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Hill Dickinson Stadium will stage its first senior men’s international football fixture on Tuesday 31 March 2026.
The 52,769-capacity waterfront stadium will welcome two nations who have qualified for this summer’s FIFA World Cup, with the fixture forming part of Pitch International’s ‘Road to 26’ international series.
Côte d’Ivoire, three-time Africa Cup of Nations winners, return to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years after an impressive unbeaten qualifying campaign. Scotland secured their place in dramatic fashion, ending a 28-year wait for a World Cup Finals appearance with a decisive victory over Denmark.
Supporters can expect to see several familiar names in action, including Everton’s Nathan Patterson, Napoli’s Scott McTominay, Aston Villa’s John McGinn and Evann Guessand, Manchester United’s Amad Diallo and former Crystal Palace captain Wilfried Zaha, as both teams fine-tune preparations for the summer tournament in North America.
Alongside members of the Scotland Supporters’ Club, Everton Season Ticket Members, Premium Members and Forever Blue+ Members will receive priority access to tickets for the fixture ahead of general sale.
Tickets will be priced from £27 for Adults and £16 for Under-16s (plus booking fees). Premium Members will also have the opportunity to purchase a range of bars, restaurants and premium experiences via Seat Unique from £120, subject to availability.
Further details on the ticket and Premium sales process and timings will be confirmed next week.
Angus Kinnear, Chief Executive Officer at Everton Football Club, said:
“Hosting our first senior men’s international fixture is an important milestone for Hill Dickinson Stadium and underlines its credentials as a world-class venue for major sporting occasions.
“To stage the first-ever meeting between Scotland and Ivory Coast is a fitting moment, and we look forward to welcoming two World Cup-qualified nations and their supporters to Liverpool’s waterfront for what promises to be a special night of international football.”
Scotland Head Coach Steve Clarke said:
“We’re pleased to confirm Côte d’Ivoire as our second opponents for the March international window, following on from Japan’s visit to Glasgow. We wanted to face African opposition before we play Morocco in the summer, and I’m sure Côte d’Ivoire will give us a really stern test.
“It will also be good to play at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool. The supporters will enjoy the opportunity to visit the new stadium.”
Côte d’Ivoire Head Coach Emerse Faé, who played for his nation in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, added:
“Coming to Liverpool to face Scotland will be an excellent test for us against European opposition ahead of the FIFA World Cup. It is a great opportunity to measure our level against players from top clubs, many of whom we know well from the Premier League.
“We are very happy to play this friendly in such a fantastic atmosphere, in a wonderful stadium, in front of passionate Scottish fans. We are really excited to be there.”
Since opening in August 2025, Hill Dickinson Stadium has already demonstrated its ability to host not only Premier League football but major sporting events, including a historic sold-out Rugby League Ashes fixture between England and Australia last November. The stadium will also welcome Rugby League’s Magic Weekend in July and is set to play a key role as a host venue for UEFA EURO 2028, with further major events due to be announced in the coming weeks.
The historic match between Scotland and Côte d’Ivoire is being promoted by Pitch International, a leading sports marketing agency specialising in major sporting events, global media rights, hospitality and sponsorship, as part of its long-standing work supporting international football.
Book your tickets on the Hill Dickinson Stadium website.
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Liverpool have pulled out of talks with Tottenham over their approach for veteran full-back Andy Robertson.
The Londoners made their move late last week as under-pressure boss Thomas Frank sought to add some much-needed experience to his squad.
Liverpool listened to the approach in recognition of Robertson’s contribution to the club in the last eight and a half years and the fact he is out of contract in the summer.
However, the Press Association understands the club have decided against continuing negotiations over the Scotland captain, who turns 32 in March, after considering their options. Robertson had not asked for a move.
Robertson has started only four Premier League matches this season, having lost his place to Milos Kerkez, but has been in the starting line-up for four of their seven Champions League fixtures – including high-profile matches against both Madrid clubs Real and Atletico and Inter Milan.
Liverpool’s vice-captain came off the bench for the start of the second half of Saturday’s defeat at Bournemouth, with head coach Arne Slot later revealing Kerkez had been withdrawn as he was considered in the “red zone” – when players are at most risk of injury.
Slot has already lost defenders Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni to season-ending injuries while Joe Gomez, who has had his share of injury issues, was forced off in the first half against the Cherries after a collision with goalkeeper Alisson Becker which is hoped to be just bruising to his knee.
Fellow centre-back Ibrahima Konate has missed the last two matches following the death of his father.
Captain Virgil van Dijk stated after the match he did not want Robertson to leave, while Slot said he wanted to keep all his players as they are still in contention in the Champions League and FA Cup.
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The Traitors is being adapted for a theatrical production which is set to debut in 2027.
Last week, the programme saw traitors Rachel Duffy and Stephen Libby crowned the winners of its fourth series in a tense episode which had overnight ratings averaging 9.4 million viewers, according to the BBC.
Production companies Studio Lambert and Neal Street Productions have revealed that the globally successful TV show will be taking to the stage in London next year.
The stage production is being written by comedy writer and actor John Finnemore, who is best known for the BBC radio sitcom Cabin Pressure, and will be directed by Olivier Award winner Robert Hastie.
Stephen Lambert, CEO of Studio Lambert, said:
“Taking The Traitors from screen to stage is a hugely exciting next step for this much-loved brand.
“Partnering with Neal Street Productions, a true theatrical powerhouse, allows us to reimagine the show as a bold and surprising theatrical performance.
“Faithful fans should expect an intense, joyful night out as we reveal a thrilling new hunting ground for our traitors.”
Caro Newling, co-founder of Neal Street Productions, said:
“In developing The Traitors for the stage, Neal Street and Studio Lambert have curated a team of brilliant faithful theatre-makers led by director Rob Hastie and writer John Finnemore to bring a bold, structural twist to the format that only the live medium can provide.”
The Traitors, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, follows a group of 22 contestants – the majority of whom are known as faithfuls – as they try to seek out the murderous traitors among them who kill off players in the middle of the night in an attempt to win a cash prize.
The award-winning show, set in the Scottish Highlands, sees contestants complete challenges to win money for the prize pot and try to find the traitors and banish them at a roundtable discussion each night.
The BBC launched a celebrity spin-off last autumn which saw comedian Alan Carr snatch victory from faithfuls, historian David Olusoga and actor Nick Mohammed.
It was a ratings winner for the broadcaster with the final attracting 14.9 million viewers, the biggest TV audience of 2025.
The UK version of the show first launched in 2022, and was adapted from the original Dutch version called De Verraders which was created in 2021.
The franchise has seen global success, with adaptations in countries including Ireland, Australia, France, Canada and the USA.
Further details about the theatrical adaptation of The Traitors are yet to be announced.
You can watch The Traitors on BBC Iplayer.
Find out about Claire House’s Traitors here.
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Liverpool City Council has launched a new grassroots music venues support programme designed to strengthen and sustain the city’s small live music spaces.
The programme brings together direct financial support with tailored business development assistance, helping venues adapt to ongoing challenges and continue to platform new and original music by Liverpool‑based artists.
Grassroots venues across the UK have faced significant pressures in recent years, including rising operational costs, changes in audience behaviour, and the wider impact of the cost‑of‑living crisis.
As a UNESCO City of Music, Liverpool is committed to safeguarding this essential part of its cultural infrastructure and ensuring that venues remain resilient, innovative and inclusive.
The grants scheme marks the start of a year-long programme to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Liverpool’s status as a UNESCO City of Music.
Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered in partnership with Music Venue Trust (MVT), the programme includes two core pillars:
Financial Support and Talent Development – a dedicated grants scheme will incentivise venues and promoters to programme new, original music by Liverpool‑based artists. Priority will be given to emerging and grassroots spaces, particularly those with a capacity under 300.
Applicants will be able to apply for support for up to six nights of live music programming, with grants of up to £3,000 per venue or promoter. These grants will help venues host new talent, grow audiences, and strengthen Liverpool’s pipeline of emerging artists.
Business Support and Capacity Building – a bespoke package of business support, delivered in partnership with MVT. This will help both new and established venues strengthen their business models, diversify audiences, and respond to evolving trends across the live music sector.
The programme will additionally provide a referral route into Music Futures Promoter Development Project, a 12‑month development offer, supporting promoters from under‑represented backgrounds or working in under‑supported genres.
Kevin McManus, Liverpool’s Head of UNESCO City of Music, said:
“To be a great music city you absolutely have to have grassroots music venues at your very heart. This is where emerging artists take their first nervous foray on stage and where audiences are inspired by what they see and hear on stage. It is at these venues where, if you are lucky, you will experience a performance that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
“There is nothing like live music in a packed venue when you are sharing an amazing experience with all the like-minded fans in the room. You can see photos from someone’s phone or a recording of the gig, but nothing beats the experience of being there, in the moment, when that musical magic happens.”
Applications open: Monday 26 January 2026
Deadline for submission: Friday 13 February 2026 at 12 noon
Notification of outcome: No later than Friday 27 February 2026
Apply here.
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An England blind football star hosted a special workshop to support visually impaired children and young people in Liverpool last month.
Roy Turnham delivered the “Become Visually Impaired (VI) Activated” workshop in partnership with Liverpool City Council’s Sensory Service and British Blind Sport, to equip teachers in the city with the skills and strategies to support children and young people who are visually impaired and deliver more inclusive sports in school.
School staff from across the city explored hands‑on tools, simple activity tweaks, and fresh lesson ideas they can put into practice straight away.
Cllr Joanne Kennedy, Cabinet member for Employment, Educational Attainment and Skills, said:
“We’re proud to be working alongside British Blind Sport to build awareness of the of the barriers and opportunities in PE within our schools.
“Staff left feeling inspired, informed, and committed to making sport truly inclusive. I’d like to thank British Blind Sport for their expertise and support – we look forward to continuing this partnership in the future.”
Roy Turnham, England Blind Football International said:
“It was brilliant to be back in Liverpool, where I grew up and began my sporting journey as a visually impaired student, supported by dedicated teachers and sensory service staff.
“While that support helped opened doors that eventually led me to the Paralympic Games and my role at British Blind Sport as workforce development officer, my colleague Lora and I have also faced and overcome many of the challenges that visually impaired pupils still encounter in PE today.
“Through this workshop, we shared both our lived and professional experience to help address those challenges and show how inclusive PE is crucial in providing Visually Impaired children confidence, independence, and fulfilment in all aspects of life.
“The Liverpool staff fully embraced this, and threw themselves into the session, particularly during the practical activities – there was much laughter when practising breaking down and describing skills and movement to blindfolded colleagues. We’re extremely grateful to the team for their openness and for making the day such an enjoyable workshop to deliver.”
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A new Irish venue is set to open this Winter in the heart of the Liverpool Ropewalks Quarter.
McNasty’s, a new Irish pub, is coming to Liverpool’s vibrant Seel Street this February, marking the next chapter of the former Zanzibar building.
Drawing inspiration from traditional pub culture, McNasty’s will focus on live music, sport with a very welcoming no-nonsense atmosphere. The venue aims to build on the building’s long-standing musical heritage by offering a fresh platform for grassroots musicians and local talent, in a location where live music continues to play a vital role in the Liverpool nightlife sector.
A traditional pub with fixed booths and seating, cosy fireplaces, TV screens and two bars set across two floors. Key features of McNasty’s include live music across two floors, a large all-weather rooftop beer garden, and a dedicated sports viewing area showing football, rugby, GAA and other major sporting events.
The downstairs space will host singers and acoustic solo performers, while the upstairs floor will focus more on bands and group acts. The upstairs bar will also operate as a dedicated sports viewing area, screening Liverpool and Everton matches, alongside other key fixtures throughout the sporting calendar, such as the up and coming 2026 World Cup.
A spokesperson for McNasty’s said:
“One of the venue’s standout features is its rooftop beer garden. A real suntrap during the Spring and Summer months, the space will be fully covered and heated throughout the colder seasons, making it a true all-weather destination and a strong contender for one of the city’s best rooftop spaces.
Seel Street has long been a popular nightlife area of Liverpool and it’s exciting to see the area evolve into what could be considered the city’s ‘Irish Quarter,’ with several well-established Irish bars in close proximity. McNasty’s is proud to join this growing community of venues, bringing its own take on the Irish pub experience.”
McNasty’s is set to officially open in early February 2026, with opening hours from 3pm to late Sunday to Friday and from 12pm until late on Saturday..
Find out more about McNasty’s here.
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After a monumental fundraising effort and a groundbreaking building project, Prenton Rugby Club’s revolutionary community hub officially opened on Friday 16th January.
The club’s dream of turning its site into a state-of-the art space for the Wirral community to use finally became a reality and it is now open for venue hire and events.
The Open Day saw an incredible turnout — with The Mayor Of Wirral Brian Kenny, Councillor Alison McGovern and members of the club and public in awe at the new-look club. There were guided tours of the facility, as well as the Prenton Dell Claypit nature trail and reserve. The club is now offering community memberships of just £10 for the year — including discounted drinks at the bar and venue hire.
The forward-thinking project shows how a traditional grassroots rugby club has transformed into a vibrant community project. Revolutionising the role of a rugby club in today’s society, the Prenton RUFC Community Hub project repositions the rugby club as a space that promotes community, inclusivity and wellbeing.
Over the past decade, Prenton RUFC has been redefining its role in the Prenton and Birkenhead area — responding to the closure of key local facilities such as the library, youth club, community centre, pub and playing fields. The club has filled a huge gap and has become a thriving nucleus that benefits many people, businesses and charities.
The club’s community-facing work includes kids’ clubs, adult wellbeing programmes, fundraising events, a community garden and a Prenton Dell Claypit nature trail created in partnership with National Grid and wildlife groups. This evolution has helped the organisation become ‘more than just a rugby club’ by addressing issues such as loneliness, mental health, obesity and social isolation.
The Community Hub development has itself been a fantastic community effort. Through fundraising campaigns that have raised over £1.1 million from a combination of public support, grant funding and charitable sources, the project has resulted in state-of-the-art facilities — including a community café, multi-use event space and a gym coming soon.
England Rugby, The Rugby Football Union and rugby stars such as Matt Dawson all championed the project. The club’s Crowdfunder campaign raised over £40,000, meanwhile the following funders all contributed to the project: The National Lottery, Bernard Sunley Foundation, Key Fund, Garfield Weston and The Johnson Foundation, with Community Ownership Fund funding an incredible £850,000.
Prenton RUFC’s evolution reflects a broader trend in community sport: clubs acting as social hubs, wellbeing providers and environmental stewards. Whether hosting mental health groups, offering space for local organisations, or bringing people together surrounded by nature, the hub illustrates how sport can intersect meaningfully with everyday life.
Prenton RUFC’s Gareth Knapman said:
“It was an emotional day at the club — seeing a dream for more than a decade finally become a reality. It has been a monumental effort for all concerned — from everyone involved in the planning and fundraising to the exceptional work of the building team who completed the work in just 6 months which is unheard of for a development of this size.”
“Our goal now is to ensure that this space benefits the Prenton and wider Wirral community through regular activities, events, venue hire and wellbeing. We’ve been doing great things during the past ten years or so but now we can really step up thanks to these fantastic facilities. We’re now open for community groups to use, private functions and venue hire, events and festivals.”
Prenton Rugby Club’s groundbreaking community hub is now open for community use and venue hire after a £1.3million development project — community memberships are available for just £10 per year and these include discounts on drinks at the bar and discounts on venue hire.
Find out more on the Prenton RUFC website.
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Around 400 cast and crew are set for a first ever reunion on board Phil Olivier’s floating restaurant, the Daffodil.
There’ll be themed cocktails, live music, and ‘plenty of reminiscing’ when the stars and production teams get together on the former Mersey Ferry based in Canning Dock tomorrow evening.
Sue Johnston, Michael Starke, Jennifer Ellison, Steven Cole, and Suzanne Collins are among the actors heading to the waterfront: “And there are cast members from as far back as 1982 that I don’t even know,” says Phil Olivier, who’s organised the get-together with fellow Brookie star Louis Emerick.
“I’ll have to stand there as they come in, checking their names on the guest list and handing out wristbands,” he smiles.
“It’s just going to be a great night of nostalgia.”
Father-of-five Phil says the idea for the evening came from a chat with Louis while recently filming for Hollyoaks. He and Suzanne Collins have just finishing recording a breakout storyline in which we find out what Tinhead and Nikki have been up to for the last 22 years and which is due to conclude on Valentine’s Day.
Phil says:
“While I was in Hollyoaks I was working with Louis, who played Mick Johnson, and we asked should we have a Brookside reunion? There hasn’t ever been one and so we set up a chat and started inviting people, and now there’s nearly 400 people coming, from cast members, to writers, cameramen, anyone who worked on the show.”
The idea was sparked by the Hollyoaks and Brookside crossover which brought back iconic characters from the close for Hollyoaks’ 30th anniversary in October last year.
“The crossover got us together, Louis, Suzanne, Ricky, Sue and Mickey Starke who plays Sinbad, and the feedback was great, it was so well received.
“I don’t think we realised until then how much love there was for Brookside – and for each other!
“Your lives take different paths. We’ve all gone on to different jobs, some people aren’t in the acting industry anymore and others are raising families, so we never thought we’d be back together.
“We knew Brookside couldn’t come back because the close was sold – it was a huge set up and I don’t think there’s anything in budgets for something like that now unless it’s already there. And that’s why when they mentioned the crossover, we jumped at the chance.
“And why we wanted to get everybody together after that.
“There were only a few characters who went back on the crossover episode, and we thought this was an opportunity now for us all to get together.”
Kicking off at 6pm, guests from the groundbreaking Channel 4 drama will be able to enjoy cocktails like The Redmond Royale in homage to its creator Phil. There’ll be The Jimmy Corkhill – in tribute to late actor Dean Sullivan who played him and sadly passed away a few years ago – and The Patio: “That needs no introduction or explanation, although I’m not sure what’ll be in it, maybe a smattering of concrete dust,” laughs Phil.
“We’ll have a live band and a good folk singer, Laura Carr, who’s actually learned the Brookside theme tune and will be playing it on a violin.
“We’ve got a DJ, there’ll be canapes going round and it’s basically a chance to give everyone a good night. It’ll be a night of reminiscing, and I’ve got a feeling that everyone will just want to chat – we’ll probably have to do like a speed-dating thing where you get five minutes with each person.
“But we’ve got the singer, we’ve got the mic set up, and I’m hoping there’ll be people there who’ll want to get up and give it a go too … Mickey Starke will definitely be up!
“It’s just the family back together again.”
While Phil’s said he and the cast had always accepted Brookside could never come back, like most people, he’d love it if it did.
“It would be welcomed. There’s always scope for it because it was such a good show; and that’s the reason people received the Hollyoaks crossover so well.
“It’s nostalgic, you’re looking back on good times and you have good memories of those because we’re living in a scary world at the moment.
“But also, Brookside was pioneering, it was groundbreaking, it tackled issues that were current. It was raw and I don’t think there was anything out like that – and the only person who could do it is Phil Redmond. He’s an absolute genius so Phil, if you’re looking at this, bring it back!
“It’s a shame. Liverpool’s got such a pool of talent and it’s crying out for another show like it.”
You can watch the Hollyoaks and Brookside Crossover on Channel 4.
Find out more about the Hollyoaks and Brookside crossover episode here.
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Alder Hey has become the first hospital in the country to fully deliver all commitments of Sophie’s Legacy.
Created in memory of nine-year-old Sophie Fairall, Sophie’s Legacy calls for simple but powerful changes to improve the hospital experience for children and their families. Alder Hey has now fulfilled every one of those wishes.
The wishes were to provide play specialists seven days a week in hospital, improvements to food for children in hospital, and for parents to be fed when staying with a child.
Charlotte Fairall, Sophie’s mum and CEO of Sophie’s Legacy, said:
“We want to say a massive thank you to Alder Hey in making this happen, to the play team, the catering team and everyone who has been involved.
“Alder Hey is the first hospital in the country that has managed to fully implement all of Sophie’s wishes and we hope many more hospitals will now follow Alder Hey’s lead.”
Nathan Askew, Chief Nurse at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust said:
“Fulfilling all of Sophie’s wishes is something we are incredibly proud of. Sophie’s Legacy is about listening to children and families and acting on what really matters to them, and these changes reflect that commitment in a very real way. This is about compassion, dignity and putting families at the heart of everything we do at Alder Hey.”
By fully delivering Sophie’s Legacy, Alder Hey has not only honoured Sophie’s memory but also led the way for hospitals across the country, demonstrating how listening to families and acting with compassion can transform the hospital experience.
Find out more about Alder Hey here.
Alder Hey has also created Europe’s largest full hospital map by it’s expanding 360° virtual tour, find out more here.
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The Atkinson in Southport has been awarded Museum Accreditation status by Arts Council England.
Museum Accreditation is the benchmark for well-run museums and galleries in the UK.
It means that the Sefton Council-run museum is properly managed and governed to the nationally agreed industry standard. And it shows The Atkinson takes proper care of its collections, sharing them with visitors and keeping them safe for future generations.
Cllr Liz Dowd, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnership Engagement, said:
“I’m so pleased that The Atkinson has received this Museum Accreditation which shows that it is being well run and that our extensive collections are being well cared for.
“Accreditation also opens exciting future opportunities for funding and means The Atkinson can host exhibitions that are touring the country.”
Each year The Atkinson attracts around 420,000 visitors, making it a significant cultural destination in the Liverpool City Region.
In the museum, Between Land & Sea tells the story of the people and industries that have shaped the Sefton coast across history. Discover Ancient Egypt offers an immersive journey into Ancient Egyptian life through a remarkable collection of artefacts presented in interactive displays.
The art galleries showcase a rich and varied programme, drawing from a vast collection of around 3,500 artworks spanning painting, sculpture, digital art, photography. Together, these spaces provide visitors with a dynamic blend of local heritage, world history, and visual art that appeals to audiences of all ages.
Cllr Dowd added:
“I know achieving Museum Accreditation from Arts Council England takes an awful lot of work and I would like to thank and congratulate the team at The Atkinson.
“This news will give confidence to our kind donors, sponsors and supporters and it will also encourage more visitors ensuring The Atkinson retain its number one rating #1 for Things to Do in Southport on TripAdvisor.
Find out more about The Atkinson here.
Find out what’s on in Southport in 2026 here.
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Foot Locker has opened it highly anticipated flagship store at Liverpool ONE.
To celebrate the opening weekend, Foot Locker is launching the new ASICS GEL-Kayano 20* this month, exclusively available as a pre-release at its new Liverpool store from opening day on 23rd, as well as online before its wider European and UK roll out in February.
First launched in 1993, the GEL-Kayano was created by ASICS designer Toshikazu Kayano, who set out to design a performance running shoe specifically for long-distance runners. More than three decades later, the GEL-Kayano model remains a cornerstone of the ASICS archive, celebrated for its innovation, comfort and enduring design language.
Designed to offer “More energy to move body and mind”, the GEL-Kayano 20 features a dual-layer EVA midsole construction, signature GEL cushioning, and a Guidance Trusstic System to deliver the ultimate balance of support and cushioning. A TPU cage integrated into the FluidFit upper provides an exceptional fit while reinforcing the model’s instantly recognisable design.
Neil Carter, Foot Locker VP GEO: UK & Ireland said:
“Foot Locker’s return to Liverpool is an important moment for us to reconnect with the city’s fashion forward community who understand style, functionality and authenticity every day. We look forward to starting where we left off, celebrating Liverpool’s vibrant sneaker and style community with exclusive Foot Locker drops – such as the GEL-Kayano 20 – and giveaways to support their wardrobe.”
Donna Howitt, Deputy Centre Director at Liverpool ONE, said:
“We are excited to welcome Foot Locker back to Liverpool ONE and to see such an iconic global brand reaffirm its commitment to the city. Foot Locker’s return reflects Liverpool ONE’s continued ability to attract leading brands that resonate with our fashion-forward, creative and culturally engaged community. Launching with an exclusive pre-release further underlines the confidence brands have in Liverpool ONE as a place to debut exciting new concepts and products.”
Find out more on the Foot Locker website.
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A new agreement has been signed strengthening the commitment to deliver Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR).
The compact sets out further work to develop a new Liverpool to Manchester line – as part of a phased programme to improve rail connections across key northern corridors.
With £1.1bn confirmed for development work and a £45bn overall funding cap, the compact provides the certainty needed to accelerate progress and bring earlier benefits to passengers and businesses.
The agreement also confirms continued joint working on route options for the new Liverpool to Manchester line, potential plans for a new Gateway station, and integration with Liverpool Central as the NPR programme moves forward.
The signing marks a major step towards delivering a modern, reliable rail network for the North.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
“Today, I’ve strengthened this Government’s clear and unwavering commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail by signing an agreement with Mayor Rotheram on the next steps for transforming connectivity in the Liverpool City Region.
“With a new line between Liverpool and Manchester at the heart of our plans to deliver more frequent, reliable services to Manchester, Manchester Airport, Warrington and beyond, we’re ensuring the benefits are felt across the city by integrating NPR with major city-centre regeneration, including improvements around Liverpool Central and Liverpool Lime Street stations. By providing early clarity on scope and phasing, we are giving the region the certainty it needs to plan ahead and unlock the full economic and social benefits for its people.
“Together, we are getting on with the job to deliver the modern transport network the North has deserved for so long.”
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:
“Signing an agreement on the future of Northern Powerhouse Rail is about turning words into action.
“After more than a decade of delay and broken promises, we finally have a government backing proposals in full and a framework to deliver it.
“Local leaders are ready, the Liverpool City Region is ready, and the whole North is ready, pulling in the same direction. Now we can get on with preparation and delivery of a rail network that matches the ambition of our people and stimulates growth in our economy.”
Find out more on the Liverpool City Region Combined authority website.
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The global superstar has announced a huge world tour, but with London currently the only UK date, the question on everyone’s lips is whether he’ll be announcing any additional dates up North.
Since bursting onto the music scene as part of X Factor-created boyband One Direction in 2010, Harry Styles’ rise has been breathtaking.
From chart-topping albums and sold-out tours to blossoming careers in film and fashion, he’s become one of the planet’s most recognisable stars.
Now, as the announcement of a new album sparks talks of a major tour, our attention turns closer to home – and one question in particular.
Is Harry Styles coming to Liverpool in 2026?
While we wait for answers, here’s everything you need to know about his rise to the top.
The Early Days
Born on 1 February 1994 in Redditch, Worcestershire, Harry Styles later moved with his parents and older sister, Gemma, to Holmes Chapel in Cheshire – less than an hour’s drive from Liverpool if you’re planning a pilgrimage.
Although his parents divorced when he was seven, Styles has fond memories of a childhood spent singing covers on a karaoke machine his grandfather had given him. His love of singing continued into secondary school, where he became the lead singer for White Eskimo.
The teenage Harry’s plans to go to college were put to one side when his Mum encouraged him to follow his passion by auditioning for the 2010 series of The X-Factor.
Harry Styles’ Rise to Fame
Despite being only 16, Harry’s confidence was obvious the moment he stepped onto The X-Factor stage. However, a shaky rendition of Train’s Hey Soul Sister nearly derailed the young hopeful’s journey before it began.
When Simon Cowell suggested Harry start again – only this time acapella – Styles gave a much improved performance of Stevie Wonder’s Isn’t She Lovely. Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger were impressed enough to send him through to boot camp, where Styles failed to make it through as a solo artist.
But his disappointment proved to be a blessing when the judges teamed him up with four other boys who didn’t make it – Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik.
Later named One Direction based on Style’s suggestion, the band surged in popularity, eventually finishing third in the competition. The show was a springboard to almost instant success. A phenomenon was born.
The Dominance of One Direction
One Direction’s debut single, What Makes You Beautiful, went straight to number one in the UK charts, becoming the fastest-selling song of the year. Their debut album, Up All Night – featuring three songs co-written by Harry Styles – also topped the US charts, making them the first British group to achieve the feat with a debut release.
A new form of Beatlemania followed. Powered by a social media savvy fanbase, One Direction quickly became a global sensation.
The band performed at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics and went on to break record after record, including becoming the first group in history to have their first four albums debut at the top of the US charts.
Four world stadium tours followed. Their Where We Are Tour became the highest-grossing tour by a vocal group of all time, with receipts of almost $300 million.
However, the five-piece would be reduced to four after Zayn Malik’s departure in March 2015. Then, in August that year, the group announced they would go on hiatus in 2016 to pursue individual projects.
Fans were devastated, but the band’s place in music history was guaranteed.
Across six years, One Direction won nearly 200 major awards, including multiple BRITs, Billboard, MTV, and American Music Awards.
But for Styles, it was time to write the next chapter.
The Solo Star
In 2016, Styles signed a recording contract with Columbia Records and launched his own label, Erskine Records. In a deliberate move away from his pop persona, he spent the following months recording his debut album across Los Angeles, London, and Jamaica.
The first hint of his new direction arrived in April 2017 with Sign of the Times. The track debuted at number one in the UK Singles Chart and reached number four on the US Billboard Hot 100. Harry Styles, the solo star, had arrived.
Rolling Stone ranked Sign of the Times as the best song of 2017. Its cinematic music video won the BRIT Award for British Video of the Year.
Styles supported the release with high-profile appearances on Saturday Night Live and The Graham Norton Show, before releasing his self-titled debut album in May 2017. The record debuted at number one in the UK, the US, and Australia, amongst others.
It also set the tone for the next phase of his career, when Styles drew musical inspiration from rock, pop, and soul and experimented with fashion that expressed his individuality.
Tours got bigger, critical acclaim followed, and soon, the former reality-show contestant had become that rarest of things: a commercially popular, creatively credible artist.
By the early 2020s, he had become one of the defining pop stars of his generation.
Alongside music, Styles began a blossoming film career, including appearances in Dunkirk and Don’t Worry Darling. He also collaborated with iconic fashion house Gucci, demonstrating his flair for eye-catching menswear.
Harry’s legacy, however, is forever linked to those who shared his early success.
The death of Liam Payne in October 2024 was a heartbreaking moment. The loss of his close friend and former bandmate cut Harry deeply. In the months that followed, he was reported to be taking time to process the grief of losing someone so central to his life and career.
Just this week, fans speculated that Harry paid a subtle tribute to Liam after announcing his fourth studio album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally by wearing bowling pin print shirt – perhaps a touching nod to his friend’s favourite pastime.
What’s next?
At the time of writing, nothing has been confirmed about Harry Styles coming to Liverpool.
But the news of new material offers hope – as does history. The city has hosted Harry before, when he performed at the arena with One Direction in 2012. Plus, cities famed for their musical cultures and passionate live audiences have always been a key part of his tour schedule.
That must put Liverpool near the top of the list.
Whether or not Harry Styles announces Liverpool tour dates this time around, anticipation is unlikely to fade any time soon.
If and when we get the call, you’ll hear it here first.
Listen to The Guide Liverpool’s own Jay Hynd interviewing Harry and the rest of 1D back when they were still rising stars here.
Get the latest music news in Liverpool here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Claire House has created its own playful take on hit BBC series The Traitors, bringing teamwork, laughter and a welcome distraction to families, young people and staff.
Claire House Children’s Hospice has been running live-action versions of the popular game at its Liverpool site in West Derby, with siblings, young adults, parents and staff all taking part in the charity’s unique spin on the show.
Inspired by the nail-biting TV format, the events feature round table discussions, scavenger hunts for shields and a series of age-appropriate challenges designed to be fun, inclusive and engaging for everyone involved.
Organiser Alex Wheeler, Therapeutic Support Worker at Claire House, said the events are all about connection and creating positive moments for those affected by serious and terminal illness.
He said:
“The Traitors events are perfect for bringing people together, whether they’re meeting for the first time or reconnecting. The game encourages interaction and helps people get to know each other, and with a mix of physical and mental challenges it’s great to see everyone’s competitive side come out.”
Set within Claire House Liverpool, the former monastery provides a dramatic backdrop that rivals the show’s famous Scottish castle, complete with secret rooms, arched corridors, a chapel and even designated Traitors’ quarters.
Just like the TV series, players work together to complete challenges and build a prize pot, while the Faithfuls try to uncover who among them are the Traitors. There are even a few “Claudias” along the way to guide the game.
In a twist unique to Claire House, no one is ever fully eliminated. Those voted out instead become guardians of the game, taking on an extra role by helping to spot Traitors and earning double votes at the round table.
Since 2024, Claire House has hosted several Traitors-themed events, including sessions for siblings and parents, with another staff event planned for next month. The themed nights have also been adapted for young adults supported by the hospice.
Alex added:
“Yes, there can be suspicion and confusion, but it also builds a family atmosphere where people form alliances, respect each other’s roles and enjoy switching off from everyday pressures.
“By offering a playful escape from home-life stresses, our Traitors events support wellbeing, strengthen our community and show that joy and connection matter just as much as care.”
For more information about Claire House and its work across Liverpool and Merseyside, visit the website.
Claire House Children’s Hospice celebrates the importance of it’s volunteers and why you should get involved – check it out.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Liverpool author Dr Deborah Cohen examines how social media, influencers and AI are reshaping how we look after our health.
If you want help about your health or you’re looking to lose a few pounds these days, you’re as likely to look online as you are to book an appointment with your GP.
But Liverpool author and doctor Deborah Cohen prescribes a dose of scepticism in her new book, Bad Influence: How the Internet Hijacked Our Health, which explores how we can separate medical fact from the fiction we can find on our phones and computers.
As NHS waiting times grow and face-to-face appointment decline, influencers have stepped into the breach: with celebrities telling us about their personal journeys, savvy sellers offering solutions, and ChatGPT prescribing treatment plans!
And Deb, a former science editor for ITV News and health correspondent for BBC Newsnight leading their Covid coverage, explains that while platforms like Instagram and TikTok can offer support and community, they’re also ‘galleries of medical anxiety and vulnerability whose primary function is to drive consumption’.
Deborah Cohen said:
“All these changes are happening, and I think it was speeded up by Covid when people were using TikTok and social media for health information,”
“Health is becoming a highly profitable commodity.
“I was at my auntie’s house in Allerton, and a cousin came round who had bought an AMH test (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) promoted on Insta and she thought it would tell her how fertile she was because she was trying to get pregnant.
“And I thought, but it’s not going to do that.
“I was also talking to lots of mates – none of them conspiracy theorists, none of them with medical backgrounds – and they were all searching for information on HRT, or ADHD, or tests and treatments online. Some were self-diagnosing. And one said, you really need to write about this.
“When I started, I didn’t know where it, or I, would end up.”
Deb – who is speaking at the Festival of Data at Liverpool ACC on February 6 – soon realised that away from traditional sources of support and expertise there were ‘new players in town’ when it came to looking after our health.
She added:
“There are tech platforms, we have got influencers who are making money in all sorts of different ways, and I was interested to see what impact that was having.
“I spoke to 200 people, influencers, content creators, marketing agents, academics, and doctors, to get a 360 view. But what I ultimately thought was that these platforms are geared towards entertainment and shopping, they’re marketing and commercial platforms: and what do these things together do to our health?
“What happens when you put health on a shopping platform? If you look at trending videos or reels, a lot of them have commercial incentives, where you make money and you want as many views as possible, and that clearly influences behaviour.
“I’m not black and white about it; there’s good and bad. But while medics and academics have long been used to declaring conflict of interest, that doesn’t happen on social media (or not enough).
“And I wanted to encourage people to think sceptically about what they read.”
Deb explores how the average person can tell what’s helpful and what’s a waste of money from private companies selling weight loss drugs and celebs selling supplements, to digital ads promoting costly tests and AI-powered diagnoses. And, crucially, what could be harmful.
She said:
“There are well-meaning people out there and social media does encourage community. It encourages people to learn about their illnesses, and people feel listened to – we saw that with women’s health.
“But people are using that and exploiting that to sell them stuff they don’t need. You have people telling you you’re broken and selling you the protocol that will ‘fix’ you.
“I can see real benefits,”
“It can help and it will be interesting to see what happens with ChapGPT in areas where you can’t get appointments.
“We are seeing huge changes in health care.
“It might be good. I interviewed a breast surgeon who had breast cancer herself, and she found support and tips when having chemo about what to eat, and she was sent lots of love, and having that community can really help, especially if you’re isolated by a condition.
“It might be bad: if you’re buying drugs online you’re not necessarily being briefed about what the interactions are. They don’t know your full medical history.
“We have got this Wild West of health information. Health is being consumerised and I think there can be real harm in that.
“I always ask ‘why should I believe you?’ and that might be a good place for anyone to start.”
Deborah Cohen will be speaking at The Festival of Data, which is being held at ACC Liverpool from February 5-7. Hosted by the Civic Data Cooperative (CDC), the festival marks the end of the ambitious 5-year programme of work around data collection, visualisation, stewardship and innovation.
Funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and delivered by the CDC and Civic Health Innovation Labs at the University, it aims to share creative and imaginative ideas from businesses, communities and schoolchildren demonstrating how data will be used to deliver the best public services for the city region.
Deborah Cohen will be speaking at The Festival of Data in February, get more info here.
Get more health news on The Guide Liverpool here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Raising more than £13,600, generous supporters of The Reader dug deep to support a life-changing reading project for care-experienced children.
Launched last November, the UK’s biggest Shared Reading charity’s six-week festive appeal set out to raise £10,000 for its inspiring Reading Heroes project, which pairs care-experienced children aged two to 15-years-old with highly trained Volunteers.
The Reader is a charity that uses the power of literature and reading aloud to transform lives across the UK. Launching in 2016, the Reading Heroes aims to spark a love of reading stories and poems.
Volunteers give an hour a week to read stories and poems aloud with the children, both online and in-person for nine months.
Emma McColl, Senior Manager of Programme Delivery at The Reader, said:
“We would like to thank the public and local community for their remarkable support in raising £13,600 for our 2025 Christmas Appeal to help recruit, train and support up to 250 volunteers for Reading Heroes.
“We currently have children waiting to read in person or online, and more to be referred as part of both Reading Heroes (for children aged five to 15) and for Tiny Heroes (reading with Early Years children aged two to four).
“The children referred to us have often faced really hard things in their young lives and Reading Heroes is making such a difference, with every reading session and every page turned together. It’s such a joy to hear and to witness the positive impact that is being made by our amazing volunteers who give up their time to read with a child each week.
“Our new recruitment campaign also marks the beginning of the National Year of Reading 2026, which has been launched by the government and National Literacy Trust following research which shows the number of children and young people reading for pleasure has fallen to its lowest level in two decades.”
Children are referred to the Reading Heroes project and its follow-on legacy programme by Virtual Schools in Liverpool City Region (LCR), Sefton, Halton, Bolton, Bury, Oldham and London’s Tower Hamlets.
After their one-to-one reading sessions end, a book is posted to their home every two months for the next year – and they are invited to join a range of special Meet the Author events. The work is overseen by a dedicated, experienced project team at The Reader who train and support volunteers to deliver lively and engaging Shared Reading sessions. They also provide ongoing safeguarding provision ensuring carers, partners, volunteers and the young people are supported throughout.
Author, broadcaster, writer and director Stephen Fry, recently said of the Reading Heroes project:
“You can fob a youngster off with devices, games and even with books, but nothing comes close to the sharing out loud of a story. Care- experienced children especially need to feel the warmth, delight and affection that this simple act can offer. I salute you, Reading Heroes, you are doing wonderful things.”
The latest data collected from children and young people who took part in the Reading Heroes project, between January 2023 and December 2024, reveals how much it improves their confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing:
- 82% of carers agreed that Reading Heroes had improved their child’s confidence
- 79% said that it had helped to boost self-esteem
- 74% of carers agreed that Reading Heroes had improved their child’s wellbeing
- 84% agreed that it had given their child something to look forward to.
Last year The Reader’s second Christmas Appeal hit a final total of £9,600 to fund the expansion of reading groups for people living with dementia and their families across the Liverpool City Region.
The charity’s first Christmas appeal in 2023 raised more than £7,000 in support of First Page, its family-focused project across the North West helping Early Year children to build confident, positive and rewarding relationships with books and reading for pleasure.
For more information about The Reader, visit here.
To find out more about The Reader’s series of events for 2026, visit here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
The finalists for the 2026 Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity Awards have been revealed, with 55 individuals and organisations shortlisted from more than 500 nominations across 17 categories.
This year’s awards introduce four new categories, reflecting the continued growth and diversity of the region’s cultural and creative sector. New additions include Live Event of the Year, Excellence in Film and TV, and awards recognising digital, gaming and creative media talent for the first time.
The Excellence in Film and TV category highlights the Liverpool City Region’s booming screen industry, with hundreds of productions choosing the area as a filming location and local talent gaining international recognition through BAFTAs, Emmys and Golden Globes. Live Event of the Year celebrates the unforgettable moments that have brought communities together through culture.
Other categories recognise how creativity is being used to drive innovation, community cohesion and positive change across education, health, business and the environment.
Councillor Mike Wharton, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade, said the awards are an important moment to celebrate the region’s cultural impact.
He said: “The Liverpool City Region is at the forefront of culture. We are brimming with creativity and these awards give us the chance to celebrate artists, innovators, community activists and businesses who are all using culture and creativity to make a real difference.
“From grassroots projects to large-scale events, it’s been an incredibly exciting year. The standard was exceptionally high and all of our finalists should be proud to have made it this far.”
An independent judging panel reviewed more than 500 nominations to create the final shortlist. New judges joined the panel this year, including Jay Hynd, founder and managing director of The Guide Liverpool, TV producer Jernice Easthope and BBC presenter Ngunan Adamu, who previously hosted the awards. They were joined by returning judges Kate Royse, Director of the Hartree Centre, and Dr Emma Roberts from Liverpool John Moores University.
One category decided entirely by the public is the People’s Choice Award for Outstanding Contribution to Culture. Six finalists will go forward to a public vote, opening next month. The shortlisted organisations are:
PopVox Choir
Shakespeare North Playhouse
The Unity Theatre
Alder Hey’s Arts for Health
Liverpool Arab Arts Festival
Liverpool Sound City
Broadcaster Ngunan Adamu, judging the awards for the first time, said she was inspired by the entries.
She said: “The standard was incredibly high. The creativity, passion and real-world impact of these projects really stood out. The Liverpool City Region has such a special cultural identity, and it was a privilege to see just how much talent exists across the area.”
For the first time, the awards ceremony will be hosted in Liverpool, taking place at the Everyman Theatre in June. The event is supported by sponsors including The ACC Liverpool Group, The Guide Liverpool, Hope Street Hotel, Trojan Lighting Solutions and Copeland Group Services.
More information about the awards and categories can be found at here.
Keep up to date with news around the City Region on our website.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
A whole host of entertainment is coming to the Everyman this year, with something for everyone to enjoy, including interactive performances, lively cabaret, indulgent afternoon teas, and behind-the-scenes stories.
From the creators of the hugely popular Murder at Afternoon Tea series, DBY Interactive makes its return with a brand-new crime-solving murder mystery.
After the success of the sell-out shows Til Death Do Us Part and The City of Curses at the Everyman, the Grand Finale Audiences can now enjoy a Valentine’s Special running from Thursday 12 to Saturday 14 February, with afternoon tea served during the matinee performances.
Thrillseekers can also expect to see other instalments later in the year, including Rest in Pieces Afternoon Tea from Thursday 16 to Saturday 18 April, followed by Last One Standing from Thursday 16 to Saturday 18 July, Reunion of Revenge from Thursday 17 to Saturday 19 September, and Murder at Blackout from Thursday 3 to Saturday 5 December. Seasonal highlights to look forward to include a spine-tingling Halloween Special on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October, as well as a festive Christmas Special on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 December.
For all the lonely hearts out there, Nana Funk’s Lonely Hearts Bingo on Saturday 7 February is the perfect night out. You can expect plenty of fun bingo games and laughs, with special guests Caz & Britney joining the party.
Anyone fancying a spot of karaoke will appreciate Nana Funk’s GLASTONBURYOKE! on Saturday 27 June, where Nana will lead the audience through classic hits from Worthy Farm’s finest and invite everyone to make their own kind of music.
Following their previous sold‑out cabaret success, The Spare Rib presents Galentine’s Burlesque Extravaganza on Saturday 21 February. Enjoy a brunch show at 11:30am or join for an evening of sparkle and empowerment.
Or, for those looking for a behind-the-scenes peek, you can take an exclusive hour-long tour of the Everyman Theatre and uncover the secrets that bring productions to life with Behind the Curtain: Everyman Building Tours. Tours run on Friday 13, Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 February. If you’re looking for something a little more social, Tea & Talks is a monthly gathering where conversation about the wonderful world of theatre takes centre stage. Enjoy a brew and a scone while discovering what really happens before the curtain goes up, on Friday 6 February and Friday 6 March.
New for 2026, with a proper Scouse twist, Downstairs at the Everyman invites audiences to an evening of theatre in collaboration with actors Catherine Rice and Rob Jarvis. A Pie, A Pint & A Play takes place on Thursday 7 and Friday 8 May, featuring standout performances from some of Liverpool’s finest actors alongside exciting emerging talent.
For the more adventurous, why not join Reel Tours on the third Thursday of every month to test your cinematic knowledge in Liverpool’s most exciting film quiz. If you’re looking for a laugh, Well Funny Live is a night of comedy and feel-good vibes, showcasing some of the UK’s finest comedians every fourth Thursday of the month. Each ticket helps fund vital community health and wellbeing projects through Well Funny CIC, founded by comedians Jack Miller and Amy Eggeling.
The Liverpool Scratch Network is a free monthly event dedicated to exploring new work and connecting industry professionals with emerging creatives, giving actors the chance to act, directors the chance to direct, and writers the opportunity to hear their ideas brought to life off the page.
With a vibrant mix of events and a wonderfully diverse programme at the Everyman, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From inclusive performances to community-led experiences, it’s the perfect way to have a great night out.
Find out more and book tickets here.
Find out more about the Everyman’s murder mystery experience here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
This year’s Africa Oyé in Sefton Park won’t be free for the first time in its history, but Artistic Director Paul Duhaney says the economic reality of an ever-growing festival meant it was its only chance of survival.
He’s pledged to keep ticket prices low for Liverpool residents and to give away thousands through local community organisations.
He explained:
“I understand that people don’t want to have to pay for something’s that always been free, but we’ve done it in the cheapest way we can and you have to look at the reasons,”
“We want people to understand why we’ve had to charge because this isn’t about money-grabbing. We’re a non-profit organisation, we’re a registered charity, so if we do make a profit it goes back into next year.
“There was just a tipping point where it was either ticketed or no festival at all and we’d rather give it a shot and try and make as many concessions as we can.”
Paul, who’s been with Africa Oyé since the late ‘90s, says he always wanted to preserve its free status.
“I’ve probably done about 5,000 interviews where I’ve said, ‘we have to keep this festival free’. There couldn’t be anyone more determined than me and we wouldn’t be where we are if we hadn’t fought to keep it free all these years.
“But times have changed, the cost of everything increases every year, and we just couldn’t afford it anymore.
“In the last 10 years our audience numbers have been going up and up and with that you get new licensing conditions. Over a certain capacity the rules change and prices go up – you have to have a set amount of toilets, security, traffic management, safety measures, all this in addition to paying for the artists, the staging, and the sound.
“The list of things we have to pay for goes into the hundreds.
“We get a certain amount of money from the Arts Council, and a bit from the city council, but combined that was nowhere near enough to support the festival. We had to basically find another 50% from things like sponsorship and fundraising, to try and bring additional money in, but it still wasn’t enough.
“So we had to take a year out and come up with a new business plan and a new strategy to keep the festival going.”
Paul says the first step was to work out how to make the transition as painless as it could be, especially for local festivalgoers and residents.
“We worked out how many tickets we could give out free, how many at a reduced rate for residents and then concentrated on higher ticket prices for people living outside the region.
“We’ll still be allowing people freedom of movement, if they want to come with their children in the afternoon then the parents come back later on.
“And we’re working on how we can allow people to bring in a small amount of food, maybe a picnic, and also making sure all the food traders have an affordable meal option.
“We’re upping our artistic programme – we’ve already announced Patoranking who’s one of the biggest artists in African music – and we’re increasing our family zone to create more entertainment for younger children.
“We’ll have to have a fence around the site to mitigate as much risk as we can, it’s about keeping people safe, but we’ll get that up and down as quickly as possible.”
As the UK’s largest celebration of African music and culture moves into a new era, Paul hopes its fans will appreciate why a tough decision had to be made.
“We have been victims of our own success, the bigger the event the bigger the costs, but if we can manage to keep the prices around where they are this year I think people will be happy with that.”
Africa Oyé 2026 is in Sefton Park on June 20 & 21. £6 early bird tickets which went on sale in October have all gone now, but tickets for Liverpool residents priced £11 are still on sale. Children under 12 get free entry with a paying adult and there’s a discount for groups of four people.
Book your tickets on the Africa Oye website.
Find more music events across Liverpool on our calendar.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Sefton Council is submitting a bid for Bootle to become the UK’s first Town of Culture in 2028.
The UK Town of Culture is a new competition targeted towns of all sizes across the country with the winning town awarded £3 million to deliver a six-month cultural programme in 2028.
Sefton’s bid puts local people, creativity and community pride at the heart of the town’s future. If successful, it will fund a programme featuring arts, music, performance, heritage and wellbeing activities designed and delivered with local residents, artists, businesses, schools and community organisations. The programme would aim to attract visitors, create opportunities for local talent, leave a lasting legacy beyond 2028 and complement the ongoing transformation of Bootle Strand and the town centre.
Sefton’s bid builds on Bootle’s thriving cultural scene, led by Salt and Tar. The venue already boasts major headline acts for its 2026 Music Weekender, including Nile Rodgers & CHIC and The Waterboys.
Salt and Tar has quickly established itself as a vital social and creative hub, bringing new footfall, supporting local businesses and generating real momentum in the town. Its community-led events and partnerships have strengthened local connections and shown how culture can drive regeneration and boost pride of place as the wider Strand transformation progresses.
To shape both the bid and its delivery, the Council is forming a Bootle Place Partnership Group to ensure a collaborative approach and an authentic local voice throughout. The group will include representatives from the local community and community groups, businesses, schools and local colleges.
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said:
“Bootle is bursting with creativity, community spirit and a determination to shape its own future.
“Our UK Town of Culture 2028 bid is focused on local people, celebrating what makes Bootle unique, opening up opportunities for our young people, creative talent and using culture to support regeneration and wellbeing.
“If we’re successful, the six-month programme we have planned for summer 2028 will bring new experiences to our streets and spaces and leave a real legacy of pride, skills and investment for years to come.
“And becoming the first UK Town of Culture will be a great boost for the ongoing regeneration based around Bootle Strand.”
Over the coming months, Sefton Council will invite residents, artists, young people, community organisations, voluntary groups, educators and businesses to help shape the bid. This will be done through community conversations, workshops and ideas sessions.