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The Lake House Waterloo has been recognised as one of the UK’s leading wedding venues in the Hitched Wedding Awards 2026, placing it among the most trusted and highly rated venues in the country.
Set on the edge of Crosby Marine Lake, The Lake House is one of just five venues on Merseyside to receive the award. Its lakeside location, panoramic water views and flexible event spaces have made it a popular choice for couples looking to celebrate everything from intimate ceremonies to larger wedding receptions.
Run by an experienced hospitality team, the venue offers dedicated wedding coordinators alongside modern accommodation for couples and their guests, allowing celebrations to be tailored to each individual wedding. Its waterfront setting and elegant spaces have helped establish The Lake House as one of the region’s most sought-after wedding destinations.
The award follows a surge in weddings at the venue during 2025, with bookings increasing by 51 per cent compared to 2023 and 2024. The Lake House’s adaptable event spaces and scenic backdrop have proved particularly popular with couples planning their big day.
Now in its fifth year, the Hitched Wedding Awards celebrate excellence across the UK wedding industry, recognising venues and suppliers based solely on reviews from recently married couples. More than 45,000 verified reviews were analysed across over 31,000 suppliers listed on the Hitched platform during 2025.
To be eligible, venues were required to receive a minimum of seven reviews with an average rating of at least 4.75 out of five between 1 January and 31 December 2025. Winners are selected entirely by couples, making the accolade a reflection of genuine experiences and consistently high standards of service.
Josh Roberts, managing director of The Lake House Waterloo, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised in the Hitched Wedding Awards. Weddings are such personal and meaningful occasions, and it’s an honour to know that so many of our couples felt supported throughout their celebrations and were able to create unforgettable memories with us.
“Our lakeside setting is something truly special, and our team puts a huge amount of care into making sure every wedding feels unique to each couple. This award means a great deal because it comes directly from the people who have celebrated their day here.”
The full list of Hitched Wedding Awards 2026 winners is available via the Hitched website.
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The family of Sienna Alfonso have set up a fundraiser to help them make memories with her in the precious time they have left.
The 11-year-old has captured people’s hearts across Merseyside, thanks to her battling spirit and her never-ceasing smile, in spite of the struggles she has faced.
Born with half a heart, Sienna from Hunts Cross has undergone numerous open heart surgeries, had brain and spinal operations, suffered kidney disease, and more.
She is unable to see, speak or walk – and yet has never been anything other than the ‘cheeky and mischievous’ youngster who endures everything with a grin and a sparkle in her eyes.
Sadly, Sienna is becoming increasingly unwell, with the pressures on her body finally becoming too much.
Mum Francesca said:
“The strain is becoming very real. And it’s heartbreaking.
“We don’t know now whether we’ve got two hours left, two days, two weeks, two months or years.
“Sienna is getting tired as her condition now affects all the organs in her body.
“It’s so hard.
“That’s why my sister Alexis has set up the Go Fund Me page. We want to make memories with Sienna because one day that’s all we’ll have left.
“Time is running out and I want to live every day as if it’s her last, helping her experience so many things that she hasn’t, and keeping her smiling for as long as we can.”
Francesca admits:
“It heart-breaking. It’s so difficult. But I don’t want to look back and say I spent her last days crying. I want to be able to say I gave her the best time, that she had the best memories, and met the best people.
“As much as it’s killing me inside, I don’t want that for her.”
Sienna was born with ‘half a heart’. She has tricuspid atresia and pulmonary atresia, a congenital heart disease where there is no tricuspid valve. The absence of a right atrioventricular connection leads to a hypoplastic (undersized) or absent right ventricle (pumping chamber) which means it isn’t able to properly oxygenate the blood in the body.
And she went on to develop other serious medical conditions.
Her life has been filled with hospitals appointments and stays, operations and medications. She has a wheelchair to help get her around, and she is tube fed and given oxygen constantly to enable her to breathe.
All of which is remarkable for the little girl who, even before she was born, doctors feared might not live.
“Sienna has already exceeded what was expected of her. She’s a little fighter,” says Francesa. “Alder Hey have travelled to Canada and America, worldwide for her. In 2024 she had an operation that’s normally carried out on kidney patients because it can raise oxygen levels, but while it did that initially, it failed after six weeks.
“Sienna’s haemoglobin levels are now over 250, way over an average person’s of 150, which means she could have a stroke, a blood clot or a cardiac arrest at any minute.
“She is on medication that’s normally only given to adults to try to bring the numbers down. Sienna is in heart failure but she isn’t strong enough to face any other surgeries or anaesthetic, and she’s not eligible for a heart transplant because of all the other conditions she has.
“It’s hard because she is so happy and has no understanding of how ill she is, but every time she is ill and gets knocked down now, the Sienna who comes back is not the same.
“While I’ve screamed until I’m blue in the face, I have to accept that there’s nothing more that can be done for her.
“What we can do is make wonderful memories in whatever time we have left.”
The Go Fund Me page is already standing at around £300 with a target of £1,200. The hope is that, while Sienna would be unable to fly, the family might be able to take her to Disneyland Paris where there’s specialist support and facilities that could help her.
“Beyond that I haven’t thought that far,” admits Francesca, 30, who, with Sienna’s dad Kyle, has spent a lifetime of caring for their daughter.
“She hasn’t climbed a climbing frame, or jumped in puddles, or done so many things that other children her age have done – although she did have a special prom organised at the Royal School for the Blind where she goes last year,” says Francesca.
“Her sleepovers aren’t at friends’ homes but at a hospice.
“I just want to give her the best memories and help her to enjoy every day, and grab every moment while we can.”
Francesca says that while the last 11 years have been hard, being Sienna’s mum has meant everything to her.
“It has been so rewarding. And if I could go back in time, I wouldn’t change a thing.
“It’s being what and who she is that makes Sienna so special.
“She has taught me so much in life, above all how to love. I have never felt love like I have for her ever.
“That is a privilege. And that’s why I want to make memories, with and for her, that we can all remember forever.”
You can help Sienna and her families make those special memories here.
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Liverpool-based Indian arts organisation Milap has unveiled an expanded Spring 2026 programme, bringing some of the most exciting names in contemporary Indo-jazz to venues across the city region.
Following a landmark year in 2025, which saw Milap celebrate its 40th anniversary, the organisation has wasted no time kicking off 2026 in style. With the first show of the new season already sold out, Milap has now announced two standout performances taking place in February and March.
One of the highlights sees acclaimed percussionist, composer and producer Sarathy Korwar head to Future Yard in Birkenhead on Saturday 28 March. Korwar will be performing material from his latest studio album There Is Beauty, There Already, showcasing his distinctive approach to rhythm, voice and electronics.
A leading figure on the UK jazz scene, Korwar has earned widespread recognition from outlets including The Guardian, Rolling Stone, MOJO, Songlines and Jazz FM. His accolades include MOJO’s Jazz Album of the Year in 2019, a second place spot in The Guardian’s Best Global Albums of 2022 and Songlines’ Best Album of the Year in 2023. His live shows are known for blending South Asian temple rhythms with contemporary minimalism, creating a powerful and forward-thinking take on Indo-jazz.
Milap also returns to Liverpool International Jazz Festival 2026 with a special collaborative performance from two multi-award-winning musicians. Pianist and composer Zoe Rahman joins forces with clarinettist and composer Arun Ghosh for a one-off show on Saturday 28 February.
Zoe Rahman is internationally recognised as one of the most original voices in contemporary jazz, with a sound rooted in jazz and classical traditions. Her career has included collaborations with Courtney Pine and George Mraz, alongside numerous awards including the Ivor Novello Impact Award.
Arun Ghosh is another major force in UK jazz, celebrated for his innovative approach to Indo-jazz. A twice winner of Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards, Ghosh has toured extensively and released a string of critically acclaimed projects that fuse jazz with global influences.
Together, Rahman and Ghosh will explore their shared British-Bengali heritage, blending South Asian musical traditions with jazz in an intimate musical conversation that reflects Liverpool’s long-standing connection to cultural fusion and innovation.
Tickets for all Milap Spring 2026 shows are available now.
Check out the Liverpool International Jazz Festival back for 2026.
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Knowledge Quarter Liverpool is marking its tenth anniversary with a year-long programme of ten major events and initiatives designed to celebrate a decade of innovation, collaboration and impact across the city.
Founded in October 2016, KQ Liverpool was created to harness the strength of Liverpool’s knowledge economy and innovation assets, helping to position the city as a world-class destination for science, education, technology and culture.
Its founding partners – the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Liverpool City Council – set out a shared vision for inclusive growth, investment and collaboration at the heart of the city.
In 2020, Bruntwood SciTech joined the partnership, leading to the creation of development company Sciontec, which now owns and operates Liverpool Science Park, CENTRAL TECH, space at The Spine, and is developing the £67m HEMISPHERE labs building at Paddington Village.
Over the past decade, KQ Liverpool has grown into one of the UK’s most successful innovation districts. It is now home to more than 400 businesses, supports over 15,000 jobs and welcomes more than 60,000 students each year.
The organisation also delivers business support and skills programmes for young people across the Liverpool City Region and has built a strong national and international reputation.
Key milestones include becoming a founding member of the UK Innovation Districts Group, joining the Global Institute of Innovation Districts, attracting the Royal College of Physicians’ Northern headquarters to Paddington Village, and helping Liverpool rank third in Europe in the 2026 European Capital of Innovation Awards.
KQ Liverpool’s inclusive innovation work continues to be a central focus. Its KQ Futures programme reaches hundreds of young people each year, from primary schools to sixth forms, and recently saw the creation of The Animates: Learning in Liverpool, a children’s book introducing innovation concepts, distributed to 433 primary schools across the city region.
To date, the organisation has received 15 industry awards recognising its placemaking and social value achievements.
To mark the tenth anniversary, KQ Liverpool will deliver a ‘ten for ten’ programme of activity. This includes a long-distance endurance fundraising challenge led by chief executive Colin Sinclair, raising money for local charities Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, The Brain Charity and Alfie’s Squad.
The challenge follows his 2025 double-marathon across the Liverpool City Region, which raised almost £17,000 for children and youth-focused charities.
Other anniversary plans include the burial of a time capsule capturing current technology and future ambitions, to be opened in 2040, and an art competition with dot-art Schools, inviting secondary school pupils to respond creatively to the theme Life Under the Microscope.
A community festival is also being planned, celebrating the innovation district’s close connection to neighbouring communities and recognising the role local residents play in its success.
Building on Liverpool’s success in the European Capital of Innovation Awards, KQ Liverpool will strengthen international partnerships through the iCapital alumni network, while sharing best practice with innovation districts across the world. The anniversary year will also see the launch of a refreshed brand identity and special edition logo.
Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council and Cabinet Member for Innovation at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said KQ Liverpool has played a key role in the city region’s progress over the last decade and will continue to be central to future growth.
Chief executive Colin Sinclair added that while the milestone is a proud moment, there is more to do to ensure young people across the city region have the best opportunities possible.
He said the foundations are now in place for long-term growth built on fairness, inclusion and creativity, aligning with KQ Liverpool’s 2040 Vision for the city and its innovation ecosystem.
Get more information on KQ Liverpool here.
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DaDa has announced a major new ensemble project for young disabled musicians, following a funding boost from Youth Music Trailblazer and the PH Holt Foundation.
The year-long programme will run across the Liverpool City Region throughout 2026, offering young disabled people the chance to develop their musical skills, build confidence and be part of a professionally supported creative community. DaDa is now inviting young musicians to take part.
Designed to address the lack of regular, accessible music provision for disabled young people locally, the project will be delivered in partnership with specialist organisations. Participants will take part in inclusive ensemble sessions, receive mentoring and have opportunities to perform, all within an environment built around access, ambition and creativity.
The project builds on more than a decade of work by DaDa supporting disabled artists in the city region. Past participants include Liverpool-based musician Joshua Henderson, who released his debut album Songs for Liverpool with Friends in June 2024. The album’s success saw it stocked by HMV Liverpool, highlighting the long-term impact inclusive music programmes can have on young artists’ careers.
Throughout 2026, DaDa and specialist music practitioners will work with disabled young people aged 14 to 25 from across the Liverpool City Region, helping them refine their skills, collaborate with peers and grow as confident musicians.
The first ensemble group is now open for applications and will run from 2 March 2026 until the summer, meeting every Monday during term time at Resonate Music Hub in Liverpool.
DaDa is welcoming expressions of interest from young disabled musicians aged 14 to 25 who live in the Liverpool City Region and want to be part of the new ensemble.
Executive Producer Rachel Rogers said the funding will allow DaDa to address a long-standing gap in local provision.
She said: “We’re delighted that Youth Music and the PH Holt Foundation have recognised the importance of this project. There is a real lack of regular, inclusive music development opportunities for disabled young people in accessible environments.
“Over more than 10 years of running ensemble projects, we’ve seen the transformative impact this work can have, not just on musicianship, but on confidence, wellbeing and ambition. We’re excited to meet our next group of young musicians, who always bring fresh energy and ideas.”
Young musicians who took part in last year’s ensemble described the experience as “amazing”, with interviews and reflections available on the DaDa website.
The project is delivered with support from Youth Music, the PH Holt Foundation, Liverpool City Council and Arts Council England.
For more information or to get involved visit the DaDa fest website.
Smash-hit Liverpool musical Under the Mersey Moon heads to Floral Pavilion – check it out.
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February is shaping up to be a great month for live music in our region.
From intimate album launches, legends playing iconic venues and some top dance tunes, there is an abundance of gigs on offer, whatever your musical taste.
Here are 11 gigs not to miss this month.
Robbie Williams, Liverpool Olympia (6 February, 7pm)
The ex-Take That singer has broken all the records when it comes to album sales and his live shows are the thing of legend.
But now Robbie is returning to the small venues with a series of intimate shows across the country.
This Liverpool date is sold out but keep an eye on re-sale site Twickets, where you should never pay over face value, and keep your fingers crossed for a last-minute chance to sing along to classic tracks from his albums Life Thru a Lense and new record Britpop.
Suede, Mountford Hall (6 February, 7pm)
The big Britpop revival continues with Suede back out on the road for a UK tour arriving in Liverpool this weekend.
The band are touring to support the release of their tenth studio album Antidepressants.
As well as new songs, expect classics like The Beautiful Ones and Trash.
Find out more and get tickets here.
Elvana, Liverpool Olympia (7 February, 7pm)
Love Nirvana? Love Elvis? Put the two together and you will have a brilliant Saturday night being entertained by Elvana.
The band take you on a journey through the classic songs of American rockers Nirvana, with a smattering of the king thrown in.
It shouldn’t work but it really does.
Find out more and get tickets here.
Maximo Park, O2 Academy (8 February, 7pm)
Maximo Park are bringing their tour to Liverpool as they go out on the road to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut album A Certain Trigger.
The Newcastle indie band’s 2005 debut is famous for songs like Apply Some Pressure and Graffiti and earned them a place on the NME tour that year.
Now, two decades later, you can enjoy the sound live once more.
Find out more and get tickets here.
Florence and the Machine, M&S Bank Arena (13 February, 7pm)
If you’re lucky enough to have bagged a ticket for this gig, prepare to be entertained by one of the best British female voices of all time.
Florence is bringing her big sounds and energetic stage presence to Liverpool on the back of her latest album Everybody Scream, as well as a back catalogue packed with hits.
This gig is sold out but you can join the waiting list for premium re-sale tickets or bag a last minute production seat (if the become available) here and keep you eye on Twickets for a fair priced re-sale.
Sleaford Mods, O2 Academy (13 February, 7pm)
The duo are out on the road to launch their 13th album, The Demise of Planet X.
Expect acute social commentary and lots of heart as they bring their tour to the O2 Academy.
Find out more and get tickets here.
James Arthur, M&S Bank Arena (14 February, 7pm)
Spend Valentine’s night with James Arthur and enjoy a night of soulful pop from a man who has amassed more than 38 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
James’ latest album Bitter Sweet Love recently soared to the top of the charts, earning him his second number one album after eight years in the UK.
Find out more and get tickets here.
Kathryn Williams, Future Yard, Birkenhead (24 February, 7.30pm)
Kathryn Williams is back with a new album which combines her storytelling with folk sounds and string led pieces.
She brings the new songs to Birkenhead later this month in what promises to be an evening of delicate and heartfelt music.
Find out more and get tickets here.
Jaguar Skills, Future Yard, Birkenhead (27 February, 7pm)
Jaguar Skills brings a non-stop 120 minutes of hip-hop, techno, house, jungle and more to the brilliant Birkenhead venue as part of the ADHD tour.
One not to be missed if you like your dance music.
Find out more and get tickets here.
Leigh-Ann, Jacaranda Baltic (28 February, 7pm)
Leigh-Ann burst onto the music scene as part of the girl group Little Mix after they won X-Factor in 2011.
When the band went their separate ways, the singer started a solo career and this show will see her debut songs from her new album My Ego Told Me To.
Find out more and get tickets here which include a CD or vinyl.
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A unique, first of its kind health and skincare clinic is opening on Woolton Road in Childwall.
Hamilton House Clinic brings together state-of-the-art aesthetics, wellness, recovery and performance under one elegant roof. A VIP Open Day is taking place on Thursday 12th February at 5.30pm, with a limited amount of free tickets available.
Located at 261 Woolton Road (L16 8NA), Hamilton House Clinic is a luxurious new health and skincare destination with a multidisciplinary team of 12 highly qualified professionals, including a nutritionist, physiotherapist, personal trainer and biochemist, alongside its medical aesthetics specialists. With a doctor and nurse led team at its core, the clinic sets a new benchmark in health, wellness and beauty.
Clients can access a carefully curated menu of treatments through clinic partners Lumi Aesthetics including: medical grade laser hair removal, RF microneedling, RF skin tightening, advanced body contouring technology, cellulite reduction treatments and non-evasive fat reduction.
The clinic will also offer lymphatic drainage using the Body Ballancer® machine, colonic hydrotherapy, medical grade facials, fat freezing and body sculpting and IV vitamin drips. Complementing all this is a nutrition and meal prep service, physiotherapy, personal training and personalised health optimisation — all within one refined space.
What really sets Hamilton House apart from other clinics is its unique ‘lifestyle hub’. The plush members’ lounge and dedicated meeting and working spaces are available for private hire, events and collaborative working. A forthcoming membership plan will allow members to use the space regularly, hire rooms and enjoy exclusive discounts across all services — creating a community as much as a clinic.
To mark its opening, Hamilton House Clinic will host an exclusive launch event, offering guests an intimate introduction to the space, team and technology. From 5.30pm on Thursday 12th February, guests will be able to experience:
- Welcome drinks from Think Wine Group
- Tour Of Clinic
- Advanced technology showcase with Lumi Aesthetics
- Live lymphatic drainage demonstration
- Guest speakers including Zinzino, personal trainer and nutritionist
- Free consultations
With its refined design, expert-led care and holistic vision, Hamilton House Clinic is set to become a standout destination for health, wellness and skincare in Liverpool. Spaces for the launch evening are limited to maintain an intimate atmosphere, and early booking is strongly recommended.
Find out more about Hamilton House Clinic and get free tickets to the open day here.
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A new outdoor cinema is being launched in Liverpool, offering the city’s only 5D experience where viewers can eat what they see.
Described as an ‘eat-a-long’ film adventure, the Alfresco Cinema is starting at Allerton Manor Golf Club in May, showing movie favourites like Mamma Mia, Mean Girls, Bridget Jones’ Diary, Moulin Rouge and more.
Outdoor cinema has become increasingly popular across the Liverpool City Region over the last few years, but organisers say: “This isn’t just watching a film — it’s tasting it!”
In the immersive experience, live character hosts will perform synchronised dancing and acting in time with what’s happening on screen.
And audiences will be invited to take part in meet and greet photo opportunities throughout as they enjoy and sing along to the all the well-known hits of each film.
While they watch, a carefully chosen food and drink menu is designed to mirror what guests see on screen or connect to a scene with a smell or taste, giving them the exact flavour of the moment.
At key scenes, for example, drinks will be served that match what’s happening in the film.
In Mean Girls, there’ll be ‘cool mum’ cocktails – strawberry daiquiris served in margarita glasses with an umbrella and a straw.
In Bridget Jones’s Diary, a vodka spritz will be offered and timed with the ‘choose vodka’ scene.
While, in Moulin Rouge, an absinthe spritz will be served during the absinthe scene.
Mamma Mia is the first of seven films being screened at the Allerton venue between May 1 and June 12.
With that, as well as seeing Meryl Streep, Julie Walters, Colin Firth, and Pierce Brosnan and co star in the romantic comedy in which Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) invites three of her free-spirited mum’s former flings to her Greek island wedding hoping to discover which one of them is her father, audience members will be transported in spirit to a Greek island wedding.
Drinks will include ‘Welcome to Kalokairi’, a Greek lemon ouzo shot, and an ‘Aegean Sunset Cocktail’ with gin, lemon, thyme syrup and soda; and a food menu will feature lamb kofta skewers with grilled flatbreads and harissa yoghurt for the Greek Island Arrival, and duck spring rolls with soy caramel and sesame for The Dynamos Reunite.
The main idea, says Allerton Manor, is to create an experience that makes people feel like they’re part of the movie rather than just watching it.
Jack Doran, marketing manager for Allerton Manor, says: “After an incredible spate of events running from August through to the end of December last year, we realised that our venue had the potential to do so much more than we already had.
“In the search to create an engaging and enjoyable calendar of events we were able to partner with a company that has delivered immersive cinema experiences that would be a perfect fit for our outdoor venue.”
He adds: “We are hoping to create an incredible atmosphere that will allow people to feel a part of some of their favourite movie moments.”
Book tickets for all of these events here.
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Community Engagement Sessions are being held in Southport for residents ahead of The 154th Open being held at Royal Birkdale from 12-19 July.
The Open is returning to Sefton for the first time since 2017 and The R&A in partnership with Sefton Council and other key stakeholders are providing residents with the opportunity to hear about the latest arrangements for the Championship and speak directly to representatives.
The first two engagement sessions will take place at Southport Market, King Street, Southport (PR8 1LA) on Thursday 12 February 2026, 12pm–6pm, and Thursday 14 May 2026, 11am–6pm. The sessions are open to everyone.
Cllr Dowd, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnership Engagement, said:
“The Open is a huge moment for Sefton, and it’s important that our communities feel informed, involved, and excited as preparations move forward. These engagement sessions are a great opportunity for residents to hear directly from the teams delivering the Championship, ask questions, and understand the positive impact this global event will bring to our borough.”
The Open attracts worldwide attention and is expected to bring thousands of visitors to the borough, delivering significant economic benefits for local businesses and communities. Practice Days will take place from Sunday 12 to Wednesday 15 July, followed by Championship Days from Thursday 16 to Sunday 19 July.
Information on updates and future engagement dates will be shared here.
Find out more huge events coming to the region in 2026 here.
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Scouser Sean Heath flew halfway around the world and faced his own fears to tackle The Summit – ITV’s toughest reality TV adventure.
The series, which starts on February 10, sees 14 strangers taking on the daunting challenge of climbing a mountain in the Alps of New Zealand’s South Island as they compete for a share of a potential £200,000 prize.
Presented by Ben Shephard, the show isn’t just about physical strength, ultimately it’s a contest so there’s plenty of strategy, allegiances and betrayals on the way to the peak.
For 26-year-old Sean from Bootle, taking part was an opportunity of a lifetime to push himself beyond any normal limits.
He said:
“I do have a fear of heights, so that was one of the things I had to get past,” he says, “and I hadn’t really done any climbing before, only when I was about 13 and I went camping.
“I love walking but on flat surfaces, in the street with the dog or in the park, and I enjoy the outdoors, but that type of outdoors I was not expecting.
“For me, although the money was an incentive, it was more about pushing myself. I’ve always done a lot of things for other people so I wanted to do something for myself, to test myself, and this was the opposite end of the scale to sitting on the couch watching Real Housewives!”
As a fan of reality series, and a former performing arts student, Sean admits another attraction was the chance to be on screen.
“I did drama at school and college so I’ve always wanted to be on TV, and I also wanted a new experience that I could enjoy with other people.
“I do like to make people laugh, and I got on with most of the other contestants, but I think reality TV is like a melting pot.
“You’re all missing home, you’re all eating rations designed to give you the energy to climb a mountain, and being in those conditions and the treacherous terrain, you can’t help the way you feel. Your own values come into it too, so if I don’t like the way someone’s speaking to somebody else or the way they’ve gone about something, I will call things out and tell it like it is.”
Various challenges on The Summit that block their path to the peak – set by the mysterious Mountain’s Keeper – added to the tension, but Sean says that never got in the way of what was an overwhelmingly positive experience.
“The hardest part was probably leaving my family, and putting my phone down, that was really a big one. I’m on TikTok every single day so that was quite difficult but it was also good because you had to talk to everyone and get to know them, 13 wonderful people from all walks of life.
“And New Zealand was the most beautiful country I’ve ever been to. I got off the plane and couldn’t believe how picturesque it was so I’d definitely go back.”
Sean was encouraged by his nan Brenda to take part in The Summit. She sadly died after the show was filmed in November 2024, so won’t get to see him on screen, but he says it still gave them both some lovely memories.
“She was the reason I did the show, and she passed away in March last year,” he says. “Because we knew how ill she was in the February I explained everything so she died knowing I went and the outcome which was a nice memory for me to have with her.
“I’m sad she won’t see the show come out, but I know she’d be so proud of me and she’d be made up to know she was the only one who knew what happened!”
The Summit starts on Tuesday February 10 and Wednesday February 11 at 9pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV & STV Player.
You can watch The Summit on ITV here.
Find out about some of the incredible productions that take place in Liverpool here.
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A free public exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of Mary Seacole will open at St George’s Hall this February, shining a light on one of history’s most important and overlooked figures in healthcare.
Titled Mary Seacole: A Figure of Care, the exhibition will run from 6 to 28 February 2026 and will be open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Visitors will be able to see a series of sculptural maquettes created during the development of a permanent marble statue of Mary Seacole, which is set to be installed in the Great Hall.
When complete, the statue will become the first monument to a Black woman ever placed inside the Great Hall of St George’s Hall, marking a significant moment for Liverpool and for representation in civic spaces.
The maquettes on display offer a rare insight into the creative process behind a major public artwork, showing how the statue has evolved from early concepts into a powerful tribute to the pioneering nurse, healer and humanitarian.
The exhibition forms part of the Mary Seacole Statue Campaign, led by St George’s Hall Charitable Trust and fully endorsed by the Mary Seacole Trust. The campaign aims to permanently honour Seacole’s contribution to medical history, placing her alongside Catherine “Kitty” Wilkinson, whose statue was installed in the Hall in 2012.
The project reflects the Trust’s wider commitment to increasing the visibility of women in St George’s Hall, alongside ongoing work to protect and restore the building’s historic features, including the Minton tiles and the Willis organ.
Claire Dove OBE, Chair of St George’s Hall Charitable Trust, said the exhibition represents an important step in recognising Seacole’s legacy.
She said: “Mary Seacole, who was voted the Greatest Black Briton in a BBC poll, was highly respected for her frontline work during the Crimean War and remains a powerful symbol of compassion, resilience and determination.
“The installation of her statue reflects our commitment to representing women in public spaces. With this addition, St George’s Hall will become the first civic building in the country to feature statues of two women, and the first to honour a Black woman. We hope people will support us in helping to make history.”
The exhibition is free to attend and open to all. Donations of any size to the Mary Seacole Statue Campaign will help bring the permanent statue to life.
More information about the exhibition and the campaign can be found here.
Liverpool’s Must-See Month is back for 2026 – check it out.
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A year after the launch of a major multi-agency operation to tackle serious and organised crime, Everton and Vauxhall are seeing significant and measurable improvements.
EVOLVE Everton-Vauxhall, the fourth Clear, Hold, Build initiative rolled out across Merseyside, was launched last January after the areas were identified as needing a long-term, partnership-led approach to reducing crime and improving community safety.
The Home Office-backed Clear, Hold, Build model focuses on disrupting criminal activity, stabilising neighbourhoods and supporting communities to build resilience for the future, working closely with residents, councils and local organisations.
Since EVOLVE was introduced, Merseyside Police and partners have recorded:
• 117 arrests
• 31 weapons seized
• 1.9kg of Class A drugs, 22kg of Class B drugs and 85kg of Class C drugs recovered
• 120 warrants executed
• 630 stop searches carried out
• 42 safeguarding referrals made
• 528 intelligence submissions, a 28% increase on the previous year
Crime data over the past 12 months also shows positive change across the area, with arrests up by 7%, violence with injury down by 11% and residential burglaries falling by 13%. Antisocial behaviour has reduced by 6%, while violence without injury is also down by 6%.
Recorded drug dealing offences have increased by 72%, which police say reflects proactive enforcement and improved intelligence rather than a rise in activity. Overall crime has increased by 2%, driven largely by this increased detection.
Superintendent Tony Fairhurst, one of the senior officers leading EVOLVE Everton-Vauxhall, said tackling drug-related activity has been central to the operation’s success.
He said: “Drug crime fuels serious and organised criminality and has a direct impact on the safety and wellbeing of our communities. Our proactive approach has led to more offenders being identified and more vulnerable people being safeguarded.
“We’ve made real progress in clearing criminality from the area and preventing others from filling that void. Just as importantly, we’re seeing a substantial increase in intelligence from the community, showing growing confidence in the work being done.
“This is only the start of the journey. We’ll continue working with partners to ensure Everton and Vauxhall are places people feel proud to live, work and visit.”
The Build phase of EVOLVE began last March, focusing on long-term prevention and community engagement. One of the first initiatives was the rollout of Dear Merseyside, a powerful spoken-word project led by poet Joseph Roberts, delivered through assemblies and workshops in secondary schools across north Liverpool.
The project reached around 2,500 Year 8 pupils last year and is now being expanded to more than 5,000 Year 7 and 8 pupils across targeted areas. It encourages young people to challenge violence, reject exploitation and play an active role in shaping their communities.
Superintendent Fairhurst added: “Listening to young people and working alongside them is key to reducing crime and building safer neighbourhoods for future generations.”
Other community-led initiatives have included a participatory budgeting event, where pupils from North Liverpool Academy selected ten local groups to each receive £5,000 to support projects in the area.
Partners including Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police, third sector organisations and youth providers continue to work together through groups such as the Anfield and Everton Disarm Group, focusing on crime hotspots, antisocial behaviour and mentoring opportunities for young people.
Environmental improvements have also played a role, with council teams clearing overgrown hedges, improving lighting and carrying out works designed to reduce crime and encourage pride in the area. Regular Days of Action see officers and partners speaking directly with residents and promoting reporting through Crimestoppers.
Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene, said: “All partners involved in EVOLVE are committed to tackling the root causes of serious violence so residents can live without fear. Joint working really does make a difference.”
Merseyside Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said the results show what can be achieved when communities and agencies work together.
She said: “EVOLVE Everton-Vauxhall has shown real progress over the past 12 months, from reductions in violence and burglary to increased safeguarding and intelligence.
“Young people have been central to that success, helping to shape a safer and more confident future for their communities. There is more to do, but this is a neighbourhood growing stronger every day.”
EVOLVE continues across Everton and Vauxhall as partners build on the progress made and focus on long-term change.
Get more information about EVOLVE here.
Get the latest updates on news around our city region on our website.
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A sell-out Liverpool-born country musical is making a much-anticipated return to the Floral Pavilion next month, moving from the Blue Lounge to the theatre’s main stage following huge demand.
Under the Mersey Moon is created by well-known Liverpool songwriters Jimmy Rae and Pete Davies and features 13 original songs which are performed by a live, six-strong band and cast of 12.
Radio legend Billy Butler and actress Lesley Butler are returning to reprise their roles as Grandad Harry and Carol, with a strong Liverpool and Wirral-based cast now confirmed to join them on stage.
It is directed by Birkenhead’s Brian McCann. The musical tells the uplifting story of one man’s determination to follow his dream, and the enduring power of love, home and family.
Under the Mersey Moon will be performed in the Floral Pavilion’s 800-seat auditorium on Saturday and Sunday 14–15 February, including a Saturday matinee, just two weeks after tickets went back on sale.
The uplifting new musical premiered at the New Brighton venue in 2025, where it played to packed houses and received standing ovations, quickly earning a reputation as one of Merseyside’s standout new theatre productions.
Get your tickets here.
Theatre shows that are coming to Liverpool in 2026.
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Families from local swim school Puddle Ducks Merseyside have come together to support Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, donating more than 300 pairs of brand-new pyjamas as part of their much-loved PJ Week initiative.
Run in partnership with UK charity Children’s Hospital Pyjamas, PJ Week sees young swimmers swap their usual costumes for cosy nightwear and take to the pool fully clothed.
The sessions are designed to help children understand how it feels to be in water wearing everyday clothes, building confidence, awareness and vital life skills that could one day support water safety.
Alongside the practical lessons in the pool, Puddle Ducks families across Merseyside rallied together to collect new pyjamas for children staying at Alder Hey, many of whom come from the same communities as the swim school’s families.
The donations were recently delivered to the hospital, where they will be used to provide comfort to children and parents during what can often be an unexpected or challenging time.
Pyjamas donated through the scheme may be laid out for children returning from surgery or offered to families who were not expecting an overnight stay, helping bring a sense of normality at difficult moments.
Children’s Hospital Pyjamas works across the UK to ensure children in hospitals, hospices and care settings have access to clean, comfortable nightwear. Each donation goes beyond warmth, offering dignity, reassurance and comfort when it is needed most.
A video shared by Puddle Ducks Merseyside captures the journey of the pyjama donations, highlighting the teamwork and community spirit behind every contribution.
Across the UK, Puddle Ducks franchises collectively donated more than 1,000 pairs of pyjamas, with over 30 large bags delivered to Alder Hey alone on the day of the drop-off.
A spokesperson from Children’s Hospital Pyjamas said the support from Puddle Ducks has helped the charity reach even more children this year, expanding the number of hospitals and care settings they are able to support.
Sarah Cadwaladr, owner of Puddle Ducks Merseyside, said PJ Week is always a highlight for swimmers and families, adding that the generosity shown by the local community continues to amaze the team year after year.
She said knowing the donated pyjamas will bring comfort to children and families at Alder Hey makes the initiative especially meaningful.
Puddle Ducks Merseyside runs three PJ Weeks each year. While one is dedicated to collecting pyjamas for charity, all sessions help children across Liverpool City Region develop confidence and essential life skills in the water from an early age.
For more information about Children’s Hospital Pyjamas, visit the website.
Alder Hey becomes the first hospital in UK to fulfil every wish of Sophie’s Legacy – check it out.
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Families across Liverpool City Region are being invited to go wild this February half term as Knowsley Safari brings back its popular Tiger Takeover, running from 14 to 22 February with 25% off tickets.
Just a short drive from Liverpool, the safari park will be hosting a packed programme of tiger-themed activities, interactive learning and the chance to spot its six-month-old Amur tiger cubs, Akira and Ozo, who are quickly becoming firm favourites with visitors.
Taking place daily between 11am and 3pm, the Tiger Trail will be transformed into a hub of hands-on fun, with a series of Tiger Stations designed to help children learn more about the world’s largest big cats. Activities include themed crafts, touch tables featuring tiger-related exhibits and games that put youngsters’ coordination and endurance to the test.
Younger visitors can also wind down in the Tiger Classroom, where cosy storytelling sessions aimed at children aged four to ten will bring the world of tigers to life, while helping families understand the challenges these animals face in the wild and why conservation matters.
Stealing the spotlight throughout half term will be Akira and Ozo, the playful Amur tiger cubs who can often be seen showing off their personalities, chasing each other and keeping mum Yuki on her toes. Their arrival marks an important milestone in Knowsley Safari’s ongoing conservation work to protect endangered species.
Alongside the Tiger Takeover, families can enjoy everything else Knowsley Safari has to offer, including the Foot Safari with giraffes, Andean bears and meerkats, and the five-mile Safari Drive, home to African lions, rhinos, yak and Bactrian camels. Visitors may also be lucky enough to spot new rhino calf Kamari exploring the yard with her mum.
Guests can also get involved via the Knowsley Safari app, where a special tiger quiz gives visitors the chance to win a Knowsley Safari Tiger Experience.
Helena Berry, Head of Marketing and Sales at Knowsley Safari, said the event is all about combining fun with education.
She said the Tiger Takeover offers families the chance to enjoy a memorable day out while learning more about Amur tigers, inspiring curiosity and highlighting the importance of protecting one of the world’s most threatened big cats.
Amur tigers are currently classed as threatened, with only around 500 believed to remain in the wild. Knowsley Safari supports Wildcats Conservation Alliance projects, which work to protect wild tigers and their habitats in the Russian Far East.
All Tiger Takeover activities are included in the general admission price, and to mark half term, Knowsley Safari is offering 25 per cent off all tickets from 14 to 22 February, making it an ideal time for Liverpool families to enjoy a full day of adventure.
For more information and to book tickets, visit their website.
Knowsley Safari welcomed the birth of a new rhino calf, check it out.
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The Unity Theatre is hosting a new cinema project, with a brand-new programme of film screenings launching this February.
Curated and promoted by the new Liverpool Doc Club, the season brings acclaimed new releases to The Unity Theatre in the heart of Liverpool.
For the first time in many years, audiences will be able to enjoy regular film screenings at the Unity. Though Liverpool once boasted a bustling cinema scene, the city has been without a dedicated arthouse independent cinema for a long time. This new programme is a response to the current dire situation and marks a joyful revival of big-screen culture locally.
The programme will feature two special events in February and March, presenting awarded and never previously screened films in Liverpool.
MOTHERBOARD (11th February)
Motherboard is a smartphone feature exploring motherhood, filmed over 20 years by BAFTA award-winning director Victoria Mapplebeck. It charts the joy, pain and comedy of raising a child alone. The film navigates the highs and lows of unromanticized parenting, where chaos rules. Honest, funny and infinitely relatable, MOTHERBOARD is the antidote to the unrealistic expectations we have about motherhood, and a film for anyone who wants to see family life in all its unfiltered glory. The event includes a Q&A with the beloved director.
FOLKTALES (11th March)
Academy Award®-nominated filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady examine humans on the cusp of adulthood, finding themselves at the edge of the world, using intimate verité storytelling and exhilarating cinematography. The film, shortlisted for the Oscars 2026, tells the timely and emotional story of teenagers who choose to spend an unconventional “gap year” learning to dog sled and survive the Arctic wilderness, in hopes of finding connection and meaning in the modern world. Guided by patient teachers and a yard full of Alaskan huskies, they discover their own potential and develop deep relationships with the land, animals and humans around them. The event includes a panel with two local forest school leads.
Crucially, the season is designed to be affordable and accessible, with tickets priced between £7 and £10.
Supported by Film Hub North with National Lottery funding on behalf of the BFI Film Audience Network, this programme is delivered to promote a regular independent cinema provision in Liverpool. It also gathers the support of the Documentary Film Council.
The Liverpool Doc Club’s first event was a sold-out screening of The Librarians at Liverpool Central Library in January, after which the club will move to the Unity in February. Plans are already in place to continue the regular screenings at the Unity from April onwards, firmly establishing the project there.
This initiative is spearheaded by Imagine Futures CiC, a community interest company working across culture, creativity, and education to expand opportunities and access for people of all ages. The partnership with Unity Theatre ensures that film exhibition becomes an important part of Liverpool’s cultural life once more.
Bruno Castro, film curator at Imagine Futures CIC / Liverpool Doc Club said:
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Unity Theatre to host the Liverpool Doc Club. We’ll be screening the best documentaries in one of the city’s most independent, engaged and welcoming venues.”
“We took great care in curating a programme that aligns with the Unity Theatre’s ethos. The first two events are proof of that: ‘Motherboard’ and ‘Folktales’ are films that engage with other offerings by the Unity and explore what it means to be human today. They have never been screened in Liverpool before and are completely new.”
“Cinema can add a different space for the idea that the Unity is a house of ideas and feelings, and it is important to contribute to this. Documentary cinema, in particular, has extraordinary potential.”
Get your Liverpool Doc Club tickets here.
Critically acclaimed play The Marian Hotel is coming to The Unity Theatre, get more info here.
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Award-winning screenwriter Jack Thorne has revealed his Emmy-winning script for Adolescence was influenced by his work on an adaptation of Lord of the Flies, saying the themes of William Golding’s classic feel strikingly relevant today.
Speaking to the Big Issue, Thorne said; “the savagery of the populism” explored by Golding in the 1954 novel has “a lot of parallels with where we find ourselves now”, adding that the two projects began to overlap as he worked on them simultaneously.
He said: “Some of Golding’s story slipped into Adolescence, and I’m sure a bit of Adolescence slipped into Lord of the Flies. Lord of the Flies looks populism in the eye.”
Stephen Graham’s co-creator Jack Thorne explained that Golding was examining “a moment of horror” and how easily societies can descend into division, something he believes is once again casting a long shadow across the world.
He said: “There is no doubt we are under the shadow of populism again, and we need to understand it. We need to understand how we behave and how others around us will behave. This has a lot of parallels with where we find ourselves now.
“And it’s got more stark since I started working on this story. I don’t just mean in the United States. We’re seeing it everywhere. Everyone feels safe dividing themselves.”
During the interview, Thorne also criticised comments made by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy about the BBC’s coverage of last year’s Glastonbury Festival, saying her intervention crossed an important line.
He said: “Lisa Nandy’s comments on Glastonbury were really wrong. She went beyond the remit of what a culture secretary should do by demanding resignations.
“The charter renewal is a crucial moment, and I hope people within government treasure the BBC and realise how important it is.”
Thorne, who has won multiple BAFTAs and Olivier Awards and has written extensively for film, television and the stage, was speaking as part of a Big Issue feature marking 100 years since John Logie Baird first demonstrated a working television set in January 1926.
The full interview appears in the Big Issue’s Television Special.
Stephen Graham admits he lost his Golden Globe a day after receiving it – check out the full story here.
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Boom Battle Bar owner XP Factory has warned it will miss sales and profit targets and plans to slow down its new opening plans in the face of “challenging” market conditions.
Boom Battle Bar saw shares slide in early trading on Monday as a result.
Bosses said the group’s Boom Battle Bar brand has been particularly impacted with market pressures, driving weak consumer spending in recent months.
The company said like-for-like sales across the Boom Battle Bar brand, which offers games such as augmented reality darts, Bavarian axe throwing and “crazier golf” dropped over the festive period and into 2026, although these were offset by new openings.
Overall sales across its owned and operated Boom sites grew 2.5%, despite 7.2% like-for-like sales decline in the 13 weeks to December 28, compared with a year earlier.
It added that “strong corporate bookings were unable to compensate for declines in consumer sales”.
XP Factory’s Escape Hunt chain of escape room venues saw total sales grow by 10% over the period, with 6.4% like-for-like growth and a boost from new openings.
The brand benefited from new openings in Canterbury, Kent and Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
However, the group said it is “moderating” the pace of its new site openings due to uncertainty caused by market conditions.
It said it still believes it can grow the Escape Hunt business to around 100 venues across the UK despite slowing down openings.
XP Factory said weaker consumer confidence means it expects revenues and earnings to miss targets for the current financial year, with earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation set to be between £5 million and £6 million.
It added that it has been impacted by increases to the national living wage and national insurance contributions last year but has not been able to “fully mitigate” the impact of higher costs due to consumer weakness.
Richard Harpham, chief executive of XP Factory, said:
“Against a backdrop of well-documented industry challenges, we have continued to outperform the wider experiential leisure market and make progress against our strategic objectives.
“While near-term trading within Boom Battle Bar has been impacted by market pressures, with strong market positions and a compelling UK growth runway, we remain well positioned to emerge as a long-term winner as the sector continues to consolidate.”
Shares were down 16.6% to 11.68p on Monday morning.
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Liverpool FC have agreed a fee of £55million plus add ons for 20-year Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet who will sign in June 2026.
Liverpool have beaten Chelsea in the race to sign the defender after agreeing a fee.
The 20-year-old will remain at the Ligue 1 side for the rest of the season before moving to Anfield in the summer.
It comes after the Blues held talks in January and had been told that a fee and personal terms for the player would not be an issue.
However, the situation changed following speculation Mamadou Sarr is set to return to Chelsea from his loan at Strasbourg.
The club’s determination to keep academy graduate Josh Acheampong as well as the possibility of Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate departing Anfield in the summer when his contract expires are also understood to have been factors in Jacquet’s decision.
The France under-21 international has has played for Rennes 18 times this season and his impressive displays since graduating from the club’s academy have seen him linked with a host of European clubs.
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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner so it’s time to make some plans for 14th February.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening with your loved one or a fun night with friends there’s something for everyone.
And if you don’t want to head into town for the evening we’ve got you covered.
Here is our guide to eight Valentine’s nights in Sefton.
Dinner at SageHouse, Formby
SageHouse is Formby’s newest dining spot, open for coffees, breakfast, cakes, lunch and dinner.
It’s got a cozy atmosphere, and street facing windows, perfect for people watching.
It’s a lovely venue for a Valetine’s meal and has a tempting menu to match.
From Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th February, you can enjoy the special menu, featuring starters like Cumbrae oysters and baked camembert.
For the mains, choose from a sharing steak, halibut, or wild mushroom risotto.
Desserts include cinnamon churros and crème brulee.
You can enjoy two cocktails, like a Valentine espresso martini, for £20.50, or mocktails at two for £12.50.
Find out more here.
Galentine’s night at Emily’s Formby
On Thursday 12th February, grab the gang and head down to Emily’s for a master class with Charlotte Tilbury.
The make up experts will be talking you through the latest beauty trends while you enjoy a welcome drink.
Everyone will get £20 to spend on products and there’s a goodie bag included in the £45pp ticket too.
You can also enjoy a bite to eat from the gorgeous Emily’s evening menu after all the beauty fun.
Find out more and book here.
Celebrate at Tipple, Ainsdale
Enjoy five small sharing plates for £30 at this laid-back Ainsdale favourite on 13th and 14th February.
You can share with your loved one or a friend, and if you opt for the 13th, you can also make the most of Fizz Friday.
Small plate favourites at Tipple include dishes like king prawn pil pil, tomato burrata salad, and crispy chili beef.
Tipple is just a short walk from Ainsdale station so you can leave the car at home and take the train.
Find out more and book here.
Enjoy country dining at The Sparrowhawk, Formby
Set in five acres of idyllic country parkland, The Sparrowhawk is the perfect setting for a gorgeous Valentine’s meal.
On 14th February, there will be candlelit tables, a menu featuring some extra-special dishes and more than 50 wines to choose from.
Find out more and book here.
Dine at the newly refurbished Pheasant, Hightown
If you want to push the boat out this Valentine’s weekend, The Pheasant has a special three course menu for £39.95.
You can add a bottle of Moet champagne for £20 per person to give your evening a bit more fizz.
This country pub underwent a refurbishment late last year and is a cosy spot, with great service and good food. A lovely romantic setting.
Find out more and book here.
Share a Valentine’s charcuterie board at the Wine Rack, Birkdale
If you aren’t in the mood for a three-course meal, but still want to enjoy a leisurely bite to eat, the Wine Rack is the perfect place for you to enjoy from 13th-15th February.
The regular charcuterie board has been given a seasonal makeover especially for the Valentine’s weekend.
Enjoy artisan cheeses, cured meats, and gourmet accompaniments, washed down with a glass of champagne for £45 per couple.
Or add a bottle of Moet Champagne for £65 per couple. Available 12.30pm-5.30pm.
Find out more here.
Enjoy tapas for two at Tiramisu, Birkdale
On 13th and 14th February, you can enjoy any three tapas dishes at this cosy Birkdale venue for £22, from 4pm.
Choices include creamy garlic mushrooms, chicken Milanese, beef stroganoff and there are sweet treats to choose from as well.
Find out more here.
Galentine’s Candle and Cocktail at Southport Market
The popular food market is open again after its annual January shutdown and has a gorgeous Valentine’s themed entrance especially for the season.
As well as having the usual food choices at the market, this special evening on 13th February is a great way to spend an evening with friends or a loved one.
Sip a cocktail, learn to paint and create a beautiful, personalised candle.
The fun starts at 7pm and tickets cost £40.62.
Southport Market, Market Street, Southport.
Find out more and book here.