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Choosing the right Christmas gift can sometimes give you a bigger headache than the one you’ll get after too much fizz at the works’ annual do.
We all let it cause us so much grief – and why, when we know that the best thing about the festive season is simply spending time with each other?
Virgin Experience Days, though, can keep us all merry and bright with loads of amazing gifts and experiences that everyone in the family will love.
And with more than 300 to choose from in Liverpool, it means you’ll find it easy to choose the best pressie for every friend or family member, and it’ll give you the chance to spend precious time together too.
Isn’t that just the icing on the (Christmas) cake!
Foodie fans can enjoy a three-course meal for two at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen or a Gaucho Roast Dining Experience with Cocktail … or if you really fancy pushing the boat out, how about immersing yourselves in a night of magical dining with a Kitchen Table Private Experience for Two by Great British Menu Chef Andrew Sheridan at his flagship restaurant ‘8’ in the city centre?
If you fancy taking things a little easier, a bit of pampering could be right up your street – and it’s always more enjoyable when you share it with someone.
You could choose a Fresh Facial Spa Treatment at LUSH Spa, or a Spa & Thermal Journey with afternoon tea and Prosecco at the plush Municipal Hotel, or even unwind with a Weekend Spa Break with Treatment and Dinner for Two at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Liverpool.
Beatles fans have got all sorts of incredible experiences to select from, like a visit to Strawberry Field with Afternoon Tea in the Gardens for Two, a couple of seats on the famous Magical Mystery Tour bus, or a trip to the world’s largest permanent Beatles exhibition, The Beatles Story – and more.
While sports fans can enjoy a trip to Anfield for a Stadium Tour and Museum Visit – and the brave might even like to get strapped up for the Anfield Abseil – or you could opt for a sight-seeing bike tour or Unlimited Gaming at Arcains.
There are theatrical experiences, treasure hunts through the city’s streets, helicopter rides, crazy golf, paintballing fun – and you can even design your own perfume, learn a craft or enjoy an immersive family day out courtesy of the Quirky Quarter.
The only problem you could possibly have is being spoilt for choice.
This Christmas Liverpool can be your ultimate playground for fun and unforgettable adventures for you and your other half, you and your mates, or you and the rest of your family crew.
And all you need is love, a little thought – and Virgin Experience Days.
Merry Christmas, it’s a wonderful life!
Find the perfect gift on the Virgin Experience Days website.
Get the latest Liverpool news 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.
Strictly Come Dancing Live has unveiled the next couples joining their 2026 arena tour.
Strictly Come Dancing Live has unveiled the latest couples joining the glittering 2026 arena tour, with three much-loved partnerships set to bring the ballroom back to life for audiences early next year.
Joining the line-up are YouTuber, podcaster and social media star George Clarke, who will take to the dancefloor with professional partner Alexis Warr, alongside former professional footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, dancing with Lauren Oakley.
In an extra treat for Strictly fans, Layton Williams will return to the tour as a special guest, reuniting with his professional partner Nikita Kuzmin. Following their show-stopping alumni appearance in Blackpool, the much-loved duo will perform a selection of their most iconic routines for arena audiences.
The newly announced couples complete the sensational line-up heading out on the 2026 tour, bringing all the glitz, glamour and world-class choreography that Strictly is famed for.
Strictly Come Dancing Live will visit M&S Bank Arena Liverpool on Thursday 5th and Friday 6th February 2026, promising two unforgettable nights of show-stopping performances, dazzling costumes and electrifying live music.
George Clarke said:
“The last few months have been a whirlwind, but I’m honestly delighted to be joining the tour and to be able to continue my Strictly journey on the road. Bring on January!”
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink said:
“I’ve witnessed first-hand the joy and excitement that this show can bring to people – so when the opportunity to join the live tour arose, I couldn’t say no. I can’t wait to meet all the incredible fans.”
Layton Williams said:
“What, me? A ‘Special Guest’ – ok!! Omg I’m backkkk and so excited to be reunited with Nikita again to slay the UK! It’s an honour to be asked back and able to do this twice. Thank you and see you soon. L x”
Audiences can expect spectacular routines, expert judging and the chance to vote for their favourite couple each night, deciding who takes home the coveted Glitterball Trophy. Each performance will also feature a British Sign Language interpreter, displayed on large screens at either side of the stage.
Book your tickets now on the M&S Bank Arena website.
Find loads of great shows at the M&S Bank Arena and more 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.
The Beatles Story and Fab4 Café are busy working on plans to support the local community of people living with dementia from 2026.
Through raising awareness of the power of music for memories, the establishment of a regular memory café named ‘In My Life Memory Café,’ tailored experiences in the award-winning Beatles Story exhibition, and outreach opportunities for staff, the attraction hopes to inspire memories and offer support to people with dementia in Liverpool and beyond.
Evaluations made by music therapy charity, Nordoff and Robbins, in 2023 and 2024 found that, among other positive results, 87% of individuals living with dementia found that music therapy enhanced their quality of life. The Beatles Story plans to bring these findings into the local Merseyside area, providing support through the lens of The Beatles and the 1960s and nurturing precious memories through music.
The Beatles Story team aims to blend proven research on music and dementia with the memories of the 1960s that are ready and waiting to be rekindled at The Beatles Story museum.
The announcement comes as part of The Beatles Story’s ongoing sustainability and community endeavours, which secured the attraction a silver Green Tourism award in June 2025, and is now quickly heading towards a gold recognition.
The Beatles Story team are encouraging care providers and institutions to get in touch if their new dementia scheme may benefit the individuals that they provide care for.
To begin discussions, please reach out to The Beatles Story here.
Find out what’s new at The Beatles Story 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.
From New Year’s Day through until Sunday 11th January, kids can enjoy a complimentary skate with every adult booking at BOXPARK Liverpool.
With a bigger and better rink than last year, ICEBOX has been hugely popular with sell-out dates for its festive ice rink, fire pit and winter wonderland in the heart of The Baltic Triangle.
Located in the venue’s vast garden space, ICEBOX is packed with fun things to do for the whole family with the festive village packed with amazing street food, including Christmas specials, winter warmer seasonal drinks and being the perfect backdrop to festive entertainment and events throughout the festive season.
Open right through until Sunday 11th January (excluding Christmas Day), guests can enjoy exciting ice skating sessions, toast marshmallows around the fire and make the most of a packed Christmas events calendar with a variety of festivities that everyone can enjoy.
Tickets are £10 per Adult (12+) and £8 per Child (3-12).
In January, all adult tickets will automatically qualify for a complimentary children’s ice skating session. Tickets can be purchased on BOXPARK Liverpool’s website.
Joel Lee, General Manager at BOXPARK Liverpool, said:
“The response to ICEBOX has been overwhelming and we’re delighted to be able to provide such a magical experience in the heart of the city centre where families, friends and colleagues can come together to celebrate the festive season. We know January can be a tough month and so from New Year’s Day through to Sunday 11th January, children can skate for free when an adult ticket is purchased. This will give families the chance to continue the Christmas spirit for a little bit longer and keep those January blues away!”
Find out more on the BOXPARK Liverpool website.
Find out what’s on in Liverpool this Christmas 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 Liverpool FC men’s squad made their annual Christmas visit to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital on Monday.
As is tradition each December, Reds players and staff spent time around Alder Hey to spread a little festive cheer.
Arne Slot and his team met patients and their families, as well as the staff, posed for photographs and shared LFC goodies.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said:
“This place is full of heroes, in my opinion, helping so many kids through very tough times. Not only the kids, also the parents,”
“It’s great for us to be here. It’s tough to hear certain stories, but we know what it could bring if we are here and visiting the kids. I’m really happy to be here.”
Curtis Jones said:
“I love coming here with the lads and putting a smile on the kids’ faces and the staff and the families.
“At the end of it, I hope the kids come away feeling more like themselves and the families get a real boost. And it’s nice to see the staff with how hard they work, giving them a bit of help as well.”
You can find out more about the incredible work Alder Hey does here.
Get the latest Liverpool FC news 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.
Sefton Park Palm House has been announced as 1 of 18 additional new gardens that will join the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Partner Garden scheme for 2026
These additions expand the scheme to 241 gardens across the UK and worldwide.
Among the new partners are 13 British gardens stretching from Cornwall to Scotland via several UK cities. Highlights include the internationally renowned Eden Project in Cornwall—a former clay mine transformed into one of the world’s most celebrated gardens. Since opening in 2001, the Eden Project has inspired millions with its mission to demonstrate and encourage positive action for the planet.
Joining the offering in the north of England is York Gate Garden near Leeds, an enchanting Arts and Crafts style Garden with Grade II National Heritage status,14 individual garden rooms, striking sand garden and tranquil meadow walk. Liverpool’s Sefton Park Palm House has also joined the scheme. The Grade II*-listed Victorian glasshouse is situated within Sefton Park and is a much-loved cultural landmark within one of the UK’s most historic public parks.
New additions also include the award-winning gardens of Walmer Castle, 8 acres of garden around the coastal fortress built in 1539 by Henry VIII. The historic garden has been shaped by a colourful cast including the Duke of Wellington, Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and recently visited by King Charles who planted a commemorative horse chestnut tree. East Lambrook Manor Garden also re-joins the renowned scheme. Widely regarded as the most famous cottage garden in the UK, the Grade One listed cottage garden was created by celebrated plantswoman and author, Margery Fish, in the mid 20th century.
International gardens include Australia’s Garden of St Erth, a historic property with roots dating back to the gold rush era of the mid-19th century, cherished for its blend of historical charm and botanical beauty. California’s Filoli Gardens also joins the scheme for 2026. Filoli’s expansive 16-acre garden offers visitors a harmonious blend of formal design, natural beauty, and rich horticultural history.
Prunella Murray, Partner Gardens Manager at the RHS says:
“We are delighted to welcome 18 new gardens to create a 241-strong RHS Partner Garden family for 2026. There is something for all types of garden lovers to explore – from the iconic Biomes of the Eden Project to a diverse range of gardens around English cities to Arts and Craft gardens like Goddards and The Laskett. We also have three castle gardens (Glamis, Raby and Walmer) and are welcoming back East Lambrook, home of cottage garden style pioneer, Margery Fish. RHS Members are very lucky to be able to visit these wonderful gardens, at selected times, as part of their Membership, and we would like to extend our thanks to all our RHS Partner Gardens for supporting the charitable work of the RHS through this initiative.”
The RHS Partner Gardens scheme allows RHS Members to visit a range of independent gardens for free at selected times of the year. They include some of the world’s most admired gardens as well as privately-owned hidden gems. Alongside the British Isles, they canbe found in 10 countries across the globe, including France, Italy, Japan and South Africa.
Find out more about the RHS Partner Gardens here.
Find out whats on at Sefton Park Palm House this Christmas 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.
A former soldier who brought the car of Paul Doyle to a stop during the LFC parade when he climbed into the back seat and moved the gearstick to park mode has said he does not think he did anything special.
Dan Barr has been described as a “hero” who stopped Doyle, who injured 134 people, from continuing to drive through the crowds on Water Street in Liverpool city centre after the LFC victory parade on May 26.
The 41-year-old, who suffered cuts to his head following a “scuffle” with the driver, said he only did what most other people on the street were trying to do.
He said:
“I don’t think it’s anything special. I know it sounds mad.
“It hasn’t sunk in. Maybe it never will, but I’ll do it again.”
The builder’s labourer, who served for eight years in the Royal Engineers including in Iraq, said he saw the “opportunity” to get in when Doyle’s Ford Galaxy stopped with the rear passenger door about five paces away from him.
He said:
“My intention was to punch the window through.
“Although this was a split second, there was other people around the car, and they were desperately, desperately, and rightfully so, trying to get in.
“So I ran up to that window with the full intention of punching it, whatever use that would do, because I assumed that all the doors were locked and that’s why nobody could get in and they were punching it.
“Just at the final moment I tried the door and it opened.”
Mr Barr, from Birkenhead, Wirral, crawled into the back seat and said once he was in the car Doyle accelerated away, causing the rear door to slam shut with the force.
His memory of his time in the car is “blurry”, but he said he remembered the contrast between the screaming, shouting and panic on the street and relative silence inside.
He said he got the impression it was a “family car” and remembered Doyle repeating words to the effect of “why won’t they move out my way?”.
He recalled looking for the car keys to stop Doyle and feeling that the car was “gliding through” the crowd “indiscriminately”.
He said:
“Eventually, this could be like two seconds, I don’t know, I remember seeing the automatic gear stick so from the back seat I reached through, and I’ve pushed it as far as I could, as hard as could, into ‘P’ which has brought the car to the stop.”
Mr Barr remembers some sort of scuffle with Doyle, who kept trying to rev the car as he held the automatic gearstick in park mode.
He said:
“He had no chance, he wasn’t going to move my arm.
“No way, he could try to chop it off or whatever.
“I remember that much.”
While holding the gear stick in place, he reached forward with his other hand and pressed Doyle’s seatbelt buckle.
He said:
“As soon as I pressed that he was gone,”
“The crowd were trying to get him out, from what I remember, the windows were getting smashed, everybody was trying to get in, rightfully so.
“I pressed the seatbelt and off he disappeared.”
After leaving the car, Mr Barr carried on making his way up the road and later met his brother, who had also been in the city for the parade.
He said:
“I imagine I told him at a million miles an hour, something roughly that made sense, and then went for a pint,”
Mr Barr’s actions have been praised by police and prosecutors.
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald said:
“There is no doubt in my mind that Doyle would have continued to drive and cause further injuries had Dan not acted with such bravery.”
The LFC parade driver has now been sentenced to over 21 years in jail, read more here.
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Paul Doyle, who ploughed through crowds at Liverpool’s victory parade, injuring 134 supporters, has been jailed for 21 years and six months.
Paul Doyle, 54, was travelling into the city centre to collect friends on May 26 when he “lost his temper” and drove his Ford Galaxy directly into supporters making their way home from the Premier League title celebrations.
Dashcam footage from the vehicle, played in court, showed the shocking moments when fans were thrown onto the bonnet of the car or fell underneath as he accelerated down Water Street, which had been closed to traffic, at about 6pm.
Paul Doyle, who could be heard in the footage swearing and shouting at supporters to “move”, had initially denied 31 offences he was charged with.
But last month, moments before the prosecution was due to open his trial, he changed his pleas to admit all the charges.
The former Royal Marine cried as he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, affray, 17 charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, nine counts of causing GBH with intent and three counts of wounding with intent.
The 29 victims named in the indictment ranged in age from six-month-old Teddy Eveson, whose pram was thrown in the air in the crash, and 77-year-old Susan Passey.
Sentencing judge Andrew Menary KC told the defendant he acted in an “inexplicable and undiluted fury” when he ploughed into crowds.
He told Doyle:
“It is almost impossible to comprehend how any right-thinking person could act as you did.
“To drive a vehicle into crowds of pedestrians with such persistence and disregard for human life defies ordinary understanding.”
The judge added:
“Your actions caused horror and devastation on a scale not previously encountered by this court.”
Doyle had travelled to the city centre from his home in Croxteth, Liverpool, to collect friends who had been at the parade.
During his drive into the city he undertook other vehicles and ran a red light.
Footage showed the father-of-three driving down Dale Street, appearing not to slow down despite Liverpool fans filling the roads.
His dashcam footage captured him saying “f pricks” as people pulled their children out of the way to prevent him hitting them.
When he reached a line of cars turning right, away from Water Street which was closed to traffic, he paused before swerving into crowds filling the left lane.
People could be seen on the bonnet of his car and falling underneath as Doyle accelerated into the street.
His car was only brought to a stop when fan Dan Barr climbed into the back seat of the automatic vehicle and held the gearstick in park mode.
Doyle, who has previous convictions for violence in the 1990s, continued to try to accelerate but the car, which had people trapped underneath it by this point, was unable to move further.
When interviewed, he said he had seen someone with a knife and drove in panic for fear he would be attacked, but police found no evidence from CCTV or witnesses that anyone in the area had a knife.
No defects were found with the car and Doyle was not under the influence of drink or drugs.
James Allison, from the Crown Prosecution Service Mersey-Cheshire, said:
“Why did he do it? I think the simple answer is he lost his temper. He went into a rage.
“He just wanted to get down that road, and in trying to get down that road those next couple of minutes probably devastated a lot of people’s lives.”
Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald said:
“Doyle’s total disregard for the safety of others—particularly the many young children present on Dale Street and Water Street that day—is beyond comprehension.
“It is sheer luck that no lives were lost.”
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Bold Street Coffee continues to go from strength to strength having just opened their sixth branch in Glossop Market Hall in Derbyshire.
With further openings planned for 2026, the coming year will mark another major step in the brand’s ongoing expansion across the North West.
Renowned for its specialty coffee and signature buoys Bold Street Coffee has grown significantly since opening its first shop in Liverpool in 2010. Today, the brand operates six thriving locations across the northwest.
In the past year, Bold Street Coffee has also experienced strong growth in its online coffee subscription service, driven by an ever-evolving lineup of varieties and processing methods from origins and producers all around the world. Subscribers set their delivery frequency, brewing preference and sit back whilst they receive their favourite Bold Street Coffees to their doors. The carefully curated offering and commitment to quality has set the Bold Street Coffee subscription apart, making it one of the most distinctive offerings in the region and helping to fuel the brand’s growing community of at-home brewers.
Following the success of 2025, Bold Street Coffee is preparing to launch potentially four new sites in 2026, including: a kiosk and kitchen in Duke Street Market, Liverpool, an outpost at The Climbing Hangar in the Matchworks, Speke (South Liverpool), a Bold Street Coffee roastery and bakery in Wellington Yard Wavertree in Liverpool and several Chester sites are also in the mix.
Each new opening will extend the brand’s mission to deliver exceptional coffee and warm, community-centred spaces to even more neighbourhoods across the northwest.
Matt Farrell, co-founder of GSG Hospitality, said:
“Bold Street Coffee has always been about great coffee, great people and great neighbourhoods. Watching the brand grow this year, both in our stores and through our expanding subscription service, has been incredible. Every new location and every new blend gives us the chance to share our passion with more communities, while staying true to the values that started this journey.”
As Bold Street Coffee continues to grow, its dedication to craft, quality, and community remains at the heart of everything it does.
Find out more about Bold Street Coffee here.
Find more great coffee shops across Liverpool 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.
Everton and Liverpool have come together this Christmas to give hundreds of children a festive theatre treat at Liverpool’s Empire Theatre.
Five hundred young people will attend a special matinee performance of Matilda The Musical next week, thanks to a joint effort between Liverpool FC, Everton FC and the Liverpool Empire Theatre Trust. The visit will take place at the city’s flagship Lime Street venue, with many of the children coming from underprivileged areas across Merseyside.
The trip has been made possible through collaboration between Everton in the Community, the LFC Foundation, the Empire Theatre Trust and ATG Entertainment, which operates the theatre. Together, the organisations have covered the full cost of the visit.
The children will attend the Royal Shakespeare Company’s matinee performance on Thursday 18 December and will also receive goody bags to mark the occasion at Britain’s largest two-tier theatre, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025.
Matilda The Musical, based on Roald Dahl’s much-loved story, follows the journey of a brilliant young girl who uses her intelligence and imagination to change her own destiny. The production has won more than 100 awards worldwide.
David Morgan, chair of the Empire Theatre Trust, said the partnership with the city’s two football clubs has helped make a magical Christmas experience possible for hundreds of children.
He added that the Trust works year-round to give young people opportunities to engage with theatre through creative learning programmes and the Empire Youth Theatre.
Sue Gregory, chief executive of Everton in the Community, said the charity was proud to support the initiative, giving young participants the chance to experience live theatre and create lasting memories.
She added that opportunities like this can help open new worlds for young people and inspire them to believe in what they can achieve.
Matt Parish, chief executive of the LFC Foundation, said the organisation was delighted to be involved in creating a special experience for children who may not otherwise be able to enjoy the festive period in the same way, adding that even small actions can make a big difference at Christmas.
If you want to see Matilda this festive season, get your tickets here.
Check out Your ultimate guide to Christmas in Liverpool 2025.
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.
Merseyside Police deployed Live Facial Recognition (LFR) for the first time in Liverpool City Centre yesterday (Monday 15 December).
Officers were on hand throughout the operation on Church Street to engage with the public, answer questions and explain how the technology works.
During the deployment, one alert was generated. Follow-up enquiries were undertaken by officers and no arrests were made. No false alerts were recorded.
No biometric data or images of faces scanned were retained by Merseyside Police.
Chief Inspector Nathaniel Stockley, who oversaw the Liverpool deployment, said:
“We’re committed to using the best technology to keep people safe, prevent crime, and protect the most vulnerable.
“The LFR vehicles and our officers were highly visible during the deployment and many members of the public told us they felt reassured by our presence in the city centre.
“We’ve spoken to many people who wanted to learn more and see the technology in action. We’ve been able to explain how it works and reassure them that decisions are always made by police officers – never by the technology itself.
“We encourage anyone with questions to speak to us during future deployments.”
LFR compares faces captured on a live camera feed against a predetermined, secure watchlist of individuals wanted for serious offences, subject to court orders, or who pose a risk to the public or themselves.
When the system identifies a possible match, a police officer reviews the image and decides whether to engage with the individual. This decision is always made by an officer, not the technology.
If you are not on a watchlist, your biometric data is never stored from passing through the LFR zone of recognition. It is immediately and automatically deleted to protect privacy.
Watchlist images are deleted within 24 hours after each deployment and CCTV footage is deleted within 31 days, the same as standard public cameras.
The deployment of LFR coincides with Merseyside Police’s Winter of Action operation, running throughout the festive season and into the New Year. This proactive campaign targets crime, reassures communities, and ensures high streets remain safe and welcoming for all.
Find out more on the Merseyside Police website.
Find out more about Merseyside Police’s major operation in Knowsley 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.
From free hospital buses and Mersey tunnels on Christmas Day to changes on Merseyrail and Mersey Ferries, find out how you Christmas travel timetable is going to change here.
As the city region gears up for a busy couple of weeks, people are being asked to check before they travel as services can be much busier and there can be changes to some timetables at this time of year.
The traditional Christmas Day supported bus services will once again be covering most hospital routes between around 12 noon and 6pm, offering free travel for those wanting to visit friends and family
Merseyrail is the only operator in the region to offer Boxing Day services with some services running on both the Northern and Wirral lines.
And the Mersey Tunnels will also be free between 10pm on Christmas Eve and 6am on Boxing Day.
With rail and bus services finishing earlier than usual on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, passengers are advised to check timetables to avoid being caught out.
Cllr Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee said:
“Whether travelling for work, leisure, Christmas parties, last-minute present shopping or simply to visit relatives, we would urge passengers to make sure that they plan their journeys in advance as there will be changes to services across the city region across the festive period.
“This is always a very busy time of year for everyone and as always, the work that our frontline public transport colleagues do over this period is always hugely appreciated.
“We would like to thank our staff working on the trains, tunnels, Mersey Tunnel Police, buses, ferries, travel centres, ticket offices and our customer contact centre, for helping keep the city region moving and enabling the public travel safely to enjoy meeting family and friends at this special time of year.”
Whether you are heading out for a Christmas party, commuting to work or travelling to visit friends and family, key information and advice is now available to help you plan your journeys.
Plan ahead: Expect some services to be busier than usual across the festive period.
Check timetables: Make sure to do this ahead of and on your day of travel in case there are any changes – in particular check last bus and train times. Merseytravel and operators will use social media to publish changes made at short notice.
Consider your options: There will be significant changes to services on some days, so services may be busier than expected. Think about staggering your travel home times and have a plan B in case you can’t get the service you planned for. In particular, don’t wait for the last scheduled train or bus home as these can often be very busy.
If possible buy travel tickets in advance and online: This will speed up your journey and help you avoid queues on the day.
Consider multi-modal tickets: Tickets that can be used over different modes of transport, such as Saveaways, will give you more options.
You can also find information in the guide about opening hours for Merseytravel Travel Centres. You can map out your journey on the Merseytravel website using our online Journey Planner.
Christmas Day – Thursday 25 December
- A special network of free bus services, funded by the Combined Authority, will run between approximately 12 noon and 6pm, covering most hospital routes.
- No other bus services will operate.
- No trains will operate.
- Mersey Ferries will not operate.
- The Kingsway (Wallasey) Mersey Tunnel and the Queensway (Birkenhead) Mersey Tunnel will be open throughout the holiday period. Both tunnels will be toll free from 10pm on Christmas Eve until 6am on Boxing Day.
New Year’s Eve – Wednesday 31 December
Services across rail and bus finish much earlier than usual on New Year’s Eve – if you are heading out to enjoy the festivities, please make sure you plan ahead and look at alternative arrangements to get home.
Bus services may vary over the festive period. Very limited bus services will be operating on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Visit our Travel Updates page for latest planned changes to services and make sure you check with the operators including Arriva and Stagecoach.
On 27 December (Liverpool v Wolves, 3pm) and Thursday 1 January (Liverpool v Leeds United, 5:30pm), the following buses will be running to their normal timetables:
917 Liverpool FC (Stagecoach)
Taxi One (A & J Taxis)
Soccerbus (Stagecoach)
There are no Everton home fixtures during this period.
During the festive period there will be changes to the timetables of all rail operators, with some services finishing earlier than usual (particularly on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve) and some services not running.
Merseyrail will be running some services on Boxing Day. There will also be changes to other services during the Christmas period.
No other operators will be running services on Boxing Day.
There will be some changes to services run by Northern Trains which may include some cancellations and rail replacement bus services. Details can be found on their website.
If you’re heading out of the region by rail during this time, check your journey plans by visiting the National Rail website.
Kingsway and Queensway Tunnels will remain open throughout the festive period. Both tunnels will be free between 10pm on Christmas Eve and 6am on Boxing Day.
Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 December – River Explorer Cruise service operating as normal.
Monday 22 December – Commuter and River Explorer services operating as normal.
Mersey Ferries will not operate on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 Dec and New Year’s Day.
River Explorer Cruises will operate between Monday 29 – Wednesday 31 December and Friday 2 and Sunday 4 January from the Pier Head at 1000, then hourly until the last service which will depart from the Pier Head at 1500, arriving at Seacombe 1520. There will be no commuter service during this period.
Normal service will resume on Monday 5 January with the first Commuter service at 0720 from Seacombe and the first River Explorer Cruise departing from the Pier Head at 1000.
Find out more on the Merseytravel website.
Find out what’s on across Liverpool this Christmas 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.
Deadman, Isle of Wight theatre company, will embark on a national tour The Freshwater Five in 2026 – a powerful new play that revisits one of the most controversial criminal cases in recent
British history. It asks a simple but devastating question: were five ordinary fishermen innocent men or international drug smugglers?
In 2011, five fishermen from the Isle of Wight – Jamie Green, Jon Beere, Zoran Dresic, Daniel Payne and Scott Birtwistle – were sentenced to a combined total of 104 years in prison after being convicted of conspiracy to import £53 million worth of cocaine. Over the decade since, they have consistently professed their innocence. Though the last appeal was rejected, the fight for justice continues.
The Freshwater Five, which is the debut work of playwright Liam Patrick Harrison, is a deeply human, poetic and unflinching theatrical exploration of this story. Told by creatives from the Isle of Wight, the team have worked on the island directly with the five men and their families alongside their long-term lawyer, Emily Bolton – founder of APPEAL charity law practice that fights miscarriages of justice and demands reform.
This true crime story grabbles not only with this case but with broader themes of immigration, economic precarity, the impact of drugs in coastal communities and the often-overlooked humanity of Britain’s working-class seafarers.
Blending spectacular storytelling, verbatim testimony, inventive stagecraft, poetry and song, the production brings to life the voices of five men whose lives were shattered – and the families left behind. This is a modern tale centred on coastal communities with thematic parallels to classic maritime epics such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. It lays bare the contradictions: no forensic evidence linking the men to the cocaine, no trace of drugs on board their fishing boat, and a Proceeds of Crime investigation that found no unexplained gains.
Fresh from sold-out performances on stages in coastal communities 2023 and 2024, this expanded production will now tour nationally. Led by Deadman artistic director Samuel Bossman, the ensemble aims to present this story with sensitivity, clarity and power offering audiences a chance to form their own judgement on a case that continues to divide opinion. The Freshwater Five cannot solve the case but it offers a stage for the men, their families and their story highlighting decades of pain, hope, injustice and a community’s demand for answers.
The Freshwater Five will be coming to Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot on 18th April 2026.
Tickets will soon be available via the Shakespeare North Playhouse website.
Find the latest theatre 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.
Local authorities are warning Liverpool residents about the growing risk of fires caused by binned batteries and electrical items.
Authorities across the Liverpool City Region are working with Recycle Your Electricals to encourage residents to join the ‘Stop Battery Fires’ campaign, which sets out to encourage the recycling of batteries and electrical gifts as part of an effort to reduce the surge of fires in the waste stream.
The campaign comes as it is revealed that binned battery-powered fairy lights alone stretch to the equivalent of just over seven Santa trips around the globe.
Lesley Worswick, Chief Executive of Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority, said:
“Many ‘FastTech’ or light-up electrical items are powered by batteries which, if end up in the wrong bin, get crushed and damaged in bin lorries, waste transfer stations and Recycling Centres, sparking dangerous fires that put firefighters and waste workers at serious risk. All of the region’s Household Waste Recycling Centres accept batteries, as do the majority of supermarkets, so we’d encourage people to dispose of them responsibly.”
The Recycle Your Electricals campaign has found that 1.1bn of all types of electricals and 449.9m loose volatile batteries have been binned – each a potential fire waiting to happen.
In the UK, there were over 1,200 battery fires during 2023/24, an increase of 71% in 2022 – with many taking place in bin lorries, waste transfer stations and Recycling Centres as a result of batteries and electricals being binned or incorrectly recycled (3).
Since January 2024 there have been 155 fires at the MRWA/SUEZ Rail Transfer Loading Station in Kirkby, Knowsley – 61 in 2024 and 94 in 2025 so far.
Steve Patterson, Processing Managing Director at SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, said:
“A fire in one of our waste facilities is one of the things that we dread the most. A battery can go from nothing to a full-blown blaze in seconds, putting not just the facility but our teams at risk. With the rise in FastTech, and particularly at this time of year, it’s really important that the message to not put batteries or electrical items in waste or recycling bins becomes more widespread.”
Niamh McBride, Local Authority and Environmental Partnerships Manager at Material Focus, the not-for-profit behind the Recycle Your Electricals campaign, says:
“When recycling any electrical item, if you can, make sure the battery is removed from the item. And then take your electricals and batteries to your nearest recycling point which you can find by searching up recycle your electricals and using our Postcode Locator. Most importantly, never bin your old batteries and electricals – always recycle them separately from household recycling or rubbish, to keep fire services, waste crews and local communities safe.”
When electricals are properly recycled, valuable resources including copper, lithium, gold and nickel, can be reused and recycled into new items such as mobile phones, laptops, smart watches, clean energy and even medical equipment.
It’s now easier than ever to recycle broken and unused electricals using Recycle Your Electricals’ Postcode Locator. Just enter your postcode to find your nearest repair, donation or recycling point which has over 30,000 locations across the UK.
Find out more on the recycleright 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.
Come Together Christmas is back for the sixth year running with one simple goal; to ensure that no child in Merseyside wakes up without a Christmas present.
Statistics say that one in six children will wake up to nothing on Christmas morning but organiser Mark Scanlon is on a mission to change that in Liverpool.
With an incredible target of £100,000, the entrepreneur is confident that the Come Together Christmas Appeal will meet its goal with the generosity of local businesses and the people of Liverpool who have come together to donate toys and cash this Christmas.
Helping over 3,000 children in Liverpool last year, Mark and the team hope to double that this Christmas.
With over 100 drop off locations and 45 community centres and support groups receiving the donations around the city including BOXPARK Liverpool, Taskers, The Lake House in Crosby, Duke Street Food and Drink Market, and KKZ Performance Centre to name a few, Come Together Christmas supports children all over Merseyside as well as centres across the city including the Women’s Refuge, men’s mental health charities and a variety of schools.
Along with toys for younger children, Come Together Christmas has used its donations to purchase £20,000 worth of £40 gift vouchers for teenagers, and the appeal will also purchase thousands of pounds of Tesco’s food vouchers to support families.
Mark Scanlon, organiser of Come Together Christmas Appeal, said:
“Each year, the appeal is getting bigger and bigger and that’s because we’re building momentum but also because conditions are becoming tougher for people. The need has never been greater than it is right now and people really need support. I think it can be quite hard for people to understand just how many are struggling right now.
“The generosity shown by local businesses and the amazing people of Liverpool has been overwhelming. Thanks to all the help that we’ve received so far, we’ll be helping thousands of children this year. The last day for toy donations is this Wednesday 17th December. If you can help in any way, no matter how big or small, please do. You could change someone’s Christmas entirely. We have over 100 drop off locations and 45 community centres across the city region which will be able to accept your donation and ensure it reaches someone less fortunate this Christmas.”
For information on how you can get involved, head to their website.
Find out the latest 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.
Jamie Carragher believes Mohamed Salah should shelve any immediate thoughts about quitting Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and secure a fitting Anfield send-off.
Carragher, who has strongly criticised the Egypt striker for his claim last week that he had been “thrown under a bus” by manager Arne Slot, does not believe Salah will stay at the club next season.
But he urged Salah to put his differences with Slot aside and return from the Africa Cup of Nations at the end of January to preserve his legacy and ensure the conclusion he deserves.
Carragher told Sky Sports: “I don’t see Mo Salah playing for Liverpool next season. The big thing in my mind is, are we going to see Mo Salah from now until the end of the season?
“If he’s thinking of moving on, I would urge him to think again. And the reason I say that is, if Mo Salah is to move from Liverpool now, the talk is he would go to the Saudi League.
“Liverpool in the second half of the season could get to the FA Cup final, the Champions League final. Can you imagine Mo Salah in Saudi watching Liverpool come out in Budapest in the Champions League final?”
Salah was left out for Liverpool’s midweek win at Inter Milan following his outburst but returned in Saturday’s victory over Brighton and applauded the Anfield fans after the game.
Carragher added: “He (Salah) deserves a guard of honour, he deserves a mosaic in the Kop. He deserves to bring his wife and kids on the pitch in his last game and actually celebrate him for what he’s done as a Liverpool player.
“So put your differences with the manager aside for four months and….get this great big send-off.”
Virgil van Dijk has said he would like Salah to stay – read more 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.
It’s the last full week before the big one, so we’re definitely in Christmas cramming mode now. If you’re packing in all things festive too, here are 17 things to do in Liverpool this week …
Snow White at M&S Bank Arena
There are some brilliant pantos to choose from this year and that includes the biggest ever at the Arena. Corrie’s Helen Flanagan gets all the boos as the Wicked Queen, with singing sensation Ellis Lloyd as Snow White, X Factor’s Sean Smith as The Prince, and comedy favourite Bippo as Muddles. Featuring a live band, stunning sets and costumes, it’s on until December 28.
Book your tickets here.
Candlelight Christmas at the Palm House
For a gorgeous musical Christmas celebration, head to Sefton Park Palm House on Wednesday evening for A Candlelight Christmas Concert under the famous glass dome. Classical singers and the Northern String Quartet will perform festive classics, timeless carols, and popular Christmas film soundtracks.
Find out more here.
The Princesses Christmas Wish at St George’s Hall
This is one for all fans of Disney princesses – St George’s Hall hosts three magical sing-alongs with The Princesses Christmas Wish this Saturday. Little ones (and adults if you like!) can get all dressed up and join Belle, Elsa, Rapunzel and Cinderella for iconic songs and dancing plus a Q&A to finish each show.
Find out more here.
Christmas films at The Reader
Nothing says it’s nearly time quite like binge-watching Christmas films, and instead of just scrolling from the sofa, you can make a proper event of it at The Reader in Calderstones Park. It’s got fantastic festive screenings until Christmas Eve including Home Alone, Love Actually and The Muppet Christmas Carol.
Find out more here.
Woolton Picture House has re-opened for Christmas
Woolton Picture House is welcoming filmgoers again, just temporarily for now, as it raises funds towards a permanent reopening. Its 12 Days of Christmas programme has been hugely successful already and most screenings have sold out, but if you’re quick you can still get a seat for a few classics this week.
Find out more here.
Day out at World Museum
If you’re looking for a top pre-Christmas day out with the kids, get to World Museum and let their imaginations loose. Discover everything from an underwater world of fascinating creatures in the Aquarium to relics of Ancient Egypt and the wonders of the universe the Planetarium. Open Tues-Sun.
Find out more here.
Drinks at The Pen Factory
Hope Street’s looking absolutely beautiful right now, and for somewhere cosy with a brilliant atmosphere you can’t go wrong with The Pen Factory. Downstairs, next to the Everyman, it’s the perfect spot for drinks, especially if you’re heading to or coming out of the panto or a concert at the Phil.
Find out more here.
Brunch with Santa at The Tavern Co
Santa does love a nice brunch – don’t we all? – and this Friday he’ll be setting the sleigh satnav for Smithdown to pop into one of Liverpool’s best-loved breakfast and brunch spots, the Tavern Co. Just book in between 1-5pm and kids can enjoy some chatting time one by one with Santa for free.
Find out more here.
Cows in blankets at Hawksmoor
If you love a traditional Christmas roast, pigs in blankets are always a number one side. But what if you could switch them up a bit? Now you can because Hawksmoor has cows in blankets, streaky bacon-wrapped beef and bone marrow chipolatas roasted and maple glazed, taking them to the next level.
Find out more here.
Christmas brekkie with the Grinch and Santa at BOXPARK
It’s all about naughty and nice this Christmas Eve at BOXPARK as The Grinch brings his outrageous festive attitude for a Christmas brekkie with Santa. As well as delicious food, there’ll be entertainment from 11am-1pm, a grotto with a cosy fire, hot chocolate and Christmas arts and crafts.
Find out more here.
Take a trip to Santa’s Secret Forest
Santa’s Secret Forest in Hightown has been getting amazing reviews so it’s 100% worth a visit if you can. Families can immerse themselves in a magical experience including an enchanted light trail, Santa’s toy workshop and sleigh garage, Tinsel Town Express, and real-life reindeer. Until Christmas Eve.
Find out more here.
Stereophonics at M&S Bank Arena
Not everything’s about Christmas, there’s also time for a big gig that’ll be a stand-out gift for fans. Welsh indie rock favourites The Stereophonics return for a new arena tour after a triumphant summer of outdoor shows and festivals, stopping at the Arena on Tuesday, with special guest Finn Forster.
Find out more here.
Breakfast at Leaf on Smithdown Road
It’s that time of year where it’s nice to take a breather, go out as a family or with mates and have some delicious food before the madness kicks in. Breakfast at Leaf is always a good idea, so whether you go full English, eggs every way, or for the cinnamon brioche toast you won’t be sorry. Served until 3pm.
Find out more here.
Christmas menu at the Lake House Waterloo
For a lovely waterside setting for a Christmas meal you should try The Lake House in Waterloo. Right beside Crosby Marine Lake, it’s not only got a great location but the food is really good too. Right now it has a menu of tasty festive specials like Christmas loaded fries, brie bites and Yorkie pud wrap.
Find out more here.
Dick Whittington at St Helens Theatre Royal
The Theatre Royal always absolutely nails it when it comes to panto, but this year’s has been getting even better reviews than usual. Dick Whittington is played by Emmerdale’s Matthew Wolfenden with audience favourites Lewis Devine as Idle Jack and Timothy Lucas as baddie King Rat. On until January 11.
Find out more here.
Christmas Makers Market at Bombed Out Church
Get this on your list if you’ve still got some pressies to find because there’ll be no shortage of ideas and they’re all from local makers, creators and bakers. As well as seasonal gifts you’ll find food and drink treats to take home. It’s on at the Bombed Out Church this Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
Find out more here.
Kids eat free at Liverpool ONE
Christmas shopping or days out at this time of year can stretch the budget, but if you’re doing it at Liverpool ONE you can go as a family and still keep the cost down because kids eat free at selected restaurants including Smoke & Dough, TGI Fridays, Bread Street Kitchen, and The Real Greek.
Find out more here.
For more of what’s on in Liverpool check out our calendar 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 Liverpool artist, Paul Curtis who created the fans’ memorial mural to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva has presented almost £24,000 to the LFC Foundation.
Paul Curtis handed over the money raised by fans as he unveiled a bronze plaque dedicated to the late brothers and explaining the history of the artwork on Lyon Road, Anfield, on Saturday.
A fundraiser was originally set up to fund the mural, devoted to Liverpool player Jota and Andre – a professional footballer who played for Liga Portugal 2 side Penafiel.
But when the target was far exceeded, Paul was determined the money would go to a cause that would support the positive legacy left by the pair who were tragically killed in a car crash in Spain in July.
Paul explains: “I was surprised by the amount we raised.
“The suggestion for a memorial came from supporters via the Kenny Dalglish Stand fan group, and the idea is that it was from the fans, by the fans, and created by a fan – me.
“We set up a Crowdfunder to cover the paints and the cherry picker, looking to get about £2,000 – but we got that in the first half hour!
“There were donations not just from fans in Liverpool but all over the world, and especially from Portugal where they were from – but also from non-Liverpool fans, which showed how people felt about these two decent blokes.”
And he adds: “Fans were involved in the design of the mural.”
The well-known artist, who has now completed more than 250 murals including many dedicated to LFC, says the money raised will be managed by a sub-foundation within the LFC Foundation, dedicated to supporting grass roots football in Liverpool and Portugal: “I believe the JOTA shirt sales alone raised over £100,000, and it is with great pride that we are able to contribute this sum to that and to their legacy, ensuring it continues to make a positive impact.
“Both players were committed to giving under-privileged kids the opportunity to get into sports, which is great. I know myself the benefits people can get from that.”
Only those who had contributed to the mural were invited to attended Saturday’s unveiling ahead of Liverpool’s 2-0 match against Brighton, to make sure it was an ‘intimate’ and ‘respectful’ presentation.
Paul said: “Above everything, it was a thank you to those who had donated money.”
“There were about 50 people there with Foundation reps. The important thing I also keep being reminded of is that this wasn’t so much about raising money to give to charity but about creating a memorial where fans could go and pay their respects to Jota and his brother, and that this was really needed.
“People are still emotional about the loss of these two men, and you could see that on Saturday.
“The plaque explains that this mural was from the fans and created thanks to donations from all over the world. The mural is a way fans can remember them and the money given to the LFC Foundation means that their legacy will live on through others.”
Check out more of Paul’s work here.
Arne Slot says Diogo Jota loss still affecting Liverpool players – read more.
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’s libraries are set to undergo a major transformation under a new five-year strategy aimed at reshaping how they serve communities across the city.
The Liverpool Library Strategy 2026–2031 is expected to be approved by the city council’s cabinet on Tuesday 16 December. If signed off, the plan will see libraries evolve into more vibrant, inclusive and digitally connected community hubs, designed to better reflect the needs of local residents.
The strategy sets out a long-term vision for Liverpool’s Library and Information Service, focusing on improving accessibility, increasing impact and adapting to changing technology and lifestyles. It aims to support lifelong learning, health and wellbeing, and stronger neighbourhood connections.
An eight-week public consultation took place in July 2025, inviting residents, businesses, community groups and library users to share their views. Feedback covered everything from opening times and how often libraries are used, to what activities people take part in and which sites they visit most.
That input has directly shaped both the Library Strategy and its delivery plan for 2026–2031. The final proposals place a strong emphasis on reaching more people who live, work or study in the city, particularly those who need support the most.
The delivery plan also aligns libraries with Liverpool’s wider Neighbourhood Model, with a focus on tackling loneliness, improving safety and supporting better mental and physical health. It connects with key priorities in the council’s wider plans, including inclusive education, thriving communities and a strong local economy.
As part of a commitment to inclusivity and future service design, the strategy includes plans to introduce new panels and advisory groups. These will include a Youth Advisory Board, an expanded volunteer offer for adults, children and young people, and a Stakeholder Library Advisory Board.
Liverpool City Council currently operates 14 libraries across the city, including Central Library, Toxteth Library, Sefton Park Library, Norris Green Library, West Derby Library and Old Swan Library.
Councillor Harry Doyle, cabinet member for health, wellbeing and culture, said libraries play a vital role beyond books, offering learning opportunities, digital access and safe spaces for communities to come together.
He said the strategy has been shaped by local voices and has the potential to reduce inequalities across the city, helping people feel more connected, healthier and less isolated.
Follow all of Liverpool City Council’s news here.
Get the latest news from 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.
Left your Christmas shopping to the last minute? Africa Oyé has you covered, with Early Bird tickets now on sale for its 2026 festival.
Priced at just £11, Early Bird tickets make an ideal gift for music lovers and are available until 6 January 2026. The offer includes free entry for children under 12 when attending with a paying adult, plus discounted prices for groups of four.
Africa Oyé, the UK’s largest celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture, returns on 20 and 21 June 2026. The weekend will once again bring together international live acts, emerging artists, DJs, community performances and a full programme of family-friendly workshops.
Festivalgoers can also expect street food from around the world, arts and crafts stalls and plenty for kids, all set within one of Liverpool’s most-loved summer events.
For those wanting something to unwrap on the day, official Africa Oyé merchandise including trucker caps and mugs can be added to ticket purchases. Orders for Christmas delivery must be placed by Wednesday 17 December.
Early Bird tickets go off sale on 6 January 2026, with tickets available now via the Africa Oyé website.
Africa Oyé returns in 2026 launching a new era for the festival – check it out.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.