This week’s Culture Radar guest is Pravinder Singh, Head of Programmes & Planning for Milap.
Loved: Shez Raja at Future Yard. A fantastic gig and great to present him on his home turf! Secondly, River of Light. Another wonderful event by Culture Liverpool and for Milap to work with Murugiah for his installation of ‘Rangoli Mirrored Cosmos’ and for all to celebrate Diwali.
Looking forward to: On 16 March, Milap present the internationally renowned, multi-Grammy award winning artist, Rakesh Chaurasia, at the wonderful Tung Auditorium. To me, he is the world’s best flautist, so don’t miss this concert!
I’m also looking forward to Liverpool International Jazz Festival in February and the Darius Brubeck Quartet opening the festival. Milap and LIJF also come together again to present Rekesh Chauhan and Kousic Sen on 22 February.
Trivia: I had graduated from University of Liverpool with a Law degree, when Milap plucked at my heart strings. Nearly 20 years later, I’m still going strong to make Indian Arts accessible to all, in Milap’s 40th Anniversary year! My sisters also happen to be the amazing local and internationally renowned artists, The Singh Twins!!
From 25 October to 5 November, River of Light returns to Liverpool with a playful slant to its latest edition, showcasing twelve supremely eye-catching large-scale installations, created by some of the most talented light artists in the world. Each installation is inspired by the theme of ‘Play’, inviting viewers to enter into the spirit of fun as the river lights up.
From 5 – 9pm each evening you can catch this free event, offering an open-air illuminated gallery along Liverpool’s Waterfront. River of Light features a dynamic loop of light and sound from artists across the world as well as celebrated local and national artists.
Some pieces will transform Liverpool’s Waterfront into a vibrant playground of colour, while others delve deeper, looking at the role of play in our lives, communities, and the city itself.
This year’s event will also see the debut of a collaboration between River of Light and Milap, to celebrate Diwali on 1 November.
River of Light 2024 Installations
Impulse by Lateral Office & CS Design
Impulse. Credit: Visit Liverpool
Transforming public space into a big, luminous and interactive playground Impulse invites you into a playful, multi-sensory experience with a standby of childhood play: the seesaw. The installation is a series of teeter-totters that respond to riders’ movements with fluctuating light and sound. With this urban instrument, you will help create an ephemeral environment in constant renewal. However, Impulse’s sights and sounds are not random. Inspired by serialism, a musical method of composition, the installation creates different zones of varying intensity and calm. Impulse is an invitation to play, to laugh and to interact at River of Light 2024. It creates a collective experience of joy and community.
A 1.8 metre tall fibreglass sculpture with a reflective internal face. Rangoli Mirrored Cosmos is public art light sculpture celebrating Diwali at River of Light 2024. The 3D sculpture also featured large interactive floor graphics at specific slots. Originally Installed as part of the London Design Festival in 2023.
To mark Diwali, the Festival of Light, on Friday 1 November, Culture Liverpool is working with Liverpool-based Indian arts and culture organisation, Milap to programme activity which will take place near to the Rangoli Mirrored Cosmos installation.
Piano Walk invites participants into a captivating musical experience. This installation features 40 interactive keys and piano hammers that strike the strings. The artists were inspired by the intricate details inside a piano, the craftsmanship, the materials and the colours and aimed to reflect these elements elegantly in the installation. Embracing the spirit of musical exploration, every participant is invited to jump on the oversized piano and become part of a collaborative performance, bringing the installation to life.
Bubblesque at Mann Island is an adaptive part of Atelier Sisu’s ‘Bubble-tecture’ collection. This bespoke interactive iteration draws in the audience’s innate sense of curiosity and play, and has been created specifically for the bodies of water around Mann Island. Overflowing onto the land around the water, bubbles fill the area, reminding the audience of a larger-than-life bath tub.
Each interactive module engages a series of water-based droplets. When touched, the bubbles dance with colour, each cycling through series of curated animation sequences. When not interacted with, the bubbles gently flow through colour gradients to ensure that the artwork presents a dynamic presence in the space.
Illusion Hole is the sixth artwork in the ‘Use Your Illusion’ series by UxU Studio. This series, which utilizes meteor lights, was born from the studio’s curiosity about how visitors experience the dynamic movement of light. UxU Studio believes that light, while not a physical substance, can be shaped and transformed into something meaningful, creating new interpretations and perceptions.
In Illusion Hole, light is arranged in a precise geometric pattern, creating the mesmerising illusion of water flowing into a mysterious, unknown black hole. As we observe this captivating display, UxU Studio prompts us to question our perceptions: Are we truly aware of the existence of the water beneath the light, or do we accept the illusion as reality, blurring the lines between what is real and what is false? This thought-provoking installation challenges our understanding of reality, encouraging us to explore the boundaries between truth and illusion.
Location: Royal Albert Dock, Inner quay (on the water)
Positive Spin is a 5.5m high machine from the collective minds of artistic experience creators Invisible Wind Factory and illustrator Liz Harry that invites you to step up and receive a random fortune.
Inspired by a love of summers spent at beach front arcades it’s part immersive experience and part spectacle, this brand new commission aims to share the importance of looking forward positively.
Location: Royal Albert Dock – back of Maritime Museum building
Lightbattle III is an exciting and immersive experience that celebrates the joy of cycling. The installation features two interactive arches of light, with six bicycles each other from opposite sides. Participants hop on and pedal as fast as they can, with the speed of their cycling causing the lights to intensify in colour. The fastest cyclist is rewarded with a dazzling burst of light, adding to the thrill of the competition.
For the Liverpool exhibition, the installation has been specially adjusted to enhance accessibility and inclusivity. Two of the bicycles have been replaced with hand bikes, making it possible for everyone to join in the fun.
Location: Martin Luther King building – Royal Albert Dock
LAPS is a modern take on the traditional hourglass that gives us the opportunity to literally take control of time. From the top of their 7.8 ft, the 6 giant modules invite the public to change time by turning the steering wheel at their desired pace, in one direction or the other, and to take another look at their perception of time. Time catchers are rewarded with a sound and light experience that inspires immediate wonder.
Take control for a full lap of LAPS; hold your breath, sing a song, clap your hands, propose marriage, do whatever inspires you. Everyone gets to choose the time they want to spend here; this passage of time is truly yours!
Location: The Strand alongside Salthouse Dock
Artist: LAPS was created by Olivier Landreville in collaboration with Serge Maheu, produced by Init and is powered by Creos.
Bunch of Tulips by Koros Design
Bunch of Tulips. Credit: Visit Liverpool
When you think of tulips, you think of vibrant colour and beauty. This installation by Koros Design inflates this iconic flower to epic proportions, putting it into historical context. Did you know that tulips saw an enormous surge in popularity in the 1630s, a period famously known as ‘tulipmania’?
Koros Design Studio wanted to recreate a bouquet of tulips on a grand scale. The work embodies elements of Pop Art, where the sheer quantity, size, and colour of the tulips reflect and celebrate our culture of mass consumption—a playful, kitschy take on a historical and widely recognised symbol.
No Place Like Gnome invites participants on a whimsical journey, where each gnome transforms into a charming companion for a photographic exploration of iconic landmarks and hidden treasures. Embracing the essence of global adventure, every gnome carries its own distinctive character and narrative, encouraging River of Light visitors to embark on a captivating quest through their local precinct.
Discover the secret hideouts of these travellers and uncover the magic they bring to every corner of your journey.
Chess, a timeless symbol of strategic play, transcends cultures and languages, fostering connections among people from diverse backgrounds. Checkmate aims to bring this universal appeal to public spaces, ensuring accessibility and engagement across all ages and cultures. Like an intricate dance of ‘mini sculptures’, each chess piece embodies its own rules and movements, inviting players into a poetic interplay of intellect and concentration.
By transforming this iconic symbol into a monumental spectacle, the public is invited to undertake a wondrous and expansive journey of extraordinary proportions. Each chess piece draws inspiration from the 20th Century Bauhaus movement, a pivotal era where art and design converged, shaping modern aesthetics. This artwork reverently pays homage to Bauhaus’s historical impact, celebrating its fusion of creativity and functionality.
What is the collective noun for a group of fireflies? A swarm seems too beastly. A lantern? A twinkle? A shimmer of fireflies?
Firefly Field is a mesmerising light installation of numerous flying light points that simulate the movements of these nocturnal Lampyridae. Glowing. Darting. Hovering above the ground. The ever-changing bioluminescence of each one is reflected in the grassy slope. On mass, they create a dynamic light scene that triggers visitors’ curiosity and awe.
With Firefly Field, Studio Toer shares their fascination for the aesthetics and movement of these tiny winged creatures and their interest in the way dynamic moving light can express a mood. This minimalist arrangement consists of specially developed LED light points that seem to hover in mid-air. Their unique dynamic composition gives each firefly its unpredictable and natural movement.
Firefly Field premiered at VIVID Sydney in 2019 and has been exhibited at several worldwide events ever since. It now arrive at River of Light for 2024.
River of Light 2024 will feature a special Diwali celebration in partnership with Milap on 1 November. The event includes performances by Europe’s top Indian brass band, Bombay Baja, offering three lively sets blending Indian melodies with Dhol rhythms for a Bollywood and Bhangra dance experience. Pianist Bhav will play beautiful Bollywood tunes to enhance the atmosphere near the stunning Rangoli Mirrored Cosmos installation, created by artist Murugiah. Programmed by Culture Liverpool, the installation represents interconnectedness and adds to the vibrant Diwali festivities at Mann Island Atrium, Liverpool Waterfront.
River of Light 2024 Map
River of Light 2024 Map
River of Light 2024
24 October – 5 November, 5-9pm
Liverpool Waterfront
FREE
Liverpool’s theatre scene is set to dazzle this autumn with an eclectic mix of theatre shows in Liverpool and the city region that cater to all tastes. From heartwarming musicals to gripping dramas, the Liverpool City Region’s stages will be filled with unforgettable performances.
Highlights include the inspiring tale of Made in Dagenham, the chilling gothic of Dracula, and Girls Don’t Play Guitars, which tells the powerful story of The Liverbirds, Liverpool’s first all-female rock band. Whether you’re in the mood for a pop-fueled journey with & Juliet, a blood-splattered dark comedy like The Lieutenant of Inishmore, or a poignant wartime romance in Birdsong, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the best theatre shows in Liverpool and the region this season.
The Lieutenant of Inishmore – Everyman Theatre (until 12 October)
Mixing cats, killers and casual violence, The Lieutenant of Inishmore is shocking, savage and sadistically funny, winning the Olivier Award for Best Comedy. From the acclaimed writer of In Bruges, The Pillowman and The Banshees of Inisherin, comes this breathless, blood-splattered tale of revenge.
Girls Don’t Play Guitars – Liverpool Royal Court (27 September – 26 October)
Girls Don’t Play Guitars is the untold true story of The Liverbirds! From The Cavern to Hamburg’s Star Club Mary, Sylvia, Val and Pam did it on their terms, turning down Brian Epstein, hanging out with Jimi Hendrix and driving Chuck Berry wild. This foot-stomping musical will be packed with all of the great 60s songs that shook The Cavern, including the Liverbirds smash hits Peanut Butter and Diddley Daddy.
The Lodger – Unity Theatre (4 – 5 October)
Dora Colquhoun presents The Lodger, starring George Jenkins. Four humans and one hoofed mammal, all on a mission to find home. This hilarious and sometimes tragic tale follows a lodger’s journey as she encounters a menagerie of characters, all yearning for a sense of belonging.
Birdsong – Liverpool Playhouse Theatre (8 – 12 October)
Sebastian Faulks’s epic story of love and loss returns to the stage marking the 30th anniversary of the international best-selling novel. The critically acclaimed Birdsong returns in a brand-new production for 2024. The show tells the story of one man’s journey through an all-consuming love affair and into the horror of the First World War.
The Trials – The Brindley, Runcorn (9 – 12 October)
The near future…The climate emergency is gathering pace and our generation is being judged. The jurors are children. But are they delivering justice – or just taking revenge? A timely and troubling speculative drama that imagines the grim repercussions of our current climate emergency. Dawn King’s searing play The Trials received its British premiere at the Donmar Warehouse, London, in August 2022, directed by Natalie Abrahami.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly – Floral Pavilion, New Brighton (13 October)
Bringing one of the world’s best loved nursery rhymes to life just in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pam Adams’ best selling book! There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly has been written especially for grown ups to enjoy with their children, so come and relive the delights of this most charming of tales complete with a feast of sing along songs, colourful animal characters and heart warming family fun.
Made in Dagenham – Gladstone Theatre, Wirral (16 – 19 October)
Inspired by a true story and based on the hit movie, Made in Dagenham is the uplifting British musical comedy about friendship, love and the importance of fighting for what is right. Funny, touching and timeless, Made in Dagenham shows how ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they stand together.
The Book of Horror Volume II – Hope Street Theatre (23 – 26 October)
4AM Productions returns with their spine-chilling Halloween spectacular after last year’s huge success. This year, the Curator and his eerie minion are back to unleash more tales from the sinister “Book of Horror”—a collection of six terrifying short plays guaranteed to leave you trembling.
& Juliet – Liverpool Empire (28 October – 2 November)
Irreverent West End hit musical & Juliet embarks on its first UK tour with a stop at the Liverpool Empire in autumn 2024. Join Juliet on a journey of self-discovery and second chances, told through a soundtrack of top pop anthems from the last three decades composed by songwriter Max Martin. Max has an incredible songwriting pedigree, from writing Baby One More Time to Since U Been Gone, and Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) to Roar.
Dracula – The Atkinson, Southport (5 – 6 November)
Adapted by Nick Lane, this brilliant, theatrical treatment of Bram Stoker’s adventure blends Victorian Gothic with the Contemporary, showcasing Blackeyed Theatre’s trademark ensemble performance style. Dracula features a haunting soundscape, powerful performances and innovative design for an exhilarating theatrical experience.
To discover even more theatre shows in Liverpool and the city region check out our What’s On listings.
Looking for ways to soak up the sun and enjoy the outdoors around the Liverpool city region this summer? There’s a variety of activities from open-air theatre to relaxing walks and encounters with adorable farm animals to thrilling water sports. Whether you’re seeking cultural experiences, family adventures, or a chance to commune with nature, there’s something for everyone. Let’s explore some of the highlights that await.
Outdoor Theatre
Step into the wilderness this summer for tales of the woodland weird, unholy rites and ancient places of cosmic power with the ArtsGroupie CIC production of Midsummer Night’s Scream. They continue to revive the storytelling tradition with a summer solstice slant, performed by local authors John Maguire and David Griffiths at performance gardens across the city, 11 – 19 June. There are also excellent outdoor theatre productions being staged this summer at The Reader at Calderstones Park.
Festivals
Following record breaking attendances last year, Africa Oye will take over Sefton Park once again for two packed days of live music, dance, workshops, DJ stages, food stalls, traders and more. The much-loved event will this year take place 22 – 23 June 2024 with the festival running from 12:30pm to 9:30pm both days.
The On The Waterfront Festival at the Pier Head, 20 – 23 June, is also worth checking out, with performances from Ocean Colour Scene, Deacon Blue and Ben Hemsley.
For something more genteel, the Southport Flower Show, 15 – 18 August, offers spectacular floral displays, gardening advice and cookery demonstrations.
Sports
Looking to get wet and wild? Wirral Watersports Centre, based at West Kirby Marine Lake, offer a full range of water sport activities in a scenic and calming location, ideal for a family day out.
Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and take the short train journey to Crosby Beach, which is home to Antony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ – a fascinating display of outdoor art. Another Place consists of 100 cast-iron, life-size figures spread out along three kilometres and stretching almost one kilometre out to sea.
The Liverpool City Region has over 50 miles of coastline, including the scenic West Kirby and Formby Beaches, which are also ideal for the family.
Walks and wildlife
Enjoy a family day out at Croxteth Hall and Country Park, discover the wildlife, take part in their orienteering walk or visit the miniature railway track, admission to the park is free.
Another excellent area to discover is Childwall Woods, a 39 acre woodland and a designated Local Nature Reserve in the south of Liverpool, the woods have views overlooking the Lancashire and Cheshire plain. You can also take part in one of their nature trails.
For something different and perfect for kids, Rice Lane City Farm is the ideal place to see some farm animals up close and all for free! There is even a petting farm where you can help take care of the animals. The farm is situated in Walton just outside the city centre,
Parks
A park in the middle of the city is the perfect place to escape. Head up to Chavasse Park for a picnic, there’s often different events and activities taking place to enjoy and it’s a great sun trap in the summer.
Birkenhead Park helped inspire the design of Central Park in New York City and is also an impressive park in its own right. There’s lots to do including a large adventure playground for children, tennis courts, bowling greens, football pitches and two large fishing lakes. Head on the Merseyrail Wirral Line to West Kirby and get off at Birkenhead Park Station.
St Helens also has some great bike trails, from easy to expert level, including the Spike Island loop from St Helens Central.
The Wirral Way, which forms part of Wirral Country Park, is also perfect for cycling, a 12 mile traffic-free ride running from West Kirby to Hooton.
If you’re still looking for more things to do around the Liverpool city region take a look at our What’s On listings.
Have we missed anything in this article? Let us know! Get in touch with Clare at clare@culture.org.uk. We strive to make our features as inclusive as possible, so we’re keen to hear your suggestions.
Sound City captures the vibrancy of the city with an unforgettable three day music festival. It sees established names perform alongside a stream of local, national and international emerging talent. Numerous successful iterations of Sound City have been held across three different continents over the last 17 years.
This year, they’re welcoming Caity Baser, The Snuts, Michael Head & The Red Elastic Band, Venus Grrrls, Dream Machine, Red Rum Club, The Rolling People, and many more names to independent Liverpool venues between 4-5 May.
The festival also features talks and conferences with the Sound City Forum, providing help for artists to further their careers in the music industry.
Here are a selection of festival highlights and new acts to watch out for this year:
The Dream Machine
The Dream Machine
Over the past two years, Wirral acid-pop band The Dream Machine have released a trio of splendid 4-track EPs. The releases saw them explore wildly different styles, whilst still maintaining their colourful 60s infused sound.
Influenced by iconic punk and psych songwriters, such as Patti Smith and The Brian Jonestown Massacre, they blend smooth vocal harmonies with hypnotic grooves. Their debut album was released in 2023 by the city’s Run On Records to much acclaim and accompanied by a residency at Jimmy’s in Liverpool.
Michael Head and The Red Elastic Band
There are few songwriters to ever surpass the genius of Michael Head’s output, either on his own, with The Pale Fountains, Shack or his most recent iteration Michael Head and The Red Elastic Band. Now in his fifth decade of making music, he is producing some of his finest work.
His 2022 album, Dear Scott, was as cohesive and coherent as any album he’s made and produced by the acclaimed ex-Coral member, Bill Ryder-Jones. A true Liverpool legend, Michael Head is one not to miss at this year’s festival.
Caity Baser
Loud, funny, vibrant and sensitive: words that describe British singer, songwriter and pop provocateur Caity Baser, just as easily as they describe her music. Her varied influences include Etta James, The Carpenters and Rizzle Kicks, which all make for an inspired mixture of original songs.
Caity has had four entries in the UK singles chart and rave reviews from the NME. An artist wise beyond her years but packing enough teenage energy to still cause trouble.
Venus Grrrls. Photo Credit: Misha Warren
Venus Grrrls
Inspired by the feminist 90s rock movement Riot Grrrl, Venus Grrrls are an alternative indie band from Leeds. With their eerie synth motifs and raw guitar lines, the girls present the dark yet empowering discourse surrounding their own experiences.
With singer/rhythm guitarist Grace Kelly (GK) fronting the band, their raw energy live is something to behold, they give Bikini Kill and Babes in Toyland a run for their money.
One of the hot tips of last year, their music has been featured on BBC 6Music, Radio X, and BBC Introducing.
The Snuts
The Snuts recently become the first Scottish band to achieve a UK number one for 14 years, with their debut album W.L. selling over 20,000 copies. The album encapsulates the band’s journey of four working class kids, growing up with a dream in Whitburn, West Lothian.
The band have played prestigious support slots with Louis Tomlinson and Kings of Leon, plus recorded a live album, performed in the resplendent surroundings of Stirling Castle.
Red Rum Club
Liverpool’s Red Rum Club have been impressing audiences with their live shows since their inception in 2017. Released on Modern Sky, the band’s first album Matador introduced their trademark mix of indie and Mariachi – styled brass.
Their latest album, Western Approaches, has propelled them to new heights this year. The band played a sold-out show at the M&S Bank Arena and were inducted into the Cavern Wall Of Fame. Red Rum Club play the Saturday Afternoon Headline slot and are sure to give one of the highest energy performances of Sound City 2024.
The Rolling People
The Rolling People
At just 18 years old, Stockport-based The Rolling People have taken the indie music scene in their stride. Gaining a reputation for energised performances and feral crowds to match. The band have earned their reputation as the next ‘must-see’ act with repeated sold out shows across the country.
Now ready to release their long-awaited debut EP, the meteoric rise of The Rolling People looks all set to continue.
King No-One
There’s few bands that embody the DIY-spirit quite like Manchester’s indie favourites King No-One. The success and community they’ve built via the band, has all been achieved through the musical underground, courtesy of their own hard work, sacrifice and a lot of determination.
The band’s recent single Manchester Rain perfectly encapsulates life in the North of England in 2024 – facing up to hardship but with a defiant attitude.
Sound City Forum
The festival has a full programme of talks in their Sound City Forum – the disruptive conference in the north, curated for beginners through to seasoned veterans. Their theme this year is Sustainability in the Music & Entertainment Industry and they’re questioning whether it’s time to #SoundTheAlarm
To help them dive into this topic, they’re welcoming Sacha Lord, Korda Marshall (Virgin Music UK), TikTok, SoundCloud, BPI, PRS, and many more industry titans.
Plus they’ll have exclusive in-conversations with Red Rum Club, and The Lottery Winners.
Sound City 2024 4 – 5 May
Various city centre music venues Tickets
To discover more music events and festivals visit our Whats On listings.
There’s so much to love about the spring season, with the warmer weather, longer days and blooming flowers. In this guide, we’re got 10 activities that will help to make your spring unforgettable. From immersing yourself in the city region’s history at local museums and exploring art galleries to reconnecting with nature through invigorating walks and gardening adventures. So, dust off your walking shoes, grab your gardening gloves and check out our list of fun spring activities in Liverpool and the city region.
1. Nature Walks
There are so many great local nature walks to take on Merseyside and springtime is perfect to see them at their best. The Sefton and West Lancashire coastal path and Undiscovered Formby walks are lovely scenic routes to see the River Mersey and surroundings. There’s also the beautiful Wirral Circular Trail, a longer walk with stunning views of the Dee Estuary.
Get planting this spring for a very colourful summer and a way to reconnect with nature. Summer bulbs are ideal for patio containers and add colour to mixed borders without taking up much space.
Bulbs such as Alliums, Agapanthus and Cannas can be planted in spring, when the soil is beginning to warm up. The National Trust and the BBC have some great planting tips to get you started.
You may also like to volunteer or an event or charity and you can check out lots of opportunities on our website here.
Bluecoat
5. Museums & Art Galleries
Visit a gallery or museum and take in the exhibitions currently on display. Liverpool City Region galleries and museums:
Open Eye Gallery (Photography)
FACT (Contemporary art)
Bluecoat
Tate Liverpool / RIBA North
National Museums Liverpool (World Museum, Walker Art Gallery, Museum of Liverpool, Sudley House, Lady Lever Art Gallery, International Slavery Museum and the Maritime Museum)
Port Sunlight Museum
The Atkinson
Williamson Art Gallery
Kirby Gallery and Museum
6. Nature Watching
As spring comes into life, it’s good to get outdoors with the family to discover birds and wildlife. The RSPB have a comprehensive set of online resources for identifying birds and signs of spring.
The BBC also have many resources for spring online, including archives and activities based around their Springwatch programme. The site includes tips on feeding and photographing wildlife.
7. Walking Tour
There’s lots of great walking tours you can go on around Liverpool including Reel Tours’ Film & TV location tours, Shiverpool’s Historic Ghost Tours, a Beatles walking tour and more – check out our full guide to the city’s walking tours here.
Gary Lunt of Reel Tours Liverpool Film & TV location tours
8. Arts Markets & Farmers Markets
Support local by visiting arts markets where you can find lovely gifts for friends family and yourself. There’s also some great farmers markets selling fresh, seasonal produce.
9. Ferry Across The Mersey
You won’t get many better views of the city than you do when you’re on the Mersey ferry. Bring your camera or your phone and capture some photos of the famous skyline!
10. Relax In The Park
With an abundance of beautiful parks in the city region why not head to the likes of Sefton Park, Calderstones, Birkenhead Park or wherever your favourite green space is and just relax as the weather starts to get warmer and the evenings stay lighter for longer.
To find out what’s happening across the Liverpool city region have a look at our What’s On event listings.
Easter is the perfect time to start crafting again, these seasonal workshops are ideal to add some colour to your home with an Easter themed creation.
1. Easter Bonnet Workshops
Join the team at Crosby’s Lakeside Adventure Centre for a fun-filled Easter Bonnet Workshop of creativity and crafting.
Get ready to unleash your imagination and create a beautiful Easter bonnet or hairband that your child can wear during the School Easter Parade. The team will be on hand to provide guidance and inspiration, so you can let your creativity run wild.
Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, 23 – 24 March, various times.
Alternatively, you and your little one can have fun making an Easter Bonnet at Bee Early Years.
Celebrate the spring season with a handcrafted Easter wreath for your door.
During this Easter Wreath Making Workshop at Duke Street Market, you’ll work with a stunning range of bulbs and carefully chosen bedding flowers to bring your wreath to life, starting with making the base from scratch using fresh and ethically sourced materials.
Immerse yourself in a world of flowers and learn a range of methods for preparing and arranging your wreath with guidance from Nat, an experienced florist at Somerset Blooms.
Duke Street Food & Drink Market, 30 March, 12 – 2pm.
3. Supersized Easter Egg Decoration Workshop
Join World of Glass for this kids Easter Workshop aimed at 3 – 6 year year olds. Your child will be decorating a supersized image of an egg using water spray as the glue and colourful shaped acetate for the decoration.
It’s a great chance for children to learn more about colour shape and pattern and an opportunity to take a photograph of your budding artist with their first public artwork.
All tickets are for children only with 2 adult spaces to accompany each child.
World of Glass, St Helens, 12 April, 11 – 11.45am.
4. Felt Easter Decorations
Get ready for Easter and join in with this Easter Textiles Workshop to create your own cute felt decoration, perfect for bringing spring vibes to your home.
Waterstones, Birkenhead, 24 March, 11am – 1pm.
5. Easter Family Activities at RIBA North + Tate Liverpool
Enjoy free, hands-on art activities at Tate Liverpool + RIBA North this Easter. Get your whole family involved with activities designed for all ages and available every day throughout the school holidays. Their free Art Games booklets are also available to pick up and take home.
Tate Liverpool + RIBA North, Mann Island, 29 March – 14 April. Daily at 10am – 4pm.
6. Easter Egg Painting
Artist Dot Rodgers will show you how to paint your own version of a Ukrainian Easter egg in this Make it! workshop. A pysanka egg is usually decorated with traditional Ukrainian folk designs and you can display your pysanka in a window at home to show you #StandWithUkraine.
All materials provided. Children must be supervised at all times. Recommended age 6+.
The Atkinson, Southport, 4 & 11 April, 11am – 3pm.
Last week Bluecoat launched their The Lives of Artists season, comprising of exhibitions, commissions, residencies, events and workshops. The Lives of Artists asks audiences “what might be uncovered about ourselves when we listen to the testimony, histories, and stories of artists reflecting on their lives?”
Here we’ll look into the transformative power of art, exploring how artists’ expressions of their lives and experiences can help us understand our own identities, navigate cultural contexts, and tap into our subconscious minds.
Ganjei reflects on his life and career as an artist. The deferential title of his exhibition, Thanks for Having Me, looks back on his life of operating on the margins and never quite being sure where he belongs. In a new work, Ganjei has stacked all of the books he owns but has never read to the exact height of the artist, creating a crude portrait of the artist’s aspirations and shortcomings.
In and it feels like I just got home Clague is interested in enduring memories of the female voice in his life. The exhibition often riffs on the pop-icons and divas that he once emulated. His work also lays out how his sense of self changes at different times, in different places.
Seeing the expressions of artists laid out can give us a better understanding of our own lives and crucially, make us feel less alone. Artists are often at the vanguard of culture and act as a kind of weather vane for people who follow their work and lives.
Cultural Context
Art can also help us make sense of the cultural context in which we live and relate to each other. This is especially relevant with issues of race and gender. Artists can fight for a cause and highlight contradictions and prejudice.
Writer Jennifer Lee Tsai who performs in The Lives of Artists season as their featured writer, looks at the second generation immigrant experience, with themes of ancestral trauma, loss and belonging. Tsai draws on her own life and the lives of others around her to create beautiful and powerful work that helps us understand each other and resonate with our own sense of self.
Their work serves as a mirror reflecting the complex nature of human identity. As we engage with these reflections, we may find aspects of ourselves mirrored in the art, leading to a deeper understanding of who we are. This can be both affirming and challenging, prompting us to question our preconceived notions as well as encouraging personal growth.
Babak Ganjei – Thanks For Having Me
Subconscious
Additionally, art has a unique ability to tap into the subconscious mind, bringing to light thoughts and feelings that lurk beneath the surface of our awareness. Surreal paintings and abstract compositions often act as windows into the hidden recesses of our minds, prompting us to confront and explore our own thoughts.
The Lives of Artists has two billboard commissions, Horse Big by Tess Gilmartin and Liverpool Waterfront by Ottman Said, in which both artists use abstraction as a way to create beautifully complex landscapes. They feel rooted to the landscape, and reflect this sense of belonging in their work.
In the New York Times 2023 bestseller, Your Brain on Art, How the Arts Transform Us, Susan Magsamen argues “We talk about meditation and mindfulness as a way to make us feel better; the arts also allow us to change our state of mind”.
Connection
It can be incredibly empowering to see these expressions from an artist, particularly in today’s alienating culture. Art provides a safe space for the expression of our own emotions and has the power to bridge gaps and foster empathy by providing an insight into the lived experiences of others. When we engage with art that portrays diverse narratives and perspectives, we broaden our understanding of what it is to be human. Through this interconnectedness, we can discover commonalities that unite us as well as understanding and respecting each others differences.
The Lives of Artists at Bluecoat
Babak Ganjei: Thanks for Having Me – 9 February – 14 April Find out more
Joshua Clague: and it feels like I just got home, 9 February – 1 April Find out more
Ottman Said: Liverpool Waterfront, 8 Feb – 10 Mar Find out more
Tess Gilmartin: Horse Big, 16 Mar – 14 Apr Find out more
Recent reports show an increase in people attending events and venues like museums, art galleries, theatre shows and gigs alone. Gone are the days when attending events alone was viewed by some as unconventional. Today, it reflects a growing appreciation for personal space and individual experiences in arts and culture.
In this feature, we’re exploring the increase in people attending events alone, the benefits of solo trips and tips to help you enjoy events alone if you’re a first-timer.
Solo cultural visits becoming more popular
Over half of festival goers attend festivals solo or with just one other person. The NME reported that the majority of young people have attended a music event on their own and a surprising study by DICE, found that most people felt music was more enjoyable alone.
This shift reflects broader changes in attitudes towards loneliness and individual experiences. Music website Bandsintown, discovered a notable rise in solo concert-goers since the Covid-19 pandemic, with up to 70% having attended a show alone in the past year. So, with that in mind, it seems there’s no time like the present to give the solo concert or event a whirl; you won’t be the only one.
Additionally, new research, commissioned by Beavertown Brewery, indicates that nearly half of those living in the North West have confessed to feeling lonely as a result of having fewer friends now compared to when they were younger. Many would love to attend events solo, but the majority feel either too anxious or nervous to take the plunge.
People will have different motivations for attending events on their own, whether it is a feeling of loneliness or a shift in perspective and wanting to attend events alone, at least on certain occasions. Whatever the reason is there are benefits to attending events solo.
The benefits of going solo
Going solo to art events can be daunting, people naturally have common concerns and fears, such as feeling out of place or lonely. They can also be worried about the social stigma that sometimes surrounds doing activities alone but there are plenty of benefits to attending events individually, like having the freedom to explore at your own pace, and the opportunity for self-reflection.
On your own, you can go directly to the galleries you’re interested in and not spend time on art you have little or no desire to see. Visitors spend on average 30 seconds in front of a piece of art but you can spend an hour contemplating one sculpture or breeze past an exhibit you’ve seen half a dozen times.
When you’re by yourself at a gallery or event, you also have more opportunities to meet new people. You’re more likely to strike up a conversation with strangers, and luckily, art events are filled with the perfect conversation starters. You could ask someone a simple open-ended question, such as “What do you think of this painting?”
On the other hand, when you go solo at an event, you won’t, or don’t have to have the distraction of social interaction. Instead, you can focus on the art, or look for inspiration. A museum is the perfect place to bring a sketchbook, hunker down somewhere and draw what’s around you – whether that’s the artworks or the people. Museums are a wonderful place to people watch!
Feeling welcome
Event organisers are increasingly making solo attendees feel more comfortable, such as hosting ‘solo attendee’ nights or providing resources for those attending alone. They understand that creating a welcoming environment for solo visitors can enhance the experience for everyone.
For people with disabilities, solo situations are obviously more challenging again. While each person is unique in terms of the personal circumstances they face, loneliness is a common and destructive factor. Getting the right support is so important. British Red Cross and Scope both offer help and advice for meeting new people and attending events. Additionally, Gig Buddies is a charity that aims to bring people together at events, in particular gigs.
You may also meet people through your impairment or condition. This could be through disability websites, charities, local groups or forums. If you’ve ever felt like you’re held back by a venue or event’s facilities Right to Participate: out and about offers advice on your rights when a venue or service is not accessible.
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) can also provide help and assistance, as well as hosting events of their own. Their website gives a whole range of advice on wellbeing and dealing with loneliness.
Another option you can look to is GigMate, a free app that is a community-based event discovery service for live music gigs. They will keep you updated on all of the live gigs near you, whatever genre of music you’re into. You’ll also have the chance to meet fellow music fans in their online communities or Tribes. If you haven’t got anyone to go to a gig with, they will find you other music fans in your area that match your profile exactly.
Tips for first-timers
Start small: Start with a small, local event and build up to larger or more high-profile cultural experiences. Solo gigs can be among the most rewarding, but the vibe of the evening should be in keeping, an intimate indie gig is probably more suited than a larger dance night.
Shift your perspective: Start by viewing solo outings as opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. Embrace the freedom and flexibility that comes with not having to coordinate with others.
Join guided tours or groups: Many cultural venues offer guided tours, which can be a great way to engage with the content and meet other attendees.
Attend special events or workshops: Look for events that encourage participation or interaction, such as workshops, lectures, or special tours.
Regularly attend events: The more you go to events alone, the more comfortable it becomes. It can also increase the chances of seeing familiar faces.
Volunteer at events: This can be a great way to feel part of the event while also being engaged in a specific role.
Our advice is to embrace the enriching experience of attending arts and cultural events solo. The thought of going to a place as public as a museum by yourself might be intimidating, but it’s well worth trying out. You might discover another side to yourself, to the art or to other people that you wouldn’t have experienced otherwise.
Three upcoming / current events suited to solo attendees
Lindy in the Sky with Diamonds Swing Festival, Masonic Hall (19 – 21 January)
Learning a new skill, such as vintage swing dancing, can be an ideal way to meet new people and engage at a cultural event. Mersey Swing CIC are holding their Lindy in the Sky with Diamonds Swing Festival this January, with a host of dance teachers on hand to help.
Tim Spooner: A New Kind of Animal exhibition, Bluecoat (Until 21 January)
Tim Spooner: A New Kind of Animal exhibition features an exciting new commission, alongside an impressive body of work, including over 190 works in collage, painting, sculpture and objects used in performances over the past 15 years. Bluecoat offers a range of facilities for disabled patrons. The exhibition is free entry.
Cast ‘Love Is The Call’ Album Performance – Jacaranda Baltic, (18 February)
Jacaranda Records present a live in-store performance from Cast celebrating the release of new album ‘Love Is The Call’. An opportunity to see a classic band in a smaller, intimate setting, ideal for rediscovering live music on your own.
Discover the vibrant world of improvisational theatre with our handpicked list of the best improv classes in the Liverpool city region, where creativity and spontaneity take centre stage.
1. Liverpool Comedy Improv (LCI)
Liverpool Comedy Improv (LCI) teaches drop-in sessions for improvisers of all levels from complete beginners through to those who are more advanced. They also offer specialised courses at every level to enable people to increase their skillset.
They see improvisation as enabling people to tap into their own creativity, boost their self-expression and confidence as well as unleashing a ton of laughter! It also allows people to hone their listening and communication skills by actively listening to others.
Liverpool Comedy Improv: Comedy Club, 22 Hope Street, L1.
2. Wing It Impro and Stories
Wing It Impro and Stories is run by multi-award winning actor and director Mark Smith. Mark has spent twenty plus years as a professional improvisor, either as performer or director. He was Artistic Director of Liverpool’s Spike Theatre from 2008-2014 and devised or directed all of their theatre shows.
Wing It run a fun Spontaneous Theatre course with play built into the heart of it. It’s suited for those who have some experience in improvisation and are looking for an intensive hit of creativity.
Mark is also behind Liverpool Improvisation Festival.
Wing It Impro: Comedy Club, 22 Hope Street, L1.
3. Liverpool Improvisation Festival
Wing It’s Mark Smith devised the new two-day Liverpool Improvisation Festival, which is supported and hosted by the Unity Theatre. Across two days in 2023, they presented an exciting programme of 12 shows including two world premieres and four workshops. There is a mix of established artists and companies and those who are new and emerging.
All the work is improvised and draws upon numerous art forms including clown, comedy, fooling, music, puppetry, storytelling, and theatre.
Liverpool Improvisation Festival: Unity Theatre, Hope Place, L1
4. Dream Academy of Arts
The St Helens based Dream Academy of Arts is taught by leading industry professionals, with experience in TV, Film, and Theatre.
Classes take place on Saturday mornings and are suitable for a range of age groups from 7-18 years, they provide unparalleled training in all aspects of performing arts. Training includes improvisation, voice work and confidence building.
Dream Academy of Arts: Carmel College, Prescot Road, St Helens, WA10.
5. Casino Improv
Slightly further afield, Casino Improv is a Wigan based Improv group, performing monthly at The Old Courts with The Something New Show. Casino Improv also performed at the first Liverpool Improvisation Festival.
Casino Improv: The Old Courts, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1.
Have we missed anything in this article? Let us know! Get in touch with Clare at clare@culture.org.uk. We strive to make our features as inclusive as possible, so we’re keen to hear your suggestions.
Keep in touch
Newsletter
Sign up to keep up to date with what's on in the city and the region!
