This week’s Culture Radar guest is the Artistic Director, A Place for Us Theatre, Kate Allerston.
Loved: I have really enjoyed the NPO events programme at Norton Priory in Runcorn, where I have been fortunate to be one of the Artistic Directors, along with my husband Chris Bastock, in 24/25. This includes the events around the Gaia (Earth) installation, the outdoor and indoor theatre & concerts programme and the events currently around the Mars installation (until 9 March 2025).
Looking forward to: I am really looking forward to being at Shakespeare North Playhouse for several of our productions this coming summer.
Trivia: I have been an actor & director for over 30 years, starting at the Liverpool Playhouse Youth Theatre as a young teen, then went on to study acting in London at LAMDA, lived/worked in London for all of the 90s and early naughties and was one of the founder artistic directors of the now international and Shakespeare Schools Festival (now Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation) and returned to work in the arts across the LCR in 2005.
Loved: I thoroughly enjoyed An Evening with Talking Heads (which was made up entirely of a cast of current and ex-MAD students) and the What Happens Next competition by Tip Tray Theatre, both hosted at The Hope Street Theatre. Stocking Fillersat Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre was another highlight, directed by my brilliant colleague, Sam Donovan.
Looking forward to: I’m particularly excited for On The Banks of The Royal Blue Mersey (despite being a Red!), Someone You Loveby SevenBlu3, Northern Comedy’s No Sex Please, We’re British– all at Hope Street – and The Merchant of Venice 1936at the Playhouse, and The Peaceful Hour at Liverpool’s Royal Court.
Trivia: Next year marks the 25th anniversary of Performers Theatre School, which has introduced thousands of children to drama, dance, and singing. We began on Bold Street in 2001 and moved into our current studios on Hope Street in 2015, which are also home to MAD in the evenings and Rare Studio BTEC and Intensive students on weekdays. The opening of The Hope Street Theatre in 2017 helped transform the building into a vibrant creative hub. It’s been incredible to see the space evolve into a thriving centre for the arts, with so many talented people coming together to create and share their work. And now, with amazing food courtesy of the Arts Bar, there’s truly something for everyone here, from aged 2 to 99!
This week’s Culture Radar guest is the Executive Director,Collective Encounters, Tessa Buddle.
Loved: I’ve been on maternity leave for the best part of a year so I’ve been loving our region’s family friendly cultural offer. Favourites have been Sling and Swing It (a baby-wearing dance class) run by Travelled Companions at 24 Hope Street, the brilliant Africa Oyé, the seasonal rituals at Squash Liverpool, and Collective Encounters’ sound journey ‘Voices on the Streets’ – a great way to connect with the city while on a pram walk!
Looking forward to: I can’t wait to get out and see some theatre. For starters, the new season at Unity is looking really good and I’m eagerly awaiting the DaDaFest programme.
Trivia: Did you know Collective Encounters is 21 this year? We’ve got some exciting plans to mark the occasion including the launch of a new digital archive documenting two decades of theatre for social change in the Liverpool City Region.
Liverpool and the city region is set to celebrate the Lunar New Year with a vibrant mix of events that honour Chinese traditions, culture, and community spirit. The Lunar New Year officially begins on Wednesday, January 29, but the city’s main festivities will take place on Sunday, February 2, offering something for everyone.
From lively parades and cultural workshops to creative activities and traditional performances, Liverpool’s Chinatown and beyond will host a series of free and ticketed events to welcome the Year of the Snake.
Here’s a roundup of the events happening across the city:
Chinese New Year: Activities in Chinatown (1 February)
Credit: Culture Liverpool
A small selection of family-friendly workshops and craft stalls will take place in Chinatown on Saturday 1 February, 12pm – 4pm. This programme offers a quieter alternative to Sunday’s proceedings, without firecrackers and loud music performances, ensuring everyone can join in the fun.
Legends of Spring – Bombed Out Church Projection Show (1 & 2 February)
A stunning projection show will take place at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church, brought to life by Focal Studios to celebrate the Year of the Snake. Presented like a video game, Legends of Spring guides audiences through mythical stories of creation, renewal, and balance.
Developed in partnership with Pagoda Arts, the narrative combines traditional Chinese folklore with a celebration of Liverpool’s rich cultural heritage. Adding a fun twist, retro 8-bit video game art created by local schoolchildren and community groups enriches the story.
This is an outdoor event, so please dress warmly and wear sturdy footwear.
5:30pm – 9pm (running on a continuous loop each evening) FREE – no tickets needed, just come along.
Liverpool’s Chinese New Year Celebrations (2 February)
Credit: Culture Liverpool
The streets of Chinatown will be filled with the sights and sounds of traditional Lion, Dragon, and Unicorn dances. This free event is perfect for families and visitors looking to immerse themselves in the celebrations. There will also be family-friendly workshops and craft stalls.
Liverpool’s Bring the Fire Project are also returning to celebrate the Lunar New Year 2025 with their latest spectacular fire production, ‘Serpentine Flames: A Fiery Tribute to the Year of the Snake’ during the finale at Great Georges Square at 4:30pm.
Chinese New Year Crafts (1, 8 & 22 February)
Drop into the Museum of Liverpool for free craft sessions that invite families to create their own New Year decorations. Sessions run between 11 am and 12 pm, and from 1 pm to 4 pm.
Chinese Calligraphy with Pei Yee Tong (8 February)
This Chinese Calligraphy Workshop led by artist Pei Yee Tong is a hands-on session where participants will explore the fundamentals of the art form, focusing on symbolism, stroke techniques, and ink control methods. Whether you’re a beginner or have some prior experience, this workshop will guide you through each stage of the process. By the end of the session, you’ll create your own piece to display or gift.
Chinese calligraphy, a key part of the nation’s cultural heritage, connects us with thousands of years of tradition, history, and philosophy.
Lunar New Year at the Lady Lever Art Gallery (15 February)
Credit: Gareth Jones
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with a day full of cultural activities at the Lady Lever Art Gallery. Enjoy dance performances by the Wirral Chinese Cultural Association, hear the legend of the Zodiac Race, and participate in themed crafts.
Learn the art and history behind the traditional Lion Dance at this interactive workshop at the Museum of Liverpool. Kids will get hands-on experience with lion puppets and drums, creating a truly unforgettable cultural moment. Then on 23 February the dazzling Lion Dance will be performed by the Hung Gar Kung Fu School.
This list 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.
As the Diversity and Inclusion Partner at National Museums Liverpool, Dr. Rebecca Loy is at the forefront of creating positive change, both within the organisation and across communities. Drawing from her extensive background in social justice, Dr. Loy is focused on making National Museums Liverpool more accessible and representative of people and of the diverse stories they hold. In this conversation, she discusses the evolving role of diversity in museums and the impact of inclusive policies on both employees and visitors.
“I saw firsthand how policies impact lives, which influenced my focus on social justice.”
Uncover Liverpool: Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led to your current role as the diversity and inclusion partner at Liverpool museums?
Dr Rebecca Loy: I grew up in Liverpool 8, as a mixed-ethnicity child with two visually impaired parents. With both of my parents being disabled, I had a very interesting childhood and I was aware of certain differences. I did straddle the line between a carer and a child at the same time. Obviously my parents did a great job at looking after me, but there were certain aspects of my life where I had to be more responsible for myself from a younger age. And I was just aware of the differences between me and my friends growing up.
My upbringing made me aware of societal differences from a young age. My parents were highly qualified but faced barriers until the Guaranteed Interview Scheme (Disability Confident Scheme). I saw firsthand how policies impact lives, which influenced my focus on social justice.
Though I didn’t start working in diversity and inclusion right away, my work as an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) teacher opened my eyes to the challenges faced by marginalised groups. I worked with teenagers and adults, a lot of them from war-torn countries, some of whom would struggle with learning English, because they’d never been in a classroom before. Some had post-traumatic stress disorder because they’d been in labour camps in Libya, and they couldn’t get to class on time because they’d have nightmares every night.
That opened up a whole new world to me and I started to do things outside of my job, with charities, using my degrees in Psychology and Philosophy and my master’s in Sociology and Social Policy. I was working on a PhD in Sociology and I started advising charities here and there and it led me into a role in diversity, equity and inclusion.
Museum of Liverpool. Credit: @eyeswidephotography
“Sometimes we think we know about a period like the Tudors, but the museum is getting better at telling the diverse stories of people like John Blanke, pirate women, and LGBTQ+ court officials.”
Uncover Liverpool: What does your role entail on a day to day basis?
Dr Rebecca Loy: It’s really, really varied. Firstly, there’s the creation of structures for people to belong at work and then there’s advising everybody within the organisation on how to create those same structures for our visitors.
There’s the internal work of creating the structures to make our museums more accessible for people, whether that’s due to their literal accessibility in terms of physical ability or disability, or in terms of neurodivergence, or in terms of people feeling they’re able to belong because of their identity, whether it’s gender identity, their sexual orientation, or because of their ethnicity.
It’s also consulting with different areas of the business on how diversity and inclusion should influence their roles. I’ll have conversations with the social media team about messaging, or I’ll be speaking with health and safety, the estates teams, and the exhibitions teams, around our buildings and accessibility. Discussing with them how they’re planning an exhibition, what they’ve written for the displays of an exhibition. I get to go and look at an exhibition and talk to the teams about things like sensory maps, audio descriptions and how we are considering the lighting we use, for example. All of these elements are becoming general practice now.
Additionally, I get to advise people on types of things that we do within our projects, encouraging them to reflect on the stories within the stories. Our Tudor exhibition is a great example of this. There were stories of pirate women and of LGBTQ+ court officials. There were stories of all the ambassadors of different countries the Tudors were in conversation with and we highlighted the significance of the Black British court musician John Blanke. Transatlantic slavery began at that time, too. Sometimes we think we know about a period of time like the Tudors but there are so many stories within a story, and the museum is getting better and better at telling those stories.
Another aspect of the role is working on the strategy, which is about to be released this Winter. I’m also creating training and writing policy, so there’s a lot to consider.
It’s really interesting, because I think there are certain diversity and inclusion roles which are doing the internal side of the role, but in my role I’m working on both the internal and the external sides. I think it’s a nice balance for me, and it makes it really interesting.
Conversations exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery. Credit: Pete Carr
“Everyone has to recognise their privilege and use it to support change.”
Uncover Liverpool: How do you define Diversity and Inclusion in the context of museums?
Dr Rebecca Loy: When I came into the museum I changed our definition, from D&I to ABIDE: Allyship, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity. I like ABIDE because it includes allyship as well. Being an ally means that you recognise your own privilege. Everybody has privilege. Anytime you belong to a dominant group, you have privilege. As an example I may have privilege because I’m heterosexual or because I’m able bodied. Everyone has to recognise where their privileges lie.
We can then think about how we can support others in creating change for those who don’t have that same privilege. We’re talking about everybody’s individual onus to see that there are privileges, which means that there are injustices and everyone’s got a personal responsibility to recognise that within their workplace, and that should help inform their work practice.
Specifically, museums are inherently colonial. Every single site in the museum has legacies and links to Liverpool’s history of transatlantic slavery and colonisation and a lot of our artefacts have these links too. For us, diversity and inclusion has to represent that history, because a lot of that history, why the museums look so opulent is because there was an injustice done to groups of people across the world. We have to be really open about that, and we can be at the forefront of saying there’s a vast amount of wealth here, because of a lot of injustices.
We have to show the full context of those stories, and decontextualising history, pulling out the stories of why the world is the way it is. That’s a big part of the role of museums, as well as trying to be at the forefront creating positive change through our own practice. Our aim is to be at the forefront and leading best practice and change.
Lady Lever Art Gallery. Credit: Pete Carr
“We aim to be in contact with every single school in the city, and through that, we are engaged with communities, but we also go out and work specifically with different communities, creating allyship through co-production and co-creation.”
Uncover Liverpool: How do you engage with the diverse communities of Liverpool to ensure their representation and involvement in museum activities.
Dr Rebecca Loy: This is something that is our bread and butter practice. We have an amazing Learning and Participation Team which leads really well at engaging with communities from around the city and some of that is through our schools programmes. We aim to be in contact with every single school in the city, and through that, we are engaged with communities, but we also go out and work specifically with different communities.
We do a lot of programming around Pride Month, International Transgender Day of Visibility and Black History Month and we look at specific times of the year, and have a programme of activities planned well in advance.
We also look at the principle of co-production and of co-creation, working with these communities to produce some of the work that you’ll see in the museum, so again, it’s creating that allyship.
Sometimes we’re not running an event, we’re providing the space. We’ve had takeover days in the museum where an organisation can come in and use the space in the way they wish to run the events that they think are most appropriate.
We have three specific external stakeholder groups, the Respect Group, which looks at improving anti racism within the museum and across the city. We have the LGBTQ+ external stakeholder group and the Access and Representation of Civil Stakeholders. We have individuals and members of organisations, who we meet with either monthly, Bi-monthly or quarterly and they critique our museum practice. They tell us where we need to make changes, how we need to improve things.
But we also work with them to talk about issues for example in the Access and Representation group we’re talking about what plans are in place for Disability History Month and how we can work together.
International Slavery Museum Liverpool
“To me, the future of diversity and inclusion in museums looks like it becoming more embedded into daily practice—not just in how we represent people in our galleries, but in how we give back and feed into our communities.”
Uncover Liverpool: What does the future of diversity and inclusion in museums look like?
Dr Rebecca Loy: I think it’s going to grow. To me it looks like diversity and inclusion becoming more embedded into the daily practice of the museum. That’s where my key interest lies. A key area of growth for me is social value.
We have the Waterfront Transformation project, which is a massive capital project. One of the things that I’ve been leading on with Dr Liz Stewart, the Head of Museum of Liverpool, is social value and feeding back into the communities that we serve as a museum. There’s been some really interesting work that we did through the Ken Dodd Happiness exhibition where we used social value. We worked with organisations such as Bridge and Thrive CIC. It was looking at how we could better serve our communities’ mental health, and give opportunities.
We want to make sure that our procurement practices include diversity and inclusion. It’s not just how we represent people in our galleries but also, how are we giving back and feeding into our community?
We’re currently co producing our policies and frameworks with communities. We’re asking people ‘What do you want to see?’ ‘How should that work?’ We’re having that as a two-way conversation for how that policy and framework is created so that by the time the procurements go out for the International Slavery Museum, that stage of the Waterfront Transformation Project work is in place, which will enable us to really make sure that we are feeding back into our communities in every way.
Maritime Museum & International Slavery Museum. Credit: @eyeswidephotography
“The more diverse voices we hear, the more we learn, and the better we can represent people. Lending your voice to the conversation helps us improve.”
Uncover Liverpool: How can the public support and contribute to diversity and inclusion efforts at local museums?
Dr Rebecca Loy: Lending their voice and getting involved. We constantly have calls out for projects that we’re doing and the more people that we’re able to engage with across the city, the more voices that inform our projects, which are trying to represent the communities we serve.
We’ve currently got the Conversations exhibition, (until 9 March ‘25) at the Walker Art Gallery, which is fine arts by black British women and non- binary artists. When we were curating the exhibition, there was an opportunity for co-production so people in the community could get involved in understanding how we produce the exhibition. The more diverse voices we get to hear, the more we learn, the more diverse thoughts are in the room, the better we get to represent people. I think lending your voice to the conversation and giving your opinion helps us improve.
Dr Martin Luther King Jr Building
“It’s a beautiful thing to have a diverse workplace and to become a better version of yourself by including, supporting, and platforming others.”
Uncover Liverpool: And finally, is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers about your work and the importance of diversity and inclusion in museums.
Dr Rebecca Loy: We can’t underestimate the importance of diversity and inclusion work within a workplace. The business case for diversity and inclusion is the more diversity you have in the room, the more successful your business is going to be. It’s been proven time and time again. That should encourage you to go on your diversity and inclusion journey, but that is the absolute minimum. Hopefully, what motivates you is actually the belief in having equal opportunities for everyone. I really hope that what people will do is from a sense of ethics and a sense of justice.
There are so many people who need to be represented and who deserve to be employed and they’re going to make your workplace better. It’s a beautiful thing to have a diverse workplace and to get to know people, to see yourself change for the better because you get to interact with people who aren’t like you, to go on that learning journey and become a better version of yourself by including others and by supporting others and by platforming others.
As a campaigning museum and as a museum that speaks so much to social justice, we want to continue those efforts. It can’t be a tick box exercise. You have to create the structures that make change, because otherwise you’ll just hire people in, and if the inside hasn’t changed, you’ll see them leave just as quickly, because it’s not a hospitable place.
You have to be critically honest about how your business works and how that can be excluding people who are not sitting within a dominant group or a majority group. We at the museums are on that journey, we’re definitely not finished, and I don’t think anyone is ever finished.
It’s a journey that’s going to cost time and money, but it’s a worthwhile investment. We want to be the most representative museum that we can be. To do that, we have to create structures which make people feel like they belong. I have a responsibility to consult and to lead everyone else in the organisation and the departments to create those changes.
Hopefully, in the coming years we’re going to achieve our 2030 goal of becoming the most representative museum and I have every confidence that we will get there.
I invite other people on that journey. You can follow me on LinkedIn because I’ll be hosting Resolution Represent sessions in 2025. These sessions invite people in organisations and from across the city to come and learn with me for two hours, bi-monthly. Myself, along with some other brilliant people will train you on different aspects of diversity and inclusion. We’ve had some incredible sessions in the past and I’m looking forward to delivering them again next year.
Loved: I’m really enjoying Sole Rebel’s monthly Tap Jams at the Caledonia. It’s a brilliant mix of dance and live jazz music and it brings together dancers from several different scenes in Liverpool. The return of Leap Festival last year was definitely a highlight. It was amazing to see so many people from different dance styles and backgrounds coming together and sharing one stage. Luma Creations Latin Festivalat Future Yard in the summer was fantastic. Music and dancing in the sun is always a treat.
Looking forward to: I can’t wait to see Chuck Ragan (Hot Water Music) at District in April. Snailmania at Future Yard is always a lot of fun (live music in a wrestling ring!) and I’m looking forward to getting involved in Leap Festival again this year. I’m really excited to see Ma Bessie at Lindy in the Sky this month (shameless self plug). I’ve wanted to bring her show honouring Bessie Smith back to Liverpool for years so that’s going to be brilliant.
Trivia: Along with dancing, I also train and coach Muay Thai at the MMA academy and my dance studio Live Wire is named after an AC/DC song!
This latest Buried Treasure feature with Arts Groupie CIC’s John Maguire, dives into Liverpool’s extraordinary legacy of “firsts.” As January marks a time for fresh starts, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the innovations that have shaped this city’s history. From the world’s first wet dock to pioneering cultural and public health milestones, Liverpool’s impact is undeniable. Let these achievements inspire you as you embark on 2025—perhaps even sparking your own contribution to the rich tapestry of the city region.
And so, this is January, the sun so pale in the sky it takes the vitamin D from the people below, instead of giving it.
New year, New page, New Chapter. You have 365 days to use up and to contribute in your own way to your family, friends and community.
We know that when we speak of Liverpool to a true Liverpudlian, (those who are lucky to call this fine city home), the River Mersey surfaces in their pupils. A MerseyPride that flows through our very bloodstream.
We at Artsgroupie CIC undoubtedly love the heritage of our city and for the first month of this new year we want to take a look at some of the firsts in the history of Liverpool.
1200s
1282 – The first Mersey ferry is established by monks at Birkenhead Priory.
1648 – The first recorded cargo from America arrives in Liverpool.
1700s
1700 – The Liverpool Merchant is the First recorded Liverpool slave ship.
1708 – The first reference to scouse (by Ned Ward in The Wooden World Dissected).
1709 – The first cargo of cotton traded in Liverpool.
1715 – The world’s first wet dock is constructed by Thomas Steers.
1758 – The first circulating library opens (The Lyceum).
1800s
1813 – Nelson Monument in Exchange Flags is unveiled as Liverpool’s First outdoor public sculpture, paid for by public subscription.
1830 – The world’s first train shed and the First large wooden railway station roof at Crown Street Station opens. The First railway passenger fatality occurs, the unfortunate victim being a local politician by the name of William Huskisson.
1838 – The first travelling Post Office (a horse box fitted out as a sorting office) goes into circulation between Liverpool and Birmingham.
1840 – The World’s First scheduled transatlantic passenger service leaves, a wooden paddle-streamer Britannia owned by Samuel Cunard.
1840 – The world’s first photograph developing and printing service opens.
1842 – The world’s first public baths and wash-houses are founded by Kitty Wilkinson and built on Upper Frederick Street.
1844 – The first girl’s day grammar school in England opens, Blackburne House.
1847 – Our very own Dr William Duncan is appointed as the World’s First Medical Officer of Health.
1857 – Britain’s First Chess Club (Liverpool Chess Club) are established.
1859 – The first nurse to be paid for looking after the poor is employed by William Rathbone.
1860 – The first purpose built public library opens in Liverpool.
1861 – The first shot in the American Civil War was fired from a gun made by Liverpool firm Fawcett and Preston.
1862 – The first provincial School of Nursing opens.
1865 – 6th November: The Shenandoah is the last confederate ship to surrender in the River Mersey. The last action of the American Civil War.
1867 – Liverpool Corporation introduced Britain’s First steamroller.
1867 – The Liverpool Velocipedes became Britain’s First cycling club.
1875 – The Liverpool Peace Society heralds the first disarmament campaign.
1877 – The Walker Art Gallery opens its doors, the first British public Art Gallery.
1884 – Britain’s first woman to qualify as a doctor opens a practice in Liverpool.
1886 – The first under-river railway tunnel is constructed under the River Mersey.
1886 – The First purpose-built ambulance in Britain (at the Northern Hospital)
1890 – Ex-City Engineer, John Brodie invents a game changer; Football goal nets.
1892 – The first Marine Biological Station is at Liverpool University.
1893 – The world’s first overhead electric railway .
1893 – The League of Welldoers in Liverpool is founded by an American, Lee Jones.
1895 – The first British School of Architecture and Applied Art opens.
1896 – The first British use of x-ray in medical diagnosis.
1899 – The first School of Tropical Medicine in Britain is opened in April.
1900s
1900 – The largest tobacco warehouse in the world is built at Stanley Dock.
1901 – The first escalator in a railway station goes into operation at Seaforth Sands Station, on the Overhead Railway.
1902 – Hatton Garden Fire Station houses Britain’s First motor fire engine.
1904 – The University of Liverpool is the first Academic Institution in Britain to establish a school of Veterinary Science.
1909 – The First Woolworth’s opened at 25 Church Street.
1909 – Eleanor Rathbone is Britain’s first woman Councillor.
1911 – The Royal Liver Building Clock, the biggest in Britain, started ticking at the exact moment of King George V’s Coronation.
1912 – The first automatic telephone exchange.
1913 – The world’s first crossword puzzle is compiled by Liverpool born Arthur Wynne and appeared in the New York World.
1927 – Liverpool’s first Female Lord Mayor is Margaret Bevan.
1927 – Bluecoat becomes the First British Arts Centre.
1932 – The first purpose built boxing stadium in Britain opens its doors in Bixteth Street.
1934 – The first Mersey Tunnel opened at Queensway. At the time the largest in the world.
1944 – Britain’s first Chinese newspaper, Hua Chow Pao, is published.
1952 – The first package holiday flight takes off from Liverpool Airport.
1953 – Liverpool singer Lita Roza becomes the First British woman to top the chats with How Much is that Doggy in the Window? She refused to sing this novelty track live.
1959 – Britain’s first drive-in bank opens at the National Westminster Bank, Prince’s Road.
1960 – The majestic Martin’s Bank is the first financial institution in the world to use a computer.
1962 – The Mersey Docks & Harbour Company is the first port in Britain to use a computer.
1964 – Liverpool became the first police force to use closed-circuit television.
1970 – Britain’s first public planetarium opens at Liverpool Museum.
Now, we hope that this roll call of accomplishments will serve to inspire you and propel you forward in your endeavours in 2025. To help contribute to your community and perhaps create another First to add to Liverpool’s accomplishments.
If you are interested in heritage and would like to spare a few hours a week, our friends at The Docklands Trail are currently seeking people.
2025 promises an incredible lineup of events across Liverpool and the City Region. From captivating exhibitions and star-studded performances to thought-provoking festivals and interactive experiences. Highlights include the highly anticipated Liverpool Biennial, the UK’s largest free contemporary visual art festival, alongside unique events like the buzzing Bee Parade and Holly Johnson’s live show at the M&S Bank Arena. These are just the events announced so far for 2025—stay tuned for even more as the year unfolds!
2025 Liverpool and City Region Events To Get Excited About
1. The Plant That Stowed Away, Tate Liverpool (6 February – 11 May)
Copyright: (c) Succession Henri Matisse/DACS 2017 / Photo (c) Tate
The Plant that Stowed Away at Tate Liverpool explores the intertwined histories of trade, plants, and people, with a focus on industrialisation, colonisation, and migration. Inspired by Chris Shaw’s Weeds of Wallasey series, the display examines the impact of trade on urban and natural landscapes. Featuring works by Henri Matisse, Cristina de Middel, Delanie Le Bas, and Kader Attia, it blends photography, collage, textiles, and film to tell a compelling story of transformation and resilience.
2. Elizabeth Smolen – Trailblazer, Williamson Art Gallery (12 February – 20 December)
Elizabeth Smolen: Trailblazer celebrates the remarkable life of Elizabeth Smolen, a Polish refugee who became a champion scooter racer and businesswoman in Birkenhead. The exhibition explores her daring escape from Soviet Poland, her passion for engineering, and her role in Wirral’s scooter scene. Highlights include two Vespa scooters, memorabilia from Birkenhead’s Cloud 9 Scooter Club, and personal stories that showcase Smolen’s legacy as a local legend.
3. RESORT: A Creative Weekender at BOARC (28 February – 2 March)
Join Heart of Glass and Short Supply for a Creative Weekender at Bidston Observatory Artistic Research Centre, exploring failure, secrets, and lessons from mistakes.
On Friday the Reading for the Restless workshop dives into Jack Halberstam’s The Queer Art of Failure, examining its relevance to life and artistic practice and on Saturday there’s talks led by Short Supply and guest speakers (TBA) explore challenges and possibilities in the art world. Designed for artists, cultural practitioners, and educators, the event is free (with food provided), and optional overnight accommodation is available for £10/night.
4. Grand Parade of the Bees, World Museum (5 April)
Join the buzzing Bee Parade from World Museum, celebrating bees with flowers, pollinators, and vibrant dance! Led by Bob the Butterfly, Gerry the Gerbera, and dance group Movema, the parade swarms down William Brown Street with fun for all ages.
Get involved by attending workshops to craft costumes or mini wildflower meadows, and meet Bob and Gerry at 11am or 1pm inside the museum. Don’t miss Movema’s dazzling performance outside.
5. John Power – Cast, The La’s, and Me, The Atkinson (16 April)
Credit: Clare Muller
Experience an intimate evening with John Power, Britpop legend and former member of The La’s and Cast. Reflecting on his iconic hits like Alright, Sandstorm, Walkaway, and Flying, as well as his acclaimed solo work, John shares music alongside wild, funny, and heartfelt stories from his career—including the recent success of Cast’s 2024 album Love Is The Call. A must-see for fans of Britpop and timeless rock’n’roll.
6. Song City Safari (Museum of Liverpool) 3 May – 26 August
Embark on a Song City Safari at the Museum of Liverpool’s Wondrous Place gallery, an interactive journey celebrating Liverpool’s musical and creative heritage. Explore how the city became the pop capital of the world through engaging activities, quizzes, and songs (participation optional).
Safaris run at 3pm on 3-4 May, 19-22 June, and 24-26 August 2025, lasting 30-45 minutes. Tickets are £5 for adults and £2 for children aged 6-17, with limited availability. Booking opens closer to the event.
7. Hamilton (Liverpool Empire Theatre) 6 May – 7 June
Don’t miss Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s award-winning musical, coming to Liverpool’s Empire Theatre for the first time. This groundbreaking production tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant and Founding Father, through a dynamic blend of hip-hop, jazz, blues, R&B, and Broadway styles. Experience the story of America’s past as told by America today in this modern masterpiece.
8. Liverpool Biennial 7 June – 14 September
The 13th edition of the Liverpool Biennial, Bedrock, runs from 7 June to 14 September 2025, curated by Marie-Anne McQuay. Inspired by Liverpool’s sandstone geology and social foundations, the theme explores family, cultural heritage, and the legacies of colonialism, connecting the city’s history, communities, and green spaces.
Featuring works by 30 artists and collectives, the UK’s largest free contemporary visual art festival spans historic buildings, galleries, and unexpected locations. Over 14 weeks, enjoy free exhibitions, performances, screenings, and community events celebrating Liverpool’s vibrant cultural scene.
9. Holly Johnson (M&S Arena) 21 June
Music legend and LGBTQ+ icon, Holly Johnson, marks 40 years of Welcome to the Pleasuredome with a special anniversary tour. Featuring timeless hits like “Relax,” “Two Tribes,” and “The Power of Love,” this new production celebrates the enduring legacy of Frankie Goes to Hollywood.
10. Romeo & Juliet (Everyman Theatre) 13 September – 4 October
Experience Romeo & Juliet like never before at Liverpool’s Everyman Theatre. Directed by Ellie Hurt, this powerful new production strips Shakespeare’s timeless tale of forbidden love to its emotional core.
Young lovers Romeo and Juliet defy their feuding families in pursuit of a brighter future, but can love triumph over hatred and history? Hurt, a YEP Directors alum and acclaimed UK theatre creator, returns to the Everyman with a visceral and fresh take on this classic tragedy. A must-see reimagining of one of Shakespeare’s greatest works.
11. Sam Avery: Thunderstorm (Playhouse Theatre) 21 November
Award-winning comedian Sam Avery returns with his new show Thunderstorm. Known for his sharp wit and punchy style, Sam tackles the chaos of modern life with humor, covering everything from parenting mishaps to culture wars and political absurdities. Expect an evening of thunderous punchlines, lightning-fast jokes, and unforgettable laughter!
To discover loads more events happening in Liverpool and the city region this year check out our What’s On Listings.
This week’s Culture Radar guest is Project Coordinator atWriting on the Wall, Lyn Papadopoulos.
Loved: I loved Proximity– selected works by Stephen McCoy at the Open Eye Gallery. Gorgeous photos, a lot of which reminded me of growing up in Liverpool.
Looking forward to:The Legend of Rooney’s Ring. Written by Helen Serafinowicz and Directed by Stephen Fletcher at The Royal Court in July 2025. This is definitely going to be one to watch.
Trivia: I’ve been storylining and scriptwriting on soaps for over 20 years. Before that I worked on the 1999 Channel 4 film ‘Dockers’ that Writing on the Wall was born out of. Next year I’m excited for our 25th anniversary annual literature festival WoWFest, which will celebrate writing in all its forms.
Under 5s Concert: The Musical Professor at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
January is brimming with incredible things to do in Liverpool and the city region. From interactive theatre competitions to artist-led workshops and inspiring exhibitions, the Liverpool city region is alive with creativity this winter and there’s no shortage of ways to start 2025 on a high note. Dive into this curated list of must-see events, workshops, and performances to make the most of what Liverpool and the region has to offer this January.
1. What Happen’s Next? 2025, Hope Street Theatre (16 – 18 January)
What Happens Next? 2025 is an interactive playwriting competition celebrating Liverpool’s emerging talent at The Hope Street Theatre from 16th-18th January 2025. Across three evenings, eight new plays will compete, with audiences and industry experts voting for the winner. The prize includes theatre space, a professional production contract, dramaturgy support, and a £1000 budget. Tickets start at £11, with supporter options available. Help champion new artists and experience the thrill of asking, What Happens Next?
2. Promising Portfolios Workshop, Walker Art Gallery (18 January)
Promising Portfolios are artist-led sessions, offering a great opportunity for 13–18-year-olds to develop their artistic skills, build their portfolio, and explore how art is used in museums and galleries. For this session participants will be experimenting with life drawing. Using a semi-clothed model you will explore ways of capturing body form, poses and movement by experimenting with different drawing materials.
3. Stronger Together – Dance for Women Only, 24 Hope Street (Various Dates)
Stronger Together is a free dance project aimed at bringing women together to build confidence, create community, and experience the power of dance in a supportive, all-female environment. Held at 24 Hope Street, the project offers women the opportunity to connect with one another through movement, fostering both personal growth and a sense of unity. The sessions encourage participants to express themselves artistically while cultivating a positive space for creativity and empowerment. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or a complete beginner, Stronger Together is about enjoying the collective energy of women coming together through the joy of dance.
4. Events & Workshops at Bluecoat (Various Dates)
The Bluecoat has a range of engaging workshops this January that cater to all ages and interests. Whether you’re looking to tap into your creative side, learn new skills, or explore unique art forms, there’s something for everyone. Baby Book Club returns in January with six weekly sessions for parents and carers of babies aged 3 to 12 months, led by artist Roger Hill. Additionally, Bluecoat’s Family Weekend invites families to enjoy a nostalgic journey back in time with traditional children’s party games, storytelling, and creative workshops.
If you’re looking to start the year off strong, the Collage Your Intentions workshop is a great way to reflect on your goals for 2025. Create a vision board before the New Moon on 29 January, a time for new beginnings and reflection.
5. Kraus & Lick at Metal (17 January)
Kraus and Lick are two dynamic, locally-based improvising trios pushing the boundaries of experimental music. Kraus features Keith Parkins, Robert Harrison, and Angela Vowles, blending jazz-inspired instruments with spontaneous creativity. Their performances embrace unpredictability, crafting a unique and ever-evolving sound that reimagines harmony and chaos. Lick, comprising Aous, Jon, and Paula, transforms everyday found sounds into unconventional music. Incorporating vocals and clay flutes, they explore the fringes of musical expression with playful innovation. Together, these trios promise an unforgettable evening of avant-garde artistry.
6. Mark Thomas: Gaffa Tapes, Playhouse Theatre (23 January)
Mark Thomas is back in his sharpest stand-up form with Gaffa Tapes, bringing his trademark anti-Tory comedy to Liverpool. Known for blending stand-up, theatre, and activism, Mark has spent nearly 40 years making waves in comedy and political discourse. With numerous awards, TV shows, and groundbreaking work in human rights, he continues to challenge authority and entertain with his fearless, provocative style. Don’t miss this iconic performer in action.
7. Pretty Vacant, The Atkinson (29 January)
The Atkinson brings to life the explosive energy of Punk and New Wave music, which transformed popular culture between 1976 and 1979, with Pretty Vacant. With a talented cast of musicians, singers, and dancers, the production showcases the raw attitude, iconic hits, and fashion that defined a generation. From its beginnings in New York City to its evolution in London and global impact, the show takes audiences on a thrilling journey through the DIY spirit and cultural revolution that reshaped the music world forever. It’s an unforgettable celebration of a defining era in music history.
8. Ancestral and Systemic Constellations: Spiritual Healing Weekend, Bidston Observatory Artistic Research Centre (24 – 26 January)
Ancestral and Systemic Constellations: Spiritual Healing Weekend offers a transformative experience in the lineage of Bert Hellinger and Ron Young. From 24th-26th January, this immersive workshop explores ancestral stories and relationship dynamics through Constellation Practice, a group healing method that transcends rational thought to reveal the deep interconnections of ancestry, environment, and myth. Hosted by Fi Fane-James, Cathy Kamau, and Stella Cairns, participants will engage in a blend of original and evolved practices.
9. Under 5s Concert: The Musical Professor, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Music Room (29 January)
Join the Musical Professors in their musical laboratory at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic where Claire Henry will work with their music-making machines to create musical experiments with players from the Orchestra.
10. Lindy In The Sky, Various Venues (31 January – 2 February)
Lindy in the Sky, the vibrant swing dance festival, hosted by Mersey Swing returns this winter. This lively event offers a weekend of high-energy workshops, social dancing, and performances, all celebrating Lindy Hop and swing culture. Featuring world-class instructors, live music, and a friendly community vibe, the festival is perfect for dancers of all levels. Whether you’re looking to hone your skills or enjoy the thrill of swing, this weekend promises fun, rhythm, and plenty of opportunities to dance the night away.
Exhibitions Ending This Month
Proximity at Open Eye Gallery
Don’t miss your last chance to catch these incredible exhibitions ending this month. Explore the relationship between culture and technology in Cosmotechnics at FACT, or discover unique crafts at Bluecoat Display Centre’s Winter Display. Immerse yourself in Brickworks, at Tate Liverpool + RIBA North, or revel in the glamour of Bedazzled at Lady Lever Art Gallery. Finally, Proximity at Open Eye Gallery, showcases 45 years of Stephen McCoy’s powerful photography, capturing the people, places, and evolving landscapes of Merseyside with deep personal connection and creativity. Make time to visit before they’re gone!
To find even more events happening in January and beyond, in Liverpool and the city region check out our What’s On Listings.
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