Author: Uncover

From local legends to global sounds, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Music Room is celebrating 10 years of bringing you closer to grassroots music, their birthday celebrations will be held from 28 September to 13 October. 

Over the past decade, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall’s Music Room has done it all. They’ve brought you incredible shows spanning the whole spectrum of musical genres, plus intimate chamber concerts, musical adventures for their youngest audiences and inspiring community music workshops too. They’ve welcomed a vast array of artists, nurtured new talent, and collaborated with partners to present a programme that’s exciting, diverse and truly unique.  

Now, they’re marking this special occasion with a huge celebration of all the Music Room does. So head along, join the party and help celebrate a decade of the Music Room – a real treasure of Liverpool’s music scene.  

Discover their Music Room 10 programme below…

Cerddoriaeth Cymru: 9Bach, Cerys Hafana and VRi (3 October)

In every corner of Britain, there are tales to be told – and great folk artists ready to tell them through song. In the Music Room, they have a proud folk music tradition, and so as part of their tenth anniversary celebrations they’re shining a spotlight on folk musicians from across the home nations, celebrating their countries and their music.

First up at Cerddoriaeth Cymru, they welcome three captivating Welsh artists, VRï, Cerys Hafana and 9Bach, back to the Music Room.

Liverpool’s waterfront will once again be transformed into a spectacular outdoor art gallery this autumn, as River of Light returns with a brand-new theme: The Science of Light.

Running from Friday 24 October to Sunday 2 November, the much-loved, free festival will showcase ten large-scale artworks, each inspired by science, technology, or the natural world. Now in its 8th edition, River of Light continues to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors, combining cutting-edge creativity with world-class locations.

This year, organisers have worked closely with Liverpool’s thriving science and innovation community to create an inspiring 3km trail stretching across the Royal Albert Dock, Pier Head, Exchange Flags and Liverpool ONE.

River of Light 2025 Installations

Blueprint by Studio Vertigo

Blueprint is a large-scale immersive artwork inspired by the form of a double helix, the physical structure of DNA. It is a parametric design, 20m long and 5.5m high, comprising of 180 x 360º tube LEDs that follow an outer spiral and are brought together at a fixed central point with sweeping curves. This is highlighted with a sequence of high-resolution lighting effects, representing the four bases of DNA slowly flowing through the artwork.

The edges are also highlighted with a dynamic lighting program to show the DNA backbone. The sculpture appears to be in a state of constant transformation, its free-flow of curves are set within a functional and orderly working of lines. DNA is often called the blueprint of life because it contains the instructions for development, growth and survival. life.

Location: Strand, in front of Salthouse Dock – Opposite Canning Place. L3 4AN

Cycle by Serge Maheu

Cycle is an urban star, shining bright. Created by Serge Maheu, Cycle is an interactive installation inspired by the revolutions of the sun and the moon, that illuminates open spaces.

Composed of a series of modules equipped with several light animation sequences, Cycle delights with its variations in intensity and colour. Diffusing brightness from its core, it evokes the halo effect of an eclipse. In a maestria of light and sound, Cycle comes to life at the rhythm of bystanders’ interactions. By moving to the beat of the ambient music, the young and the young at heart transmit their energy to Cycle, transforming it into a larger-than-life musical sequencer.

Location: The Strand, Liverpool, L1 8LT (Outside Cunard Building)

Dandelion by Amigo & Amigo

Close your eyes, make a wish, and behold, Dandelion comes to life! Inspired by the wind-blown petals of the dandelion — a plant as symbolic as it is scientifically fascinating — this installation reimagines a delicate natural form through engineering, optics, and motion. Revered for its medicinal properties and aerodynamic seed dispersal, the dandelion becomes a living sculpture that blends biology with technology.

Every five minutes, Dandelion transforms into a dynamic spectacle, combining programmed LED light animations with immersive sound design to mimic the fluid dynamics of wind and the natural rhythm of seed release. The work not only celebrates the aesthetic beauty of the plant but also explores the principles behind its structure, movement, and resilience. By bridging natural science with sensory experience, Dandelion invites audiences into a realm where curiosity meets wonder — where light becomes a language for discovery, and art becomes an expression of the unseen forces that shape our world.

Location: Mann Island – in front of Museum of Liverpool (L3 1DG)

Embrace by Beamhacker

Experience the science of connection with Beamhacker’s interactive light and sound installation Embrace. First commissioned for Vivid Sydney 2024, Embrace is a circle of 15 life-sized illuminated silhouettes inspired by the nostalgic human paper chain. When people join hands between the figures, their bodies complete an electrical circuit, allowing a flow of energy that triggers ripples of light and sound.

This simple act of touch – proven to release oxytocin, lower stress, and strengthen bonds – becomes a living demonstration of bioelectricity and the transfer of energy between people. Each connection transforms the installation, with light patterns refracting and harmonies layering in response, making the science of interaction visible and audible.

As more people collaborate, the colours grow richer, the movements more dynamic, and the soundscape more intricate. When the full circle is joined, Embrace reaches a spectacular crescendo, symbolising the synergy of human connection, the flow of energy, and the beauty of achieving a shared goal.

Location: Exchange Flags, L2 3PF

FACE VALUE by Emma Brass and Venya Krutikov

“Face Value” is an immersive experience where audience members unexpectedly become part of a fantasy gameshow, as an AI-powered robotic artist selects and transforms their images in real time. The experience highlights themes of technology and control, prompting participants to wonder what ultimately happens to their digital selves.

The installation combines novel technologies, including artificial intelligence and robotics, to create a constantly evolving spectacle. A CCTV-style network of cameras captures images of the crowd, from which pictures of current audience members are selected at random. This ensures that every cycle of the installation is entirely unique.

Location: Mann Island Atrium, L3 1BP

Neuron by Juan Fuentes Studio

Neuron draws inspiration from the fascinating world of neurons and brain connectivity. The light installation “Neuron” simulates neural networks, bridging art and science by visually representing the functioning of the human brain and the connections that enable us to learn and perceive the world.

The piece reflects how neurons transmit information through electrical impulses, which are fundamental to human communication and creativity. At the same time, “Neuron” evokes the functioning of real neurons in solving complex problems. The installation transforms a fundamental scientific concept into a sensory experience, connecting audiences to the wonder of science through light.

Location: The Strand outside Royal Liver Building, George’s Dock Gates, L2 0RG

Optik by The Urban Conga

An interactive installation by The Urban Conga, Optik reflects on our ability to play with our surroundings while giving the opportunity for brand new point of views on our daily environment. The essence of Optik lies in the captivating phenomena of reflection and refraction, where light and sound becomes a medium of discovery and interaction, inviting users to manipulate it and playfully reimagine their world.

The ten 6 feet (1,8 meters) gyroscope-like forms with, at the centre, a dichroic film, offer new ever- changing opportunities that reflect any ray of lights during the day while refracting the inner rings lighting at dusk. As the audience rotates each unit, they create their own endless cascade of colors. The experience is raised to another level as sound joins us on the rhythmical effort, turning each unit into a different musical instrument.

Location: Thomas Steers Way, Liverpool ONE, L1 8LW.

SPICA by Juan Fuentes Studio

A star of lights that shines with the energy of the universe. This luminous installation, with moving LEDs, not only dazzles visually but also brings to life a fascinating scientific concept: why do stars shine? The answer lies in Einstein’s equation E=mc², which explains how nuclear fusion at the core of the Sun and other stars converts mass into an explosion of energy and light.

As a tribute to Einstein’s groundbreaking work and his most famous theory—the theory of relativity—this star transforms science into art, representing the constant flow of energy that lights up our universe. The installation connects spectators to the wonder of space, reminding us that, at the end of the day, we are all made of stardust.

Location: Outside Dr Martin Luther King Jr Building (Hartley Quay, Salthouse Quay, Royal Albert Dock, L3 4AX)

Pendulum by Amigo & Amigo

Pendulum is a giant interactive artwork that blends science, art, and play into an immersive experience. Inspired by the simple beauty of a gravity pendulum, this illuminated installation brings motion to life through dynamic waves of light and sound. Suspended above the audience, a glowing geometric structure appears to sway back and forth, mimicking the rhythm of a pendulum.

On either side, interactive light spheres invite people to engage – when pushed, they activate the artwork, sending energy across the space. The light animations follow the pendulum’s natural movement, creating the illusion of continuous motion, as if the entire structure is swinging through the air. By transforming the forces of gravity into shifting patterns of light and sound, Pendulum turns a fundamental scientific principle into a mesmerising, playful, and immersive experience.

Location: Pier Head – North (L3 1BY)

Within Water by Yellow Studio

Within Water is a site-specific installation inspired by the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence in marine life. Located within Liverpool’s Pier Head canal link, the piece explores the dynamic relationship between water, light, and human interaction. Through a grid of programmable lights embedded beneath the water’s surface, the installation mimics the gentle glow and movement of bioluminescent algae, creating an illuminated current that shifts in colour and intensity.

The central sculptural element, a human hand, serves as a symbolic trigger, sparking a physical disturbance that activates the bioluminescent light in response to human touch, emphasising connection and interaction between people and their environment. Within Water invites viewers to experience the vibrance, layers, and fluidity of light as it dances through water, blending natural phenomena with innovative technology. The installation celebrates water’s role as a driving force in Liverpool’s identity while engaging themes of transformation and community.

Location: Pier Head, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 1HT (South End Canal Basin)

The full line-up, locations, opening times, and FAQs can be found via the Visit Liverpool website, with updates shared via @visitliverpool (X, Facebook, TikTok) and @visitliverpool_ (Instagram).

BlackFest is grassroots, homegrown, award-winning Black arts organisation based in Liverpool City Region. They showcase music, theatre, film, visual arts, spoken word, and poetry across both community and mainstream venues. Their aim is to bridge the gap between institutions and the marginalised communities they represent.

Their annual festival was created to amplify and celebrate Black artistic expression, the theme for BlackFest 2025 is Masculinity and Masculine energy, exploring and celebrating the diverse aspects of masculinity.

Here’s a selection of highlights from this year’s line-up:

Diversity Dialogues with Malik Al Nasir – Sefton Park Palm House (23 September)

Come together for an inspiring Diversity Dialogues session with author, educator, artist, activist Malik Al Nasir hosted by Dr Rebecca Loy as he shares reflections on identity and heritage his second published book, Searching for my Slave Roots.

Malik Al Nasir was born in Liverpool to mixed parentage, with a white mother and a black father. Bemused by memories of racist shouts for him to ‘go back to where you came from’ he began to look into his ancestry. His resulting book charts the twists and turns of his journey into the past and explores an untold chapter in both Black and British history.

With uplifting performances featuring Hayli Kincade and Wavertree Community Choir.

Remée – The Tung Auditorium (24 September)

Part of the Yoko Ono Lennon Lunchtime Concert Series, join BlackFest in partnership with The Tung Auditorium in celebrating local Liverpool artist Remée.

Remée is an alternative artist who draws inspiration from a wide range of artists and genres with immersive lyrical storytelling and stunning visuals. She is also known for her love of steampunk fashion and Victorian-era aesthetics, which she incorporates into her music. The local singer/songwriter blends electronics with heavy bass in a captivating show.

Rhythms Night – District (25 September)

A dynamic showcase blending rock-punk with soulful singer-songwriters, Rhythms Night features headliner Third Kulture alongside KingFast, Mina and Rafaela. Third Kulture’s unique sound draws from all corners of their diverse cultural influence, blending mesmerising R&B vocals, electrifying guitar riffs, and the cutting-edge influences of grime and modern rap with flavours of UK rave music, dancehall and trip-hop.

Formed in Manchester, the dynamic trio are loud and unapologetically themselves, embodying the essence of diversity, innovation, and cultural fusion.

Spoken Word Poetry Night – The Capstone Theatre (3 October)

Head along and enjoy poets and wordsmiths bringing their views and experiences to life, featuring Dionne Simpson, Sabiya and Janoma Omena. The experimental Spoken Word Poetry Night has always been such a well-loved segment of the festival from audiences and artists alike.

BlackFest have shortlisted the talented and passionate artists to develop their work over a series of professionally facilitated workshops and rehearsals. The comedy veers from breaking intergenerational curses to dark and witty humour, covering themes of abuse, race, culture and identity.

Visual Arts Workshop: Curtis Watt – Granby Winter Garden (8 October) 

Curtis Watt is an established local Liverpool multidisciplinary artist. His practice is in sketch, mixed media and surrealist dream translations in pencil, pastels and ink. His work has also included rap, music production, theatre development and performance coaching. 

The Visual Arts Workshop explores creative writing, storytelling, poetry and spoken word, followed by sketching your own creative response.

Celebrating 150 Years Coleridge Taylor Day – The Capstone Theatre / Hope Creative Campus (11 October)

2025 is the 150th anniversary of the birth of Black British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. Tayo Aluko & Friends CIC in partnership with BlackFest and Liverpool Hope University are holding a Celebrating Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Day at Hope University’s creative campus.

The day will include some of Coleridge-Taylor’s works featuring singers and instrumentalists singing and playing the composer’s music. , and Tayo Aluko’s play, Coleridge-Taylor of Freetown at The Captone Theatre.

BlackFest October Scratch Night Take Over – Shakespeare North Playhouse (14 October)

Join the BlackFest October Scratch Night Take Over as artists Shak, Chelsey, Resila and BluBoy bring exciting experimental new works using their disciplines and theatre to bring their stories to life.

Some of the artists use their writing and directing skills, some their own performance and poetry skills and some a combination of singing performing and writing. They are also creating open mic slots for after the artists have performed, you can sign up before the event at andi.herring@blackfest.co.uk.

The Alternative Black Cabaret Comedy Showcase – Liverpool Royal Court Studios (25 October)

The Alternative Black Cabaret Comedy Showcase is hosted by Che Burnley, hailing from Oldham and an honorary Scouser. In the last few years Che has established his own showcase show in Edinburgh and Liverpool, provided tour support for Reginald D Hunter, written his own solo shows and still found time to gig across the country. Join the festival comedy showcase for Che and some excellent supporting acts from Liverpool and beyond.

For more details and to buy tickets, visit their website www.blackfest.co.uk

To discover even more events across the Liverpool city region check out our What’s On Listings.

The British Science Festival 2025, the 194th annual celebration of science, runs in Liverpool from 10-14 September at various venues across the city.

From comedy shows to art installations, dynamic performances to hands-on workshops, insightful talks to interactive experiences, the British Science Festival programme of over 100 events is free and has something for everyone.

Talks by influencer and Bionic Arm ambassador Tilly Lockey, leading geneticist Giles Yeo, and Time Team genealogist Sophie Kay; artwork made from thousands of human teeth; and a carnival style dance performance on the theme of migratory birds are just some of the highlights of this year’s festival.

Working in partnership with the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, the British Science Association is bringing its flagship event to Liverpool for the first time since 2008.

Here’s a selection of highlights from the 2025 festival.

Liverpool In Space – LJMU Redmonds Building (11 September)

Summer’s in full swing and Liverpool is buzzing with things to see and do this August. From pop royalty and political Shakespeare to magical chippies and immersive art, there’s no shortage of weird, wonderful and downright brilliant events happening across the city region. Whether you’re planning a family day out, a culture fix or just something a bit different, here are 10 unmissable picks to check out this month.

1. Measure for Measure / Julius Caesar – Shakespeare North Playhouse (7 August)

Shake-Scene Shakespeare are back to present a Double Bill of Shakespeare’s Dirtiest Politics. They will once again be performing from cued parts in their own unique way. This technique requires the actors to work only from their own lines and cues – nobody studies the whole play, and the full text is not rehearsed before performance resulting in a myriad of hilarious, jaw-dropping and unforgettable moments – it’s Shakespeare Jim but not as we know it!

2. Sugababes – Salt and Tar (9 August)

Get ready to relive the iconic pop hits of the Sugababes, one of the UK’s most successful girl groups, when they take the stage at Salt and Tar in Bootle on Saturday 09 August 2025. With over 25 million records sold worldwide and a string of chart-topping anthems like ‘About You Now’, ‘Push The Button’ and ‘Freak Like Me’, the Sugababes are set to bring their electrifying live performance to Bootle this August.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just fancy a night out at Bootle’s thriving new Salt & Tar venue, this live show will have you singing and dancing to every Sugababes hit.

3. Flow: Free film screening for families – Heart of Glass (12 August)

Join Heart of Glass for a special community screening of Flow (U), an Oscar-winning animated film about empathy, friendship, and the power of community. When a flood disrupts a cat’s peaceful life, he must learn to live alongside animals very different from himself.

The event explores this summer’s theme, What Connects Us? — with food, family-friendly activities, and a creative workshop by SOLA Arts, where you can make your own mini dioramas inspired by the film.

4. Fakebook – Hope Street Theatre (13 – 16 August)

A bold and biting new comedy with great music, Fakebook explores truth, lies, and the masks we wear online. When real lives collide with digital personas, reality starts to blur.

Packed with wit, music, sharp observations, and plenty of surprises, Fakebook holds a mirror to our modern age of filters, feeds, and fakes.Written by Peter Farrell, Directed by Mark Holland with Technical Direction by Phil Halfpenny presented by Going Nowhere Productions.

5. Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet – Exhibition Centre (until 15 August)

Beyond Van Gogh has returned to Liverpool this summer, following a hugely successful UK premiere in the city in 2024. Art lovers in the city are also the first in the UK to experience a brand-new immersive show, Beyond Monet, which brings the works of the ‘Father of Impressionism’ to life in truly mesmerising fashion. The unmissable multimedia experience is now open at the waterfront Exhibition Centre Liverpool. Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet are being staged on different days.

6. LUMA Presents Latin American Culture Day – Future Yard (17 August)

Luma Creations will take over our indoor and outdoor spaces at Future Yard once again to celebrate the culture of the Latin world, with music, dance, art, workshops and a whole lot of amazing food. The event is free entry and runs from 12-5pm.

7. In Conversation with Ben Youdan – Williamson Art Gallery (22 August)

Join Liverpool visual artist Ben Youdan for an engaging talk exploring his creative process and the themes behind his striking mixed-media work. Known for blending collage, painting, printmaking and photography, Youdan draws inspiration from pop culture to explore identity, glamour and sexuality. His piece Mask is currently on display at the Williamson as part of Independents Biennial 2025.

8. Throwing Muses – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall (23 August)

Throwing Muses return to the stage, having released their new album, Moonlight Concessions. Going back to basics, Throwing Muses bring their esoteric off-kilter best, courtesy of Kristin Hersh’s pin-sharp sketches and their suitably abrasive musical arrangements.

Moonlight Concessions is a collection of snippets from everyday life writ large – think overheard conversations, recounted happenings and telling one-liners, all sewn together to illustrate the times as they slowly mature, fully peppered with original Muses’ vim and vigour.

9. Sauce and Saucery – Liverpool Royal Court (Until 23 August)

Abrakebabra is just a normal chippy in the Swan. Chips, fish, scallops and donner meat all served up with a smile. Well, sometimes served up with a smile. Sauce and Sorcery tells the magical tale of a local chippy run by a wizard, a little sideline in spells and hexes to go with your meat pie. Grant is a proper wizard, but more Dumbledork than Dumbledore.

Get yourself to the Royal Court Studio to see Paddy Clarke’s brand new comedy that sees what happens when the worlds of wizardry and fast food collide.

10. The Secrets of Sudley House – Sudley House (until 28 August)

Take the opportunity to discover some of the secrets of Sudley House. Join their Participation Team for a family-friendly look around this wonderful historic home, and together uncover some of the secrets of the house and of Victorian merchant George Holt and his family. You’ll also find out more about Sudley’s wartime past, the House’s hidden safe and much more.

For even more things to do in August in Liverpool and the city region check out our What’s On Listings.