Tate Liverpool has announced it has acquired major public and private investment towards the reimagining of the landmark gallery on Royal Albert Dock.

This included £12m of funding from the DCMS’s Public Bodies Infrastructure Fund as well as generous donations from the Garfield Weston Foundation, and The Ross Warburton Charitable Trust. The redevelopment of Tate Liverpool will transform the UK’s most-popular modern and contemporary art gallery outside London. The project is now entering the final phase of fundraising ahead of the gallery’s reopening in 2027. A beacon for cultural regeneration in the north since it first opened in 1988, the gallery’s transformation has been described as Britain’s most important cultural project and will make a vital contribution to Liverpool’s £6bn visitor economy.

Last month Tate Liverpool announced that the first major retrospective of artist Chila Kumari Singh Burman will form part of the reopening programme, which will be a celebration of the rich culture of the North.

Tate Liverpool director, Helen Legg, said:

“We’re grateful to the government for this investment and for their vote of confidence as we realise this once-in-a-generation renewal of Tate Liverpool. I am also thankful for the support of the trusts, foundations and private donors whose investment will ensure we serve the needs of artists and audiences, now and into the future. The bold transformation of Tate Liverpool will be invaluable to the region’s visitor economy, a catalyst for the next era of waterfront redevelopment, and an opportunity for our communities to enjoy world-class art and culture in the heart of Liverpool.”

Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said:

“Liverpool is one of the great cities of the world and the transformation of Tate Liverpool will mean this amazing cultural venue can continue to flourish for future generations. I’m delighted our Public Bodies Infrastructure Fund is supporting this redevelopment, which will strengthen Liverpool’s economy and encourage even more people to visit this incredible city that has culture at its heart. Our support is part of this government’s commitment to ensure arts and culture is accessible to everyone right across the country.”

Designed by 6a architects, Tate Liverpool’s renovation will see the iconic gallery reimagined for the 21st century, opening up spaces to display the incredible variety of Tate’s collection and host world-class exhibitions. These galleries will sit alongside new public spaces for play, relaxation and learning with views across the Mersey, helping to connect the gallery with the city and communities that surround it.

The transformation will allow the gallery to meet the scale and ambition of today’s most exciting artists and to welcome visitors into a brand-new museum environment. The designs include a new public ‘Art Hall’ on the ground floor. Opening up the gallery’s façade will increase its visibility on the waterfront, creating an inviting destination within the Royal Albert Dock. The project will also make a greener gallery, reducing running costs and replacing core infrastructure to end the building’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Find out more on the Tate Liverpool 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.

Liverpool International Tennis Tournament’s back this month with some great action set to take place on the courts.

It’s more than 20 years since the respected event began in the city – and we can’t wait for its exciting return this year.

So if you fancy watching some of the best up-and-coming tennis stars – and maybe a well-known name or two? – here’s everything you need to know…

What is Liverpool International Tennis Tournament?

Liverpool International Tennis Tournament is one of the most well-known tennis events in the UK with up-and-coming players lining up alongside some seasoned pros. It’s Europe’s largest and longest-running tennis exhibition event, in fact it’s a warm-up to Wimbledon, offering players the chance to play on a quality grass court and practice for the big one in SW13. 

Where is it held?

The tournament first began in Calderstones Park but now it’s held on the courts at Liverpool Cricket Club in Aigburth.

When is it?

Not long to go now, it’s a three-day event being held from Thursday, June 19 to Saturday, June 21.

What makes it so special?

For more than two decades, this prestigious event has brought rising stars and professional players to Liverpool, giving fans the chance to see world class tennis up close. It first took place in 2002 and was started as a warm-up for Wimbledon, and since then it’s seen some of the sport’s biggest names arriving in the city from the legendary Martina Navratilova and Ilie Nastase, to Martina Hingis, Pat Cash and more. 

Who can we expect to see?

The full line up has yet to be confirmed but you can always expect a high standard of tennis and players (usually those who have reached Wimbledon qualification). Among those LITT attracts – and seeks – are young players who have done well in junior Wimbledon the previous year and it’s got a fantastic history of choosing top youngsters, like Novak Djokovic, who played LITT when he was 16 and 17, and Caroline Wozniacki. Current British Number 2 Emma Raducanu was just 12 when she played in the Liverpool International Tennis Tournament in 2015.

Those we know are set to take part though are LITT’s men’s singles champion from last year, Patrick Brady; his younger brother Conor Brady, and the city’s own rising star, Abi Redman, who made headlines last November by winning the Lexus ITF U18 Tournament at the Liverpool Tennis Centre, securing a fully-funded tennis scholarship in the United States.

Event founder and director Anders Borg says:

“The Liverpool International Tennis Tournament has never been solely about the sport. It’s about bringing something special to a city that deserves it. It’s about inspiring young players, giving people access to world-class tennis, and proving that you don’t need to be in London to host a great event.”

How can I get tickets – and how much are they?

Standard adult tickets start from only £22, with concessions available for over 60s, under 18s, and students (and small children are free!). There are hospitality packages too – and a great afternoon tea option on the Saturday. Get tickets here.

How do I get there?

By train – Get on the Merseyrail network and head for Aigburth Station, and Liverpool Cricket Club is just a short walk away.

By car 

From Junction 7 M62

At Junction 6, come off onto the A5300 heading towards Runcorn Bridge and continue until the very end. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the A561 and follow the signs for Liverpool Airport. The road becomes Speke Boulevard and you continue along this road until it becomes Aigburth Road. You see Liverpool Cricket Club on the left  and the entrance is a sharp left after the traffic lights at the junction of Riversdale Road.

From end of M62

At the end of the M62, turn left at the Rocket pub onto Queens Drive A5058, following signs for the University Halls. Continue straight past the Childwall Fiveways pub until the 2nd roundabout, then take the 2nd exit and immediately take a left at the traffic lights (HSBC bank) onto Allerton Road. Carry on along Allerton Road onto Mather Avenue (past the Tesco on the right), take the 2nd turn off on the right after Tesco onto Booker Avenue and carry on straight down for approx. ½ mile. Liverpool Cricket Club is straight ahead.

From M56/Runcorn Bridge

Follow the signs for the A561, then follow the signs for Liverpool Airport. Continue for approx. 5 miles along. The road becomes Speke Boulevard and you continue along this road until it becomes Aigburth Road. You see Liverpool Cricket Club on the left and the entrance is a sharp left after the traffic lights at the junction of Riversdale Road.

By bus

Take the 82 or 82A bus and ask to stop at Liverpool Cricket Club (on the opposite side of the road). 

For more information go to the Liverpool International Tennis Tournament 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.

Liverpool Football Club’s official charity and former players association have donated £50,000 to the Liverpool Spirit Appeal, helping to double the city-wide fundraising to over £100,000.

The charity appeal has been set up to support those directly affected by the incident which followed last week’s Champions Parade in Liverpool.

Set up by the Community Foundation for Merseyside in partnership with Liverpool City Council the distribution of funds will be guided by a range of partners including the National Emergencies Trust, Fundraising Regulator and The Charity Commission.

The financial support from the LFC Foundation and Forever Reds has been made possible thanks to the proceeds raised at the recent LFC Foundation Gala Ball.

The money donated to this Appeal in the first instance will prioritise those individuals identified by emergency response services as: individuals experiencing physical and/or any subsequent psychological injury who were directly impacted by the events on 26th May 2025, requiring hospital/medical treatment.

Secondly the fund will offer help to community organisations working in the Liverpool area which can be provided for a range of charitable purposes.  It will support community organisations offering support such as emotional wellbeing and mental health, community response coordination and initiatives that bring communities together and build resilience.

There is also a variety of free resources available for mental health support which supporters can access if they were affected by the events on the 26^th of May.

Supporters can also donate to the Liverpool Spirit Appeal on their Just Giving page 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.

More than 80 bands and singers are set to play free gigs across outdoor and indoor stages this weekend as West Kirby Live returns.

It will be the first summer date for the popular Wirral music festival since 2019. 

This year’s West Kirby Live, on Saturday June 7, will centre around Coronation Gardens where there will be two stages, plus eight other venues in town.

And, as with previous events, it will be raising money for a local charity – this time it’s Maggie’s, which supports people going through cancer and their families.

Live music will start at Coronation Gardens from 10.30am with young people’s performances including dance and drama groups and singers, before the Rock Choir is the first act kicking off the afternoon/evening line-up from 12 midday until 8pm.

The other venues will have artists on the hour, every hour, from 2pm until closing time. The Wro, The Tap and Grand Ave are three neighbours on Grange Road which are taking part, as well as the White Lion, Black Lodge, Wild Inn, Monty’s and Slinky’s on Banks Road.

West Kirby Live was started in 2016 by musician Tom Longman who was inspired by the Oxjam Festival that used to take place in Hoylake.

He said:

“It was great when you had a full day of music in all the bars in Hoylake so I wanted to do something similar in West Kirby,”

“We had the first summer event in June 2016, taking over about nine venues in West Kirby and raising money for Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

“Then in 2017 we added an outdoor stage, the following year we added another outdoor stage and more venues, and 2019 was the last summer one we did, with two outdoor stages at Coronation Gardens and loads of venues in the town.

“After that year I decided to take a bit of a break, and then Covid happened, but I was always being asked when it was coming back so I did a winter weekender in 2022 for Wirral Foodbank.

“It was when the cost of living was really kicking in and foodbanks were getting fewer donations, so we managed to take in hundreds of kilos of donations and give the bars a boost because they’d been struggling after Covid.”

With his wife expecting a baby, Tom decided to take another break from organising the festival, but when he was contacted by a mate about putting something on again, they decided to work together and bring back West Kirby Live.

In addition to planning the venues and line-up for this year’s event, Tom will also be performing on the outdoor stages with two bands.

He’ll play drums with four-piece The Last Shanty on the Specsavers stage then run over to the 4Sure stage to play uke and sing with covers band Beating Sleepers. They’ll also be playing later in the evening at The Wro so, having arrived on-site from around 8am to help put up marquees, he’s got a busy day planned.

As well as almost 90 acts scheduled, West Kirby Live is a family-friendly event so there’ll also be lots of kids’ activities in Coronation Gardens including an owl sanctuary, silent disco, character visits, arts and crafts, games and challenges.

And, if anyone gets hungry going from venue to venue listening to the live music, Tanskeys in the park will be serving Mexican street food along with other vendors, Wild Inn will have an outdoor grill and there will be food at most of the other venues too. 

Find out more about West Kirby Live here.

Find more events across the Wirral 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.

Liverpool is home to the biggest LGBTQ+ event space outside London!

It’s hosted by the FunnyBoyz, whose owner, Drag Queen Linda Gold, revived three bars in the Pride Quarter to help transform the city into a celebrated gay tourism destination.

And now those amazing venues have been brought together to create one massive city ‘superclub’ in Stanley Street’ with three fantastic floors and space for up to 1,000 people to have the time of their lives.

So if you’re ready to party, welcome to the Haus of Fun …

Haus of Fun

You might already know about the Haus of Fun and its incredible FunnyBoyz. From their Cabaret ShowBar home in Blundell Street – and other venues across the country – the FunnyBoyz have created one of the most unique and iconic experiences, where you can mingle with its Drag Queens while enjoying hilarious Drag Shows, tribute acts, cocktail masterclasses, bottomless brunches, Benidorm Bingo, cheesy tunes and great value drinks.

But did you know there are other bars and clubs within the brilliant Haus of Fun brand that have been united to create a gigantic superclub within the heart of Liverpool?

Room One is Benidorm Bar: Inspired by the hilarious TV comedy show, Benidorm’s a bar with sass and great fun vibes. Perfect for a Pride celebration, birthday, Hen or Sten Party – or just a night out with the gays and gals – it’s got to be the cheesiest place you’ll visit with wacky DJs, Bingo, games like Spin The Wheel and Play Your Cards Right, as well as karaoke and pool tables. It’s got some of the best tribute acts going too, including a resident Shania Twain and, even, Benidorm’s own Dolly Parton … so you can bet that Here You(ll) Come Again.

Room Two is Dysco that’ll take you back to the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and ‘00s with DJs playing all your favourite tunes from across the decades. It’s Abba-inspired to help you be the Dancing Queen, and it’s also where you’ll find Haus of Fun’s sexy male strippers from the world-famous Dreamboys.

Last but not least, Room Three is the Navy Bar 2.1: It’s cabaret with a capital ‘C’ because at this Haus of Fun showbar and nightclub every night starts out with the biggest diva hits ever made courtesy of its resident Drag Queen, and then you can get ready for celebrity DJs bringing you the best clubland and techno & house until 5am.

Say Cheers 

From bar crawls to benders and the best bottomless brunches, the Haus of Fun has got some crazy drinks deals across all its amazing venues. Its Pride Quarter Bar Crawl, for example, is only £21 for 90 minutes of unlimited booze – and that includes anything from your favourite beer, a glass of fizz, or a cheeky summer cocktail.

Not just about the nights

The doors are open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week, and as well as party nights and other fun events, the Haus of Fun’s bars and clubs remain lively and important hubs for the LGBTQ+ community, hosting book clubs and movie nights, coffee socials, and useful and fun panels and talks.

Safe space

Above everything, The Haus of Fun offers a safe space for the community and support, especially, for the trans community, always aiming to bring everyone together in celebration and solidarity whichever room or venue you’re in. Merseyside Police, who sponsor LCR Pride, have designated Haus of Fun as one of the city’s SAFEST spaces for women in the LGBTQ community.

Linda Gold adds:

“All my venues are considered safe, inclusive spaces, so while we don’t exclude anybody, our zero tolerance policy ensures that at the first sign of disrespect or trouble, they’re out.

“We attract the most respectful customers and regulars who we love; there really is no safer place for the LGBTQ+ community than our venues.”

Find out more about Haus of Fun here.

Find more things you can get up to 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.

One of Liverpool’s most popular brunch spots is launching this weekend in Lark Lane.

And Bam Boo will offer the only bottomless brunch in the South Liverpool drink and dining hot spot when it officially opens its doors tomorrow, according to owner Lloyd King.

He said:

“No-one else in Lark Lane is offering bottomless brunch so we think that’s going to be really popular,” says Lloyd. “It’s a great way of friends getting together.

“You know what you’re paying, you’ve got great food, 90-minutes of drinks, the DJ playing good music, and you can have a laugh.”

Bam Boo Brunch & Cocktails opened in Bold Street in 2023 with fans – it has 31,000 followers on Instagram – quickly claiming it was the best brunch and breakfast in the city and giving it five-star reviews.

It offers a huge breakfast and brunch menu with everything from bagels to fluffy pancakes, and Full English to Steak & Eggs; and lunch with burgers and tacos and more. And it’s just as famed for its cocktail collection.

Lloyd says there’s a simple reason for the venue’s huge success – its food and service live up to the social hype!

“People’s expectations are met,” he adds. “What you see on Instagram and what you read in reviews is what you get – and that means the best service, the best food and favours, a great ambience … everything is on point.”

Lloyd and partners Sam Patterson and Lauren Wright have spent the last three months renovating the former Garden venue on Lark Lane to create Bam Boo Brunch, Bar & Cocktails, and he says the result is ‘stunning, stunning, stunning’.

“I would say it’s going to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing venues in South Liverpool.

“It has that same feel of Bold Street with exposed brick and the mirrors, and we’ve gone for emerald green tiles. There’s a gorgeous courtyard area that we have renovated, and it has a beautiful Edwardian glass roof that opens up so we can use it throughout the year.

“We have got a floral display like we have in Bold Street, but dare I say we have a better floral display in Lark Lane, and it’s just very bright, very open, and it’s honestly, just stunning, stunning, stunning.

“It’s sensational. It’s incredible.”

He goes on:

“Food wise it’s the same offering which, we believe, is the best brunch and breakfast in the city. During the day, we’ll be giving customers all of that good food and in the evening, we’ll turn into a cocktail bar … and we are bringing that to Lark Lane, probably one of the most iconic streets in Liverpool.

“The Lark Lane site will look completely different during the day and at night. I’m so excited.

“Lark Lane is the Bold Street of the south; it’s this fabulous hub of food and drink with an eclectic mix of people. It’s such a vibrant road, And there’s nowhere that comes close to how busy Lark Lane is so, for us, it was the right move.

“Being on Bold Street is one of the most preferable areas in town to have a restaurant on, and if you’re leaving the city, then Lark Lane is the number one destination. Since Covid it’s had a real resurgence.

“It’s got a lot of great operators now and that’s only good for the area.”

Bam Boo Brunch, Bar & Cocktails will open seven days a week and, unlike Bold Street which is all bookable, there will be an area kept free for walk-ins, ‘so people can just come in as they’re walking past and grab brunch or breakfast any time of day’.

“We have just got it right,” says Lloyd, “and that’s not just down to me but my fantastic partners and our incredible staff.  Long may it continue.”

Find out more about Bam Boo 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.

Thousands of people and communities across Liverpool and the North West are set to benefit from an extensive Social Impact Programme developed to complement the forthcoming World Boxing Championships at the M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool, 4-14 September 2025.

The Social Impact Programme from the World Boxing Championships will deliver a range of benefits covering education, health, fitness, wellbeing and community cohesion and is based around a series of initiatives including a literacy programme, training courses, volunteering opportunities, capacity building in boxing clubs and a host of community activations to enable more people to engage in boxing.

Some of the events being delivered as part of the Programme will be attended by boxers from the GB Boxing Olympic programme who hope to compete in the Championships and former Team GB Olympian and two-time professional world champion, Natasha Jonas.

Natasha Jonas said:

“Boxing is very important to lots of people in Liverpool, so it is great that hosting the Championships is being used as an opportunity to get people involved in the event and make sure it has a positive impact in schools, communities and clubs.

“Sport is a really powerful way of getting people’s attention and then influencing their behaviour constructively and I am sure that all of the activities in this programme will bring significant benefits and deliver lots of positive impacts in education and learning, creating opportunities for people and improving health, fitness and wellbeing.”

Elements of the Social Impact Programme include:

Education:

• A specially designed educational programme, Literacy Kicks themed around local boxing heroes, such as Natasha Jonas, which will be delivered in 20 Primary Schools and reach up to 1,200 pupils
• A Secondary school programme delivered in partnership with The Power of Events to demonstrate the impact of major events on the local economy, which will reach over of 100,000 children in the North West

Community:

• Working with employment and education charity, Coach Core, to appoint a Coaching Apprentice who will be tasked with delivering more than 1,100 hours of community coaching over an initial 15 months
• Providing training for up to 100 people in schools and community groups to become learn how to deliver England Boxing’s non-contact “Boxing Activator” course that will create opportunities for over 30,000 young people to engage in the sport
• Delivering more than 50 ‘non-contact boxing taster’ sessions to community groups across the Liverpool City Region
• Delivering England Boxing’s “Coaching People with Parkinson’s” course, developed in association with Parkinsons UK, to upskill 20 boxing coaches to be able to deliver non-contact boxing to people with Parkinson’s

Boxing Clubs:

• Delivering England Boxing accredited courses to qualify 35 coaches and 20 officials and provide training to volunteers on safeguarding, first aid, and needs-led workshops on non-coaching topics such as inclusivity, fundraising and social media promotion – all of which are designed to help build capacity and skills within boxing clubs 
• The creation of opportunities for local boxing clubs to engage with the World Boxing Championships 2025 and the delivery of an “Unsung Heroes” programme to recognise members of Liverpool’s boxing community for their work in grassroots clubs and communities

Volunteering:

• The creation of up to 250 volunteering opportunities for people in the local community and from boxing clubs in the Liverpool City Region to take part in roles at the Championships, learn employment skills and gain work experience
• Anyone interested in volunteering at the event can register their interest here.

The Social Impact Programme will be delivered by England Boxing with input from Liverpool City Council and is supported by event partner, Brabners, which is a purpose-led independent law firm with has offices in Liverpool and across the North West region

Louise Vidor, England Boxing’s Club & Community Manager (North) said:

“The World Boxing Championships coming to Liverpool presents a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy far beyond the ring. At England Boxing, we’re proud to lead a Social Impact Programme that strengthens our grassroots clubs, empowers the volunteers involved and uses the power of boxing to bring a diverse range of communities together. Through education, boxing activation and inclusive participation, we’re building pathways for young people and creating real, positive change across the city and the wider North West.”

More than 500 men and women from over 60 countries will compete in the World Boxing Championships which is the biggest Olympic-style boxing event to be held in the UK since London 2012. It will feature competition in 10 weight classes for men and women and be the first time ever that male and female boxers have competed in Olympic-style boxing at the same event for the title of World Boxing Champion.

Book tickets for the Championships at the M&S Bank Arena 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.

Louisiana-born Reggie Pulliam became a fan of Everton when he was still at school in the US, long before he’d ever visited the UK.

But now that passion for the Blues has taken him on a journey to Liverpool where he’s about to open his first restaurant, dedicated to dishes from his New Orleans home.

Along with business partner and fellow chef Adam Williams, 41-year-old Reggie is launching SuSu’s New Orleans Kitchen on Victoria Street on Monday (June 9). 

The restaurant, inside Molly Malone’s, will serve authentic cuisine using many original recipes from Reggie’s mother Susan, known as SuSu, and Adam’s grandmother.

In fact family plays such an important part in SuSu’s New Orleans Kitchen that even the logo, featuring an over-sized red hat, is a reference to the Sunday church hat his mum wore.

Reggie says the restaurant is all about sharing the welcoming community spirit and comfort food, like jambalaya, gumbo and SuSu’s signature shrimp bread, which he grew up with.

“Growing up my mom was the best cook I know, she taught me so much and a lot of my fondest memories are with her in the kitchen, cooking for neighbours, family and friends,” he adds. “She instilled that in me, and where I’m from men do a lot of cooking and we have a pride in that.”

Reggie first had the idea for SuSu’s a year ago, but his links with Liverpool date back much further.

He explains:

“There was an American player in the 90s called Joe-Max Moore who played for Everton, and back then he was one of the few Americans playing overseas. His father owned a minor league soccer team in Oklahoma where I was at school at the time so I started following him. 

“When I was working I got to travel quite often and brought my wife, and when we were done with business in London we’d come to Liverpool. 

“We had the chance to come to matches and really got to enjoy Liverpool. We’d stay at the Titanic Hotel and actually got the opportuntity to meet all the players having lunch there one day.”

It was on one of their trips that Reggie first came up with the concept of SuSu’s New Orleans Kitchen, scribbling down a menu on a train paper napkin.

When they arrived in Liverpool he showed it to several people, from the concierge at Titanic to fans they met outside the ground before an Everton game.

The response was overwhelmingly positive and set the ball rolling for him and his buddy Adam, who he met 10 years ago working in another restaurant, to come here and make it happen.

“There were so many things that just felt serendipitous; people we met who offered to help and even the way we found our location, we’ve been very fortunate.

“We came over in in November last year to scout sites and meet people, and we came into Molly Malone’s for a pint. We got talking to the bartender, then the owner Dermot, and we asked what he was doing with the empty kitchen we’d noticed.

“He said nothing so, instead of buying a location straight away, we decided to lease this kitchen and test out our concept, make sure people like it and then hopefully grow in Liverpool and around the UK.”

The pair put together their menu of traditional favourites, teaming up with local suppliers to perfect the flavours.

Plattsville Bakery in south Liverpool is making the French bread for the Po’ Boys and Bexleys Butchers have created a Cajun Andouille sausage using Reggie and Adam’s recipe. That will be used in the jambalaya, gumbo and red beans and rice to give them a distinctive smoky flavour. 

The restaurant will offer tray service, giving colourful Mardi Gras beads – traditionally thrown from parade floats – with each order. It’s proud to be a certified Living Wage restaurant, and the partners also plan to share profits with staff every quarter. 

Reggie says they’re excited to welcome Scousers and visitors to the city from all over the world when they open their doors.

“Liverpool and New Orleans have so much connecting them when it comes to history and culture, I call them sister cities,” he adds. 

“There’s a saying that we’re going to bring here from Mardi Gras which is ‘let the good times roll’ – it’s a mindset in New Orleans, everyone’s just enjoying life, that’s what they’re known for and I think Liverpool is the perfect place for that.”

Find out more about SuSu’s New Orleans Kitchen 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.

Eight handpicked films are set to hit the big screen in the heart of Calderstones Park this July as national Shared Reading charity The Reader unveils a brand-new outdoor cinema for Liverpool.

The Reader will be launching Liverpool’s biggest new open-air cinema this summer with a selection of brilliant films, ranging from literary adaptations to feel-good classics and family-friendly favourites. Screenings will run from Wednesday 30 July right through to Thursday 28 August, set against the backdrop of the idyllic Grade II listed Georgian Mansion House.

Jen Chapman, Associate Director of Marketing, Communications & Digital at The Reader, said:

“Open air cinema is such a fun experience and our gorgeous Mansion House garden in Calderstones Park is just the perfect space for it. We’ve carefully chosen some of the very best, and much-loved adaptations of literary classics told on the big screen – all best enjoyed with a freshly baked pizza, a chilled glass of fizz and someone you love.”

Kicking us off, the first film to open the summer season on Wednesday 30 July, is 90s high school rom com ’10 Things I Hate About You’, a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew starring Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles. It will be followed by the 1989 comedy ‘Shirley Valentine’ on Thursday 31 July, adapted from Willy Russell’s monologue about a Liverpudlian housewife’s transformational trip to the Greek island of her dream, and Greta Gerwig’s Oscar-winning coming of age period drama, ‘Little Women’, on Thursday 7 August – based on Louisa May Alcott‘s 1868 novel.

Enjoy the perfect summer holiday watch and ABBA singalong under the summer sky with ‘Mamma Mia!’ on Friday 8 August, and paying homage to Jane Austen’s 250 year anniversary is the 1995 all-star adaptation of ‘Sense & Sensibility’ with Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet on Sunday 10 August. Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 remake of Shakespeare’s teen tragedy, ‘Romeo & Juliet’, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, will also be screened on Friday 15 August.

The season draws to a close with two family-friendly films: the 2022 version of Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda the Musical’, an adaptation of the RSC’s Tony and Olivier award-winning musical, on Wednesday 27 August, and 2024 blockbuster musical ‘Wicked’ on Thursday 28 August, starring Cynthia Arivo and Ariana Grande.

This new outdoor cinema has been made possible thanks to a grant by social investor Livv Investment, part of Livv Housing Group, based in Prescot.

Sharon Marsh, Executive Director at Livv Investment, said:

“We’re delighted to be investing in The Reader and are pleased to hear their plans for an open-air cinema over the summer. By investing in The Reader, we’re not just supporting the arts – we’re helping to facilitate measurable social impact. Reading initiatives and cultural events build stronger, healthier communities, reduce isolation, and foster resilience. It’s a powerful return on investment in human connection and creativity, and we’re looking forward to seeing this investment come to life.”

Tickets, treats & seats:

Gates will open an hour before screening time in the lawned, festoon lit landscaped garden where you can hire a deckchair, grab a bite to eat, get a round of drinks in and soak up the atmosphere with live music under the summer sky.

Tickets cost £14.50 for adults and £9.50 for under 16s. Calderstones members will be able to save 10% and receive priority booking from 10am on Friday 6 June, with general sale tickets being available from Tuesday 10th June.

All profits will support The Reader’s charitable work transforming lives through literature in Liverpool and beyond.

To learn more about becoming a Calderstones member, click here.

For tickets and more information, click here.

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St Johns Shopping Centre Liverpool has unveiled a bold new art installation on the top floor of its car park: The Liverpool Wall of Wonder.

Spanning an amazing 145m across 16 expansive wall spaces, this vibrant new addition to the city centre is the creative vision of Alicia Woolley, a final-year Fine Art student at Liverpool John Moores University.

The mural series is a powerful celebration of Liverpool’s rich cultural heritage, immortalising icons and landmarks through bold, bright digital collages. The installation includes legendary figures such as The Beatles, Cilla Black, and double World Champion heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson, as well as the unmistakable colours of Everton and Liverpool Football Clubs. The city’s architectural gems—the Three Graces, Chinatown, St Johns Beacon, and Royal Albert Dock—also take pride of place in the designs.

To mark the completion of the installation a special unveiling event took place on the evening of Thursday 5^th June at the top of the iconic St Johns Beacon. The exclusive celebration was attended by the artist’s family and friends, and over 60 invited guests including the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Councillor Richard Kemp CBE and Professor Rachel McLean.

Together, the 1.5m high murals span an incredible 145m of wall, covering an area about the same as a tennis court, and aims to brighten the days of Liverpool’s residents, shoppers, and visitors, as well as spark a deeper connection with the city around them. 

The award-winning St Johns Shopping Centre is a Liverpool icon comprising 540,000 sq ft of retail and leisure offerings and the amazing St Johns Beacon. Averaging one million visitors per month St Johns is home to a variety of popular brands, including JD Sports, Aldi, Liverpool FC Store, Sainsbury’s, Home Bargains, Argos and Matalan. The centre’s car park has 625-spaces and features recently upgraded EV charging bays that now sit alongside the newly installed bright and bold murals.  

The work with Alicia and the funding of the installation is part of St Johns Shopping Centre’s commitment to supporting young people and the local community, and is just one part of the ongoing relationship with Liverpool John Moores University. In the last 18 months the centre has supported job shadowing for students with disabilities, worked with marketing students through a live project and delivered Graduate Insight sessions focusing on careers in retail.  

Originally from Altrincham, Cheshire, Alicia applied for a Discovery Internship, a paid opportunity offered to LJMU students through its Student Futures service to enhance their employability skills and to gain career insight by working with a local organisation in the Liverpool City Region. A successful interview with St Johns Centre Director Neil Ashcroft and his team led to site visits and creative exchanges. Full-scale production began in March, and the mural is now open for everyone to see.

Artist Alicia Woolley commented:

“I wanted the murals to capture the soul of Liverpool. This city has such a powerful identity with its music, its humour and its people. I hope these images encourage people to stop, look up, and feel a little more joy in their day. I have also learnt so much through this project. Working with the team at St Johns and their suppliers to deliver this huge installation has been amazing opportunity and it will be the highlight of my CV for some time to come!” 

Neil Ashcroft, Centre Director at St Johns, commented:

“Our shopping centre is more than a place to shop, it is a space that connects with people and supports the local community. Alicia has created something that does just that in a truly inspiring way. The Liverpool Wall of Wonder is not only a stunning visual statement, but also a love letter to this city. We’re proud to have supported a young artist in creating something so memorable and impactful.”

Chris Finn, Director of Student Futures, said:

“We’re so proud of Alicia’s work and are thrilled to see her creative talent on display for all to see at this Liverpool landmark. We are committed at LJMU to providing a student experience that contributes to our students’ future professional success, and it’s through partnerships like ours with St Johns Shopping Centre that we can offer invaluable experience in the workplace that ensures our students are ready for employment as they progress into their graduate careers.”

Ben Sullivan, Director at Apex Parking, added:

“We are constantly seeking ways to enhance the customer experience, and Alicia’s work does just that—transforming a functional space into something uplifting and unforgettable. The Liverpool Wall of Wonder brings colour, culture, and joy to the car park, and we are thrilled to be part of this project.”

The Liverpool Wall of Wonder is now open to the public and can be viewed on level 4a of the St Johns Shopping Centre Car Park.

Find out the latest in Liverpool here.

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Outstanding artistic talent from across Merseyside has been recognised at the dot-art Schools prize giving event, with winners honoured at a prestigious ceremony in St George’s Hall’s magnificent Concert Room.

The celebration marked the culmination of the 13th annual dot-art Schools programme, delivered in partnership with Edge Hill University’s Faculty of Education. The winning artworks now form the centrepiece of the dot-art Schools 2025 Exhibition, returning to its home at the renowned Walker Art Gallery for another year.

This inspiring showcase presents exceptional creativity from Year 5 and Year 9 artists representing more than 80 schools throughout the Liverpool City Region. Art enthusiasts can explore the exhibition free of charge from Thursday 5th June through Sunday 6th July 2025.

Lorraine Partington, Head of Partnership Development said:

“Edge Hill University is proud of our partnership with dot-art, championing the value of arts education and creativity across the region. The standard of work submitted this year has been exceptional, and it’s a joy to see such talent celebrated. Having the winning pieces exhibited at the iconic Walker Art Gallery is a remarkable achievement and a powerful way to inspire the next generation of artists. We encourage everyone to visit the exhibition and experience the imagination and creativity of these young artists first-hand.”

Competition Winners

Primary

• Primary Overall Winner: “Sea Turtle 8” by Maxwell Cogley of St Bede’s Catholic Primary School
• Primary Runner Up: “Frida Kahlo’s Portrait 2” by Lily Beckett of St Austin’s Primary School
• Primary Runner Up: “The Lost Girl” by Vanisha, New Park Primary School

Secondary

• Secondary Overall Winner: “Mirror to the Soul” by Anna Walker of St Julie’s Catholic High School
• Secondary Runner Up: “Ocean Cry” by Daniel Welch of St John Plessington Catholic College
• Secondary Runner Up: “Fox Study” by Jessica Strype of Litherland High School

Beyond the winning works of art, the exhibition also recognises every participating school, valued sponsors, and dedicated supporters. Interactive elements include a special screening showcasing each school’s top three shortlisted works.

This year’s hands-on experience invites gallery visitors to create their own ‘Selfie Sketch’ portrait, contributing to a collaborative ‘Visitors Mini Gallery’ that grows throughout the exhibition.

The path to recognition has been rigorous for each young artist. Schools initially submitted entries, followed by expert evaluation from a distinguished panel of arts professionals who selected the top three works from each institution. The winner for each school was then determined through an online public vote, ensuring community involvement in celebrating these emerging talents. The final decision for the overall winner and runners up in each age group was made by special guest judge Susan Coles.

Lucy Johnson, Head of Exhibitions at National Museums Liverpool, said:

“We are delighted to once again host the dot-art Schools exhibition at Walker Art Gallery, celebrating the creativity of young artists from across the Liverpool City Region. We’re proud to provide a platform where these talented Year 5 and Year 9 students can display their work alongside our renowned collection. It’s wonderful to see the enthusiasm and dedication these young people bring to their art, and we’re thrilled to offer them this opportunity to exhibit in one of the UK’s most prestigious galleries.”

dot-art Schools is incredibly grateful to National Museums Liverpool for once again hosting this exhibition. The Walker Art Gallery stands as the North’s premier national gallery, showcasing Liverpool’s finest art collection for over 130 years. Visitors can immerse themselves in an extraordinary range of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts spanning from the 13th century to contemporary works, while discovering the next generation of artistic talent on the first floor.

Open daily 10am – 5pm (closed Mondays) with free admission – find out more on the Walker Art Gallery website here.

Find out the latest in Liverpool here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.

Singer Dan Astles is set to recreate the bus journey that inspired his new album.

‘The 21 Bus Home’ was the regular route taken by a late uncle who took his own life when Dan Astles was two, but whose legacy instilled a love of music that was set to influence the path of the Southport schoolboy.

And tomorrow Dan, along with family, friends, and fans, will remember Joseph Deans – or ‘uncle Joe’ – on a special trip that will go from the city centre to Walton Road near where he lived, and then back again into town.

Dan, 26, who now lives in Toxteth, says:

“We’ll retrace his journey, remember my uncle, and blast out the new album for people to hear.

“It will be an emotional day but also a fun one, and I’ve told everyone that no-one is sitting in silence. They’ll be joining in and singing and dancing along – or I’ll be getting off the bus because I can’t handle it!”

The specially-decorated Stagecoach bus will set off from William Brown Street in Liverpool at 12.15pm, driving to Walton Road and stopping off at The Thomas Frost Wetherspoons before driving back via Merseyview on the waterfront for a photo opportunity, and then on to The Bluecoat art centre in School Lane at around 1.40pm, where Dan will take part in a Q&A.

There’ll be a chance for fans to say hello to Dan at the stop-offs and even catch a couple of tunes from the album played by Dan and his band at Merseyview.

And, of course, anyone who happens to be around on any of the route when the bus passes will be able to hear songs from The 21 Bus Home, which came out last week, blaring out as it passes.

“I was trying to think of interesting ways to promote the album and the link to the bus journey made me think of this, so I got in touch with Stagecoach who have given me a bus for this unique listening party,” adds Dan.

“It’s going to be a laugh.

“I don’t think it’s ever been done before (probably for very good reason), but there’ll be about 45 of us on board on the top deck – including my grandad Joe who became a TikTok sensation when I persuaded him to write and perform his first song, Gerry’s Ferry – having a lovely day and creating more memories. It’s a mad idea but one I’m hoping no-one will ever forget.”

It was when he was hunting around in the loft of his nan’s Kirkdale home as a young boy that Dan discovered a bundle of his late uncle’s possessions, and they not only shaped the man he was to become but influenced the music he was to create.

Among the haul were records spanning from The Beatles’ White Album to The Velvet Underground, posters of every band imaginable, poetry, and gig reviews. Also within it was a mixtape that became Dan’s ‘musical education’ with music from Radiohead, The Beatles, Kate Bush and Abba, sandwiched with interludes of Jack Kerouac poems and radio comedy. 

“It was like he was saying ‘get on this Dan, you’ll love it’, and I decided to create my own mixtape with my original songs, directly inspired and informed by my uncle’s.”

His uncle’s mixtape was called Soundtrack For The 21 Bus Home, and it seemed right that that would be the title of Dan’s first album too.

“It will be great if people come along and say hello,” says Dan. “And they’ll be easily able to spot me.

“I’ll be wearing a special yellow hat and a hi-vis jacket so I’ll look like a cross between a bus conductor and a driver – but I don’t think it’ll be the start of a new career for me. I can’t drive for a start, so I’d struggle with that one!”

Dan says there’s been a lot of interest in his first and new album and the feedback ‘has been beautiful’.

“Hopefully it’s the start of a great career making music and records. I’m 26 now and I’d like to make two more albums before I’m 30 … so I need to get moving.”

Follow Dan on Instagram.

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Hartley Hut is one of three granite buildings on the riverfront, dating back to 1844, which were used as a shelter for dockworkers around the nearby Canning Half Tide Dock.

Sited between the Museum of Liverpool and Royal Albert Dock, the tiny octagonal buildings originally provided protection from the elements for dock gatemen. Since it was no longer in operation, Hartley Hut has only been accessible on Heritage Open Days, but now it’s preparing to open six days a week, giving people a glimpse into what it was like to work on the waterfront when it was key to the city’s maritime trade.

Visitors will be able to hear real accounts of what life was like as a dock gateman as well as seeing some of the quirkiness of the hut’s design.

What they lack in size, the Hartley Huts make up for in historic credentials – they were a part of civil engineer Jesse Hartley’s initial plans for the Albert Dock.

Hartley, who was responsible for the building and modernising of Liverpool’s entire dock network in the mid-1800s, took inspiration for the design of the little gatehouses from ancient Greece.

He used ‘Cyclopean’ stonework, which is still intact today, named as a reference to the huge scale of the stone blocks which it was said would have been best handled by the mythical giants, the Cyclops.

All three of the huts still survive, but only one is owned by National Museums Liverpool and that is undergoing a sensitive refurbishment as part of NML’s wider Waterfront Transformation Project.

Due to open later this year, along with the personal spoken memories, Hartley Hut will also contain an original artwork created specifically for the attraction.

A spokesperson for NML explains:

“A special new feature of the hut will be a commissioned artwork with connections to the history of the site to hang above the fireplace. 

“We had a great response to a call-out to artists to create a ceramic-based installation, making use of pottery fragments which were found during the archeological dig on the reclaimed land Museum of  Liverpool now sits on.”

With the Maritime Museum and International Slavery Museum currently closed for maintenance and repair ahead of redevelopment, NML says Hartley Hut is likely to be a popular extra attraction for visitors to the waterfront.

“People will have walked past it for decades and probably known nothing about it but it’s actually an incredible little place. There’s a huge amount of architectural beauty in the building.

“Museum of Liverpool has had such a surge in visitors since the temporary closure of the Maritime Museum and International Slavery Museum so there’s a whole new audience around that area.

“People will be coming across these buildings who might not have noticed them before – visitors don’t always combine the two areas even though they’re next to each other – so it will be another attraction for the waterfront that we’re excited to have.

“The Great Port gallery in the Museum of Liverpool is all about the Port City and the conditions and the people who worked on the port so it’s a really great connection to that too.” 

Find out more on the Liverpool Museums website.

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The Guide Liverpool is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and continued growth, by moving into a new waterfront office at No. 10 Princes Dock in Liverpool Waters.

The Guide, which has been showcasing the very best of the Liverpool City Region for a decade through its fast-growing online platforms, has chosen to move to the prime business destination at Princes Dock as our Managing Director, Jay Hynd, believes “there’s no better location for a business like ours to thrive”.

The platform now has 350,000 social media followers and reaches over 7 million visitors a month. Its growing team has covered some of the city’s biggest moments over the last ten years, from Eurovision and the LFC parades, to the Grand National and the Giants.

This year, The Guide has launched its newest platform, The Northern Guide, which celebrates everything that’s ‘good up North’, with information on where to stay, eat and play from destinations such as Leeds, Manchester and the Lake District. The Guide also operates one of the North West’s most popular video production services, working with many well-known brands across the city.

The Guide has become synonymous for championing local businesses and organisations. Their new office at Princes Dock is located in-between Everton’s new 52,888 stadium and the iconic Liver Building, strategically placing the team of journalists, creatives and content creators in the centre of the action at Princes Dock.

The Guide’s new 10-person, dog-friendly office suite within No.10 Princes Dock has spectacular views of the River Mersey and the dock. The team will have access to Liverpool Waters’ bookable meeting rooms and communal breakout spaces in which regular business community socials are held, encouraging networking and socialising between all the occupiers.

Developed and managed by waterside regeneration specialists Peel Waters; Princes Dock is fast becoming one of the city’s most dynamic places to live, work, and visit, and offers a unique waterfront lifestyle. The dockside destination is home to thousands of residents and has over 220,000 sq. ft of Grade A office space – all verified as Net Zero in operation, along with a vibrant mix of cafés, restaurants, hotels, open water swimming, and the UK’s first floating sauna experience.

Jay Hynd, Managing Director of The Guide Liverpool, said:

“2025 is a pivotal year for us, not only do we celebrate our 10th anniversary, but we also launch a second platform, The Northern Guide, continue to invest in our Liverpool outlet, and further develop our production services and launch our first ever awards ceremony, The Guide Liverpool HEROES. So, what better year than this to also move further within Liverpool’s business district to a new waterfront home.

“Princes Dock is in the thick of the action as Liverpool Waters continues to expand our city centre, and with things like the Everton Stadium about to launch, the new ferry terminal in place, and more developments to come. There really is no better location for a business like ours to thrive, and we can’t wait to be part of the Liverpool Waters adventure.”

Liza Marco, Senior Asset Manager at Liverpool Waters, commented:

“The Guide specialises in the very best Liverpool has to offer, so it’s a big accolade that they have chosen Liverpool Waters as the location for their new office. From cruise ships to concerts, floating saunas to football matches, by being based at Princes Dock The Guide will have unrivalled access to some of Liverpool’s biggest cultural events on their doorstep.

“We have a really eclectic mix of businesses based at Liverpool Waters, scaling from start-ups to international Head Quarters, as a destination, it really appeals to dynamic, forward-thinking businesses who want to enjoy everything that this beautiful waterside location has to offer.”

Find out more about Liverpool Waters on their website.

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LCR Pride Foundation, the organisation behind Pride in Liverpool and the city’s annual March with Pride, has regretfully announced that the 2025 event, due to take place on Saturday, 26 July, will not go ahead.

In a statement, LCR Pride Foundation’s Board of Directors said:

“It is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of this year’s Pride in Liverpool and March with Pride.

“In recent months the charity has faced significant financial and organisational challenges, which have impacted timescales and resulted in it reverting to an almost entirely volunteer-led operation. This, combined with rising costs and difficulty securing national and local funding, has made it impossible to bring Pride in Liverpool to the city this year.

“Having listened to our community, we also recently took the decision to sever our relationship with Barclays, which created further delays to planning. While we are confident that this was the right decision, it is one that has had a substantial impact at an already challenging time.

“Our small team had been working closely with key partners and some fantastic city-based sponsors right up until the end of May to try to ensure the march went ahead, but despite all best efforts we were unable to make it feasible.

“We are devastated that we will not be able to march together this year, at a time when coming together to stand in solidarity, protest and celebration is needed more than ever, and we understand how difficult this will be for our community.

“However, we strongly believe that it is the right decision to ensure both the continuation of the organisation and to enable the return of Pride in Liverpool and our march in 2026. On that front, discussions with Liverpool City Council and a number of city-based sponsors are already underway.

“We believe that our beautiful, resilient city region deserves a consistent, safe and community-led pride celebration each and every year, and our priority now is to ensure that we have a sustainable foundation to secure that, through working with our community, and with partners, funders and sponsors that align with our values.

“We will work to promote other events and activities taking place over Pride weekend, and we will also be supporting our fantastic regional Prides, who have a summer of celebration planned across the boroughs.

“We are also actively exploring other ways to bring the community together later in the year and recruiting new trustees to support our organisational mission to make the Liverpool City Region the most LGBTQ+ friendly in the UK.

“We thank our city partners and our community for their patience and support at this challenging time, and we look forward to marching together again next summer.”

Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said:

“It’s hugely disappointing that LCR Pride Foundation are having to cancel Pride in Liverpool and March with Pride, especially given the success of last year’s event and how important it has become for our LGBTQ+ community. 

“It’s absence this year will be keenly felt, particularly given the ever-growing need to support our community and promote unity. I know it’s a decision that LCR Pride Foundation has tried valiantly to avoid. However, given the difficult circumstances they find themselves in it’s also understandable and from a long-term point of view, it’s the right decision for them.

“The Council has had discussions with the Foundation over the last few weeks, and we will continue to assist them to ensure our community can once again march with pride in 2026.”

Any march registration fees paid for 2025 will be refunded and invoices will not be raised for those organisations who had registered to march.

Regional Prides taking place in the Liverpool city region this summer are:

Sefton Pride, Saturday 14th June, Salt & Tar, Bootle

Halton Pride, Saturday 5th July, at Runcorn Linnets Football Club

St Helens Pride, Saturday 12th July at Willowbrook – The Living Well

Knowsley Pride, Saturday 19th July, at Court Hey Park, Huyton

Wirral Pride, Saturday 9th August, in the Victoria Quarter, New Brighton.

Find out more about how you can support LCR Pride Foundation’s mission here. 

Find out the latest in Liverpool here.

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From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.

Liverpool’s café culture is set to thrive thanks to a new outdoor seating policy launched by Liverpool City Council, giving local hospitality businesses more freedom to create vibrant, welcoming spaces.

The updated seating policy will make it easier for venues to set up outdoor areas, helping to create lively café spots across the city while making sure public spaces stay safe, inclusive and accessible for everyone.

The new policy introduces clearer, more flexible guidelines for pavement licences in line with the Business and Planning Act 2020. It sets out what businesses need to do to use outdoor furniture in a way that doesn’t block footpaths or get in the way of pedestrians.

It’s all about balance – encouraging al fresco socialising and supporting Liverpool’s buzzing hospitality scene, while keeping public areas open and safe for all.

The council has put together a simple step-by-step guide to help businesses apply for a pavement licence, so they’ll know exactly what’s required. The policy is flexible enough to work for a wide range of venues and takes local needs into account.

If a business sets up furniture without a licence, there’s a clear enforcement process in place to deal with it. It’s about making sure everyone plays by the same rules, so the city can keep growing its outdoor scene in the right way.

Over the past year, around 200 pavement licences have already been issued, showing just how popular outdoor setups have become – especially in areas where café culture is part of daily life.

Applying online is quick and easy, and the council has made its fees and turnaround times transparent so businesses can plan with confidence. You can find full details on the pavement licence page at the Liverpool City Council website.

Councillor Dan Barrington, cabinet member for transport and connectivity, said:
“This new policy is all about backing our local cafés, bars and restaurants. It’s about helping them make the most of outdoor spaces, bringing a fun, social vibe to the city while making sure our pavements and public areas remain open and accessible to everyone.

“It strikes a great balance between protecting pedestrian access and encouraging a dynamic, people-friendly city centre.”

To find out more and apply for a pavement licence, head to the council’s official website.

Get more news around Liverpool at TheGuideLiverpool.com

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Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner has announced that Homes England is the preferred bidder to buy the site of the police’s former headquarters at Canning Place.

Emily Spurrell announced last year the station, which served as the force’s landmark base for more than 40 years, was being put up for sale.

After nine weeks on the open market and following a thorough and considered selection process of the bids received, the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has today confirmed that she is commencing the legal process of selling the 2.64-acre site to Homes England, the Government’s housing and regeneration agency.

Homes England has submitted proposals to turn the site into an ambitious, high-quality, mixed-use waterfront development, likely to comprise residential, hotel and retail, leisure and commercial spaces.

The proposal was assessed as providing the best value of the 13 bids received.

The money recouped from the sale of Canning Place will be reinvested into modernising and updating Merseyside Police’s stations and buildings to ensure officers and staff are in the right places and best equipped to serve communities across the region.

The Police and Crime Commissioner, working with the Merseyside Police estates team, will now work with Homes England through the final stages of due diligence and site master-planning with Historic England and Liverpool City Council, with the aim of exchanging contracts later this year.

Once the sale is completed, Homes England will look to select a development partner and secure planning consent from Liverpool City Council to manage and deliver the vision for the scheme.

All the bids submitted provided proposals for the site based on nine criteria, including the value of the tender, the quality of the design, social value, the experience and strength of the team delivering the development and environmental and sustainability considerations.

These criteria took into consideration the feedback from the public, businesses and stakeholders received during a consultation undertaken by the Police and Crime Commissioner before the site was put on the market, and the requirements provided by the planning team at Liverpool City Council.

Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:

“Following extensive marketing of the site and a very robust evaluation and selection process, I am pleased to announce that Homes England is the preferred bidder for our high-profile site at Canning Place.

“All the bidders received an extensive pack of information advising them of the results of my consultation with local people, businesses and stakeholders and the planning requirements for such an iconic and important site.

“Homes England submitted the bid which provided best value meaning I will now be proceeding with the legal process to sell the site to them.

“Canning Place occupies a prime location on our beautiful waterfront but sadly the building was no longer fit for policing purposes, and I made a commitment to selling it to generate much-needed money which we can now invest in Merseyside Police’s stations to create better workplaces for our officers and staff.

“We are already saving approximately £550,000 a year on the running costs of our new headquarters, Rose Hill, compared to Canning Place. This is money which is put straight back into the frontline.

“With the sale of the site, we can move forward with the rest of our estates strategy which includes major new police hubs in St Helens, Wirral and Knowsley and new police stations in Southport and Newton-le-Willows.

“My focus is now completing the sale in order that Homes England can submit their proposals to the planners at Liverpool City Council with the hope this key site can be brought back into use for the benefit of local people and visitors to our region as soon as possible.”

Eamonn Boylan, Chief Executive of Homes England, said:

“Canning Place is a historic site in a prime location on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront. The acquisition of the former Merseyside Police headquarters would present a unique opportunity for Homes England to add to the significant legacy of regeneration in the area.

“Once the purchase of the site is completed, we will work with Liverpool City Council and Historic England to agree a masterplan that delivers a high-quality vision for the development that respects its waterfront setting, before selecting a development partner to transform the site into a mixed-use development fit for a new generation.”

Canning Place is positioned in a prime location just a stone’s throw from the city’s famous waterfront, facing the Albert Dock, and next to Paradise Street bus station and the Liverpool ONE shopping and leisure complex and Liverpool’s creative quarter, the Baltic Triangle.

The site encompasses the former seven-floor headquarters building which is more than 135,000 square feet, an annex, car park and a gatehouse.

Merseyside Police began the process of vacating Canning Place and relocating to Rose Hill in October 2021 bringing more than 1,100 officers and staff together under one roof. The state-of-the-art new headquarters, just off St Anne Street, was officially opened by HRH The Earl of Wessex in March 2022.

Canning Place, which first opened its doors in 1977, was then used to house various police teams, while refurbishments to other stations took place. It was also used as a base for significant policing operations, including Eurovision in May 2023.

The PCC appointed the consultancy firm Mace Consult Ltd and leading commercial property consultants Colliers, supported by PLACED engagement specialists, to assist with the marketing and disposal of the site and to attract the broadest and highest calibre of potential developers.

As part of the marketing process, a full sales brochure was distributed to more than 1,000 market contacts and the sale was publicised in both industry press and on social media.

Find more information on the Merseyside Police 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.

After the huge success of last summer’s inaugural event, Knowsley Pride is set to return on Saturday 19 July 2025 — and it’s shaping up to be even bigger and better.

More than 3,000 people turned out for the first-ever Knowsley Pride last year, and once again Court Hey Park will play host to the main celebration. Running from 12pm to 2pm, the event will round off a full week of Pride activity taking place across the borough.

Now in its second year, Knowsley Pride continues to grow as a vibrant, inclusive celebration of LGBTQ+ identity and equality. It’s been driven by the Knowsley Pride Steering Group – a partnership made up of public, private and community organisations – and is supported by groups from the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector across the borough.

Ahead of the main event on 19 July, local community partners will deliver a week-long programme of events supported by funding from One Knowsley, through the legacy of Michael Causer. The funding is available again this year for VCFSE groups across Knowsley to create their own Pride-themed activities, helping to bring the celebration to every corner of the borough.

As part of the festivities, Shakespeare North Playhouse will host a packed programme of Pride-related events, including Shakespeare’s Sister Siter – a one-night-only show starring Drag Race UK’s Sister Sister. Sahir, the region’s longest-standing LGBTQ+ charity, will also lead workshops and present the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt exhibition at the venue.

Racheal Jones, CEO of One Knowsley, said:
“We were blown away by the energy and togetherness of last year’s Pride, and we’re excited to build on that momentum this July. Pride in Knowsley is about so much more than just one day — it’s a celebration of visibility and the power of community. Holding it on a Saturday this year opens it up to even more people and gives us another chance to stand together in pride and solidarity.”

Leader of Knowsley Council, Cllr Graham Morgan, added:
“I’m incredibly proud to see Knowsley Pride return for its second year. Last year’s event was a landmark moment for our borough and a true reflection of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. The turnout showed the spirit of Knowsley, and this year, with a full week of activities and even stronger partnerships, we’re confident it will have an even greater impact.”

John Lowe, chair of the Knowsley Pride Steering Group, said:
“The support for last year’s Knowsley Pride showed just how important this celebration is for our borough and beyond. Its return this summer reflects our continued commitment to visibility and inclusion. Through a week of dynamic events, we’re creating a welcoming, affirming space where everyone can feel seen, respected and valued.”

Knowsley Pride is free to attend and open to all. Expect live music, performances, community stalls and plenty of chances to connect and celebrate inclusivity in all its forms.

For more information please contact: Ami-Lee.Price@OneKnowsley.org

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Get ready for an edge-of-your-seat experience at the Liverpool Playhouse as The Croft brings a haunting Highland tale to the stage from Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 July.

The Croft stars stage and screen favourites Liza Goddard (Doctor Who, Noises Off, Bergerac), Caroline Harker (A Touch of Frost, The Railway Children), and Gray O’Brien (Coronation Street, Casualty), this critically acclaimed thriller weaves together suspense, secrets and supernatural twists.

Set in a remote village in the Scottish Highlands, The Croft follows two women who head to a former crofter’s hut for a peaceful break — only to find themselves cut off from the modern world and drawn into the building’s chilling past. Inspired by true events, this is a ghost story with heart and history, and it’s already gripped audiences across the country.

The play comes from the team at Original Theatre, who previously brought Birdsong to Liverpool, and is directed by artistic director Alastair Whatley, with original direction by Philip Franks (Murder in the Dark).

Alongside the leading cast are Gracie Follows (Birdsong), Russell Layton (ART), Simon Roberts (Witness for the Prosecution), and Judith Rae (The Mousetrap) as understudy.

Liza Goddard said:
“If you like a ghost story, and a really well-written play about relationships, then come along. It’s a thrilling piece of theatre, and there’s nothing quite like watching it unfold live, together in an audience. It’s the oldest form of storytelling, and it still works its magic.”

The Croft combines gripping drama with atmospheric design, featuring sets by Adrian Linford, lighting by Chris Davey, and an original score and sound design by Max Pappenheim.

You can book tickets now here.

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For over four decades, the Royal Liverpool University Hospital stood tall at the top of Prescot Street towards the east end of the city.

Since opening its doors in 1978, the Royal Liverpool University Hospital has become deeply embedded in the fabric of the city, both for its distinctive architecture and the vast number of healthcare services it delivered to millions of people across the region.

The decommissioning and demolition of the old Royal has been underway since the opening of the new hospital in October 2022, carried out by specialist contractors, DSM, and funded by the government’s New Hospital Programme.

This work is now in its final stages, with high-reach demolition of the old 11 storey ward block now complete. DSM will remain on site until October 2025, completing substructure removal of foundations and tunnels and preparing the ground for the future development.

As the city says goodbye to the old Royal, attention now turns to the future of the land on which it stood.

Construction is expected to start this summer on an extended podium and two-way entrance, connecting Mount Vernon Street and Daulby Street, and this improved infrastructure will enhance access to the hospital.

This work is being carried out by BAM Construction and is expected to be completed by Autumn 2026.

NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group (UHL Group), which operates the Royal as well as Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital and Liverpool Women’s Hospital, is developing a strategic masterplan for the site in partnership with the New Hospital Programme and Liverpool City Council’s Planning and Regeneration teams. This will provide a framework for all future developments over the next decade.

Working with UHL Group, cancer support charity, Maggie’s, is currently going through the local authority planning process for a new Liverpool centre, which would be located on part of the old hospital site near Prescot Street and will benefit cancer patients, as well as family and friends, from across the region. This project has been commissioned, designed and funded by the Steve Morgan Foundation. Subject to planning permission being granted, the Maggie’s centre is expected to be opened in 2027.

In partnership with UHL Group, the University of Liverpool is also continuing to develop early plans for Health Innovation Liverpool, a health and life sciences campus within the future strategic masterplan. Health Innovation Liverpool would house medical, dental and nurse training facilities for future generations of healthcare professionals, conduct healthcare research with the NHS to benefit the Liverpool population and house companies to power the Liverpool City Region Life Science growth agenda.

James Sumner, Chief Executive of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, said:

“Demolishing the old site in such close proximity to the new Royal and neighbouring buildings has been a complex project and reaching this milestone is a significant achievement. The immediate work we have planned for the extended podium entrance will make a real improvement to how people access the site.

“Further redevelopment is subject to planning and funding, like any new building work, and we are working closely with partners to develop a masterplan that will have the health and wellbeing of our patients and local communities at its heart.”

Yvonne Smith: meet the woman who has worked in all three of Liverpool’s Royal hospitals  

Ask almost anyone in Liverpool and they’ll likely have a personal connection to the Royal, whether through a loved one who received care there or someone who worked among the many dedicated teams.

The hospital was originally built to replace three healthcare facilities in the city: the Liverpool Royal Infirmary, the David Lewis Northern Hospital, and the Royal Southern Hospital. At the time, its modern design and state-of-the-art technology were considered revolutionary, signalling the start of modern-day patient care. Gone were the traditional Nightingale-style round wards, replaced with a layout designed for efficiency and expanding services.

As the city’s skyline changes, the spirit of care and commitment embodied in staff like Yvonne Smith, Unit Manager on the Gastroenterology Unit, is steadfast. Yvonne began her career in 1978 and will soon celebrate an incredible 50 years of service within the NHS. She is one of only a select few who has worked at all three of the Royal hospitals, an achievement not many can lay claim to.

“I trained at the old Royal Liverpool Infirmary,” she recalls. “There were about 70 of us in my set, and we lived on site. It was very different back then, right down to how we put on our uniforms. We wore a white cap, apron and a navy cape with red trim for errands during night shifts. It looked smart but wasn’t very practical!”

Yvonne has witnessed huge shifts in healthcare over the years, especially in technological advances. She said: “I remember the old round wards with fireplaces. They weren’t built for the volume of patients we see today. We were one of the first team to move into what was then the new Royal, the change in layout and structure was striking, it allowed us to care for many more patients in a much more efficient way.”

Over the years Yvonne has seen more than just buildings change, so too has the nursing profession itself. “When I qualified, only doctors could prescribe antibiotics. Now we have Nurse Consultants, Specialists and Practitioners. It’s inspiring to see how nursing has evolved.”

Throughout her long and varied career Yvonne has worked in many different departments from the A&E to Dermatology, however her core belief has never changed, the basic principles of care. “No matter what the advances in medicine or changes in buildings were, the foundations of good care remain the same. My core skills have enabled me to work on multiple wards and clinics in and around the hospital over the years. The nursing skills we were taught back then continue to be passed down and can be applied anywhere.”

Among her earliest memories are those watching the construction of the now old Royal. She said: “We’d sit on the rooftop of the old hospital and watch the new one being built. Sometimes, if it was warm, we’d even sleep up there.

“Leaving a building you know so well is hard, so many memories, friendships, hard times and truly wonderful times, but I’m excited for what’s next.”

Find out more about the new Royal Liverpool University Hospital here.

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