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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.
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Paul Doyle appeared in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court today for his two-day sentencing hearing after pleading guilty to 31 offences relating to seriously injuring people during the victory parade in May.
Prosecutors said in the space of two minutes, Doyle’s Ford Galaxy – which weighed nearly two tonnes – collided with “well over 100 people” and he was “prepared to cause those in the crowd, even children, serious harm if necessary to achieve his aim of getting through”.
The 54-year-old admitted 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 last month.
He had previously denied the offences, which relate to 29 victims aged between six months and 77.
Horrifying dashcam footage was displayed to the court on the first day of his sentencing hearing, with the defendant heard shouting “move”, “f* pricks” and “get out the f* way”.
Pedestrians pulled their children out of the path of Doyle’s car to stop them being hit, and the footage showed the windscreen smash after a man landed on it.
Doyle cried as the footage was shown to the court, putting his head down and shutting his eyes as the footage showed his car hitting crowds of supporters.
Victims in court were also in tears as the video was played.
Opening the facts of the case, Paul Greaney KC referred to the time period between 5.59pm and 6.01pm on May 26, telling the court:
“The prosecution case is that the defendant had used the vehicle as a weapon over that period of time.
“In doing so, he not only caused injury on a large scale, but he also generated horror in those who had attended what they had thought would be a day of joyfulness.”
Mr Greaney said Doyle was in the city to collect a friend and his family from the celebrations.
Addressing his motive, Mr Greaney continued:
“The truth is a simple one. Paul Doyle just lost his temper in his desire to get to where he wanted to get to.
“In a rage, he drove into the crowd, and when he did so, he intended to cause people within the crowd serious harm.
“He was prepared to cause those in the crowd, even children, serious harm if necessary to achieve his aim of getting through.
“So the truth is as simple as the consequences that day were awful.”
Doyle was arrested at the scene on Water Street just after 6pm and charged later that week.
The youngest victim was six-month-old Teddy Eveson, whose parents later told media he was thrown about 15 feet down the road in his pram when the crash happened.
Doyle, of Croxteth, Liverpool, admitted attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to the baby.
Five other children, who Doyle either injured or attempted to injure, cannot be named for legal reasons.
Find out the latest in Liverpool here.
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Demand surged during the season ticket holder and pre-registration priority window for Magic Weekend, making it the biggest pre-sale in the event’s history.
Early sales have exceeded the same stage for Magic Weekend 2025 by more than 400%, highlighting the growing appetite for rugby league’s showpiece weekend.
The annual festival of the sport returns on 4–5 July 2026 and will be staged at Everton Football Club’s Hill Dickinson Stadium. The state-of-the-art venue will host Magic Weekend for the first time and has already won over supporters after staging this year’s sell-out Ashes Test.
Magic Weekend brings all 12 Betfred Super League teams together in one place, with six fixtures played across two days, alongside fan experiences and entertainment designed to create a festival atmosphere.
RL Commercial Managing Director Rhodri Jones said the early ticket sales show just how excited fans are about the event’s move to the new stadium, adding that Hill Dickinson Stadium provides a perfect setting for a major celebration of the sport.
With clubs expected to bring strong travelling support and demand already high, organisers anticipate tickets will continue to sell quickly. Early bird pricing is available for a limited time, giving fans the chance to secure seats for what is shaping up to be one of the biggest Magic Weekends yet.
Tickets for Magic Weekend 2026 are now on general sale via the Super League website.
Check out the Hill Dickinson Stadium winning a prestigious international award here.
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Indoor Funfair is back at Exhibition Centre Liverpool, with more thrill rides than ever before.
Thousands of families are expected to join in the fun which returns to Exhibition Centre Liverpool on Saturday 20th December and as a thank you, organisers are offering a special discount.
There are thirteen thrill rides including Superstar, Air Raid and Fusion alongside family favourites the Dodgems and Waltzer as well as Balloon Ride and Race ‘O’ Rama for the little ones.
John Lowery from Indoor Funfair said:
“We’re still the biggest indoor funfair in the UK, set across 90,000 sq. ft, so there’s plenty of space for everyone to enjoy this festive extravaganza.
“It’s become a permanent fixture in Liverpool’s must-do calendar of seasonal events and many of the sessions sell out, so it’s always better to pre-book to guarantee entry to three hours of unlimited fun.
“We’ve had such great support from people in and around Liverpool that this year we’re offering 20% off the price of any session.
“New food options are also available including sweet and savoury crumble pots and more coffee stalls to enjoy.”
Colm Graham, Head of Partnerships, Hospitality and Exhibition Sales, at ACC Liverpool said:
“We always look forward to welcoming back Indoor Funfair at the end of what has been a fantastic year for Exhibition Centre Liverpool.
“It’s one of our most popular attractions and smiles are always guaranteed from the thousands of families who attend the event in our safe, accessible and climate-controlled environment where even the weather can’t ruin the fun!”
Between 10am-1pm on Sunday 21st December and Sunday 28th December, there’ll be quieter sessions for those with sensory needs where music will be lowered. Ride lights will be switched off and rides slowed where possible.
Indoor Funfair is closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day with just two sessions on Christmas Eve and 3rd January at 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm and on New Year’s Day, 12pm-3pm and 4pm-7pm.
Pre-booked tickets are available from £10.99 for the 6pm session with the 10am session priced at £12.99 and 2pm session at £14.99. Refreshments, prize games and booking fee are not included in the ticket price. For discounted tickets use the code SAVE20.
Book your tickets now on the Indoor Fun Fair website.
Find out whats on across Liverpool this Christmas here.
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A powerful new spoken-word piece titled “Man to Man” has been launched by Merseyside Police calling on men to prevent street harassment and help make our communities safer for women and girls.
Released as part of Merseyside Police and the Police Commissioner’s ongoing ‘Taking Action’ campaign to tackle Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG), the compelling poem delivers an uncompromising message: it’s time for men to step up, think about their behaviour and lead the change.
To make the message resonate even more, the campaign enlisted local poet Joseph Roberts to write and perform the poem. His authentic voice and connection to Merseyside bring a powerful and relatable perspective to the piece. “Man to Man” uses raw honesty and evocative language to highlight the impact of harmful behaviours and inspire a cultural shift toward safety of women and girls in the places they live, work and socialise.
A survey conducted by Merseyside Police to inform the Taking Action campaign showed:
- 71% of women live in fear of a sexual assault and 60% of being stalked
- 29% of women often felt unsafe and 57% sometimes felt unsafe in public places in Merseyside
- 89% of women avoid streets or areas they consider unsafe and 78% cross the road to avoid men
- 70% of women let people know when they start and end their journey
- 42% choose not to go out in the dark to avoid feeling unsafe
Women and girls should be able to go about their daily lives without worrying about being sexually harassed, assaulted or raped. Sadly, for far too many women that’s not their reality.
Men can make a real difference and help to create safer environments by taking a hard look at their attitudes and behaviour, at home, at work and socialising with mates.
This campaign speaks directly to men, urging them to take responsibility and call out unacceptable behaviour wherever they see it.
To mark the launch, Joseph performed live pop-up performance cross Liverpool city centre today, including in Lime Street Station, on Church Street and in Liverpool ONE bringing the message straight to men on the streets.
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell said:
“Far too many women still face harassment, abuse and misogyny in their daily lives – on the streets, on public transport and in public spaces.
“This is completely unacceptable. We must challenge the behaviours that cause fear and harm. We can only change things for the better when men are part of the solution.
“That’s why we decided to take a unique approach with our campaign. Joseph is well known on Merseyside and can speak ‘man to man’ to his peers, encouraging them to challenge harmful attitudes, call out unacceptable behaviour, and lead by example.
“In some cases, it’s also about encouraging men to take a long, hard look at their own behaviour and think about what they can do differently.
“Every man has the power to make a difference and make our region feel safer for every woman and girl.”
Chief Constable, Rob Carden, Merseyside Police said:
“Every woman and girl should feel safe going about their daily lives, but sadly that’s not the reality for many.
“Changing this isn’t just about policing it’s about shifting mindsets.
“Men have a vital role to play by questioning their own attitudes and behaviours, whether that’s at home, in the workplace, or when out with friends. This campaign is about starting honest conversations and encouraging men to lead the change for safer streets and communities.”
Joseph Roberts said:
“I wanted to write something that speaks directly to men here in Merseyside and wanted to make it feel real and personal. Street harassment isn’t just happening somewhere else; it’s happening on our streets. This poem is about challenging that culture and encouraging men to take responsibility.”
The poem will be featured in a short video that combines spoken word with striking visuals, amplifying its message across social media and community platforms. The campaign aims to spark dialogue, empower bystanders, and encourage reporting of harassment.
This initiative follows the success of similar campaigns by other police forces, such as “Don’t Be That Guy”, which challenged men to rethink harmful behaviours. However, Man to Man takes a localised approach, speaking directly to men across Merseyside and reflecting the unique character and community spirit of the region.
Marking the international 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, today’s event builds on the launch of the Myth vs Fact campaign which focused on ripping apart the dangerous lies about rape and serious sexual offences.
Released to mark Elimination of VAWG Day on 25th November, the campaign visibly tears away the harmful myths that shield perpetrators and silence victims – and replaces them with the truth.
Find the full poem on the Merseyside Police YouTube channel.
Find out about the other work Merseyside Police does here.
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Merseyrail set to run pilot for the introduction of contactless bank cards and smart devices.
The Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram has today announced the next phase of a modern smart ticketing system on the Merseyrail network – a pilot for the introduction of contactless bank cards and smart devices.
This next phase represents a critical step in delivering a truly integrated, contactless travel system, making journeys quicker, easier, and more convenient for thousands of passengers every day.
Mayor Steve Rotheram said:
“As someone who uses our trains every day, I know just how much easier Tap & Go has made life for passengers. It means no more early-morning queues, guaranteed best-value fares, and a smoother journey from start to finish.
“This smart ticketing pilot takes us another step closer to delivering the modern, 21st-century transport network our residents deserve – and I’m really looking forward to seeing the new system fully rolled out in the new year.”
Find out more about Tap & Go on the Merseyrail website.
Find out more about Merseyrail’s Christmas timetable here.
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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk wants Mohamed Salah to stay at the club and will continue to speak to the forward after he departs for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 33-year-old is due to join up with Egypt after marking his return to the squad with the assist for Hugo Ektike’s second goal in the 2-0 win over Brighton and could miss seven league matches if they reach the final.
But while he is away, the club will continue discussions with his representatives in an attempt to iron out issues which led to his explosive outburst last weekend when he suggested his immediate future may lie elsewhere after being a substitute for three successive matches.
Van Dijk spoke to his long-time team-mate after that and throughout the week after Salah was omitted from the Champions League trip to Inter Milan.
“I speak to him about everything. I told him I want him to stay,” said Van Dijk.
“I would love to have him around as he is one of the leaders, but the fact is he is going to AFCON. We will be in contact over the next days and weeks like we always are and let’s see.
“I wish him absolutely all the best – and (to) come back. Hopefully. I have no control over that.
“We hope he will be absolutely successful there and we all hope he will be coming back to be important for the rest of the season.
“But, on the other side of it, we all know football and have no idea what is going to happen.
“He is very important – and still (is) as you see with another assist – to the football club, but there are more parties to this situation.”
Liverpool ended a tumultuous week by extending their unbeaten run to five matches with a third win and back-to-back clean sheets.
Following on from the midweek victory in Milan, Van Dijk said it proved the dressing room had not been distracted by the Salah circus, although the captain has been keeping a close eye on things.
“The situation is just bringing so much noise. As a captain I have to deal with how the boys react to it and they reacted perfectly fine. Mo, in the end, reacted perfectly fine as well,” added the Dutchman.
“I hear, observe and that’s the most important thing. If you feel like it could be a problem within the squad and could affect performances then you have a different story, but we showed this week that we are absolutely united and we go forward as one.”
While he has been ‘managing’ the dressing room, Van Dijk has also proved an important ally to head coach Arne Slot, who appears to have ridden out the storm of nine defeats in 12 matches.
“There is a lot of noise, pressure from the outside world and rightly so as we’ve not been close to the standard we were showing last season,” he said.
“But personally looking at it, and from the conversations we have on a daily basis, I think he has handled it very well.
“This moment of time is a very good moment to see how everyone responds. I think the manager has done perfectly.”
Arne Slot has said there is no issue with Salah as he gets set to represent Egypt in the African Cup of Nations – read here.
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Liverpool chef and businesswoman Michelle O’Dwyer braved a life-threatening blizzard at Everest base camp so more than 200 people won’t have to spend Christmas Day alone.
Michelle, 51, suffered frostbite and lost feeling in her hands and feet while undertaking the daring trek to the foot of the world’s highest mountain in October to raise money for the Community Christmas Dinner she organises in the city every year.
“It was horrific and amazing in equal parts, and it was hard because we all felt so ill,” says Michelle, who undertook the feat with a group of other women.
“I have never seen weather change so quickly. One minute it was cold but sunny, the next it was raining heavily and we got absolutely drenched … and the next we were in the middle of a blizzard that no-one expected – and which cost some people their lives.”
Thankfully Michelle and her party got through the ordeal and Michelle has raised £4,352 to put on the Community Christmas Dinner for 230 people, this year at the Black-E centre in Great George Street.
And she says: “All that I went through was worth it.
“Christmas can be a difficult time for a lot of people.
“The Community Christmas Dinner is an amazing event that gives Christmas meaning and purpose to me and means so much to the hundreds of people from Liverpool who might otherwise spend Christmas on their own.
“It’s about connection, and valuing humanity. And it’s about creating lasting memories that people will treasure for ever.”
Michelle from North Liverpool, who owns private dining company Baytree Events and Baytree Cookery Academy CIC – which works with communities and organisations across the north west teaching health, budgeting, teamwork and wellbeing as well as international cuisine – has organised the Christmas Community Dinner for many years.
This year it will be the ninth, taking in Covid when meals were delivered to people’s homes, and will move from Vauxhall Community Centre to the Black-E.
“We have people coming from all over Merseyside; adults with disabilities, military veterans, families, all sorts of different people, and it’s like a massive family Christmas,” explains Michelle.
“We have a grotto and Santa who gives people gifts, everyone gets a food hamper, and of course everyone sits down to a dinner.
“Ste Chad from 051 Entertainments is DJing again this year and bringing his snow machine – which might trigger a few bad memories,” she smiles, “and we’ve got carol karaoke and Sway with Ray, and lots of volunteers who help make it happen.”
Michelle goes on: “We’ve got people coming from Tom Harrison House, the charity which provides a specialist addiction recovery programme for UK Armed Forces veterans and emergency services, to peel all the veggies on the 22nd, and Gemma Longworth from Find It, Fix It, Flog It who’s coming to help us make and put up decorations.
“And we’ve had support again from Chung Ku and Julie Lawson CIC. I’ve been blown away by people’s generosity.”
Michelle started volunteering in 2015 with St Andrew’s Community Network and helped out with their foodbank. Then in 2016 she volunteered at the Joseph Lappin Centre in Old Swan, and then cooked Christmas dinner in a rehab centre: “All of that happened after someone was kind to me when I was suffering from depression. They helped me when I was at my lowest and it made me realise there was a different way of living.”
Every year she sets herself a fundraising challenge which puts her out of her comfort zone to raise money for the Community Christmas Dinner – last year cycling 300 miles around Vietnam.
“I like to push my boundaries,” she admits, “and do something a little out of the ordinary because there are so many other charities out there.
“I’m not sure what I’m going to do for the 10th next year – I think I might have peaked with Everest!
“The trek to base camp was 13 days and it was amazing – but hard.
“When the blizzard hit we had no alternative but to keep on walking in single file. Our sherpas were brilliant and they knew where they were and were so calm so I didn’t panic and just knew we had to crack on.
“But we could hear helicopters circling overhead as people were lost. It’s weird but your mind just goes somewhere else.
“I kept singing ‘Who will buy this wonderful morning?’ from the musical, Oliver, to get me through.
“It was so cold, I lost all feeling in my hands and feet, and my face and lips swelled – although when people saw that they donated more!”
Michelle, who did the Magaluf Half Marathon earlier in the year to raise money for Alfie’s Squad, has hinted at other plans to get people together more in the New Year, but for now her focus is Christmas Day and the community dinner that will give so many people a Christmas Day to remember instead of one they’d choose to forget.
“I remember feeling down and thinking I could either sit feeling sorry for myself or do something positive.
“The Community Christmas Meal makes me happy, and I feel like I have a purpose.
“It’s such a magical time and, with isolation and people working from home and not socialising the same, we’ve never needed other people more.
“It’s a lovely day and the kindness of Liverpool is amazing. People are just beautiful.”
Help Michelle raise more funds by donating here.
Find out what’s happening this Christmas across Liverpool here.
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LFC head coach Arne Slot insisted there was no issue regarding Mohamed Salah as the Egypt international heads for the Africa Cup of Nations with uncertainty still surrounding his future.
The Egypt international returned to the squad for the 2-0 victory over Brighton after being dropped for his outspoken interview last weekend in which, among other things, he said he had been “thrown under the bus” by the club and raised questions about his continued stay at Anfield.
But having come off the bench midway through the first half the 33-year-old’s corner allowed Hugo Ekitike to score his second – his first after 46 seconds was the fastest of the season – and in doing so the Egyptian surpassed Wayne Rooney’s Premier League goal involvement record with his 277th contribution (188 goals and 89 assists).
The club will continue to talk to Salah’s representatives while he is away but Slot remains optimistic.
“For me there is no issue to resolve. He is now the same as any other player,” said the Dutchman, who had talks with Salah on Friday.
“I usually never say anything about what we talk about, I am not going to make an exception now but I think actions speak louder than what has been said and he was in the squad again.
“When I had to make my first substitution, I brought him in and he performed as every fan including me would like him to today.
“The moment he is there I like to use him when we need him. When he came in, he had the performance like you would want him to to give.
“He was a threat and that is very important. When you play with attackers you are hoping they are a threat to the other team and Hugo was that as well and Florian (Wirtz) was that.”
After the final whistle Salah applauded all four sides of Anfield, although other team-mates did similar, but he lingered in front of the Kop as they chanted his name and patted the club crest on his shirt before leaving the pitch.
Slot did not think that was a farewell.
“He wasn’t the only player who walked around the pitch, thanking the fans because the fans deserved a thank you from us.
“Mo is going to go to AFCON, I hope he is going to do very well, and in the meantime we have to play here without him, without many players, but the good thing is we play Saturday and again Saturday.”
Despite the scoreline Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler left feeling they had opportunities.
“It is quite a frustrating result. The game was there to win, the performance was there,” he said.
“We deserved more but that is football, you have some days when you can create chance after chance and having a better start and defending set-pieces.
“We are all disappointed but we try to keep the positive things.”
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A paramedic who was knocked over at the Liverpool parade crash said he saw Paul Doyle’s car come back towards him and believed he was in the middle of a terrorist incident.
Jay Vernon, 34, was on duty as a cycle response paramedic for North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) in Liverpool city centre on May 26 when he was called to a reported cardiac arrest in Water Street, just after the victory parade had ended.
Doyle, 54, is due to be sentenced on Monday for 31 offences related to the crash, which happened when he ploughed into crowds of fans making their way back from the city’s waterfront after the Premier League victory celebration.
Mr Vernon said he had been making his way along Water Street on foot in front of an ambulance when he was hit by Doyle’s car.
He said: “I was struck with almighty force from behind, which has then sent me flying over to the right hand side, and I landed in the gutter on Water Street.
“I’ve put my hands out to brace myself, as you normally would, and then, as I’ve been in the gutter, there was a number of people around me and on the floor.
“As I’ve looked left, I’ve seen a car. I’ve then seen the car reverse lights come on and it start heading back up towards Water Street.
“It was at that point in my mind, I immediately thought, ‘I’m in the middle of a terrorist incident’.”
Mr Vernon, from Aigburth, Liverpool, said he jumped out of the way of the car as it reversed back at speed and saw the vehicle hit the front of the ambulance and ricochet back into the street.
He only suffered grazes in the incident and was able to press the emergency button on his radio, sending a signal to all vehicles on the network, and told the dispatcher: “I’ve been struck by a vehicle. I’m on Water Street and there are multiple casualties.”
He began tending to the injured around him and saw the vehicle move again.
He said: “It was at that moment in time then that I actually feared for my safety.
“I obviously had passed some messages via the emergency button, but I felt really vulnerable.”
Mr Vernon went inside an ambulance to find safety, before opening the door and allowing children inside the vehicle to keep them out of harm’s way.
He then went back out towards Doyle’s car to provide help.
He said: “There were people on the floor. There were pushchairs that, obviously, children have been in, on their side.
“There were bottles of alcohol and stuff all over the floor and a significant amount of people running in in every direction imaginable to get away from what I assume they would think was a terrorist incident as well.”
As he headed back down the street the car had come to a stop, but he could see police had opened the boot and were pulling the inside of it apart.
He said: “It was at that moment that I stopped and was thinking, ‘What am I going down towards here?’”
He continued to the scene, where he quickly triaged patients and passed equipment to those who were tending to the injured.
He said: “Ultimately, the adrenaline and that desire to help people just kicked in and I think that’s what got me through the majority of the incident.”
Mr Vernon was one of 29 of the 134 injured people who Doyle was charged with an offence against.
He was at home last month on a rest day when he saw a news notification on his watch saying the defendant had pleaded guilty to all offences, which included attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent to Mr Vernon.
He said it came as a “relief” that he did not have to attend court to give evidence.
Among the other paramedics who were first on the scene was Matt Hall, 39, who had also been called to a reported cardiac arrest but was returning to his ambulance, parked on a side street, after being told the patient had left the area.
He heard the message over the radio and returned to Water Street, by which time Doyle’s car had come to a stop.
He said: “The driver of the car was gone at that point, and we had several casualties lying around. Most of them at that point were receiving some kind of treatment.”
He said the injured included people with blunt force trauma injuries, chest injuries, rib fractures and other broken bones.
Planning for the parade meant there were ambulances nearby which could get there quickly and police cordoned off the area to create a scene of “relative calmness”, he said.
He said: “I looked calm, I think, but like all of us inside you’re running at a million miles an hour and you’re thinking of lots of potentials and lots of things that you need to do.”
He said that thanks to his colleagues the response to the major incident ran “efficiently” and “very well”.
He said: “I’m sure there are some residual and lasting effects for people, but it’s not the worst-case scenario.
“It could have been a very, very different story.”