What if you could see the very ghosts that haunt museums?
If you’ve ever wanted to experience your own “Night At The Museum”, Norton Priory is keeping its doors open after hours and dimming the lights down low with its Phantoms After Dark installation so you can come face to face with the figures that have shaped almost a millennia of Norton Priory history.
With origins dating back to 12th century England, Norton Priory is Europe’s most excavated monastery. In 1545, the grounds were bought by Sir Richard Brooke following the dissolution of monasteries and in 1966, 45 years after the Brooke family left the house, it was given to the public where excavation took place shortly after.
Commissioned by Unconventional Design, the team behind York’s popular “Ghosts In The Garden”, this installation features over 15 sculptures made from aluminium mesh and hard graft. The see-through mesh allows light to pass through, illuminating the sculpture from within. Some of these sculptures, for example The Canon, are completely enshrouded in darkness for most of the day until the right moment where they become almost iridescent as light bounces off them.
Next to each sculpture is a standing sign that contains information about the sculpture, the history and daily life of the people who used to live at Norton Priory. Some signs include further “easter eggs” – hidden clues encouraging you to look carefully for small details that would typically be overlooked yet provide much meaning to the people who once roamed the Priory’s walls. An example would be small mason marks scratched into the passageway walls originally used by stonemasons to determine how much work had been completed.
Credit: Norton Priory
After exploring the undercroft and the rest of the ground floor museum, head upstairs to encounter the phantom of an elegant lady, dressed for a Brooke family social event in a beautifully crafted Victorian gown. This room offers many activities for children including a dress-up station where children are encouraged to try on Victorian-style costumes, an interactive map showing all notable locations from the time such as other priories, castles and villages, a doll’s house emulating the Brooke family home, and interactive wall displays where archivists go into detail about artefacts found at Norton Priory.
All this ghost hunting can work up an appetite and the Brooke cafe is right next to the reception serving a range of hot meals and baked sweet treats. Upon entry, you’ll see large hanging portraits of Lady Mary Brooke and her son Sir Richard Brooke, and you’ll see their phantoms again seated near the entrance to the undercroft deep in conversation where you’ll be transported back in time as a speaker plays a conversation from the past.
Beyond the museum walls, history continues as the surrounding landscape reveals the remains of the excavated monastery. With so much to explore and discover, Norton Priory makes a great day out for visitors of all ages – including dogs! Whether you’re a family with young children, a ghost hunter, someone with a passion for history or lover of nature walks, there’s something for everyone.
To see the phantoms in their ghostly glory after hours before they disappear, the next Phantoms After Dark at Norton Priory is on Tuesday 31st March from 4pm to 7.30pm.
If you can’t make the next Phantoms After Dark, Norton Priory also hosts a range of events throughout the year. Meditation mornings take place on select Sundays taking advantage of the vast woodland area surrounding the museum. On 18th April there’s a haunted book club where you’re told spooky tales believed to be inspired by the Priory itself.
A family friendly arts and craft club on May 9th offers visitors the chance to make clay sculptures and collect flowers.The outdoor theatre programme also returns with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and Kipling’s The Jungle Book performed by Immersion Theatre Company on July 22nd and August 17th respectively, and Sullivan and Gilbert’s The Pirates of Penzance and Shakespeare’s As You Like It performed by Illyria on August 6th and 13th respectively.
This brand new 30th anniversary tour of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert has been on at Liverpool Empire this week (14 March), and what a dazzling production it is.
The film, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Dessert was one of my favourite, feel-good movie experiences of the 1990s, not least for the surprise of seeing Terence Stamp as Bernadette, a transgender drag queen, and the stage show is a real reminder of why I loved the movie so much.
The film was a cult classic in Australia and eventually worldwide. It was based upon the lives of three actual drag queens who were initially scheduled to play themselves but were eventually replaced by three ‘box office’ actors, Terence Stamp, Guy Pearce and Hugo Weaving.
The Broadway and West End smash musical uses the film as a blueprint. It stars Adele Anderson as Bernadette, Kevin Clifton as Tick/Mitzi, Nick Hayes as Felicia/Adam, and Peter Duncan as Bob/Preacher, and follows the three friends on a heartwarming trip across the Australian Outback to stage the show of a lifetime in Alice Springs.
The musical is directed by Olivier-award nominee Ian Talbot with choreography by Olivier-award winner Matt Cole, and their Olivier credentials show throughout.
The show opens in a drag club in Sydney with a killer version of ‘It’s Raining Men’ sung by three ‘Showgirl’-type divas, who are then joined by the full singing and dancing chorus for a colourful and energetic routine. After this knockout opening number, we meet Tick who gets a call from his wife asking for his help by staging a show to help her finance her debt-ridden casino in Alice Springs. He ropes in his friend Bernadette, who was an original star of ‘Les Girls’ a famous Australian drag act of the 1970s, and then to the consternation of Bernadette, introduces her to the brash Felicia, the final member of his ‘troupe’,
They buy a broken-down old school bus, which is tidied up and painted and christened ‘Priscilla’, and set off from Sydney to drive across the outback to Alice Springs.
After getting stranded in the outback when taking a short-cut and the bus breaking down, they are rescued by Bob. Bob takes them to a ‘sheep’ town, where they win over the locals and rehearse their act on stage, only to be stopped mid number when Bob’s Thai wife interrupts their show to put on her hilarious ping-pong act and brings the house down.
They move on with Bob’s help and end up in a mining town, where they have a run in with the residents.
Eventually they make their way to Alice Springs for the uplifting ending and fulfil Felicia’s dream of performing in full drag on the summit of Ayers Rock.
Along the way they perform ‘the greatest disco anthems ever to fill a dance floor’ (The Telegraph). Songs like ‘Hot Stuff’, ‘I Will Survive’, ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’, ‘Go West’, ‘I Love the Nightlife’, ‘Finally’ and many many more.
Spring is a brilliant time to explore exhibitions and cultural events across Liverpool and the wider region, with galleries and museums unveiling new shows that span everything from ancient treasures and global art movements to climate activism and the future of artificial intelligence. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly day out, a thought-provoking exhibition, or something a little unusual after dark, there’s plenty to discover over the coming months.
From interactive installations and rare historical artefacts to atmospheric evening experiences and celebrations of local creativity, these events highlight the breadth of the North West’s arts and heritage scene. Here are some exhibitions and events worth adding to your diary.
Treasure: History Unearthed, Museum of Liverpool (Until 29 March)
History lovers won’t want to miss Treasure: History Unearthed at Museum of Liverpool, which brings together the largest collection of archaeological treasure ever displayed in the region. Featuring discoveries from across the North West and Wales, the exhibition spans more than 5,000 years of human history and offers a fascinating glimpse into the objects people once buried, lost or deliberately concealed.
The display includes an extraordinary range of artefacts, from glittering Bronze Age gold and Viking silver to hoards of ancient coins and intricately crafted personal items. Many of the objects are on loan from major institutions including the British Museum and Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, giving visitors a rare chance to see items usually housed elsewhere in the UK.
One of the exhibition’s standout highlights is the breathtaking Mold Gold Cape. Dating from around 1900–1600 BC and discovered in North Wales, this delicate ceremonial garment was crafted from a single sheet of hammered gold and remains one of the most iconic treasures from the Bronze Age ever found in Britain.
Alongside the artefacts themselves, the exhibition explores how the meaning of “treasure” has changed over time — from Victorian antiquarian discoveries to the modern scientific methods used by archaeologists today. Visitors can also learn about the behind-the-scenes work that brings these stories to life, including conservation techniques, museum research and collaborative investigations that continue to uncover new insights into the past.
20×20, dot-art Gallery (Until 2 April)
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, dot-art has invited more than 40 artists from its membership to take part in 20×20, a special exhibition at dot-art Gallery where every artwork measures exactly 20 by 20 centimetres.
The result is a vibrant and eclectic showcase of small but striking works that demonstrate the breadth of talent across the Liverpool City Region’s artistic community. Despite their compact size, the pieces offer big creative ideas — from atmospheric coastal landscapes to bold portraits and colourful abstract compositions.
Visitors can discover a wide variety of styles and subjects throughout the exhibition. Highlights include beautifully detailed coastal scenes by Nisali Siriwardene, dramatic depictions of the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten by Kevin Pollard, and expressive portraits by Sharon Kayll-Mathews. Elsewhere, viewers will find energetic abstract works by John Petch and refined compositions featuring soft, luxurious tones by Amanda Oliphant.
As well as celebrating two decades of supporting artists, the exhibition also highlights dot-art’s mission to make art accessible to everyone. All works in the show are available to buy, with prices starting at around £75 — making it an ideal opportunity for first-time collectors to take home an original piece of artwork.
After 20 years at the heart of the region’s cultural landscape, dot-art continues to champion local creativity, and 20×20 offers a fitting tribute to the organisation’s role in nurturing artistic talent across the city.
LOOK Climate Lab, Open Eye Gallery (Until 29 March)
Green spaces play an important role in how people connect with their communities, memories and environment. LOOK Climate Lab, presented at Open Eye Gallery as part of the LOOK Photo Biennial, explores these relationships through photography, art and collaborative research projects.
Rather than a traditional exhibition, the gallery has been transformed into an experimental “lab” where artists, researchers, activists and community groups come together to test ideas and spark conversations about climate change. This year’s focus centres on gardens and green spaces — places that often serve as gathering points for communities while also playing a crucial role in supporting biodiversity and wellbeing.
A wide range of projects feature within the lab. Photographer Stephanie Wynne presents Our Growing Place, developed with Chester Zoo, examining how connections with nature can positively impact mental health and wellbeing. Meanwhile, Paul Harfleet continues his ongoing Pansy Project, planting flowers at sites of homophobic and transphobic abuse to create visible acts of remembrance and solidarity.
Other highlights include student-led sustainability projects, collaborative works exploring community relationships with nature at RHS Garden Bridgewater, and TreeStory Wigan, a project celebrating Wigan’s 50th anniversary through stories about its natural and industrial heritage.
Alongside the installations, the programme includes workshops, talks and open meetings that invite visitors to take part in discussions about climate action. With more events still to be announced, LOOK Climate Lab offers an evolving space for creativity, dialogue and discovery.
Phantoms After Dark, Norton Priory (31 March)
If you enjoy a touch of the supernatural, Phantoms After Dark at Norton Priory Museum & Gardens offers a rare opportunity to explore the historic site in a completely different light. Commissioned by the team behind York’s hugely popular Ghosts in the Garden, the experience invites visitors to wander through the priory grounds and museum spaces after hours in search of mysterious figures from the past.
For one evening only, the lights will be turned low to create an atmospheric setting as visitors follow a specially designed trail through the museum galleries and the dramatic medieval undercroft. Along the way you may encounter characters said to have shaped the priory’s remarkable 900-year history — from the imposing Duke of Bridgewater to a Georgian couple caught mid-conversation. Look closely and you might also spot smaller surprises hidden in the shadows, including three mischievous mice, a spider lurking nearby, the faint apparition of an arm and the contemplative figure of a canon seated quietly nearby.
Part of the fun is trying to capture these ghostly presences on camera — but will you manage to photograph a phantom?
Often described as one of Cheshire’s hidden gems, Norton Priory was once home to a medieval monastery and is now the most extensively excavated monastic site in Europe. Visitors can explore the impressive 12th-century undercroft with its vaulted ceiling, along with the evocative ruins that reveal the layout of the former priory complex. Daytime general admission tickets are also valid for the evening event, although the Walled Garden will close at normal hours and the wider museum grounds shut at 5pm.
Can Meeple Escape the Neurophoria?, FACT Liverpool (Until 26 April)
Interactive and thought-provoking, Can Meeple Escape the Neurophoria? at FACT Liverpool explores the increasingly complex relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. Through a series of immersive installations, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on how technology shapes our behaviour, decisions and sense of agency.
Each installation responds directly to visitors, meaning that your choices influence how the experience unfolds. By placing the audience at the centre of the work, the exhibition encourages reflection on themes such as autonomy, control, consumption and the blurred boundaries between human and machine intelligence.
One standout piece is Coffee Machine by Jan Zuiderveld. At first glance the work appears to be a simple vending machine — but to receive your coffee you must first engage in conversation with it. The sentient machine questions your intentions, challenges your worthiness and responds with sarcastic, sometimes rude commentary as you attempt to persuade it to dispense a drink.
The humorous yet unsettling exchange mirrors the way many people interact with generative AI tools, which are often treated as convenient sources of instant answers. By reversing that dynamic and placing the machine in a position of judgement, the installation invites visitors to reconsider humanity’s assumptions about technology and entitlement.
Rather than presenting a clear solution, the exhibition suggests that AI is now inseparable from modern life. Its message is one of awareness and adaptation: by questioning our own habits, values and choices, we can help shape the future relationship between humans and intelligent machines.
Artist Rooms: Ed Ruscha, Tate Liverpool (Until 14 June)
A major exhibition dedicated to influential American artist Ed Ruscha is currently on display as part of the ARTIST ROOMS collection at Tate Liverpool.
Ruscha is widely regarded as one of the defining figures of post-war American art, known for his innovative combination of photography, painting and text. This exhibition draws from the national ARTIST ROOMS collection, jointly owned by Tate and National Galleries of Scotland, which brings major international artists to audiences across the UK.
The show traces Ruscha’s fascination with the American landscape and roadside culture, themes inspired by his frequent journeys across the United States by car. A central feature of the exhibition is material related to his influential 1963 artist’s book Twentysix Gasoline Stations, which documents petrol stations encountered along the famous Route 66.
Visitors can also see photographs from Ruscha’s Sunset Strip Portfolio, including images of legendary Los Angeles venues such as Filthy McNasty’s, alongside examples of his distinctive text-based artworks like OK (State I) and Dance?.
Together these works highlight Ruscha’s ability to transform everyday imagery and language into striking visual statements. By focusing on ordinary scenes from the American roadside, the exhibition reveals how the artist redefined what could be considered subject matter for contemporary art.
Echoes of the Floating World, Williamson Art Gallery (Until 24 December)
View of Nihonbashi Tori itchome
A remarkable collection of Japanese woodblock prints takes centre stage in Echoes of the Floating World at Williamson Art Gallery and Museum. The exhibition focuses on the influential artistic tradition of Ukiyo-e — literally meaning “pictures of the floating world” — which flourished in Japan from the 17th to the 19th century.
Visitors can discover works by some of the most celebrated masters of the form, including Utagawa Hiroshige and Katsushika Hokusai. Their prints are renowned for their striking compositions, bold colours and innovative perspectives, capturing scenes of landscapes, everyday life and fleeting moments in nature. These techniques went on to influence generations of artists around the world, reshaping ideas about composition and visual storytelling far beyond Japan.
The exhibition also explores the lasting impact of these prints by placing them in dialogue with works by contemporary artists from the Wirral. By presenting historic pieces alongside modern responses, the show highlights how the visual language of Ukiyo-e continues to inspire new creative interpretations today.
Through this cross-cultural conversation, Echoes of the Floating World reveals how artistic ideas travel across time and geography. The result is an exhibition that not only celebrates a globally significant art movement but also demonstrates how local artists remain connected to an international artistic legacy.
To discover what’s on in Liverpool and the city region check out our events listings.
In this latest edition of Buried Treasure, John Maguire of ArtsGroupie CIC turns his attention to the beating heart of Liverpool’s music scene — not the pop anthems or the sandstone landmarks, but the international rhythms that have quietly shaped the city for decades. John reflects on forty years of Milap’s work bringing Indian classical music to Merseyside, and the vibrant Indo-Jazz movement born from its partnership with the Liverpool International Jazz Festival. This month, his eye lands on a particularly special find: the return of percussionist and composer Sarathy Korwar to the region, performing at Future Yard.
There’s a specific kind of friendly, warming twang to the Scouse accent that we all recognise; it’s the sound of a city built on the ebb and flow of the Mersey. But for me, the true Buried Treasure of Liverpool isn’t always found in the lyrics of a pop song or the sandstone of a cathedral. Sometimes, it’s found in the international rhythms that have made their home on our docks, surfacing now as the pulse of a beat that belongs to the city as much as the river itself.
As I walk through Everton, I’m reminded that Liverpool has always been a city of global conversations. We aren’t just a ‘pool of life’; we are a whirlpool where cultures collide to create something entirely new.
For forty years, the arts organisation Milap has ensured that Indian classical music is part of this city’s very foundation. While their story started back in 1985, their spiritual home for a long stretch was the Capstone Theatre. It was here, in 2013, that the Liverpool International Jazz Festival was established, sparking a partnership that helped pioneer the ‘Indo-Jazz’ movement in the North West.
In this space, the disciplined, ancient structures of the raga meet the improvisational soul of jazz. When you hear a Sarangi (a bowed instrument with a haunting, human-like voice) trade riffs with a saxophone, you aren’t just hearing a concert; you’re hearing the literal sound of the city’s DNA.
The Milap team
As the city begins to shake off the winter frost, the standout treasure on my map for March is the return of percussionist and composer Sarathy Korwar. An innovator who treats rhythm as a language, Korwar first captivated local audiences in 2020. His return on Saturday, 28 March marks a significant moment for the region’s music scene. He doesn’t play a standard kit; he brings the Ghatam (a South Indian clay pot) into a modern electronic landscape.
To catch this particular cultural treat, you’ll need to head to Future Yard in Birkenhead, just a short walk from Hamilton Square station. Something is fitting about taking Milap’s sophisticated 40-year legacy and placing it in a raw, independent space on Argyle Street. It proves that this music belongs to the streets as much as it does to the academy.
The performance, Sarathy Korwar: There Is Beauty, There Already, promises a masterclass in modern Indo-Jazz through percussion-led exploration and vocal drones. As we move toward the spring, I encourage you to look past the usual landmarks.
The greatest finds in this city are often the ones that have been playing right next to us for decades, waiting for us to finally stop and listen.
This was a great show by a tight band of superb musicians celebrating 50 years of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. The show was held in one of my favourite venues; The Music Room at the Phil, which is a great intimate venue that gives you a chance to get up close and see and hear a band playing within feet of you. A much as I enjoy going to gig at a bigger venue, this is how I prefer to hear music performed.
The band did two different setlists over the two nights at the Music room and covered the big hits and a few rarities. They covered Heartbreakers numbers and solo album songs, and two or three from Tom’s time with the Travelling Wilburys’ and his work with Stevie Nicks (for which he was joined onstage by a guest vocalist and Stevie lookalike).
This is the second time I’ve seen this band, and they were superb again.
You get what you expect when you go to see a tribute band, namely very good musicians who sound like the original band, and a front man who looks and sounds like the main man. If this is what you expect, this act ticks all the boxes, down to ‘Tom’s’ blond hair/hat and voice.
The set list on Friday 13th was taken from Heartbreakers albums like Damn the Torpedoes and Into the Great Wide Open, his solo outings like Full Moon Fever and Wildflowers, and his Travelling Wilburys’ and Stevie Nicks collaborations.
The set explored the depth of his songwriting with rarities like Wildflowers and big anthem like Free Fallin’, American Girl, and Love is a Long Road.
The set list included The Waiting, Refugee, You Wreck Me, Saving Grace, Don’t Do Me Like That, Into The Great Wide Open, Learning To Fly, I Won’t Back Down, Wildflower, It’s Good To Be King, Running Down A Dream, End of The Line, Stop Dragging My Heart Around.
This show is a must-see for any Tom Petty fan. The band are on tour until later this year. I’m already looking forward to seeing them again.
This week’s Culture Radar guest is Barbara Phillips, Founder/Director at Positive Impact.
Loved:The Tung Auditorium – Afternoon Sessions with Nikki Blaze, one of Liverpool’s most established and influential female hip hop artists.
Looking forward to: Completely biased, but I’m beyond excited for Positive Impact Sing Big Band with the Halcyon Syncopators at The Black-E on 14 March. It’s a fundraiser celebrating 25 years of Positive Impact, whilst helping raise funds for our young people to perform in Disney Florida!
Trivia: My dad was Lord Woodbine, known as one of the first ‘music mentors’ for the Beatles. I guess you might say I’ve followed in his footsteps because, I have been a music mentor for young people for many years!
Liverpool and the city region is preparing to celebrate Lunar New Year in spectacular fashion, with a packed programme of colourful events and cultural activities taking place across the city centre to mark the Year of the Horse.
The main Chinese New Year celebrations will take place on Sunday 22 February, centred in and around Liverpool’s Chinatown, which is home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe. A smaller, quieter programme of events will also run on Saturday 21 February, giving visitors two days of festivities to enjoy.
Bluecoat Family Day: Lunar New Year Celebration (20 February)
Bluecoat’s popular Family Day returns to celebrate Lunar New Year with a fun-filled afternoon of dance, movement and creative activities for all ages.
Families can take part in an interactive Dance & Movement Workshop led by Pei Yee Tong alongside artists from Movema, inspired by the Year of the Horse. The sessions explore movement and rhythm through playful, accessible activities designed for children and adults to enjoy together.
Workshop session times: 1-1.45pm & 3-3.45pm
Suitable for all ages. Children must be supervised at all times. Free – booking required
Alongside the workshops, visitors can drop into the Gallery between 1–4pm for free Lunar New Year creative activities, offering a relaxed, hands-on way to celebrate the festival as a family.
Liverpool Chinatown Lunar New Year Celebrations (21 & 22 February)
Credit: Culture Liverpool
Saturday 21 February Time: 12pm – 4pm Location: Great George Square
Programme highlights include: Traditional and fusion Chinese music, Chinese dance performances, Youth orchestras, Martial arts rehearsals and Circus workshops (12pm–2pm): juggling, hula hooping, plate spinning and family activities with Bring the Fire Project.
Sunday 22 February Time: 11:30am – 5pm Location: Great George Square
Programme highlights include: Tai Chi demonstrations, Firecracker display, Dragon, Unicorn and Lucky Man parades, Traditional Chinese dance and music, Community choirs, Martial arts demonstrations and a Fire finale by Bring the Fire Project.
For full event timings and programme details, visit the Culture Liverpool listings page. Please note, all times are subject to change.
Arts and Crafts Workshops (Family Zone)
Dates: 21 & 22 February Time: 11am – 5pm Location: Nelson Street, Chinatown
A series of outdoor drop-in arts and crafts workshops designed for families, inspired by the Year of the Horse. Children and adults can take part in creative activities and make their own themed artworks as part of the Chinatown celebrations.
Lion Dance Workshop: Lunar New Year, Museum of Liverpool (17 February)
Credit: Pete Carr
The Museum of Liverpool has partnered with China Spirit UK to celebrate the Year of the Horse with interactive lion dance workshops. Children will learn about the history and traditions of the Chinese lion, alongside practical sessions in lion dancing and puppeteering. There are three 45-minute sessions throughout the day (11am, 1pm and 2pm), suitable for children aged 6 and above.
Lunar New Year at the Lady Lever Art Gallery (28 February)
Credit: Pete Carr
A full-day celebration exploring the gallery’s Chinese art collection and the Wirral’s Chinese community. Activities across the day include a horse-themed gallery search, dragon mask-making workshops and traditional dance performances.
This guide will be updated as more events are announced, so check back for additional details and visit our What’s On event listings to discover more events happening across the city region.
Love is in the air all around Liverpool, and venues across the region are shaking off that winter frost and warming up with plenty of shows to make you feel all warm and fuzzy. Whether you’re looking for a date idea to celebrate with that special someone, a show you can enjoy with your friends or maybe a solo date as a treat for yourself, we’ve lined up some of the best shows for you to share with the ones you love.
Art in the Ev: I SEE MUSIC – Liverpool Everyman (20 January – 14 February)
Laura J Harris is a UK-based synaesthetic visual artist working in acrylic and mixed media, and her debut collection is now on show at the Everyman. For most of her life, Harris assumed music could be seen through colours, textures and shapes, not realising that this was an experience known as synaesthesia.
Now she brings her experiences of synaesthesia to life through her art. In the studio, Harris uses layering, allowing rhythm to shape pace and pressure. She effortlessly expresses how internal experience becomes tangible and how something ephemeral can be given surface, weight and presence.
The Peaceful Hour 2 – Liverpool’s Royal Court (6 February – 7 March)
Can anyone else hear wedding bells?
Julie and Tim are helping Ange and Carl with their wedding preparations; the hens are helping Ange get her pampering sorted and the stags are celebrating their last night of freedom. But on the night before the wedding, the stag do comes home early with an abundance of chaos in the form of a local gangster with a point to prove.
Gerry Linford is back with an epic sequel to his smash-hit show that showcased at the Royal Court last spring, and The Peaceful Hour 2 is set to be another stunner. If you want a laugh-a-minute night out this Valentine’s Day, then get down to the Court!
Uptown Girl: The Billy Joel Collection – The Atkinson (11 February)
With six decades of smash-hits to choose from, Uptown Girl: The Billy Joel Collection is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, celebrating the legacy of one of the greatest musicians of all time.
This two hour staged concert will have you up on your feet with such classics as ‘My Life’, ‘New York State of Mind’ and of course, ‘Uptown Girl’ along with many more. The show will feature a full-band dedicated to bringing you both authenticity and electrifying energy, transporting you back to some of Billy Joel’s most iconic performances.
Murder Mystery: The Grand Finale Valentine’s Special – Downstairs at the Everyman (12 – 14 February)
DBY Interactive returns to the Everyman with a brand-new crime solving murder mystery show – Valentine’s edition!
Theodore the Magnificent’s glory days are long behind him, but he does still have one trick up his sleeve… He is offering those who dare a once in a lifetime opportunity to grant their heart’s greatest desire! Are you willing to pay the ultimate price?
Guests are encouraged to dress for a masquerade ball for this one, so don your finest garments and delve into the mysteries of the heart!
We Should Break Up – Unity Theatre (14 February)
It’s safe to say that Valentine’s Day isn’t for everyone, so why not celebrate by watching someone else’s relationship crash and burn? And they say romance is dead.
Two actors explore what happens when we break up, with each painful moment unfolding before the audience. It’s the perfect show to bring that mate who should definitely break up with their partner to. Or maybe it’s a place for broken hearts to find each other?
A Fine Romanarchy – Unity Theatre (14 February)
Join the Merseyside Kings’ first show of 2026 as they celebrate love in all its forms at the Unity Theatre!
They’re inviting you, your besties, your situationships, or gorgeously solo to enjoy a night of the best that north-west drag Kings have to offer. Expect queer joy, gender euphoria, love and a whole lot of big King energy – this is not a night to miss!
Ellen Kent: The Farewell Tour – La Traviata & Carmen – Liverpool Empire (16 & 17 February)
Ellen Kent, renowned for showcasing the best of Eastern European opera and ballet for the past 33 years, brings her farewell tour to Liverpool for two nights only.
La Traviata is a tragic tale of searing passion and memorable music. Adapted by Verdi from a 19th century love story, it tells of the passionate loves and life of the consumptive courtesan, Violetta. Starring some of the best international soloists, La Traviata is the perfect show for anyone wanting a sophisticated, uplifting and tear-jerking celebration of love.
The Empire also plays host to a second show from Ellen Kent the following night with Carmen. Described as an evening of passion, sexual jealousy, death and unforgettable arias, this show is not one to miss. Carmen will transport you to Seville and its main square with Roman and Moorish influences, aided by the phenomenal soloists that this show also boasts.
With nothing but a box of tatty wigs, a worn floral dress, and a burst airbed they found by the bins, this frenetic 60 minute show will feature fourth-wall-breaking, slapstick and mischievous storytelling. The Rubbish Shakespeare Company is known for taking liberties with Shakespearean language, splicing the original text with lots of one-liners and physical comedy. This is one that everyone from 5 to 105 will enjoy!
The Spare Rib Galentine’s Brunch Burlesque Extravaganza! – Downstairs at the Everyman (21 February)
Roses are red, violets are blue… This Burlesque show is for ALL of you!
The Spare Rib Burlesque & Cabaret are back with another of their fantastic showcases, recognising all things extravagant, inclusive and fun. This month, they’re inviting you down to the Everyman for a special Galentine’s Brunch celebrating power, pleasure and community. With promises of sparkle, laughter, empowerment and an abundance of sweet treats, grab your girls and join the Spare Rib for the best brunch you’ll have all year.
In the latest Buried Treasure by John Maguire of ArtsGroupie CIC, we uncover Liverpool’s hidden Liver Birds — from iconic landmarks to overlooked architectural details — and explore how these mythical symbols are woven into the city’s culture, heritage, and imagination. From folklore to family safaris, this feature invites you to see Liverpool with fresh eyes.
When I tell people there are 100+ Liver Birds in the Liverpool City region, I can see that they doubt me. Some nod and smile, assuming I am referring to the ones branded on the public rubbish bins or the numerous marketing ads in windows, chalk drawings, or murals.
The Liver Bird is inspiring, and everyone seems to write a book, copy a walk, or incorporate the mythical bird into their artwork. This is not a bad thing, for the well is deep, and it is fantastic that the bird, like the people of Liverpool, stands proud and resilient.
The ones most associated with Liverpool are the two that guard our city atop the UK’s first-ever skyscraper, the Royal Liver Building. Completed in 1911, it was a pioneer of modern construction; it was the tallest building in the UK (a title it held until 1961) and the tallest in Europe until 1932. It was one of the first large-scale buildings in the world to be constructed using a reinforced concrete frame. This type of building, with its hidden structural skeleton, would eventually evolve into the bold, exposed aesthetic of Brutalism.
Two birds are permanently nesting on top of the building: one looks over the sailors at sea (perhaps eyeing to see if Tom Hardy will return for filming in the city), while the other protects the land and its residents. This iconic piece of architecture is the natural go-to when we say, ‘Liver Bird.’
This February, Liverpool BID again celebrates Must-See Month for the second year. Originating in New York City in 2017, the concept was created by NYC Tourism + Conventions to encourage exploration of attractions beyond dining and theatre. (We explored the similarities between Liverpool and New York City in a previous Buried Treasure feature).
Running from 13 February to 13 March, this month-long celebration eases the city into Spring by bringing together theatres, art galleries, music venues, and cultural attractions. Organised by the Liverpool Business Improvement District (BID), the schedule is packed with special offers, giveaways, and workshops, with half-term activities designed especially for families.
Highlights include everything from Don’t Believe the Hype at the British Music Experience, going behind the scenes of The Arctic Monkeys’ landmark debut album, to FREE access for kids at Treasure: History Unearthed, the brand-new exhibition at the Museum of Liverpool.
The celebrations take place across the city’s ‘Culture Mile’—a mile-long route from St George’s Hall to the Royal Albert Dock that uses unique wayfinding and light installations to showcase our heritage. As part of this year’s offer, ArtsGroupie and Liverpool BID are delighted to offer FREE FAMILY LIVER BIRD SAFARIS. Our safari and celebrated heritage walk tours (often imitated, never replicated) have been running for five years with a simple mission: making the arts and heritage accessible to all.
Post-Covid, we were looking for a way to raise funds for a new children’s play to be performed in the city’s parks called The Liver Bird. It’s a tale about Charlie J, a boy from Liverpool. ‘Too clever for his own good,’ his dad would say. He is the type of child who would rather escape to his imagination or read a book than play or watch sports. Grandma Bailey encourages his cleverness, teaching him all about the history of his city. He is particularly fascinated by the local folklore about the Liver Birds. When things get difficult at school, and just when he needs it most, Charlie J is visited by a very special creature. What if the Liver Bird really did exist?
The Liver Bird was a contemporary fairy tale adapted for the stage by The Bookworm Players, and it was this creative journey that sparked the dig into the archives. The period of research in the Liverpool Central Library Archives was most enjoyable; we became like archaeologists, seeking out birds hidden in the fabric of the city’s architecture. Nothing beats the moment when local people realise they have walked past a bird for years without ever seeing it.
When your brain stops responding to a stimulus because it has become a constant part of your environment, you are experiencing sensory adaptation. In psychology, this is often called the ‘fading effect,’ where the familiar becomes invisible to the conscious mind. All of our heritage walks are designed to make people aware of the ‘buried treasures’ in our city centre.
You will be surprised by the birds we will encounter – like carrier bags under the sink, you may think there are only a few, but in fact there are loads.
Can you guess where these three birds are located?
EXPLORERS NEEDED.
Join us for a fun, lively walking tour safari around the city centre as we go Liver Bird-spotting. Starting at The Bluecoat, visiting St. George’s Plateau, William Brown Street, and Castle Street, you’ll learn about the history of Liverpool along the way.
Dates: 17th Feb | 19th Feb | 21st Feb | 7th March Time: 11:00 am Start: The Bluecoat Cost: FREE (Supported by Liverpool BID Company)
Book your place on the Safari here. Places are limited, so please reserve your spot in advance. This two-hour tour finishes near the Waterfront. For enquiries, feel free to send us a message.
Looking for things to do in the February half term in Liverpool and the wider city region? From laugh-out-loud live shows and magical storytelling to hands-on art workshops, family concerts and fascinating exhibitions, there’s no shortage of brilliant activities to keep little ones (and grown-ups) entertained.
Here’s our pick of the best family-friendly events happening this February half term across Liverpool and beyond.
1. Horrible Histories – The Concert, Liverpool Empire (13 – 14 February)
Get ready for a laugh-out-loud family treat with Horrible Histories – The Concert. When William Shakespeare attempts to create the greatest show on earth, chaos erupts thanks to monstrous monarchs including Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria – with appearances from Death, Boudica and Cleopatra too. Featuring the original TV cast, a live band led by song mastermind Richie Webb, and iconic songs like Stupid Deaths and The Monarchs Song, it’s a high-energy, singalong show perfect for February half term.
2. Making Waves, Tate Liverpool (14 – 22 February)
Making Waves Get hands-on art adventure with this family-friendly marine craft activity at Tate Liverpool. Children can create colourful fish, crabs and coral using print stamping, collage and 3D templates, before personalising their sea creatures with recycled materials. Inspired by artworks from Tate’s collection, this relaxed drop-in activity is perfect for ages 4–12, with the Learning Space open daily for families to create, play and unwind together.
3. St Helens StoryFest 2026, St Helens Libraries (14 – 21 February)
Quest for Planet P
St Helens StoryFest returns this February half term with a week-long celebration of storytelling, creativity and imagination. Running from 14–21 February, the festival features a packed programme of family shows, interactive theatre, BSL-interpreted performances, free workshops and much-loved Read & Rhyme Time sessions. Led by Wonder Arts in partnership with St Helens Arts In Libraries, StoryFest is perfect for families looking to spark young imaginations through magical, story-led experiences.
4. A Squash and A Squeeze, Liverpool Playhouse (16 – 21 February)
The popular A Squash and a Squeeze comes to life on the stage for the very first time. Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s heart-warming tale follows a little old lady who thinks her house is too small — until a wise old man suggests a rather noisy solution involving farmyard animals. Featuring beautiful puppets, enchanting songs and plenty of laughs, this charming family show is perfect for young theatre fans.
5. Make It! Craft Workshop, The Atkinson (19 February)
Get creative as a family with Make It! Craft Workshop at The Atkinson. Led by Liverpool-based visual artist Linny Venables, the session is inspired by her playful glass exhibition currently on display in the Art Gallery. Taking place in the Art Box, this relaxed drop-in workshop runs from 11am–3pm, with all materials provided and activities suitable for all ages — a perfect hands-on half-term treat.
6. Lunar New Year Family Day: Dance, Create & Celebrate, Bluecoat (20 February)
Celebrate Lunar New Year Family Day: Dance, Create & Celebrate at Bluecoat with an afternoon of joyful dance and hands-on creativity for all ages. Families can take part in interactive dance and movement workshops led by Pei Yee Tong and artists from Movema, inspired by the Year of the Horse, alongside creative activities to enjoy together. This free event (booking required, suggested £5 donation) is a brilliant way to mark Lunar New Year with movement, culture and family fun.
7. Under-5s Concerts: Magic Forest, Liverpool Philharmonic (21 February)
This Under-5s Concert is a gentle and imaginative concert led by presenter Claire Henry and musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Families are invited on a musical journey through an enchanted forest, with plenty of chances for young audiences to join in and help cast a few magical spells along the way. Perfect for first concert experiences, with free tickets available for under-6-month-olds when booked alongside an adult ticket.
8. Ukranian Day 2026, The Atkinson (21 February)
Celebrate culture, creativity and community at Ukranian Day at The Atkinson in Southport. This free, drop-in event features a welcoming coffee morning, a performance by a local Ukrainian choir, and hands-on craft workshops for all ages inspired by traditional Ukrainian art. Alongside the activities, a community exhibition and traditional dress showcase offer a chance to learn more about Ukrainian heritage, stories and resilience in a warm, family-friendly setting.
9. Treasure: History Unearthed, Museum of Liverpool (Until 29 March)
Travel back 5,000 years this February half term with Treasure: History Unearthed, a new exhibition showcasing incredible archaeological finds from the North West and Wales. From Bronze Age gold and Viking silver to lost jewellery and buried hoards, it’s the largest collection of treasure ever shown in the region, featuring highlights from the British Museum and Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales. Curated by National Museums Liverpool, the exhibition brings together archaeology, history and science to uncover the fascinating stories behind these remarkable objects.
Three gloriously hapless performers attempt to stage a classic Shakespeare tragedy using nothing but rubbish props, ridiculous wigs and chaotic imagination. Packed into a frenetic 60 minutes of slapstick, clowning and fourth-wall-breaking comedy, this is fast, funny, family-friendly theatre that turns the Bard into pure, joyous mayhem. Not boring Shakespeare — brilliantly bonkers, high-energy fun from start to finish.
Find lots more events across the Liverpool city region via our What’s On listings.
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