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Members of Merseyside Civic Society were given a special behind-the-scenes tour of Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Society were influential supporters of both the Club and Liverpool City Council during the early planning stages, making a strong case that conservation and development could work in tandem along the North Docks.
Their backing was an important factor in enabling the careful redevelopment of the area – with Hill Dickinson Stadium now standing as a major new asset for the city and a catalyst for more than £650m of accelerated regeneration, directly benefiting the wider Liverpool Waters and Ten Streets schemes.
Since 1938, Merseyside Civic Society has had a mission to “preserve the best of the past… as well as supporting design quality for the future”, taking a “concerned interest in sustainable development and regeneration” across the Liverpool City Region.
Hill Dickinson Stadium, with its restored heritage fabric and new public realm, offered the group a live example of those principles in action.
During their visit, members were given a presentation outlining the stadium’s social, economic and environmental benefits, and how £55m had been spent to ensure the dockland heritage is embedded into the design, including:
- The refurbishment and restoration of the Grade II listed Hydraulic Tower, which will provide a striking multi-use space in the years ahead.
- Preservation of the historic dock basin underneath the stadium. Should the football club ever move again in the distant future, the site could be reverse-engineered back into a dock.
- Maintaining the water channel to retain the integrity of inter-connecting docks
- Reinstating the original railway lines as a key feature of the Budweiser Plaza public realm.
- Original cobbles, capstans and mooring posts carefully reinstated and woven into the landscape, ensuring the site’s maritime past is visible and accessible to visitors.
- Re-use of 99% of materials from on-site demolitions and works – including warehouse structures, concrete and brick – as part of one of the most sustainable stadium builds in Europe.
A VIP tour followed, taking in key areas of architectural and historic interest. The group visited the players’ tunnel and dressing rooms to learn about how the Club’s history and future has played a major part in the branding of those areas, as well as some of the heritage-led features around the site, before making their way to the South Stand upper concourse, where they were able to enjoy a panoramic view of the waterfront and the early phases of work now underway on the Liverpool Waters development.
Dr John Belcham, Chair of the Merseyside Civic Society, said:
“We have been pleased to support Everton’s proposals during the planning stage in various consultations.
“In July 2019, we visited Bramley-Moore Dock before work started to look at the heritage assets on the site.
“We were therefore delighted to return to see the finished Hill Dickinson Stadium and the progress being made towards the fulfilment of these ambitions.”
The visit provided an opportunity to reflect on how early advocacy for a sensitive, design-led approach to the North Docks has translated into a real, functioning venue that honours the area’s industrial heritage, while supporting its future as a vibrant destination for sport, culture and events.
Dr Belcham added:
“This visit meant a lot to our members. It was interesting, informative, and inspiring, at every level.
“It’s such a positive move for the North Liverpool area and it is good to see that Everton recognises the part it has to play in regeneration and preserving the best of our heritage.”
Everton will continue to work with civic and heritage partners, such as Merseyside Civic Society, as Hill Dickinson Stadium and the surrounding neighbourhood evolve over the coming years.
Find out more about Hill Dickinson Stadium here.
Find all the latest Everton FC news here.
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Wilson’s, the much-loved Manchester bar and dining concept is set to open a new site on Liverpool’s Mount Pleasant later this month.
The new 1754sqft venue will open in the former Holy Garage pizza site on Mount Pleasant, and to celebrate, 500 free pints will be available to the first guests on Thursday 27th of November, from 5:30pm, giving Liverpool locals the first taste of what has made Wilson’s a Northern Quarter institution.
Originally launched in Manchester in 2019 as Wilson’s Social, the venue became a fixture of the city’s nightlife thanks to its combination of craft beers, inventive cocktails, shareable small plates, and a buzzing social atmosphere.
This summer, the bar and restaurant was rebranded as Wilson’s under SmartRental Group, one of Europe’s leading hospitality operators known for creating bold, experience-driven venues. The Liverpool opening marks the first step in bringing the successful Manchester concept beyond its home city.
Inspired by its namesake, Tony Wilson, the legendary music and media figure behind Factory Records and The Haçienda, the venue celebrates music, creativity, and community. While Tony was famously a Manchester United fan, he had enormous respect for Liverpool’s rich musical history, and Wilson’s Liverpool reflects that spirit with a venue designed for friends, fun, and memorable nights out.
Situated in the heart of Liverpool’s bustling student and nightlife district, Wilson’s will serve up a brand-new Italian-inspired menu designed for sharing.
Kicking things off, starters include a range of light bites including burrata served with fresh tomato, basil, rocket and focaccia croutons, a classic Caesar salad, and chicken wings tossed in an n’duja and gorgonzola cheese sauce.
Mains feature fresh, loaded focaccia such as the Porco Dio – piled high with porchetta, cacio e pepe sauce and sliced potatoes – and The Wilson’s, featuring mortadella, pistachio pesto and stracciatella. There’ll also be a range of pizzas, from the Monalisa with a pesto base, smoked Applewood cheese, mushrooms and truffle, to classics like the Margherita and Parma – all perfect for sharing with mates.
For those who prefer a sweet treat, expect indulgent desserts like tiramisu and chocolate coulant with an amaretti cookie crumb.
Guests can enjoy a wide selection of draught beers, including Beavertown Neck Oil and Stella Unfiltered, craft beers from Tiny Rebel, Jubel and local brewer Black Lodge alongside a cocktail menu of favourites including Espresso Martinis, Aperol Spritz and Piña Coladas. A curated selection of wines and soft drinks complete the offering.
The venue will also host a packed weekly events programme, from Monday Cinema Nights with free popcorn and chilled vibes, to Pizza Tuesdays, midweek Karaoke and Cocktails with student discounts on offer, and Thursday Beer Olympics complete with beer pong battles. Fridays bring high-energy Bingo with mega prizes up for grabs, including free shots and Wilson’s merch, Saturdays are all about pre-drinks, and Sundays round things off with Sunday Savers – discounted food and drinks plus an open mimosa bar for the ultimate hair of the dog.
Manuel Cordero, Country Manager – Portugal, UK & Greece at SmartRental Group says:
“Bringing Wilson’s to Liverpool is incredibly exciting. This venue is all about great drinks, sharing food, and spending time with friends. We’ve designed it to feel fun, welcoming, and just a little bit different to anything else in the city. Our pint giveaway is our way of saying ‘cheers’ to Liverpool as we open in the city with the first round on us!”
The 500 free pints of Wilson’s House Draught will be available on 27th November, from 5:30pm.
Wilson’s Liverpool is located at 60 Mount Pleasant, L3 5SD, and is open seven days a week until late.
Find out more about Wilson’s here.
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A vet from Croxteth is hoping to be the first person to run 1,200 miles across Australia between the start and ends points of the upcoming AC/DC tour to raise money for the NSPCC.
Author and athlete Rob Pope started his epic Highway to Help run on November 16 in Melbourne, Australia, and is following the rock band’s 2025 tour along the Eastern Coast. He will 43 miles a day over four weeks until he reaches the last show at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Rob is aiming to raise £50,000 split between the NSPCC, Australian children’s charity The Smith Family and the WWF and will be dressing up as members of AC/DC during the run.
He met the Australian rock band backstage before a recent show, where they committed to sign inflatable guitars and sell them at each Australian show to help with his fundraising.
Rob, who has previously raised thousands of pounds for various charities, has written a book called Becoming Forrest, about covering 15,600 miles over 18 months. During that challenge, he crossed the United States five times – completing the epic run undertaken by Tom Hanks’s iconic character, Forrest Gump.
Rob is also the host of the Red Bull podcast called How to be Superhuman, where he chats to endurance athletes of all backgrounds.
NSPCC Volunteer Engagement Officer, Rachel Walker, said:
“One of the highlights of working in the charity sector is meeting these ‘super’ human beings that just make everything you do in life seem to pale into insignificance, yet at the same time motivate you to become a better person.
“Rob is one of these people.
“Rob lost his Mum, Cathy, to lung cancer when she was just 48, and before she died she had said to Rob: “Do one thing in your life that makes a difference.” Rob went on to qualify as a vet, became the 2015 Australia men’s marathon champion and hold 3 world records.”
You can follow Rob’s journey on Instagram, and donate to his fundraising total by clicking here.
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St. George’s Hall is sparkling for Christmas with a host of festive events for you and all of the family.
There’s loads going on at Liverpool’s famous and fabulous halls this festive season, from glorious carols to classic Christmas stories and, even, a bit of Bublé. Well, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without it …
Silent Discos – St George’s Hall
St George’s Hall’s legendary Silent Disco Wonderland is back on Saturday, December 6, with the chance to Jingle Bell Rock your night away in one of Liverpool’s most historic and beautiful buildings. Its silent disco DJs will be playing three channels of music from the past three decades, as well as the biggest Christmas anthem singalongs. And while the evening event is adults-only, the whole family can join in with the Disco Kids: The Ultimate Family Disco earlier in the day, again with three channels from pop to Disney tunes and all the best musical numbers. Festive dress is encouraged. Festive spirit is a must!
Find out more here.
Carols by Lantern Light – St George’s Hall
We all love a carol to get us in the spirit of the season, and they don’t come more festive and heartwarming than Carols by Lantern Light in St George’s stunning Great Hall. Professor Ian Tracey plays the Willis Organ, accompanied by soloist Danielle Thomas and a classical choir as they perform carol classics old and new, including Oh Holy Night and everyone’s favourite, Silent Night. Wednesdays, December 3 & 10.
Find out more here.
Story Time with Santa – Liverpool Town Hall
Join Father Christmas and his friend, Buddy the Elf, as they share magical stories and sing a song or two as they gather everyone round in the cosy setting of Liverpool Town Hall. Each child also gets the chance to share their Christmas wishes with Santa before receiving a special gift from the man in red. Story Time’s aimed at two to 10-year-olds and lasts between 45 minutes to an hour, and it’s on selective dates from Saturday, December 6 right up until Christmas Eve.
Find out more here.
Scrooge Live – St George’s Hall
One of the most popular festive films ever, enjoy the classic 1951 movie Scrooge, starring the legendary Alastair Sim as Ebenezer Scrooge, as the beloved Christmas tale of redemption and goodwill is brought to life with a newly orchestrated live score performed by the three-piece FB Pocket Orchestra. Tuesday, December 2.
Find out more here.
Trotters Dog Market – Croxteth Hall
There’ll be more than 50 stalls with handmade gifts, doggy goodies and crafts, as well as wellness and festive fun for all the family when Trotters Dog Fest brings its first-ever Christmas market to Croxteth Hall on Saturday, December 13. And just so you know, the hall is also hosting the Santa Paws Dog Grotto on the same day so your furry friends can meet Santa (and while tickets are now sold out, there will be limited walk-up spaces!).
Find out more here.
The Ultimate Bublé by Christmas Light – St George’s Hall
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas – or it will as soon as you hear the dulcet tones and festive favourites of Michael. Experience the ultimate Michael Bublé tribute with a live seven-piece band, bringing you swing, soul, and Christmas classics in St Georges Hall’s Concert Room with hits from Feeling Good to Haven’t Met You Yet, along with those sparkling seasonal songs that sum up the holiday joy. It’s on Friday, November 28.
Find out more here.
The Princesses’ Christmas Wish – St George’s Hall
Fairytale magic arrives at St George’s Hall on Saturday, December 20, when four fabulous Christmas Princesses will be ready to greet everyone for a day of sparkling performances. You can join Belle, Elsa, Rapunzel and Cinderella in singing all those iconic songs, dance with the princesses, and listen to Q&As which finish each show. We’re told there may even be a message from the main man himself!
Find out more here.
A Christmas Carol – St George’s Hall
GINIFICENT return to St George’s Hall with a brand new production of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. It’s one of the best Christmas stories ever, and the ghostly pages are brought to life by a talented cast and seamlessly narrated by Liam Scott who weaves the audience, chapter by chapter, through the breathtaking tale. It’s being staged on numerous dates between Friday, December 12 and Wednesday, December 24.
Find out more here.
Christmas Movies by Candlelight – St George’s Hall
The great St George’s Hall is really making Christmas magical this year with so many sparkling events, and not least the chance to enjoy the soundtracks from all those special Christmas Movies by Candlelight. London Concertante’s ‘Christmas at the Movies’ concert takes you on a spectacular journey through the heart-warming and hilarious worlds of films like White Christmas, Love Actually, Home Alone, Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, and more, on Sunday, December 14.
Find out more here.
Find out what’s on across Liverpool this Christmas here.
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The strong sense of community in Southport was celebrated on Sunday as faith leaders, political leaders and families joined together to take part in the Walk of Unity.
People gathered at Southport & District Reform Synagogue on Princes Street at 2pm on Sunday (16th November 2025) where they shared lunch together.
The 1.4 mile then headed to Christ Church, along the iconic Lord Street in Southport town centre, and then Southport Mosque on Sussex Road.
The event, organised by Southport Interfaith Group, was joined by Mayor of Sefton Cllr June Burns, Southport MP Patrick Hurley and Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside Peter Oliver.
Faith leaders leading the walk included The Revd Graham Turner, a retired vicar and prison chaplain of the Church of England who is currently Chair of Southport’s Interfaith Group; Southport Interfaith Group Secretary Dr Selwyn Goldthorpe the Chair of Southport Synagogue; Imam of Southport Mosque Ibrahim Hussein; and Rev Ben Dyer from Christ Church.
Marshals were provided through volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Southport.
The event brought to a close UK Interfaith Week (9th-16th November 2025).
Southport Interfaith Group was formed last year after the Southport Tragedy and the subsequent riot.
Members commit themselves to promoting friendship, understanding and cooperation among faith communities, working together for the peace, social cohesion and wellbeing of Southport.
It is composed of members who are faith leaders and members of congregations from many different belief traditions including Baha’i, Christianity, Islamic, Jewish and Muslim. The group also has members who have no religious leaning.
As Interfaith Week approached, they looked at a way that they could commemorate unity in Southport and agreed on a ‘Walk of Unity’.
Speaking at the event, Southport’s Interfaith Group Chair Revd Graham Turner said:
“This is a walk rather than a march.
“I am sure everybody wants to live in a peaceful world. Well, nearly everybody.
“One of our Christian theologians, Hans Kung, a Swiss guy, said, there will be no peace in this world until there is peace among the religions.
“We have got a lot of work to do.
“So today we walk for peace. Not that bland peace, which denies that there are difficulties or that we all bring baggage to things, which we do.
“No, today, we walk for that hard-won peace, that does not ignore difference, difficulty or challenge and one that looks forward to hope, and years for a new way forward.
“We walk together as friends, to say ‘we are with you’, and ‘we want to stand alongside you’.”
Southport Interfaith Group Secretary Dr Selwyn Goldthorpe the Chair of Southport Synagogue said:
“This is the last day of Inter Faith Week. The week is promoted as a way to get ready to build bridges and get ready to celebrate the incredible diversity of faith and belief across the UK.
“Inter Faith Week is a powerful annual initiative dedicated to strengthening inter-faith relationships, fostering mutual understanding, and showcasing the invaluable contributions of faith communities.
”The date has been chosen as it starts on remembrance Sunday and ends today which coincides with the Jewish Mitzvah Day. A Mitzvah in Hebrew is ‘a good deed’.
“Being here and doing the Walk Of Unity, you are doing a mitzvah for the community of Southport.
“We all act as a beacon that shines a light on the good work being done in Southport by the Southport Inter Faith group and by other people.
“So thank you for doing your bit for Southport and for being here.
“Thank you to our distinguished guests and our faith leaders for your example which you set in your leadership.
“I must thank Merseyside Police as well for your security.”
Rev Ben Dyer the Vicar at Christ Church in Southport said:
“It’s great to see so many friends from the different faith communities and also those of you who might not have any faith on this Walk Of Unity.
“Today matters. This walk isn’t just about moving from one building to another; it’s a reminder that faith isn’t something that should be hidden away and private.
“It is something we live out, shoulder to shoulder with the community that we share.
“We may have different beliefs; we may have different ways of praying; we may have different holy books and different festivals; but so much of what we care about as faith communities overlap.
“We care about peace. We care about compassion. We care about justice. We care about the wellbeing of our neighbours.
“We care about passing on hope to the next generation.
“Faith at its best brings people together. It reminds us that every single person carries dignity and worth and that we are not meant to live afraid and divided from one another.
“When we walk together like this, we show a different kind of story – one of friendship, respect and shared purpose.
“Thank you for joining in the walk – for walking, for listening, for showing that in Southport, faith can be a bridge – and not a barrier.”
Find all the latest Southport news here.
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Liverpool’s cult film venue VideOdyssey is hosting a huge JAWS 50th Anniversary Celebration later this month.
VideOdyssey is set to make waves later this month with a special JAWS 50th Anniversary Celebration — an immersive tribute to the film that defined a genre and reshaped modern cinema. The one-night-only event takes place on Saturday 29 November at VideOdyssey, Toxteth TV, inviting film fans to dive into an evening of nostalgia, creativity, and shark-sized fun.
In partnership with Liverpool Noise and Purple Revolver, the celebration will honour Steven Spielberg’s iconic 1975 thriller with a packed programme of activities, including live art, rare memorabilia, a fan quiz and more.
Tickets are priced at £8, with a discounted £6 rate available for L8 residents, students, and those currently unwaged — ensuring the celebration remains accessible to the community that surrounds the venue.
Housed within Toxteth TV Studios, VideOdyssey has cemented itself as one of Liverpool’s most distinctive creative hubs, famed for its retro arcade, vintage video rentals, and unwavering love for classic cinema. The JAWS 50th Anniversary Celebration continues this mission, blending film fandom with local creativity and community spirit.
So grab your fins — and your friends — and prepare to relive the bite that changed cinema forever.
Book your tickets on the VideOdyssey website.
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The iconic St Luke’s Bombed Out Church will be glowing with more than 2,000 specially designed steel flowers lit up to support local people with cancer, those who care for them and in memory of those we have loved and lost.
The flowers were designed especially for Clatterbridge by world renowned artist Emma Rodgers, a Patron of the Charity.
They were produced by JM Fabrication in Birkenhead before being hand painted and finished by Emma at her studio in Wirral.
This stunning installation, sponsored by Medicash, will run for two weeks between 20th November and 5th December at the landmark in Leece Street.
People will get the chance to see the flowers in the garden every day from 12 noon – 8pm, except Mondays and Tuesdays when the opening times will be 4-8pm.
Dedications will be hung from the petals of the steel flowers, creating a poignant tribute to cancer patients, their families and those who care for them at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Liverpool, Wirral and Aintree, and at a network of clinics across hospitals in Cheshire and Merseyside.
The flowers will be planted by well-known Wirral based garden designer Pip Probart who will shape the installation in a unique pattern inspired by Emma’s creations and the love and strength of cancer patients.
Supporters will be invited to dedicate a flower for a suggested donation of £20, with the option to pay an extra £30 to keep a flower after the installation has finished. All proceeds will help local people with cancer.
Katrina Bury, Chief Executive of Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, said:
“This display is an opportunity for people to pay tribute to loved ones and those who care for them in a wonderful glowing garden filled with hope.
“We would like to thank Emma Rodgers for creating a unique and stunning flower that we feel is a fitting way to bring to life the affection people feel for Clatterbridge and those who have been treated there and continue their treatment.
“We are extremely grateful to Medicash for their support for the Garden of Light.
“We would also like to thank St Luke’s Bombed Out Church for hosting this unique installation and to all the volunteers who have helped us and of course Pip Probart for her garden design.
“We know the people of Cheshire and Merseyside will embrace this wonderful tribute and we hope everyone enjoys being part of something so special.”
Andrew Healy MBE, CEO of Liverpool based health insurer Medicash, said:
“We’re proud to support this remarkable Garden of Light, which will help to bring people together to honour loved ones and recognise the incredible care provided by Clatterbridge.
“This installation is a moving reminder of the strength, compassion and resilience across our communities, and we’re grateful to play a part in helping the Charity continue in its vital work.”
The garden will be officially opened on Thursday 20th November at 6.30pm. There are a limited number of tickets available for the event.
Please note that all dedications will be placed on the flowers by Charity staff and volunteers who cannot guarantee you will be able to see the precise location of your dedication.
If you would like to dedicate a flower you can do so in person at the garden during opening hours or by going to the website where you can also secure a free ticket for the opening along with your dedication.
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Christmas has absolutely landed in Liverpool now and everywhere’s looking gorgeously sparkly and festive.
It’s time to surrender to the big build-up, so here are 14 things to do in Liverpool this week (not all of them Christmassy if you’re still feeling a bit Grinchy)…
The Guide Liverpool Heroes 2025
We had to start with our own Guide Liverpool Heroes 2025 awards, at Titanic Hotel this Friday. We’ll be honouring so many people and organisations who do brilliant things in our city region, from community, business and sports heroes to charities and fundraisers. The overall winners have been chosen by a public vote, but everyone shortlisted really does Liverpool proud so we can’t wait to celebrate them all.
Find out more here.
Santa’s Secret Forest opens at Orrell Hill Woods
This is one of the most-anticipated Christmas attractions of the year, a brand-new winter wonderland created in Orrel Hill Woods in Hightown. Set in 40 acres of woodland, with a dazzling light trail, real-life reindeers, elves in the toy workshop, Tinsel Town Express and more, it runs this Friday to Christmas Eve.
Find out more here.
Cinderella launches at Shakespeare North Playhouse
Panto season’s here and this one has the traditional tale with a local twist! It features Tia Larsen as Cinders who lives In the Kingdom of Prescotisia with her father, new stepmother, Filania, and her dreadful stepsisters. Can Prince Flarf of Crosbinia help her find happiness? From this Friday until Jan 10.
Find out more here.
Enchanted lights up Knowsley Safari
There’s plenty of festive magic at Knowsley Safari too, with the return of the ever-popular Enchanted. Launching this Saturday, there’ll be the features that have become Christmas family favourites like the dazzling trail, illuminated animals, Winter Village, marshmallow toasting, rides and amusements, festive food and drinks, as well as Santa’s Grotto. Until December 23.
Find out more here.
Matchday Tour of Anfield ahead of the Nottingham Forest Game on Saturday
Premier League action is back this weekend after the international break, and for Liverpool that means Forest on Saturday. Reds can get the build-up buzz well before kick-off by booking on a Matchday Tour which includes exclusive access to areas usually reserved for the team and staff on matchdays as well as pitch-side photo opps.
Find out more here.
Sips & Stories for pastries and coffee on Smithdown Road
This is definitely the weather for comfort food and as well as hearty Sunday roasts, nothing hits quite like gorgeous pastries and top quality coffee to go with. Sips & Stories on Smithdown, an indie gem that opened earlier this year, is perfect for afternoons with tasty savoury and sweet bakes and fresh brews.
Find out more here.
Festive Fun Thursdays begin at Liverpool ONE with Blizzard the Penguin
After a fantastic Toy Parade on Saturday, Christmas kicks up a gear at Liverpool ONE this week and that means the start of Festive Fun Thursdays. There’ll be an exciting Christmassy line-up every week including Blizzard the Penguin, who’ll be glowing as he waddles around from 3-7pm this Thursday.
Find out more here.
Christmas Wreath making at Voyagers at Halyard Hotel
You can’t beat wreath making for getting into the Christmas mood and having a fun afternoon or evening with family or mates. Voyagers has the first of two sessions this Sunday, between 1pm and 3pm, so you can get creative, pick up tips and enjoy a glass of fizz and some delicious festive food.
Find out more here.
Greg Wilson is on the decks at the Palm House on Friday
There aren’t many venues as stunning as the Palm House and it makes an unbelievable place for live music and club nights. This Friday, legendary DJ Greg Wilson returns for a very special extended reel to reel set of electro-funk and disco underneath the beautiful glass dome and palm trees. 7pm-midnight.
Find out more here.
Yorkshire Pudding Wraps are back at Liverpool Christmas Market
Food is always one of the big highlights of Liverpool Christmas Market at St George’s, and this year’s no different. Yorkshire Pudding Wraps are back for 2025, with turkey or pork plus all the trimmings including a drenching of gravy all folded into a giant Yorkie that’s an absolute festive handful.
Find out more here.
Tuck into Trinity Cafe, open daily at Hill Dickinson Stadium
The new Blues home isn’t just for matchdays, it’s attracting lots of visitors every day who want to get up close to the spectacular stadium. Located in the East Stand, Trinity Café is an ideal spot to get hot and cold food and drinks. It’s open every day, 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday and 11am-5pm Sundays.
Find out more here.
The Dog & Collar on Hope Street is Christmas ready
Hope Street looks amazing all year, but at Christmas it’s something special. If you’re looking for a few drinks or a meal in a stylish pub atmosphere, check out the Dog & Collar. It’s pulled out all the stops with its deccies, the entrance is a wow, and the menu’s now got added roast turkey with all the best sides.
Find out more here.
Family dining at Smoke & Dough, Liverpool ONE
When you’re out with the family shopping or seeing the lights and feeling hungry, it’s not always easy to find something to keep everyone happy, but Smoke & Dough’s got you covered with juicy meats straight from the grill, vegetarian platters, indulgent desserts, plus pizzas and mini mains for kids.
Find out more here.
Watch the new Wicked film at the Everyman Cinema in Metquarter
Ever since the first installment hit the big screens last year, fans have been counting down to this one. Now the wait’s finally over because Wicked: For Good is out, catching up with Elphaba who’s in exile as the Wicked Witch of the West and really needing a reunion with Glinda. Catch it in comfort at the Everyman.
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.
Sleeping Beauty is on at New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion from Sat 6 Dec 2025 – Sun 4 Jan 2026.
Christmas is coming – and with it tons of fun and slapstick as theatres get ready to celebrate with the show we all look forward to and love, the good old panto.
It’s one of the season’s most valued traditions … let’s be honest, it just isn’t Christmas if you’ve not booed at the baddie or cheered on the handsome prince.
Oh yes, it is. Oh no, it definitely is not!
So if you’re chomping at the bit to get giggling at the gags, or joining in with all the top tune singalongs, here’s 8 reasons why you need to book for the Floral Pavilion’s dazzler this December.
It’s the magical story of Sleeping Beauty…
And one of the most fabulous fairy tales of all time as good wins – of course! – over bad. After the princess is born, she is cursed by an evil fairy to prick her finger on a spindle and die. Thankfully, a good fairy weakens the curse so that instead of dying, the princess falls into a deep sleep that lasts for a hundred years and can be broken by love’s true kiss. Aw! The Floral prides itself on being proudly traditional which means loads of slapstick and slosh too, singalongs, plenty of booing and hissing and, of course, a great dame. It’s a brilliant introduction to theatre for children – or a chance for adults to get back to it!
The cast is brilliant and includes global pop sensation, Kelle Bryan
Sprinkling some serious stardust over the production is Kelle Bryan, who plays shimmering Fairy Snowfall. Kelle’s one of the original members of iconic girl group Eternal who sold millions of albums before embarking on a TV career that’s made her a household favourite – including the role of Martine Deveraux in Hollyoaks. AND she’s joined by original ‘Matilda’ and Olivier Award-winner Cleo Demetriou as Princess Rose, the always-hilarious Sean Jones as Lester the Jester, and Quinn Patrick as dynamic dame Nanna Nora.
Cue sparkle!
Put your sunglasses on before you walk into the theatre because whatever it’s looking like outside, it’s going to be bright and cheery inside – with a dazzling set, the most amazing, glittering costumes (eat your heart out Strictly) and some jaw-dropping special effects. Add to that a collection of chart-topping musical hits – and you’re going to be blinded by bling.
Tickets start from just £15
It’s not going to cost the earth to give you and the family hours of fantastic entertainment because at the Floral Pavilion, everything’s priced to make sure everyone can enjoy its shows.
It’s at the brilliant Floral Pavilion Theatre
Need we say more! The New Brighton venue’s a superb, modern theatre, created to give every audience member the best experience possible with great views from wherever you’re sitting and, if you want to give yourself an extra Christmas gift when you go to the panto, you can grab a coffee in the café or a pre-show dinner in the luxurious Panoramic Lounge. (And, if the weather’s nice too – and don’t we all love those crisp autumn and winter days – you can wrap up and enjoy a brisk stroll along the sea front to get there (or when you leave!).
It’s easy to get there with Merseyrail
Let the train take the strain with regular journeys from Liverpool to New Brighton. The theatre’s only a short walk from the station and you can get family tickets, and day savers from £4.80 for adults and £2.40 for children (5-18 years).
If you’re driving, you can park for free
And doesn’t that take the hassle out of any trip out! Not only does it mean you don’t have to drive around for ages trying to find a car park – or one that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg – you can park your car right outside the theatre and it’s not going to cost you a penny (and just think, you can spend the money you save on sweets for while you’re watching the panto!).
There will be loads of matinee performances, as well as signed and relaxed shows too
No one wants to be left out – that just isn’t fair! That’s why there are signed performances of Sleeping Beauty at the Floral Pavilion as well as relaxed performances so those with special needs can enjoy all the fun without getting anxious and stressed and feel welcomed. There are even loads of matinees if you can’t make an evening show – or you just don’t fancy going out when it’s cold and dark.
Book your tickets to see Sleeping Beauty at New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion HERE.
Read your Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Liverpool HERE.
Students from Liverpool Theatre School are celebrating success after representing the city on a national stage during one of the UK’s biggest dance conventions.
The Super Weekender – which took place at the NEC in Birmingham over the weekend (15 – 16 November).
The talented young performers wowed audiences with show-stopping routines featuring original choreography and a range of dance styles including commercial and contemporary. Their outstanding performances earned them national recognition and showcased the exceptional talent being nurtured at the city’s renowned performing arts school.
As well as competing, the students took part in a series of workshops and masterclasses led by world-class choreographers who have worked with global stars and leading brands. Liverpool Theatre School dance tutors and choreographers, Dane Bates and Alex Ryan, were among the industry professionals invited to teach at the prestigious event, which attracts more than 15,000 visitors every year.
Maxine Ellis, Principal at Liverpool Theatre School, said:
“We’re incredibly proud of our students and the hard work they’ve put into preparing for The Super Weekender. Performing at such a high-profile event gives them invaluable experience and the chance to showcase their skills on a national stage. It’s fantastic to see to our students flying the flag for Liverpool’s performing arts scene.”
Lilliana Clifton, a first year dance student at Liverpool Theatre School, said:
“The Super Weekender was such a brilliant experience! It was amazing to perform in front of so many people and to learn from some of the top choreographers in the industry.”
Now in its 86th year, Liverpool Theatre School has a long history of nurturing exceptional talent. Graduates have gone on to star in West End and touring productions such as Mamma Mia!, Frozen, SIX, Starlight Express, Blood Brothers and Wicked.
Liverpool Theatre School – whose patrons include dance legend Wayne Sleep OBE and musical theatre star Anita Dobson – offers a range of professional training programmes in dance, musical theatre and performing arts. The centre of excellence also provides a number of fully funded places and bursaries every year to help make top level training more accessible to talented young performers.
Find out more about Liverpool Theatre School here.
Find all the latest Liverpool news here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Bootle’s popular Salt and Tar Music Weekender is set to return in August 2026 in a temporary new home.
Lock & Quay, Bootle’s much-loved, community-owned pub and canalside venue, will host the 2026 Music Weekender. This short-term relocation is due to the current work to regenerate the Bootle Strand area, which includes an expansion of the permanent Salt and Tar venue.
Known for its commitment to reinvesting all profits back into the local area, Lock & Quay is the region’s only community pub. It has a large garden and green space adjoining the canal, which will be transformed into a vibrant festival site for next year.
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said:
“Salt and Tar’s Music Weekender has become a key asset for Bootle, attracting visitors from across Merseyside and beyond. It’s supporting the town’s regeneration and also delivering real economic and social benefits.
“With the Strand transformation progressing well, Lock & Quay is the perfect temporary venue to host the festival in 2026 while we continue to make the permanent site bigger and better for future events.
“The 2026 Salt and Tar Music Weekender will be an event on the same scale with the same capacity, the same great atmosphere, the same friendly staff and the same number of tasty food vendors that have become so popular in previous years.
“We can’t wait to take Salt and Tar on tour for the 2026 Music Festival and bring back the good time Salt and Tar vibes to Bootle’s canalside.”
Brian Dawe, CEO of SAFE Regeneration, the organisation behind Lock & Quay said:
“We’re genuinely excited about what’s happening on Bootle’s canal-side. The partnership between Salt & Tar and Lock & Quay is all about working together, bringing amazing artists, live performances, and a real sense of community to the area.
“By joining forces, we’re not just putting Bootle on the map for music and culture; we’re building something special for everyone who lives here. 2026 is going to be a big year, and I can’t wait to see how our collective efforts shape a brighter, more connected future for Bootle.”
Almost 12,000 people visited Bootle for the 2025 Salt and Tar Music Weekender, which featured headliners Billy Ocean, The Sugababes, The K’s and Ocean Colour Scene. The event generated an estimated £980,928 for the local economy.
Many artists appeared over the 2025 Weekender, including a number of up and coming local artists such as Keyside, The Solaas and Megan Wyn, who had the chance to showcase their music to a large festival audience.
The ongoing regeneration works at Bootle Strand, including the completion of demolition and upcoming construction of a revitalised Mons Square. Salt and Tar venue is being expanded as part of the transformation. These improvements are the reason the Music Weekender will be ‘on tour’ for 2026.
Book your tickets for Salt and Tar weekender here.
Find more music events across 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.
The Men Who Inspire event is set to be a powerful and thought-provoking experience that opens up much needed conversations around men’s mental health and wellbeing.
Clare Ellis, founder of Wellness in the City, a Liverpool based initiative committed to promoting inclusive mental wellbeing through events, dialogue and community action, invites you to join her at Boxpark on 19th November for an unforgettable event to mark International Men’s Day.
It will celebrate those who have overcome challenges, raise awareness through education, and bring the community together to tackle what has fast become a growing mental health crisis.
Men Who Inspire takes place from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and is open to everyone from professionals seeking personal or professional development to individuals who simply want to learn more about supporting their own wellbeing or that of others. Attendees are welcome to stay for the full morning or drop in as their schedule allows, making the most of the engaging line-up of live talks, interactive Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities designed to inspire connection and action within the community.
Clare Ellis, founder of Wellness in the City, explains:
“We need to build spaces where men feel safe to open up, where others feel equipped to support them, and where the whole community sees this as our conversation not someone else’s. Men Who Inspire is about bringing people together, breaking stigma and creating lasting connections.”
Key guest speakers include:
- DJ Lee Butler, presenter on In Demand Radio, Stephen Melling from Recovery Runners and Steve Jones from Steps Together UK, delivering New Chapters, New Choices, a powerful conversation exploring addiction recovery, resilience, and hope.
- Jamie Wray from Ways to WOW, discussing the importance of human connection.
- Saeed Olayiwola and Stephen Weatherhead alongside the Martin Gallier Project’s, focusing on men’s mental health and suicide prevention
A special thanks goes to Steps Together UK, MiddleAged Vandals, and MAC Sleep Clinic for their invaluable support in making this event possible and for their continued dedication to promoting recovery and wellbeing within our communities.
Book your tickets for Men Who Inspire here.
Find all the latest Liverpool news here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Launched in March, the project installed scanners on bin lorries across the city region to check connectivity down to street level and create a free, interactive map.
The Combined Authority initiative has also been widened to cover more inaccessible areas, including visitor attractions such as Knowsley Safari, the BrewDog Stadium in St Helens, Aintree racecourse, the Southport Flower Show and the River of Light.
The survey will identify ‘not-spots’ – where poor signal can prevent visitors and residents using their phones.
The scheme is the latest in a series of measures by the Combined Authority aimed at creating the best digitally connected region in the UK.
Cllr Liam Robinson, Cabinet Member for Innovation at the Liverpool City Region, said:
“This is a smart, data-driven project that’s improving connectivity where it matters most – for our businesses, residents and the visitor economy. By mapping mobile coverage street-by-street, we’re helping people stay connected at home, on their commute and at major attractions and events across the city region.
“The map will be a useful tool for anyone looking to find the most suitable provider and the results of the survey could help businesses plan even better for big events.”
The signal detection units have been developed by mobile analysts Streetwave. They contain mobile phones, each linked to one of the three main UK providers – EE, O2 and VodafoneThree.
The mobile connectivity mapping creates a visual overview of coverage and capacity in an area for 4 and 5G.
The survey has been largely carried out using local authority waste collection vehicles as a cost-effective way to assess coverage down to address level.
For inaccessible areas, such as beaches, paths and shopping centres, walking surveys have been performed using portable units carried by volunteers.
Volunteers walked the Aintree course during Ladies Day at the Grand National festival in April. The results will be used to improve connectivity next year while Knowsley Safari staff surveyed the park and drive with the aim to use the data to inform their work to improve visitor experience around its enclosures. During this year’s River of Light, volunteers surveyed the route to see how high demand can impact the quality of our network performance.
Jon Turley, General Manager, Knowsley Safari, said:
“There is no better place to take a selfie than Knowsley Safari so we understand that our guests want to stay connected while they are here on site.
“We are set in 550 acres with a five-mile drive so it’s really important for us to know where our signal is great and where we have got not-spots so we can keep people connected.
“We are really excited to be part of the project and the staff and keeping teams were on board with the device. They took it around in their vehicles going about their day-to-day activities and others carried it in a backpack on the foot safari so that we could map that information around the signal.”
Alan Adams, General Manager, Southport Flower Show, said:
“Having strong mobile phone signal and coverage is essential for hosting successful events at Victoria Park. Reliable connectivity ensures smooth communication between event organisers, staff, vendors, and emergency services, while also enhancing the experience for visitors who expect to share their moments online and stay connected throughout the event. In today’s digital age, good coverage is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity for safety, coordination, and engagement.”
Find out more on the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority website.
Find all the latest Liverpool news here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Fabulous gifts for the family, gorgeous meals out with friends, and fun times out with them all!
It’s no wonder that when we start thinking about Christmas, we start thinking about Liverpool ONE.
And it’s already starting to look very festive at the city centre shopping and entertainment go-to…
Bar Hütte
The boss Bar Hütte is back in Chavasse Park with the chance to celebrate Chrimbo après ski style. From now until December 31 you can enjoy its famous karaoke hüttes, fun-times party lodges, and loads of fantastic family events from wreath making to Santa Claus Club and Festive After School Club!
Find out more here.
Christmas on the Park
If you’ve got little uns, Christmas on the Park was created just for you with plenty of children’s rides, festive games, food and drink and tasty treats! It’s there until January 1 and it’s perfect for a day out with your crew, or a chilled evening to soak up the jingling atmosphere.
Find out more here.
Festive Fun Thursdays
Your weekend will start a day earlier from November 20 when Festive Fun Thursdays return to Liverpool ONE between 3pm-7pm. Eight-foot penguin Blizzard will be strutting his stuff for starters so don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled and grab him for a photo before he waddles off to his next spot, and future Thursdays will welcome Festive Karaoke with influencer Niall O’Callaghan, Inka the Polar Bear and her cubs, and Pass the Parcel where you can win fantastic prizes including gift cards.
Find out more here.
Big Advent Giveaway
From December 1- 12, Liverpool ONE and its superb stores are staging a Big Advent Giveaway to celebrate Christmas. You can win an incredible prize every day from brilliant brands like Sephora, ARNE, and M&S – plus free food for a year from Wagamama.
Find out more here.
Shopping and Dining
You know you can get all your wish lists boxed off in one fell swoop – and treat yourself to a fabulously festive meal while you do it. From boutique stores to designer brands and high street names – including newly opened fashion and homeware store Anthropologie – Liverpool ONE’s got the lot whether you’re hunting for pressies for the fam, decorations, or that knockout outfit for your work’s do. And there’s some dazzling Christmas fayre at its amazing restaurants, like the 2-course BBQ sharing meal at Smoke & Dough, a three-course Christmas set menu for £29.95 at Italian favourite Zizzi, and loads of great offers like Kids Eat Free at TGI Fridays.
From its Christmas Trail to the chance to post your letters to Santa and more, Christmas is coming – and Liverpool ONE is ready to celebrate it!
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.
Global chart-topper Lewis Capaldi gets set to play a huge outdoor show in Liverpool this summer.
In the Park makes its highly anticipated return to Liverpool next summer, with global superstar Lewis Capaldi announced as headliner. The much-loved event will take over Sefton Park on Saturday 15th August, hosting Capaldi’s biggest-ever outdoor headline show in the city.
The announcement lands fresh off the back of his sold-out 17-date arena tour across the UK and Ireland, his first in two years, which has seen him thrilling fans with a hit-packed setlist and debuting new material that has earned four- and five-star reviews from critics across the board. It also follows his sixth Number 1 single, with Survive becoming the fastest-selling single of the year to date.
Set to deliver an unforgettable performance in front of thousands, Capaldi’s appearance will mark a major moment for In the Park 2026, further cementing its reputation as one of the UK’s premier live music events and bringing one of Scotland’s most beloved artists to the heart of Liverpool for a landmark summer celebration.
Tickets are expected to sell out. Presale tickets go live 9am (GMT) Thursday 20th November, with general sale following at 9am (GMT) Friday 21st November.
Sign up for presale access here.
Find all the latest Liverpool news here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Singing sensation Jane McDonald has announced a brand-new UK tour and album for 2026 ahead of the release of her 11th studio album ‘Living The Dream’.
The star of stage and screen will bring her new 19-date Living The Dream tour to the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on Friday September 11.
In support of the tour, Jane will release her 11th studio album Living The Dream next Spring. Recorded at the legendary Blackbird Studios in Nashville, the album is Jane’s official nod to her love of all things Country.
Boasting nine original tracks and four stunning reworkings of Country classics, Living The Dream reveals a previously unheard passion from Jane as she explores the roots of this genre showcasing her dynamic and diverse musicality.
Making the announcement, Jane said:
“It’s true, I am officially Living The Dream so what better way to celebrate that than with a new album and a new tour.
“I love Country music and I love partying with you so I want to bring that together by bringing you some exciting new music along with the songs you know and love. We had brilliant fun on the last tour and we’re stepping it up a notch this time to visit even bigger venues so buckle up and let’s make even more memories together.”
Jane McDonald won the hearts of the nation overnight when she appeared in the BBC docusoap The Cruise back in 1998.
She has sold out countless tours and concerts, including the Royal Albert Hall, The London Palladium and The MGM Grand in Las Vegas, while also releasing 10 studio albums.
Jane is a popular presenter for TV travel shows, including fronting the BAFTA Award-winning Channel 5 series Cruising with Jane McDonald and has dipped her toe into the waters of watching TV with the nation appearing multiple times with best friend Sue Ravey on Celebrity Gogglebox.
Last year Jane was back on the road with her With All My Love Tour performing to sold out theatres and arenas across the UK, and she also performed in The London Palladium’s Christmas panto. Between touring and appearing on stage Jane has also found the time to write three bestselling books about her life, the most recent being last year’s Sunday Times Bestseller Let The Light In.
And most recently Jane completed her maiden cruise charter last month when fans joined her for the sold-out Cruise with Jane McDonald – a voyage Jane has already announced she will be undertaking again in autumn 2026. Following the success of this year’s cruise, Jane revealed she will welcome 1,400 fans onboard Ambassador Cruise’s flagship Ambience as they embark on a seven-night round-trip from London visiting Ijmuiden (Amsterdam), Zeebrugge, Cherbourg and Honfleur next October.
Before heading out on tour, TV audiences will also see Jane undertaking an ocean expedition for Jane McDonald: From Pole to Pole. The six-part documentary series is set to air on Channel 5 and sees Jane travelling from the Antarctic to the Arctic via South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Uruguay, Brazil, Greece, Italy, Norway and Svalbard.
Jane will also present a two-part documentary on Channel 5 in Spring 2026 following her journey to Nashville to make the album and learn more about the iconic home of country music.
In May 2026 Jane will headline the main stage at Mighty Hoopla festival in London in her first ever festival headline appearance.
The album Living The Dream will be released in Spring 2026.
Book tickets for her Liverpool show on the M&S Bank Arena website.
Find more music events across Liverpool on our calendar.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
Did you know you can experience at Matchday Stadium Tour at the home of Liverpool Football Club, Anfield Stadium?
There’s nothing quite like the buzz of Anfield on matchday – and now you can make it even more unforgettable.
If you’re coming to watch the Reds play at Anfield this November, make the most of your visit and book onto their popular Matchday Stadium Tours.
You’ll see how your heroes prepare before kick-off and feel the excitement as you touch the legendary This Is Anfield sign and walk down the players’ tunnel.
The tour includes exclusive access to areas usually reserved for the team and staff on matchdays and the unique chance to sit in the Director’s Box seats.
You’ll also go pitch side for a photo opportunity with the matchday ball, and there’s plenty of opportunities for photos along the way.
The tour finishes in The Kop and your visit includes entry to The LFC Museum.
Tickets are £27 for adults, £23 for students/seniors and £20 for children under 16.
To book visit liverpoolfc.com/tours – T&Cs apply.
Please note: Matchday Stadium Tours are available for selected home games. Tours are not available for all matchday competitions and subject to change. The tour does not include the Home or Away team dressing rooms or Press Room and does not include a match ticket.
Get the latest news and updates from Liverpool Football Club on our site HERE.
A St Helens farmer is giving away a baby Christmas tree to every baby born this year.
It’s a favourite tradition that goes back around 50 years for Rainfords Farm and Christmas Trees in Eccleston – and owner Richard Rainford is hoping that hundreds of young parents will be in to collect theirs this year.
The idea is that the young tree grows as your newborn does:
“Although we had one lady in the other week saying her tree’s far outgrowing her seven-year-old child,” smiles Richard. “But then they do grow around a foot every year!”
“It’s a lovely tradition that we started here decades ago, and one that we’ll always continue. There must be tens of thousands of trees growing all around the area as generations of families have planted their tree!
“It’s a way of marking a baby’s first Christmas and that’s something very special that we can be a part of.”
The saplings – this year Nordmann Firs – are all grown on Richard’s Catchdale Moss Lane farm, and it takes three years to get them to the size when they’re ready to be gifted out.
They can be planted in gardens or pots, ‘or somewhere random in a park where you can watch it grow’.
And Richard is always on hand to give advice about which soil to use, when to repot them, and more to ensure they thrive.
“We’ve had another person in this year who said their child is now 17 and their tree is still going strong. It’s a bit of a passion project for me.
“We normally give away about 1,500 trees every year and I think we do it because we have customers who have been coming here for years to get their main Christmas tree, generations of families, and they become like family to us,” explains Richard.
“That means something to us. They mean something to us. And we don’t take that for granted.
“It’s a privilege to be such a big part of someone’s Christmas. It’s not just another day, it’s a very special time of year.”
Richard grows six varieties of trees, including Nordmann Firs, Norway Spruce, and Balsam Firs.
It’s currently tagging season where people can go and choose their tree and tag it to reserve it.
That tree can then be collected or delivered:
“People get in touch the day before they want their tree and we cut it down for them.
“Some people like to be here when the tree is felled and take it home straight away, and that’s such a lovely tradition too.”
Rainfords Farm and Christmas Trees is now open every day from 10am until 5pm, and until 4pm on Sundays, and its barn shop is filled to the rafters with all things festive from baubles and garlands to ornaments and tasty treats.
It’s holding wreath making workshops – using fresh fir from its trees – on Thursday and Friday, November 27-28, and Monday, December 1.
Parents of babies born after last Christmas can collect a free baby tree right up until this Christmas or until they run out: “But we don’t usually do that,” says Richard.
“So we’d love people to come and collect a baby tree and watch it grow over the years … and carry on a wonderful tradition.”
Find out more about Rainfords Farm here.
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.
Stunning singer Rebecca Ferguson will be performing at The Guide Liverpool Heroes 2025 awards – and she can’t wait to entertain her fellow Scousers and celebrate the city she’s so proud of.
“I’m so excited,” says Rebecca.
“It’s just so lovely whenever I come home, but especially when it’s for something like this.
“It gives me such a good feeling and I’m so looking forward to it.”
Rebecca, 39, is the headline act at the inaugural awards evening being held at the Titanic Hotel on Friday, November 21, and playing for it goes beyond her usual performances as she says it’s celebrating everything and all those she holds dear.
“I’m fiercely proud of Liverpool – and very protective (I won’t have people saying anything against it). I’m proud of where I’m from.
“You don’t realise until you leave how friendly people are, how warm, open and honest they are. Scousers are authentic.
“I love coming home because you can ask people how they are and get an honest answer, which means you can genuinely connect with people and there’s no shame in looking vulnerable.
“And because, as the awards evening will show, it’s a city that comes together. People do so much for other people and I don’t know whether you get that anywhere else.”
The mum of four admits she might need to bring a tissue or two to The Guide Liverpool Heroes 2025 awards – brought to you by Liverpool Cruise Port and in Partnership with San Carlo Restaurants – which will focus on everything from community projects, charities and emergency services to sports heroes and influencers, with four special awards – one to be revealed only on the night.
“I do get emotional when I hear all the heartwarming stories,” she smiles.
“I’ll definitely be moved. We focus on celebrity and, as a society, we can get lost in that. The people who are really doing amazing things might not be well known, but they are the ones giving so much back to their community and those around them.
“The older you get, and the more you grow as a person, you realise it’s all about community and what we can do to help each other. And that can be hard. It’s easy to say from a place of privilege but not if you’re someone who’s working two jobs and has kids but we need to look out for each other – like those being rewarded and honoured at the awards have done.
“As Scousers it’s the way we are – warm, but really tough. My mum never had any money, but we’d always have people in our house that weren’t doing too well; other single mums that she’d be trying to help because they were struggling.
“And it’s not transactional. We don’t expect something in return, not praise, it’s just what you do – again like so many of the people who will be celebrated at the awards.”
Rebecca will be performing a collection of her own hits and covers at The Guide Liverpool Heroes 2025 awards:
“I’ve got a jazz trio, I’ve got a trumpet player, so it will be fun songs like Very Superstitious, because people want to have a good old dance.”
But it won’t be the only chance Liverpool will have to enjoy her music over the coming weeks.
After a much-acclaimed Christmas Show at the M&S Arena last year, Rebecca will be back in the city on December 6.
She is performing another festive show, A Feeling of Christmas with Rebecca Ferguson, at the Liverpool Philharmonic with a mix of club classics, and all the Yuletide favourites like Santa Baby and White Christmas accompanied by The Syd Lawrence Orchestra.
“I love Christmas. My decorations went up on Bonfire Night which shows you just how much I love it!” she laughs. “I get a bit of stick for it, but I think people are used to it now.
“I love the atmosphere, the good feel, the lights and the house being sparkly. It’s just my nature.
“Life’s quite hard and a lot of people are struggling, and I think Christmas brings a bit of light and joy – just like those being honoured in the Guide’s awards.
“That’s so important and it’s right that we shine a spotlight on all those who do so much for our city, and are leaving such a wonderful legacy.”
Find out more about The Guide Liverpool Heroes here.
Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.
The finalists for this year’s Liverpool City Region Photo Awards have been unveiled.
An independent judging panel cropped more than 2,000 photographs to create a shortlist of just 18 photographers capturing images of celebration, connection, futures, shared spaces, movement, and care.
Delivered by Open Eye Gallery with the support of Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the competition is in its second year and has attracted some of the region’s best amateur and professional talent.
The list includes an amateur photographer who took part in this year’s ‘Photo Here’ residencies, a city region wide project that brought together six diverse community groups – including refugees and asylum seekers, LGBTQI+ members, and D/deaf and BSL users – to share their stories through socially engaged photography.
Councillor Mike Wharton, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade said:
“These awards are more than a celebration of photography – they’re a celebration of the people and places that make our region unique. Every image tells a story of connection and creativity, and that’s what makes this competition so special.
“It’s not just about technical skill; it’s about capturing the spirit of our communities and the shared experiences that bind us together. Through initiatives like this, we’re showcasing the incredible talent that exists in every corner of the Liverpool City Region and reinforcing the role of culture in bringing people closer.”
Winners will be announced on 27 November 2025 at the launch of the photographic exhibition of their work at Open Eye Gallery. The exhibition is open to the public from 28 November to 11 January.
Category winners will receive £500, while commended photographers will be awarded £100.
Declan Connolly, Liverpool City Region Photo Awards Lead at Open Eye Gallery, said:
“Photography has the power to stop us in our tracks and make us see the world differently. The finalists this year show just how vibrant and diverse our local talent is – their work reflects the heart of our communities and the possibilities of our shared future.
“These images are not only visually striking; they carry meaning, emotion, and a sense of place. That’s what makes the Liverpool City Region Photo Awards so exciting – they give photographers a platform to share stories that matter and invite all of us to look again at the world around us.”
The Liverpool City Region Photo Awards are part of the Combined Authority’s 2025 Cultural Events Programme where six diverse groups from across the Liverpool City Region told their stories, and the stories of the areas they live in, with the help of professional socially engaged photographers in residence. ‘Photo Here’ created a unique snapshot of their lives and communities including those of refugees and asylum seekers, members of the LGBTQI+ community, D/deaf and BSL users.
Winners and commended submissions will make up a physical exhibition at the gallery, but an image from every entry will also be featured in the Digital Window Gallery exhibition.
In addition, the outside walls of the gallery will also see a selection of photography from the ‘Photo Here’ residencies.