Tuesday, June 24, and Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
Tickets for both nights are now available on general sale, with full details and booking information available here.
For those looking to enjoy the show in style, Anfield’s hospitality packages are also available by contacting the LFC hospitality team at 0151 264 2222 or via email at ConcertHospitality@liverpoolfc.com.
Anfield has become a premier destination for some of the biggest global music acts, hosting over 250,000 fans across five incredible nights this past summer alone.
Since 2019, seven artists have played a total of 11 concerts at the stadium, attracting nearly half a million visitors and contributing over £31 million to the local economy.
The shows have also provided thousands of jobs for local workers, making a significant impact on the community.
For more information on Dua Lipa’s tour dates and concert details, visit www.dualipa.com or head over to Liverpool FC’s website for Anfield-specific event details.
Don’t miss your chance to see Dua Lipa light up Anfield in what promises to be one of the biggest events of next summer!
For the latest news around Liverpool click here.
In a gesture of thanks, emergency service workers are being offered 60 free tickets to the opening night of the 2024 Southport Comedy Festival.
The Southport Comedy Festival kicks off with a Comedy Bingo night on Friday, 27 September, at Victoria Park in Southport.
The event is sponsored by Anthony James Estate Agents and takes place in the heated and seated Festival Marquee.
It promises to be a fun night out, while also raising funds for local charity the Community Link Foundation.
Director Mark Cunningham said: “The Community Link Foundation is a superb local charity which we have supported ever since its inception 10 years ago.
“We have always done all we can to support our local community through a range of fundraising initiatives.
“We are extremely proud of everyone who serves in our emergency services. They do an exceptional job to keep us all safe, and to save lives, in often the most traumatic of circumstances.
“This year, with the terrible tragedy in Southport in July and the rioting that followed, they have performed in ways which have earned the thanks and admiration of us all.
“We have contacted Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue and the North West Ambulance Service to offer 60 free places to emergency services workers, and we would love to see them come and join us for a fantastic night out.”
If you’re in the emergency services and are interested in free tickets please contact: https://southportcomedyfestival.com/contact-us
General tickets are still available for the Comedy Bingo Night on 27 September.
All tickets are just £10 plus booking fee with proceeds raised on the night going towards the Community Link Foundation charity.
Tickets are available via: https://southportcomedyfestival.com/whats-on
Comedy Bingo is a highly interactive show hosted by comedian Brendan Riley.
This event has been a sell-out in both 2022 and 2023.
Doors open from 7pm with eyes down for the bingo at 8pm, for a fabulous night of fun(draising).
The Community Link Foundation is a local charity with a difference; which assists anyone in Southport and the surrounding areas who need financial support in a variety of ways.
It celebrated its 10th anniversary earlier this year, having raised over a quarter of a million pounds for good causes and charities locally.
Southport Comedy Festival Director Brendan Riley said: “We couldn’t think of a better way to launch our 2024 Southport Comedy Festival!
“The Comedy Bingo night is once again kindly sponsored by Mark and Lyn Cunningham from Anthony James Estate Agents, who do so much to support our local community.
“Comedy Bingo is always a really fun night out for friends, families, couples, people on work nights out, anyone!
“At just £10 per ticket it’s a great value night out too, and we’ll once again be raising money for the Community Link Foundation charity.
“Plus you can win some excellent prizes on the night!”
The Comedy Bingo adds to a star-studded line up of comedians for the 2024 Southport Comedy Festival sponsored by Halliwell Jones MINI.
The event takes place from Friday, 27 September 2024 to Sunday, 13 October 2024.
The full programme of events are now up on the Southport Comedy Festival website.
For the latest news around Liverpool click here.
The brand new Clinical Skills Hub at Southport College is now open, creating a stunning new learning environment for students.
The state-of-the-art mock hospital wards have been created thanks to £2.3 million funding from the Department for Education’s T-Level Capital Project.
The official opening was carried out by Southport MP Patrick Hurley alongside Principal Michelle Brabner and Vice Principal Stephen Musa.
The project has been supported through guidance of Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
At the opening, Amy Liptrott (Resuscitation Officer); Rachelle Alty (Head of Professional Practice Development for Nursing and Midwifery); and Gill Bjork (Practice Education Facilitator) were delighted to tour the new facility and speak with students about what they could expect, giving a class while they were there.
The wards will also be used by MWL NHS Trust for their training purposes.
This exciting development has created two spacious mock hospital wards boasting industry-standard equipment and dedicated classroom space to support students with their educational development and professional confidence. By replicating real-life patient wards, students studying Health and Social Care can practise essential care skills in a realistic setting within the familiarity of the College, promoting a smooth transition into the world of work.
Principal Michelle Brabner said:
“It’s a fantastic faculty for our students.
“The funding has been secured through £2.3 million TFE funding, which is also supporting our development work in the Pennington Building.
“It is an astonishing amount of investment which will make a huge difference to our students’ education.
“The Clinical Skills Hub is a superb learning environment.
“It is excellent for our teaching staff too to be able to lead our students somewhere like this.
“The mannequins alone have been a huge investment. One of them, ‘Juno’, connects to an iPad and allows people to interact with them in order to understand their health conditions.
“It is a real game changer for our students.
“They can learn through being interactive with a mannequin before they come into contact with real life patients.
“Mersey and West Lancashire NHS Teaching Hospitals Trust has been really supportive and we were delighted to welcome them to our official opening.
“They have been working closely with us, sharing their insights and letting us know what our students need. They’ve been very impressed with our new wards!
“I’d like to thank Patrick Hurley and our fantastic employer partners Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust for coming along to celebrate the opening and having such meaningful conversations with our T-Level Health and Social Care students.
“Our T Level courses include extended placements with local hospitals and healthcare facilities so our students have been enjoying working within the sector already.
“It gives them unique experience within a health setting, and also helps to inform them from an early stage about which specialisms they might want to go into in the future.
“The health care sector is so diverse. Getting the right opportunities and the right training early on is vital.”
Southport MP Patrick Hurley said:
“It was amazing to see the new Clinical Skills Hub up and running at Southport College on Wednesday morning.
“This shows the college’s commitment to the town, and the way in which they are working with Southport Hospital and others to ensure not only is our NHS fit for the future, but also that the next generation get the training they need to go into good, secure jobs.”
Carol Fowler, Deputy Director of Governance at Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said:
“We have been delighted to have supported this development and it’s a fantastic new facility that will benefit the college, the students and the Trust.
“After recently winning the T-Level Partner Employer of the Year Award, we are looking forward to continuing to grow our partnership with Southport College, and we are currently developing collaborative learning opportunities that will develop our valuable learners and staff within the Trust.’’
Each ward includes four hospital beds, privacy curtains, accessible water closets, and clean and dirty utility rooms where students can practise proper care and hygiene procedures, mimicking that of a real-life hospital.
Principal Michelle Brabner said:
“These brand new mock hospital wards are a fantastic addition to Southport College. It represents a tremendous opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practise for our Health and Social Care students. By replicating real-world hospital settings, students can gain invaluable hands-on experience and develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive in their chosen careers.”
The DfE’s T-Level Capital Grant is a government initiative which supports academic institutions to deliver high quality T-Level qualifications by awarding grants to develop high-tech learning environments. With the creation of these advanced mock wards, our students will be able to experience a unique blend of classroom learning and practical skills, readying them for employment in their chosen field.
This is an exciting step for Southport College and is proof of our ongoing dedication to providing our students with well-rounded education experience comprising industry-leading teaching and practical experience to support their professional growth.
Find more information on the Southport College website.
Find all the latest Southport news here.
Hot Water Comedy is set to showcase fabulously talented female comedians in an exciting new weekly club night at its Blackstock Market home.
Crushing! will take place each Thursday and promises a brilliant line-up of comedy talent at the top of their game.
It is part of the award-winning Liverpool club’s commitment to offering more stage time and support to women in comedy, from up-and-coming talent to seasoned headliners, while also bringing new audiences into the fold.
The regular free event is being launched on Thursday, 26 September with a stellar roster of funny women ready to entertain Hot Water audiences with their hilarious stories and razor-sharp wit.
The evening’s compère Hatty Preston is a London-born, Chicago-built comedian and actor who now lives here in Liverpool.
She has opened for UK and US stars including Theo Von, Chris DiStefano, Jessica Kirson and Jack Whitehall, and has appeared at many of the major comedy clubs both here and in the United States including The New York Comedy Club, The Stand (NYC), Laugh Factory in Chicago, Zanies Nashville, and – in London – Top Secret, Big Belly, Angel Comedy and Boat Show.
She also headlined the third annual International Lady Laughs festival in Madison, Wisconsin, and here in Britain is a producer and host of the London chapter of Don’t Tell Comedy as well as running the very popular ‘The Big Fizz’ in Notting Hill.
As an actor, Hatty is best known for playing Princess Maribel in Lionsgate’s The Royals and has also guest starred in BBC’s Cuckoo and Call the Midwife. On stage she originated the role of Minty in Jennifer Saunders’ Viva Forever in the West End.
Liverpool’s Kay Nicholson is a dynamic and witty comedian making waves on the UK comedy circuit.
Known for her sharp observational humour and down-to-earth style, the comedian, actor and writer delivers performances that resonate with audiences from all walks of life. Her relatable storytelling, coupled with her infectious energy, make her a favourite at clubs and festivals alike and have earned her spots at some of the country’s most prestigious comedy venues, including regular appearances at Hot Water Comedy Club.
A rising star with a fresh perspective, she continues to charm and entertain with her unique comedic voice. Meanwhile in 2025, she is also set to appear on stage in a UK tour of Andrea Dunbar’s hit comedy Rita, Sue and Bob Too.
Comedian and actor Jojo Sutherland has made a significant impact since bursting on to the scene in 2002.
Known for her charismatic stage presence and quick wit, Jojo is a favourite at The Stand Comedy Club in Edinburgh and Glasgow, seamlessly alternating between delivering her signature sets and compèring, bringing a unique energy to each role.
Her ‘healthy neglect’ approach to parenting forms the backbone of her material, blending everyday grievances with motherly advice which resonates with audiences. As a mother of four, she draws from her rich personal experiences, including her memorable starring role in Channel 4’s award-winning series Wife Swap which inspired her full-length show, Wife Idol – The Rivals, performed with her theatre company, The OneHanded Women.
She was a finalist in the inaugural Funny Women Comedy Awards and has been part of two world record-breaking events – Stand Up 150 and One Big Laugh. Her dynamic talent and diverse experiences make her a standout performer in the comedy world.
Award-winning bi-lingual stand-up sensation Blank Peng originally started performing in Mandarin but switched to English on arriving in Britain.
Known for a quirky and unpredictable style, blending sharp wit with offbeat observations, and often incorporating elements of absurdity and unique storytelling, Blank’s performances are marked by their spontaneity and clever humour.
And the line-up is completed by Hot Water Comedy favourite Kate Tracey.
Kate is a rising star in the UK comedy scene, known for her sharp wit and engaging stage presence. She made her stand-up debut over a decade ago at Hot Water Comedy Club, one of the biggest comedy venues in the country, and has since evolved into a seasoned performer, now headlining shows at the very place where her journey began.
Her comedy is a clever blend of relatable anecdotes and bold humour, delivered with a natural confidence which keeps audiences hooked. Her growth from first-time performer to a headline act is a testament to her talent, making her a must-see comedian on the circuit.
The busy weekly programme continues through the autumn, with October shows including appearances from comedians including Kate Smurthwaite, Sam Walton, Lori Smith and Nina Gilligan.
Meanwhile Crushing! will also feature a female show manager and an all-woman security detail on duty, ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment.
Hot Water Comedy Club’s Paul Blair says:
“We’ve consistently featured a strong line-up of women across all our shows, from emerging stars to some of the top headliners in the industry.
“With this new show, we’re offering even more opportunities for female performers to thrive, addressing the ongoing gender imbalance in the comedy scene nationwide.
“Join us every Thursday for Crushing! and be a part of a night filled with laughter, talent, and groundbreaking performances that are reshaping the future of comedy.”
Find out more on the Hot Water Comedy website here.
A new Jazz musical based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, conceived by Sheldon Epps, with a book by Cheryl L. West, is coming to Liverpool Playhouse from Tuesday 15 to Saturday 19 October.
In partnership with Talawa, one of the Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres’ associate companies and the UK’s leading Black theatre company, Play On! is at the heart of Talawa’s 2024 Black Joy season, alongside seed commissions celebrating Black stories and artists.
This joyous, musical retelling of Shakespeare’s beloved play brings to life the 1940s New York jazz scene, set to a timeless, toe-tapping Duke Ellington score. Olivier Award-winning sound designer Tony Gayle (My Neighbour Totoro, Barbican) joins the production alongside Talawa Theatre Company’s Artistic Director, Michael Buffong (A Kind of People, Royal Court; Guys and Dolls, Talawa), who directs the show.
Play On! as the centerpiece of the Black Joy season, director, Michael Buffong said:
“We are incredibly proud to finally realise our vision of bringing this artistically ambitious body of work to theatres across the length and breadth of the UK. As a Black theatre company, now more than ever, we are determined to spotlight and celebrate great Black British talent, on and off stage, and ensure that Black talent and creativity are at the heart of building cohesion in our country. We hope this season will bring Joy wherever it goes…”
The story follows Vy, a talented songwriter who wants to make it big in the 1940’s Harlem scene. It’s very much a man’s world but she refuses to accept defeat. When she meets club owner The Duke and nightclub singer Lady Liv, she’s soon swept up into a tale of mistaken identities and romance.
The cast comprises Tsemaye Bob-Egbe (SIX The Musical and TINA: The Tina Turner Musical, West End) as Viola, who sets forth to make a name for herself in the New York jazz scene. Lady Liv is played by Kori Hedgemon (Lovin’ Vegas and We Are One, Carnival Cruise Line; Hairspray, Pratville Theatre), the star singer at The Cotton Club. The club’s world famous song writer The Duke is played by Earl Gregory (TINA: The Tina Turner Musical, West End; Kinky Boots, The Fugard Theatre). Making up the cast are Llewellyn Jamal (TINA: The Tina Turner Musical and Get Up, Stand Up!, West End) as Jester; Cameron Bernard Jones (Ain’t Too Proud, Prince Edward Theatre; The Burnt City, Punchdrunk; The Wiz, Hope Mill Theatre) as Rev; Lifford Shillingford (Britain’s Got Talent, ITV; Tarantino Live, Riverside Studios) as Sweets; Tanya Edwards (Sister Act The Musical, UK tour) as Miss Mary; and Gleanne Purcell-Brown (Living, Lionsgate UK; Curtains, West End; Spamalot, UK tour) as Ceecee.
The talented ensemble includes Natalia Brown, Freya Karlettis, Amber Cayasso, Jarnéia Richard-Noel, Andre Coulson, Alex Okoampa and Dylan Blake-Colbet in his stage debut.
Joining the creative team are choreographer Kenrick H20 Sandy (Artistic Associate, Barbican; Boy Blue; Free Your Mind, Aviva Studios) and the musical supervisor Liam Godwin (The Big Life, Theatre Royal Stratford East; West End Musical Christmas, Adelphi Theatre; Bat Boy, London Palladium). Alongside the Olivier Award-winning (Jerusalem, Royal Court) set and costume designer Ultz (The Death of England, National Theatre); associate director Rachael Nanyonjo; musical director Ashton Moore; associate musical director Luke Bacchus; associate choreographer Nicey Belgrave; orchestrator and arranger Benjamin Kwasi Burrell; associate costumer designer Maybelle Laye; lighting designer Johanna Town and voice coach Joel Trill.
To support the development of new work by Black writers in Merseyside, Seed Commissions offer two writers of African or Caribbean heritage to develop a new play, showcase work and build networks with the creative community in Liverpool, £1,250 each and develop idea with dramaturgical support toward to rehearsed reading at the Liverpool Playhouse Studio for invited audience. Applications are open now, until Friday 4 October.
A free pre-show talk featuring Michael Buffong, and Ameera Conrad, Associate Artistic Director of 20 Stories High, will delve into the significance and relevance of adapting Shakespeare for today’s audiences. The discussion will be held on Tuesday 15 October and hosted by Nathan Powell, Creative Director of Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres.
Tickets for Play On! are priced from £11 to £41 and are available on the Everyman & Playhouse Theatres website here.
Find out the latest in Liverpool here.
The winner of The Piano, 23-year-old Brad Kella who hails from Bootle, Merseyside will release his debut album in 2025.
The winner of The Piano series two, Brad Kella, has signed a recording contract with Liverpool-based label Modern Sky.
The 23-year-old, who grew up in Bootle, Merseyside, released his debut single, Eve And Frank, dedicated to his foster parents, on Friday.
At the age of seven, Kella was placed into foster care, where he was able to learn the piano through a government grant, which funded an electric piano for him.
As a teenager, he walked out of his GCSE exams but managed to earn a scholarship to the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) despite being unable to read sheet music.
A video of him went viral after he was filmed playing on a public piano in Liverpool One shopping centre and the producers of The Piano got in contact and urged Kella to audition.
Speaking about the show, he said: “I just applied for the show, expecting nothing to come of it.
“I went into the Manchester audition wearing a tracksuit… not looking like a piano player at all. But they were blown away, they said.
“I played one of my own songs. Everyone was advising me not to, because other contestants were playing classical standards, and it was a risk. But Lang Lang and Mika, the judges, they loved it.”
On the Channel 4 show, host Claudia Winkleman meets talented pianists at train stations across the country, before they play to passers-by while the show’s judges, pop star Mika and Chinese pianist Lang Lang, secretly watch on.
Series one was won by 13-year-old blind musician Lucy from West Yorkshire.
Brad, who will also release a debut album, had his single co-written by British orchestrator Rosie Danvers, who has arranged for Noel Gallagher, Adele and Michael Kiwanuka.
Discussing what it was like to make the album, he said: “They sent me down to RAK Studios in London to record an album.
“Some of the best string players in the world were there, reading through pages of manuscript, but I managed to get through the whole session – eight hours – just remembering it off the top of my head, because I can’t read music.
“I was 13 when I first saw a piano, now I’m 23, so I feel like I was born to do it.”
Brad Kella will also perform at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool this month as part of a programme demonstrating the value and impact of the creative sector in the UK.
Brad’s album is set for release in 2025.
Visit the Modern Sky website here.
Get the latest music and culture news for Liverpool HERE.
At the end of October, Milap are spearheading the Liverpool city region’s celebrations for Diwali – the iconic Hindu Festival of Lights.
Building on last year’s successes, 2024 sees an expanded programme of events.
Including both children’s storytelling and craft workshops in association with The Reader and the return of the wildly popular Diwali Brunch at Bundobust Liverpool, Milap will also – for the first time – collaborate with River of Light. This year’s programme will bring the “surreal, joyful, loud and unapologetic” work of artist Murugiah to the city’s outdoor trail.
River of Light + Milap
A highlight in Liverpool’s arts and culture calendar, River of Light is an annual free event that provides an outdoor illuminated gallery on Liverpool’s Waterfront, featuring light and sound from local, national and international artists. This year’s instalment will feature 12 large-scale installations of Visual Art centred around the theme ‘Play’.
This autumn, River of Light will partner with Milap to present an Indian-inspired light installation, perfectly timed for Diwali – the Indian festival of lights. Internationally acclaimed artist Murugiah will present his highly acclaimed work, ‘Rangoli Mirrored Cosmos’, commissioned by Greenwich Peninsula. The piece is a vivid three-dimensional sculpture representing the interconnectivity of existence; a diagram of the cosmos.
Milap 2024 Diwali Celebrations
Murugiah’s ‘Rangoli Mirrored Cosmos’
A debut collaboration sparks for River of Light and Milap as the internationally renowned artist Murugiah displays a stunning Indian inspired light installation on the Liverpool Waterfront.
Absorb the magic of Diwali and celebrate the Festival of Lights by immersing yourself in River of Light this autumn.
Friday 25th October to Sunday 3rd November / 5:00pm – 9:00pm, Mann Island Atrium, 25 Mann Island, Liverpool L3 1BP,
Free Admission.
Find out more here.
The Reader + Milap present Diwali at The Storybarn
The Reader and Milap come together again to present Diwali at The Storybarn. Following on from last year’s sell-out event, The Reader’s Story Hunters are back with the spirit of Diwali exploring the Indian festival of light.
There’ll be time to explore the magical Storybarn, share Diwali inspired stories and crafts, and create your own magical tale. Best suited for 4-9 year olds, younger siblings welcome.
Saturday 2nd November / 10:00am & 12:30pm, The Mansion House, Calderstones Park, Liverpool, L18 3JB.
Find out more here.
Bundobust + Milap present Diwali Brunch Celebration
After last year’s sold-out event, Milap will join forces with Liverpool’s favourite Indian street food restaurant, Bundobust, to host a celebratory Diwali brunch. Expect a morning filled with magic, joy, and fun — perfect for friends and families as we come together to celebrate Diwali, a festival that symbolises joy, new beginnings, and hope, fostering togetherness and renewal.
Attendees can enjoy a diverse showcase of Indian culture – featuring live music, DJ sets, arts and crafts, storytelling, and dance performances – whilst tucking in to an exclusive Indian brunch menu created by Bundobust.
Sunday 3rd November, Bundobust Liverpool, 17-19 Bold St, L1 4DN.
Tickets available from the venue
Upcoming Shows…
Shez Raja (Future Yard, Birkenhead)
On 28th September, Milap collaborate with Future Yard for the first time to present Wirral-born Bass Virtuoso, Shez Raja.
Voted ‘one of the hottest bass players in the world’ by readers of Bass Player magazine, Raja is renowned for his unique ‘Indo-jazz-funk’ sound, high energy live shows and global star collaborations with Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Trilok Gurtu and Wayne Krantz.
For the first time in 25 years, Raja returns for a special and heartfelt homecoming show. Expect a sonic kaleidoscope of euphoric jazz, thundering funk, tuneful ragas and intoxicating grooves.
More info here.
Rajhesh Vaidhya (The Tung Auditorium, Liverpool)
On 26th October, Rajhesh Vaidhya – a maestro of the veena and world-renowned Indian classical musician – will take the stage at Liverpool’s state-of-the-art venue, The Tung Auditorium.
Rajhesh’s unique style, characterized by exhilarating speed and the use of electric and amplified strings, has earned him critical acclaim. He has collaborated with illustrious musicians and film composers, including Sir Elton John.
Joining Rajhesh on stage are two powerhouse Indian percussionists: Sai Giridhar on mridangam and Kousic Sen on tabla, both known and admired for their ability to elevate any musical performance to new heights.
Find out more here.
Rajeeb Chakraborty (The Music Room, Liverpool Philharmonic)
On 15th November, the soulful sounds of the sarod return to Liverpool with the world renowned Dr. Rajeeb Chakraborty.
A celebrated musician, composer, and educator, Rajeeb’s mastery over the instrument is unparalleled. His performances are renowned for their emotional depth and technical brilliance, effortlessly transporting listeners to the heart of Indian classical music.
Joining Rajeeb is highly acclaimed tabla maestro, Kousic Sen, whose intricate beats and dynamic range perfectly complement Chakraborty’s sarod, making their collaboration a true musical journey that celebrates the timeless beauty and rich traditions of Indian culture.
Find out more here.
Visit the Milap website here.
Find out the latest in Liverpool here.
Liverpool-based poet Levi Tafari will bring an exclusive performance of his new poems to this year’s Liverpool Literary Festival.
On Saturday 5 October at 4pm, Levi will perform some of his latest poetry about what it means to be human and how his Scouse Rastafarian perspective has influenced his observations on nationality and genealogy.
As well as performances of his poems, Levi will be in conversation with Professor John Redmond about his journey from working as a chef, to becoming an internationally recognised poet, running writing workshops across the world and his time as writer in residence at Charles University in Prague.
Levi said:
“I can’t wait to perform some of my poems at this year’s Liverpool Literary Festival. I’ll be revisiting some of my poetry from a Rastafarian perspective and delving in to the big questions of nationality, identity and how we see others, which are really relevant in the current climate.”
Festival Director Professor Greg Lynall said:
“We’re really looking forward to hearing some of Levi’s poetry at the Festival in what promises to be an extremely exciting event.”
Levi is joined at the Liverpool Literary Festival by an eclectic line-up of authors actors and writers who will be speaking at the University of Liverpool between 4th and 6th October.
Following Levi’s event, Adele Parks, a multi-million best-selling author who has written 24 novels in her career will discuss her latest, critically acclaimed work First Wife’s Shadow. She’ll appear at the Festival on Saturday 5 October at 5.30pm.
Saturday evening at the festival will be rounded off with Huyton-born writer and broadcaster Tony Schumacher talking about the process of writing award-winning TV drama, the Responder. (Saturday 5 October at 7pm)
On Sunday 6 October the festival will also welcome critically acclaimed actors Daniel Mays and Anna Maxwell Martin, who’ll be discussing their performances in the BBC drama Mothers’ Day about the 1993 Warrington Bomb. There’ll be an exclusive screening of the drama, followed by a discussion between Anna, Danny, peace campaigner Colin Parry and writer, Nick Leather.
Professor Greg Lynall added:
“There’s something for everyone at this year’s Liverpool Literary Festival. With just a few weeks to go, make sure you get your tickets booked!”
The Liverpool Literary Festival takes place between October 4-6 in the Eleanor Rathbone Building on the University of Liverpool campus (106 on the campus map). To find out more, view the full line-up and reserve your tickets, please visit https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/literary-festival/events/
For the latest news in Liverpool click here.
Liverpool schoolboy Jacob Willis is getting ready for an epic triathlon to make sure no-one goes hungry this Christmas.
The 11-year-old is taking on the tough trial on September 29 in the hope of raising £1,600 for An Hour For Others charity which provides festive food hampers for struggling families.
Jacob, from New Brighton, will cycle 12 miles from West Kirby to Seacombe, board the ferry to Liverpool University’s training pool where he’ll embark on one-mile swim, and then he’ll run two miles from there to the Royal Liverpool Building.
It’s a big ask from such a young man but Jacob, who’s been training for three months to complete the challenge, says: “However hard it gets, it never occurs to me to say stop.
“When it gets difficult I just push through and think of the people I will be able to help. It’s the only way to achieve my goal.”
The triathlon will be Jacob’s fifth challenge for the charity after becoming aware of families struggling to put food on the table during lockdown.
“It was when Marcus Rashford was raising money for food poverty,” explains Jacob, who goes to St Anselm’s College in Birkenhead. “I saw him and was inspired by him. I was shocked that kids like me were going hungry.
“I just wasn’t aware that that could happen, and so I decided I wanted to do something for kids in Liverpool.”
Mum Eliza, 39, a creative producer for Culture Liverpool, adds: “We used to live in Anfield and Jacob decided he wanted to do something to help children local to us and set out to raise £30 to buy a supermarket voucher to give to a child or family who needed it.
“He spoke to his then headteacher at All Saints Primary who put us in touch with An Hour For Others.”
The city-centre charity was founded by Kevin Morland nine years ago, initially to help and support communities by providing a platform for businesses and individuals to share skills, donations, materials, and their time for those in need.
It has since grown from a small CIC into a valued Liverpool charity, which does whatever it can to tackle the many problems people can find themselves facing today, from mental health issues to community breakdowns and divisions, to poverty, and more. All with the aim of ‘bringing communities together to inspire positive change’.
Among its efforts now, inspired by Jacob, is the delivery of Christmas food hampers to families who are struggling around the festive season. It costs £40 per hamper, which includes meat, fresh vegetables and fruit, gravy, sauces, crackers and cheese, and a host of other treats. Delivered on or just before Christmas Eve, it means they have food so they can have a Christmas dinner along with a few extra goodies over the next few days.
The first challenge Jacob set himself in 2020, when he was only seven, was to run 26 miles – the distance of a marathon – in a month.
And he has set himself a fundraising feat every year since: in 2021 he swam a mile; the following year he climbed up Snowdon with his mum and dad John, a 42-year-old Arriva bus driver, and last year he cycled 22 miles from Southport to Liverpool.
This year he is combining all the various fundraising feats in one ‘to make it a massive achievement’.
Mum Eliza says: “Jacob is a competitive swimmer, but he wasn’t a runner, so he does have to work hard and push himself in all the challenges.
“He knows how important it is to achieve his goals.”
“The hardest one was running the length of a marathon,” admits Jacob. “But it makes me feel proud to get to my goal and know that I’m helping my community, and that I’m making a difference.”
With Gift Aid, Jacob has so far raised £10,000 and bought hampers for 200 families.
An Hour For Others is so proud of Jacob and all he has done, they have made him an ambassador; and he always helps to pack and deliver the hampers that he’s helped raise money for.
“Jacob’s birthday is December 22, so we’ve spent a few birthdays handing out hampers,” smiles Eliza, who adds that even four-year-old sister Amber gets involved with packing and delivering.
Jacob has set up a GoFundMe page with a target of £1,600 again this year.
“Again, if you include Gift Aid, that’s £2,000 which will buy hampers for 50 families,” says Eliza. “And it’s also about raising awareness of food poverty and inspiring others to think about their community and the people in it, and whether there’s anything they can do to help too.
“Local business supports An Hour For Others for the hampers. They get meat and vegetables from local suppliers at cost, and the same from Morrisons and Home Bargains, so the money goes further still.”
Jacob is well on his way to reaching this year’s target, but he’d like to smash it to make sure more families can have a happy Christmas.
And he’s already wondering about what he can do next year.
Eliza says: “I am so proud of what he is doing, he is an angel and incredibly thoughtful. If anyone can help him to help others, we’d be so grateful.”
To support Jacob and his amazing challenge click here.
To find out more about An Hour For Others click here.
For latest news in Liverpool click here.
Seven contestants will be taking to the dancefloor at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Liverpool on Saturday 28th September to compete for the glitterball trophy in this year’s Strictly St. Joseph’s challenge, all in aid of St. Joseph’s Hospice.
It is a very special year for St. Joseph’s Hospice as it is celebrating its 50th Anniversary since it opened its doors in Thornton. It is also a year in which funding hospice care has never been more important with the UK hospice sector facing a collective deficit of £77m due to rising costs and reduced funding, alongside an increasing demand for palliative and end of life hospice care.
This year is the hospice’s fourth Strictly St. Joseph’s event and it is, once again, collaborating with the Marshside School of Dance in Southport who are providing experienced dance partners and training sessions for its Strictly challenge.
All participants have been hitting the training room over the summer and have taken on this challenge in the hope of raising lots of money for the Merseyside hospice.
This year’s Strictly St. Joseph’s contestants are Liam Ballantyne, Harrison Fearnley, Megan Fearnley, Sammy Flynn, Emily Sutch, Katie Rose Vickers, and Linzi Wood.
Megan, from Walton, works in Customer Care. She was inspired to sign up for Strictly St Joseph’s by her Auntie Siobhan who had a passion for fundraising and used to work in the hospice’s fundraising team. When Siobhan passed away four years ago, Megan continued fundraising in her memory and is taking part in Strictly as a tribute to Siobhan.
Linzi, from Crosby, is a personal trainer. Her mum Irene was cared for at the hospice earlier this year and so, being such a huge Strictly fan, she jumped at the chance to get involved and raise some money for the hospice. Linzi loves everything about Strictly and says her mum would have loved to have watched her perform in Strictly St. Joseph’s.
Clare Waller, clinical director at St. Joseph’s Hospice, said:
“Strictly St. Joseph’s is a fantastic event and it raises vital funds for the hospice every year.
“All of this year’s dancers have worked really hard to learn their dances and they are all taking part to support the hospice, either in memory of a friend or a loved one who has received hospice care or simply just to show their support for an important local charity.
“Events like this allow us to continue providing compassionate and specialised end of life care to our community and will help us to support a growing number of patients from across Merseyside and West Lancashire in the future, so please come along and join us for what will be a fabulous eventing and brilliant way to show your support to the hospice.”
Tickets for Strictly St. Joseph’s include a delicious four-course meal, entertainment, LIVE Strictly show and a disco until 1am. Tickets cost £55 each and can purchased from the hospice by calling 0151 932 6044 or 0151 932 6046 or emailing events@stjhospice.org.uk.
Find more information on St. Joseph’s website.
Find all the latest Liverpool news here.
This will be Kylie’s biggest tour since 2011, and fans across the globe are buzzing with excitement.
Pop icon Kylie Minogue has just announced her highly anticipated Tension Tour for 2025, which includes a stop at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena on Thursday 22 May.
The world tour kicks off in Kylie’s home country, Australia, before heading to Asia and reaching the UK in May.
Liverpool is one of the lucky cities to welcome the pop legend for an unforgettable night of music. With more dates set to be announced across Europe, North and South America, this promises to be one of the biggest pop tours of the year.
In an official statement, Kylie said:
“I am beyond excited to announce the TENSION TOUR 2025. I can’t wait to share beautiful and wild moments with fans all over the world, celebrating the Tension era and more! It’s been an exhilarating ride so far and now, get ready for your close-up because I will be calling Lights, Camera, Action … and there will be a whole lot of Padaming!”
Tickets for the UK dates will be available on general sale at 10am on Friday, 27 September. American Express® Cardmembers can get early access with a presale starting on 25 September.
But that’s not all! Ahead of the tour, Kylie will release Tension II, a follow-up collection to her 2023 smash hit album Tension.
This new album drops on 18 October and features 13 tracks, including collaborations with stars like The Blessed Madonna, Orville Peck, Bebe Rexha, Tove Lo, and Sia. The lead single, Lights Camera Action, will be released on 27 September, right before tickets go on sale.
2024 has been an incredible year for Kylie. She took home the Global Icon Award at the BRITs, won a Grammy for Best Pop Dance Recording for Padam Padam, and wrapped up her first-ever Las Vegas Residency.
After performing at BST Hyde Park in July, where her performance was hailed as “a glorious celebration of pop perfection” by The Guardian, Kylie is ready to take on the world again with her Tension Tour.
Don’t miss the chance to see Kylie live in Liverpool. Get ready for a night of pop magic on 22nd May 2025!
Tickets go on sale from 10am, Friday 27 September.
To book your tickets for Kylie Minogue click here.
For the latest news in Liverpool click here.
A new film about the life of Brian Epstein, Midas Man, is set to premiere in Liverpool on October 29 at FACT Liverpool.
Midas Man, which stars Jacob Fortune-Lloyd (best known for The Queen’s Gambit) as Epstein, offers the first major cinematic portrayal of the man who forever changed the music world by discovering and managing The Beatles.
The announcement made today, 18 September, comes in time to celebrate what would have been Brian Epstein’s 90th Birthday tomorrow (September 19).
Directed by Joe Stephenson, Midas Man provides an in-depth look at the life of Epstein, who is often referred to as the “Fifth Beatle” due to his crucial role in catapulting the band to global fame.
The film delves into his personal struggles, his rise to fame, and the immense pressure he faced managing the world’s most famous band, all while navigating his own search for love and acceptance. Stephenson promises an intimate and emotional portrayal of Epstein, exploring both his triumphs and heartbreaks.
Joe Stephenson said:
“If you’ve only seen the face of Brian Epstein in a photo standing behind The Beatles, this film puts them behind him for a change. It’s Brian’s time to be centre frame.”
He added that while the film celebrates Epstein’s achievements, it also doesn’t shy away from the challenges that led to his tragic and untimely death at just 32.
Producer Trevor Beattie described Midas Man as a “labour of love” that took five years to bring to the screen.
Trevor Beattie said:
“Brian Epstein had the Midas Touch with a twist: everything he touched turned to gold for other people, never himself.”
The film will finally allow Epstein to step into the spotlight, showcasing his extraordinary life and lasting impact on the music industry.
The movie was filmed in Liverpool, London, Southport, Blackpool, and Los Angeles. With a strong emphasis on authenticity many scenes were shot at key locations from Epstein’s life including; Liverpool’s historic docks, The Adelphi Hotel, and The Philharmonic Dining Rooms, where he often met with his artists.
The cast includes an impressive lineup, with Emily Watson (Gosford Park) as Queenie Epstein, Eddie Marsan (Happy-Go-Lucky) as Harry Epstein, Blake Richardson as Paul McCartney, Jonah Lees as John Lennon, Leo Harvey-Elledge as George Harrison, and Campbell Wallace as Ringo Starr.
The film also features Darci Shaw as Cilla Black, Adam Lawrence as Pete Best, and Eddie Suzy Izzard as Allan Williams.
Midas Man will be available to stream on Amazon Prime Video from October 30, 2024, following its premiere at FACT Liverpool.
This premiere is a fitting tribute to Epstein’s legacy, cementing his place as one of the most influential figures in music history.
For the latest news in Liverpool click here.
A team of over ten vets, including specialist surgeons and anaesthetists, nurses and animal keepers, plus support staff, have carried out ground-breaking veterinary treatment to help heal a southern white rhinoceros’ broken leg, at Knowsley Safari.
Amara, whose birth in October 2022, was showcased on Channel 4’s Secret Life of the Safari Park, is known to the Knowsley Safari’s animal keepers for her boisterous play, and typical of her species, she enjoys a good sparring session with other rhino.
Earlier this year, Amara began limping on her right front leg and following rest and pain relief, as well as an assessment, the Knowsley Safari team brought in specialist equine surgeons from the University of Liverpool to help with the diagnosis, where radiographs confirmed a fractured ulna.
With no records or documentation existing worldwide for a rhino with this type of leg injury, the team used their expertise in treating horses and applied it to Amara.
Under anaesthesia in Amara’s enclosure, the large team performed a lengthy operation, including key-hole surgery of Amara’s wrist, in a procedure lasting five hours.
Dr David Stack, Senior Lecturer in Equine Surgery at the University of Liverpool, explains:
“Amara’s operation is unlike anything we’ve experienced previously. We knew we could position the camera inside her joint, but due to the unprecedented nature of the procedure, we didn’t know how much room we would have to operate, or how much of the affected area we would be able to see.”
Post-operatively Amara wore a full limb cast to support her leg and stayed in her enclosure to minimise movement. Knowsley Safari’s animal keepers provided a comfortable space, by keeping her with mum, Meru and covering the floor of her stall in rubber mats and straw. The team also provided plenty of mud to keep both mum and daughter’s skin in good condition and plenty of belly rubs and scratches of course, which both rhinos love. But despite the animal team going above and beyond to support Amara, there was some uncertainty about her recovery.
Dr Stack continues:
“We were unsure if the cast would be strong enough and how Amara would cope with such a restriction on her limb. We hoped that she would accept it and that she would be able to move around, get down and, importantly, back up again but this was unchartered water.”
Eventually Amara was on her feet again and able to enjoy life outdoors once more, graduating from a small paddock and eventually to the wide-open space of the Safari Drive with the rest of her crash.
Lindsay Banks, Ungulates Team Manager at Knowsley Safari, comments:
“Amara dealt so well with her treatment and wearing the cast, with it finally being removed in May. It was 27 weeks from Amara fracturing her leg, to being let back out into the paddock to join the rest of the crash and as her recovery continues, we’re continuing to monitor her closely.”
To help with Amara’s ongoing healing, the surgical team injected Amara’s affected joint with platelet rich plasma (PRP), a solution derived from Amara’s own blood, containing platelets, growth factors helping to support the repair process – Amara’s own healing potential is being used to promote the best possible recovery.
Dr Stack concludes:
“Treating Amara has been a truly ground-breaking veterinary journey incorporating many firsts which we will now document should another animal team encounter similar scenarios in the future, though we very much hope the notes are never needed.”
Find more information about the procedure on the Knowsley Safari website.
Find all the latest Liverpool news here.
Bathgate Business Finance has continued its support as Founder Patrons for The Hive Youth Zone in Birkenhead, with its team rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck into refreshing the facility ready for the start of the new school year.
Eight members of the Bathgate team attended The Hive’s first ever volunteering day on Wednesday 4th September alongside other patrons and supporters, to clean, tidy, repaint and refresh the facility ready for an exciting season of activities and support sessions.
The Bathgate team was tasked with tackling the high-footfall stairwell that leads to The Hive’s impressive rooftop kick pitch, a challenge that was accepted with gusto. Hallways, the kitchen, art room, salon communal areas and others were also cleaned and painted to within an inch of their lives by volunteers including Bathgate sector peers DSG Accountants, Handelsbanken, Bridging Finance Solutions and Langtons.
During the day the volunteers were also treated to a delicious lunch prepared by The Hive team and a tour of the building. During the tour the Bathgate team learned more about what The Hive offers to young people in the community and how its annual donation helps support its work.
Bathgate has supported The Hive for the past four years with an unrestricted annual donation that the organisation uses to address its greatest needs.
Gordon Andrews, MD at Bathgate Business Finance said:
“As founder patrons and members of the Hive 100 business club, we have long supported the fantastic work that The Hive does for young people in Wirral and were excited to be invited on site to provide some extra elbow grease to get it sparkling on its first ever group volunteering day.
“We were blown away by the exceptional support that the team at The Hive offers for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds or with additional needs.
“Considering the fact that the building is now seven years old and the daily wear-and-tear that comes with frequent use, we were also impressed by how well kept all the facilities were. It really shows how much the young people value and look after this excellent facility.
“As a local business we believe it is vital to embed ourselves in the community and support those organisations that are quietly changing lives and really making a difference. As well as providing financial support, it’s also important to show up and provide practical help too.
“The team really got stuck in, so we hope our work was up to standard and that we get invited back for future volunteering days. We would like to thank all the team for making us feel so welcome and for all the amazing work they do all year round, and we would wholeheartedly encourage other local businesses to get involved and support them as much as they can.”
The Hive’s CEO, Jayne Wilson, said:
“We really can’t thank Bathgate Business Finance enough for all their hard work and for giving up their time to help. This is a huge building and so to have all this incredible support to give it a deep clean and a fresh coat of paint is invaluable to us. The Bathgate team were unfazed and just got stuck in!
“We can’t do what we do for Wirral’s young people without the support of local businesses, our Hive 100 members and our incredible patrons. Bathgate truly understands the power of long-term support for our members – the next generation of workers, parents and community leaders here on the Wirral.”
The Bathgate Charitable Trust is the charitable arm of Bathgate Group, the parent company of Bathgate Business Finance. Established in 1979 by Rod and Ann Walker, it supports charities through financial donations and volunteering not only locally but also across the UK and internationally.
Find more information about The Hive here.
Find all the latest news for the Wirral here.
When a dog walker found herself cut off by the fast flooding tide in the dark near Leasowe Lighthouse on Monday 16 September, HM Coastguard requested the launch of Hoylake RNLI hovercraft and New Brighton RNLI lifeboat, alongside the Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team.
The Coastguard had located the casualty from the shore and encouraged her to head to a safer area of the beach by walking towards Meols.
The RNLI hovercraft Hurley Spirit and her volunteer crew were tasked at 8.22pm and soon arrived on scene near to Barber’s Folly alongside New Brighton’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat Charles Dibdin, which had been out on exercise before the tasking.
The casualty and her dog were assisted on board the RNLI hovercraft and after a quick check by the crew to make sure they were both safe and well, the casualty and her dog were flown over the deepening tidal gutter and passed to Coastguard officers.
Hoylake RNLI hovercraft commander Matt Pownall-Jones said: ‘The tide around the Wirral coast can flood in very quickly and is especially treacherous in the dark. If the alarm hadn’t been raised, the casualty and her dog would have been in greater danger with the beach around them soon covered by the tide.’
Matt added: ‘With the nights drawing in and regular RNLI Lifeguard patrols ending at the end of September, we encourage everyone heading to the coast to always check the tidal conditions, weather and local safety signage. Always keep an eye on your surroundings and know your route to safety. Carry a means of calling for help and if you get into difficulty, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
Find out more about RNLI Holyoke HERE.
Get the latest for Liverpool City Region HERE.
Embankment Kitchen, a foodie destination for delicious dishes and creative cocktails in Manchester, is celebrating its fifth birthday with a week of food and drink offers from Tuesday 1st October to Sunday 6thOctober 2024.
Located on Chapel Street, right by Manchester Cathedral and Harvey Nics, Embankment Kitchen has established itself as a stylish hang-out amongst locals and visitors.
Rooted in the warm spirit of Northern hospitality, part of the aparthotel brand, CitySuites, Embankment Kitchen is a vibrant neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Manchester.
Since opening its doors in 2019, the team have developed and served seasonally-focused menus, using local, fresh produce at its peak. Headed up by Josh Singleton, his team of chefs source the best quality ingredients from around the North West and make everything from scratch, in-house. Their latest autumn menu features carefully crafted dishes such as spiced lamb scotch eggs, balsamic roasted figs, rich bavette steak, and black pepper poached plums.
To mark the restaurant turning five years old, Embankment Kitchen is inviting people to join the party with a series of exciting deals throughout their birthday week.
- Tuesday, October 1st: Be among the first 50 lucky customers to receive a complimentary glass of prosecco! Simply show up for bubbles.
- Wednesday, October 2nd: Order a sharing board and get a complimentary bottle of champagne. (Booking is required 24 hours in advance with code BIRTHDAY in the special request box).
- Thursday, October 3rd: Enjoy excellent live acoustic singer Harriet Dagnall, while you dine at Embankment Kitchen, from 6pm.
- Friday, October 4th: The perfect way to kick off the weekend. Settle in to live music and indulge in Embankment Kitchen’s favourite cocktails, house wine & prosecco, bottled beers & ciders for just £5 during Happy Hour from 4pm to 7pm. Acoustic duo LONO will also be performing, from 6pm.
- Saturday, October 5th: Saturday night is steak night. Get a sirloin steak & small plate for £30. Live music returns for another night with Paul Dunbar Duo performing from 6pm, setting the mood for a fun-filled weekend.
- Sunday, October 6th: Gather the family to enjoy a delightful 50% discount on all pizzas.
The restaurant will be ‘dressed to impress’ across the week, giving an extra WOW to guests as they step through the doors.
And as if that wasn’t enough, the team are handing our scratch cards to each table, meaning you could be in for a real treat; prizes include complimentary cocktails, free desserts, and a cheeky % off your bill!
Gavin Bailey, Managing Director of CitySuites and Embankment Kitchen said:
“We’re incredibly proud to be celebrating five years of Embankment Kitchen. We want to thank our loyal customers for their continued support and invite everyone to join us for a week of fantastic food, drinks, and entertainment.”
Embankment Kitchen’s fifth birthday celebration promises a week of delectable food, refreshing drinks, and entertainment.
Don’t miss out; this is the perfect chance to try this gorgeous spot in the city.
For more information about Embankment Kitchen’s fifth birthday celebrations, visit the website HERE.
Get the latest food and drink news for the North West HERE.
Visitors to Sandy Lane Park in Chester now have a new, sustainable way to feed the ducks, thanks to the installation of an innovative duck feeder, via the Feed Ducks Initiative.
The new feeder is being trialled with support from the Friends of Sandy Lane and is designed to promote responsible duck feeding by dispensing a special mix of food that is healthy for the ducks.
To use the feeder, visitors simply make a contactless payment, and the food is released, ready to be given to the ducks. This aims to discourage the harmful practice of feeding ducks bread, which can make them ill and pollute the water.
The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Highways, Councillor Karen Shore said:
“The duck feeder allows people to feed ducks sustainably and reduce the harmful impacts of feeding ducks bread. The unit is solar-powered, contactless, and made from 20,000 recycled plastic bottles.
“Plus 10% of proceeds go to the local ‘Friends of’ group. I’d like to say a big thank you to them for all their help.”
The Friends of Sandy Lane Park said:
“We were really pleased to be offered the opportunity to site one of the duck feeders at Sandy Lane Park – it exactly fits our ethos of benefitting the wellbeing of the local community and that, of course, includes the wildlife.”
The project has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Charges are £1.50 for a regular amount and £3 for a large size serving.
Anyone with suggestions for potential future locations can email yourstreets@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.
For more information about the new Duck Feeder at Sandy Lane Park here.
Visit Liverpool has launched a new campaign that showcases Liverpool City Region as a premier destination for film tourism.
As the most filmed UK city outside of London, Liverpool has played a starring role in numerous major film and TV productions, and this new initiative will invite visitors to explore the iconic locations that have brought Hollywood to the city.
This exciting campaign ‘Liverpool, The Ultimate Setting’, highlights the city’s rich film history and its reputation as a filming hub for blockbuster movies, television series and music videos. Films such as Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, The Batman, Captain America and TV series like Peaky Blinders have used Liverpool’s striking architecture and landscapes as backdrops, turning the city into a sought-after location for filmmakers from around the globe. Pop-superstar, Taylor Swift, even paid a visit to Liverpool in 2023 when she filmed the music video for her song ‘I Can See You (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)’ in the city.
Film tourism has become a significant contributor to Liverpool’s economy and with the rise in set-jetting tourism in recent years, has created jobs, increased hotel occupancy, and boosted local businesses. The new campaign is designed to attract both domestic and international tourists eager to see where their favourite scenes were filmed, further driving economic growth and brand recognition for Liverpool as a leading cultural destination.
VisitBritain’s latest research shows that film tourism is a significant motivator for travel. Ninety-one percent of potential visitors it surveyed, across 20 overseas markets, were keen to visit film and tv locations used in filming or seen-on-screen during their holidays in the UK.
Visitors will be able to find information on film locations and digital content on Visitliverpool.com encouraging them to step into the world of their favourite films and shows, walking in the footsteps of famous stars.
The campaign is in collaboration with Liverpool Film Office which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. As the first film office in Europe, Liverpool Film Office had its busiest year ever in 2023, with 301 film and TV productions filming across Liverpool City Region. That works out at: 1,933 film days, with the city not only showcasing itself, but also doubling up for New York, London, Moscow, Washington DC, the legendary Gotham City and many other global destinations.
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle said:
“Liverpool has always been a city of creativity and culture, and we are excited to showcase our diverse film heritage to the world through this campaign. Film tourism offers a unique way to experience Liverpool City Region, and we’re thrilled to invite movie lovers and adventure seekers alike to discover the magic of this city through the lens of cinema and TV.”
Head of Liverpool Film Office, Lynn Saunders said:
“We’re thrilled to be working alongside VisitLiverpool for this campaign. As the first Film Office in Europe and in our 35th year, it’s great that we’re able to see productions develop from script to screen and now bring set jetting alive in Liverpool. We hope everyone enjoys exploring Liverpool City Region as much as film and TV projects love to!”
VisitBritain/VisitEngland CEO Patricia Yates said:
“We know that film and TV are powerful motivators for travel, and it is great to see Liverpool launching this campaign to attract film loving visitors.
“It is also timely as VisitBritain gears up to roll out our international ‘Starring GREAT Britain’ marketing campaign, harnessing the set-jetting trend to boost visitor spending to Britain. Shining the spotlight on film-and-tv experiences makes our destinations the star of the show and encourages more visitors to come to explore our amazing destinations, putting themselves in the picture. “