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British Science Festival 2025: Preview

Posted on 01/09/2025 | by Uncover

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)

Drop in and discover the out-of-this-world science that’s happening across the city with Liverpool in space. Meet space scientists from the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University to delve into fascinating subjects including microgravity, astrophysics and planetary defence. This is your chance to find out about the technologies that are deepening our understanding of the universe and changing our life on Earth.

Game On, Snack More – The Tung Auditorium (11 September)

Game on Snack More Tung Auditorium

Is digital gaming affecting what you eat? Join Game On, Snack More to find out. Brands are everywhere on videogame livestreaming platforms, most often targeting young people with ads for food high in fat, sugar and salt. Rebecca Evans (University of Liverpool) will show how this marketing affects eating habits, calling for more research to help shape public health policy.

Truth In The Age of AI – FACT (12 September)

How do we perceive Truth and authenticity in the age of AI? From viral deep fakes to AI-altered videos designed to manipulate public opinion, digital authenticity is increasingly uncertain. Join multimedia artist Rachel Maclean and FACT’s Director Nicola Triscott as they discuss how artists are opening up new perspectives on the risks and opportunities that AI poses to our perception of what is true and what is fabricated.

MOONFACE – Unity Theatre (12 September)

Moonface Unity Theatre 2025

Shady billionaires make plans to colonise and mine the solar system, and our nearest celestial neighbour has something to say about it. A clowning show performed by Meg Hodgson with live sound from Livvy Lynch, MOONFACE is a funny and exuberant love letter to our rocky satellite that explores what it means to be human. Expect burlesque and drag-style numbers, testimony from survivors of human-made disasters, and movement inspired by the gravitational interactions between Earth and moon.

The Future of Rail – All Aboard for Tomorrow! Metal Liverpool (13 September)

The Future of Rail – All Aboard for Tomorrow! Metal Liverpool 2025

What will train travel look like 200 years from now? Who will run the railways? What will we eat onboard? How fast will we go and how can we travel greener and cleaner? Join Metal Liverpool for The Future of Rail – All Aboard for Tomorrow! a fun, hands-on creative workshop where you’ll imagine the future of rail travel.

Working with St. Helens based artist Claire Weetman they will explore big questions through drawing, design, and storytelling. Whether you’re a train lover, a daydreamer, or simply curious — all are welcome. No experience needed, just bring your imagination!

Archive adventures: Creative writing workshop – Bluecoat (13 September)

Archive Adventures Creative Writing Workshop Bluecoat

Searching for inspiration for your next piece of writing? Want to explore ideas about science from the past? Take part in Archive adventures: Creative writing workshop, that will reveal how scientific archives could inspire your work. Gain the confidence and skills you need to jump right in! Writer Clodagh Chapman will talk about how scientific archives can be places of unexpected discovery, for writers and scientists alike.

Food, Glorious Food – Museum of Liverpool Lecture Theatre (14 September)

Food, Glorious Food, Museum of Liverpool Lecture Theatre

What can the humble potato teach us about food cultures and communities? Many staples of the British diet originate from Latin America, from potatoes, corn and tomatoes to chocolate and strawberries. Join a team of foodies for Food, Glorious Food – including scientists, archaeologists, chefs, musicians and curators – for tastings, conversations and demonstrations that delve into the origins and importance of these delicious crops.

During this lively session, led by Luma Creations in collaboration with the World Museum, they’ll discuss how these foods have been integrated into our diets and what they mean to people, both now and in the past.

Art Forgery To Astrophysics: A Data Science Showcase – Museum of Liverpool (14 September)

Art forgery to astrophysics: A data science showcase - Museum of Liverpool 2025

Curious about how computers solve problems? Want to know how algorithms work? Keen to talk about the impact of AI? Drop in for a chat with Art forgery to astrophysics: A data science showcase with researchers from the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University and find out about their research across data science. They’ll explain how data science is used for a multitude of things, from identifying art forgeries all the way to astrophysics.

This is also a chance to explore the fundamentals of sorting algorithms, which are essential for designing computer programmes. Discover how sorting data plays a key role in computation.

Discover the entire programme of events for the British Science Festival and book your free tickets at britishsciencefestival.org.

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

Culture Radar – Ashley Colley (ACC Liverpool)

Posted on 01/09/2025 | by Uncover

Ashley Colley - ACC Liverpool on her way to see Dua Lipa at Anfield cropped — Ashley on her way to see Dua Lipa at Anfield

This week’s Culture Radar guest is Ashley Colley, Marketing Account Manager, ACC Liverpool.

Loved: Dua Lipa at Anfield, hands down. There was endless dancing, and such a vibrant atmosphere around the stadium. The best tunes, she just killed it. 10/10 pop star – I’m such a fan! I’m frantically typing this because I enjoyed it THAT MUCH.

Looking Forward To: Inhaler at M&S Bank Arena on 11 October. They’re a Rock band from Dublin, and Liverpool is like a second home to them having practiced here for many years. To see them now about to headline at M&S Bank Arena is unreal. Also looking forward to the supports on this show, and the reunion of The Bandits!! Not a lot of people know but they’re an iconic Liverpool band from early 00’s who helped launch bands such as The Coral and The Zutons. I think that’ll be a great gig at the Arena, cannot wait!

Trivia: I used to be in a punk / metal band and toured UK / Europe for about 4 years. Career highlight was playing Glastonbury Festival, personal highlight was playing Download Festival; I’m a total metal head (who cannot handle a mosh pit anymore). A more recent and un-interesting fact about me is that I’m also totally on board with the Country Craze (unashamedly) and I cannot stop listening to any & all Country Music. So, if anyone has any good recommendations, please send Spotify links my way!

Culture Radar – Danny Woods (Wonder Arts)

Posted on 25/08/2025 | by Uncover

This week’s Culture Radar guest is Engagement Manager for Wonder Arts, Danny Woods.

Loved: Loved the immersive installation, ‘Put Your Feet in my Shows’ created by Michelle Wren & Kazem Ashourzadeh; very powerful and certainly eye-opening.

Looking Forward To: I’m looking forward to getting about and taking in as much of the Liverpool Biennial as possible before it ends on 14th September and I always look forward to the return of the River of Light, perfect way to spend an Autumn evening in Liverpool.

Trivia: I first became involved with Wonder Arts (previously Citadel Arts Centre) when I joined the Youth Theatre when I was 16 years old and later became a volunteer until becoming Marketing Officer in 2015. Now as the Engagement Manager, this year marks 24 years of being involved with the organisation and a whole decade as a member of staff.

Buried Treasure by ArtsGroupie CIC: Diversity In Clay

Posted on 18/08/2025 | by Uncover

By John Maguire

The latest instalment of Buried Treasure by John Maguire of ArtsGroupie CIC takes us to Birkenhead’s Rathbone Studio, rooted in the legacy of Della Robbia Pottery. Here, artist Janet Holmes continues the tradition of creativity and individuality, currently celebrated in Diversity in Clay, her collaborative exhibition with Louise Waller for the Independents Biennial.

There is something grand about walking through Hamilton Square – it feels like being transported to Edinburgh. I can envision Victorian-suited gentlemen strolling with canes through the greenery at the centre, ready to take the morning commuter ferry, ambling around the boat and enjoying the fresh air as part of their morning constitution.

I emerge from the depths of the train station and catch a glimpse of the city of Liverpool, panoramic across the river in the shadows. If I can block out the memory stick buildings that dig into the ground, the view retains its charm.

The Rathbone Studio

I am visiting The Rathbone Studio, located on one of the original sites of the Della Robbia Pottery, founded by Harold Rathbone and Conrad Dressler.

Della Robbia was a highly distinctive pottery created in Price Street and at 28 Argyle Street, Birkenhead, between 1894 and 1906. It drew inspiration from the work of Luca della Robbia, a Florentine sculptor (1399–1482) known for perfecting a special pottery glaze. The pottery employed many people in Birkenhead, including local women who decorated the wares. There were no pattern books; artists and decorators were encouraged to explore their creativity and work completely freehand. Today, antique Della Robbia pottery is highly sought after, with examples displayed in Wirral at the Williamson Art Gallery & Museum.

Janet Holmes has been exhibiting on Wirral for over 40 years and opened the Rathbone Studio in Birkenhead in 2012. It now serves as a pottery studio and gallery, embracing the ethos of the Della Robbia Pottery, which aimed to bring individuality to each piece, allowing artists to express themselves with unique, original ceramic work. Janet has revived the Della Robbia spirit in Birkenhead through her work and by encouraging others to exhibit their talents.

Currently, an exhibition is on display as part of the Independents Biennial, which is a treasure trove of ceramic art. Diversity In Clay, a collaboration with renowned ceramicist Louise Waller, celebrates the malleable essence of clay. A rich collection of earthy works showcases the collaboration between artist and medium with the mantra, “The clay dictates.”

Janet Holmes and Her Artistic Journey

Janet’s obsession with clay dates back to her childhood. The first piece she ever made in school was a bust of a man’s head, leading her to realise she could create a strong image from nothing. Today, teaching allows her to foster this idea in others, and she loves to explore different clays and experiences, encountering new things that still humble her. Rather than planning, Janet lets the mood and atmosphere evolve through meditation with the clay. A clay sculpture created after her mother’s passing evoked mixed emotions, while her Covid tension piece has an agitated and restless look about it. This ceramic is my particular favourite.

Her influences include Matisse, Picasso, and Grayson Perry. Due to her tinnitus, classical music, especially Gershwin, becomes the only sound in the studio, which helps her to connect with the clay.

My favourite piece - Rathbone Studio — My favourite piece

Before I leave, I visit the toilet in the cellar; every available space is crammed with art as I make my way down the staircase. I am captivated by a mushroom cloud sculpture, inspired by the OMD song Enola Gay.

I encourage you to visit this rich vault of ceramic treasures, a very magical emporium of creativity.

The gallery holds a student exhibition from January to February each year, with exhibitions changing quarterly. Local artists can also showcase their work.

Diversity in Clay
Louise Waller & Janet Holmes
Runs until 13th September

The exhibition will then be open Tuesday to Saturday, 1.30pm-5pm.

Culture Radar – Helen Brown (Liverpool Lighthouse)

Posted on 13/08/2025 | by Uncover

This week’s Culture Radar guest is Helen Brown, Development Manager at Liverpool Lighthouse, an arts and community centre based in Anfield and the home of the National Gospel Music Centre.

Loved: We’re passionate about arts for social change at Liverpool Lighthouse and have loved hosting both Asylum Link and Collective Encounters recently with their impactful theatre for social change pieces, Afloat and Time to Change. We know from our own ‘When You Know’ arts for social change programme that work like this can change hearts, minds and save and transform lives.

Looking Forward To: As a Black-led organisation, Africa Oyé is a massive part of our cultural landscape and we’re really looking forward to celebrating its return in 2026.

Trivia: Liverpool Lighthouse was originally built as a Gaumont Cinema building and retains gorgeous art deco features, a 430 seat auditorium and one of the biggest stages in Liverpool. Before it was a cinema, the site housed an orphanage and training school for destitute girls, so our little patch of Anfield has been a home for both the most vulnerable in the community and for arts and culture across hundreds of years, a legacy we aim to continue!

Culture Radar – John Maguire (ArtsGroupie CIC)

Posted on 03/08/2025 | by Uncover

This week’s Culture Radar guest is creative director of ArtsGroupie CIC, playwright, producer and socially engaged practitioner, John Maguire.

Loved: At the Unity – a powerful, potent, passionate, piece of necessary work, part of Liverpool Arab Arts Festival presented by Good Chance Theatre – A Grain of Sand. A narrative woven from the real experiences of children in Gaza collected in a small booklet, titled A Million Kites. And I loved seeing Lana Del Rey at Anfield as part of the Summer Gig offering.

Looking Forward To: Artsgroupie CIC is away in August for the Edinburgh Festival but then has two productions coming up at home – The Signalman at the Unity and Ghost Stories for Xmas, at the Hornby Library and Shakespeare North Playhouse in December.

The Unity’s Autumn/Winter programme is bumper packed too – loving the revival of this fantastic institution. I started my career there as a voluntary usher when I was 16.

Always love Liverpool Irish Festival. This year (16-26 October) the festival, considered the largest Irish arts and culture-led festival in the UK, brings the city of Liverpool and Ireland closer together through its diverse programming. My name is Maguire and an estimated 75% of people in Liverpool can trace their ancestry back to Ireland.

And delighted to have tickets to the stage version of Inside Number 9 at the Empire, direct from the sold-out West End run.

Trivia: I used to be a long-haul flight attendant for Monarch Airlines in my early twenties. I enjoyed visiting many places around the world. Once, I won a tango dancing competition in a nightclub in Havana, Cuba, but I cannot tango dance.

Culture Radar – George Maund (Metal Liverpool)

Posted on 28/07/2025 | by Uncover

This week’s Culture Radar guest is George Maund, Programmes & Operations Administrator at Metal Liverpool. George also plays in the band Landscraper and works on the Box Office team at The Tung Auditorium.

Loved: In a summer where the lack of Africa Oyé has been decidedly felt, it was a delight to catch Caribbean diasporic rhythms in the form of coastal Colombian hiphop group Systema Solar live at Future Yard. Thanks go to Luma Creations for the booking. Prior to that, it was hats-off time to the Independents Biennial for all they achieved in re-launching themselves back into the world – by taking over Port Sunlight – with perfect opening party music to supplement, courtesy of Queensway and co. Welcome back and well done, all!

Looking Forward To: Awaiting the return of the hard-working, attentive team behind the Quarry venue to what they do best – this time at the former Magnet premises, 45 Hardman Street – has to be the most anticipated moment of the year for me. Right before that they’re hosting a gig at Metal on Sunday 3 August, one for any fan or frenemy of the snare drum.

Trivia: We’re super proud of our Cultural Welcome Guide, a printed plain English booklet that acts as an introduction to all Liverpool’s free museums, galleries, festivals and other venues. It’s also available in Arabic and Ukrainian online. The CWG was put together with and for new arrivals to the city, specifically refugees and asylum seekers. Metal’s site in Liverpool was witness to the first ever train journey almost 200 years ago, a moment that ushered in the modern era by ‘making the world smaller’ through industrial transport. Go figure!

Things To Do In Liverpool And The City Region This Summer for Families

Posted on 22/07/2025 | by Uncover

By Ade Blackburn

Looking for things to do in Liverpool and the city region this summer with the family? From creative workshops to exciting performances, there’s something for all ages. Whether you’re after hands-on activities, drama camps, or music events, these fun-filled experiences will help you make the most of the summer holidays.

Here’s our pick of the best things to do with the family this summer across the Liverpool City Region.

Liverpool Biennial and Independents Biennial 2025 – Various venues (until 14 September)

The Liverpol Biennial 2025 festival, this year titled ‘BEDROCK’, takes place until 14 September and is curated by Marie-Anne McQuay. ‘BEDROCK’ draws on Liverpool’s distinctive geography and the people, places and values of Liverpool that ground all of us. There’s some fascinating new exhibitions to discover, including family-friendly showcases. Partners for the festival include Open Eye Gallery, Tate Liverpool + RIBA North and Walker Art Gallery.

Independents Biennial 2025 will also return to Liverpool City Region with 22 new artistic commissions, 64 artists and new work appearing across Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley, Wirral and St Helens. The artist-led festival, which runs concurrently to Liverpool Biennial, is created to showcase the vibrant art and art scene of the city-region.

Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet – Exhibition Centre (15 July – 15 August)

Credit: Andy Teebay

Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet returns to Liverpool this summer after attracting an amazing 60,000 visitors during its UK premiere in the city in 2024. The unmissable multimedia experience will be at the waterfront Exhibition Centre Liverpool.

City art lovers will also become the first in the country to enjoy a stunning new immersive show, Beyond Monet, receiving its UK premiere in Liverpool and which brings the works of the ‘Father of Impressionism’ to life in mesmerising fashion.

Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet will be staged on different days throughout the three-week run at the landmark waterfront venue.

Up Close With Archaeology – Museum of Liverpool (22 and 29 July)

It’s the Festival of Archaeology 2025! Get hands on with the distant past with Up Close With Archaeology, a unique opportunity to handle and find out about more about real objects from the Museum of Liverpool’s archaeology collection.

There is something incredibly powerful about making a connection with something that was made by hand thousands of years ago – maybe even with a thumb print still evident!

Aquarium Keeper Experience – World Museum (22, 23 and 29 July)

In this behind the scenes, immersive Aquarium Keeper Experience session you will get the chance to feed their animals and learn how the team look after the equipment and water chemistry in their aquarium.

Aquarium keepers look after a huge range of animals from clown fish, to terrapins and axolotl to crabs. Discover just what it takes to care for their animals and how exactly you clean a tank full of creatures!

Suitable for children over 8.

Flowers and Friendship Bracelets – The Atkinson (1 August)

Get ready for a dazzling explosion of music, dance, and excitement as Flowers and Friendship Bracelets takes to the stage! Head along and join them at The Atkinson for the ultimate pop concert and celebrate the biggest hits from the hottest artistes of the moment.

Shake it Off to their very own Taylor Swift; sing along to Flowers with Miley Cyrus; dust off all our best dance moves to ‘Vampires’ with Olivia Rodrigo, and the unstoppable Sabrina Carpenter performing all her top hits such as ‘Espresso’. Watch the girls delight the audience in this incredible concert with a huge pop party to finish the show.

Summer Drama Week – Unity Theatre (4 – 8 August)

A chance to spend a fun Summer Drama Week exploring drama at the Unity Theatre, meet new friends and create a show in a week! Enjoy games, creating characters, puppetry and more with brilliant practitioners.

The drama week is an excellent opportunity for children to discover the magic of theatre and performance in a friendly environment. The event is free or pay what you can, all abilities are welcome and sessions are suitable for ages 9 to 12.

The Liver Bird Safari Walking Tour – ArtsGroupie, starts at Bluecoat (9 August – 20 September)

Liverpool is famous for the Liver Bird, a mythical bird which is the symbol of the city. The most famous of which are the birds on the magnificent Royal Liver Building, the first-ever Skyscraper in the UK. What you may not know is that there are in fact over 100 Liver Birds in Liverpool, hidden in the architecture of this fine city.

Join ArtsGroupie for a fun, lively Liver Bird Walking Tour Safari around the city centre, as they go Liver Bird-spotting. Starting at The Bluecoat, visiting St. George’s Plateau, William Brown Street, and Castle Street; learn about the history of Liverpool along the way.

The two-hour tour finishes near the Waterfront.

Nature Neighbours Workshop – Heart of Glass (9 August)

In this Nature Neighbours Workshop participants create a wildlife sculpture made from wooden laser-cut ply shapes, inspired by the Nature Neighbours trail!

Heart of Glass will provide the materials for you to make your own artwork using wooden shapes, glue and paint, guided by artists Juneau Projects. The pieces on the Nature Neighbours trail are all based on wildlife found locally in Halewood’s parks, from jays and robins, to butterflies and bugs. Make your own to take home at the end of the workshop.

DoES Liverpool Maker Day – DoES Liverpool (9 August)

Maker Days are regular meetings organised by DoES Liverpool to provide a space for people to learn, experiment and work on projects related to Physical computing, Laser cutting, Arduino, Electronics and 3D printing.

Maker Day takes place on the second Saturday of each month from midday to 6pm. All Maker Events are completely free to attend – you’ll only pay for any consumables you might use – and are the perfect way to dip your toes into DoES, and the Maker community at large. They’re informal, friendly events about building cool stuff and sharing expertise and enthusiasm.

Do Something Saturdays – FACT Liverpool (9 August)

Create the most annoying room in the world and trap your grown-ups inside! Inspired by artist Kara Chin’s work, this fun free workshop is part of FACT Liverpool’s Do Something Saturdays and includes a chance to explore her interactive installation for Liverpool Biennial, on display until 14 September. Located in their Studio/Lab space on the top floor, these free sessions encourage imagination and innovation in a friendly environment.

Wirral Theatre Festival Family Shows – Williamson Art Gallery / Floral Pavilion (15 – 16 August)

Wirral Theatre Festival showcases local stories and includes some great family entertainment this year. The festival takes place across two days at the Williamson Art Gallery and Museum and Floral Pavilion.

Saturday afternoon is all about their family-friendly shows, including performances of Trapped in Williamson Art Gallery and Spooky Tales, the latter is family-friendly but not for the faint-hearted! The show includes the winning entry from the Wirral Theatre Festival Writing Competition in 2024.

One ticket gets you access to both shows!

Mosh Tots – Future Yard (17 August)

The Mosh Tots band take over Future Yard’s main stage for the hottest show in town, this August! Aimed at children aged 1-8, Mosh Tots is there to introduce young people to the rockin’ world of live music in a safe and fun environment.

At Future Yard, they believe that live music should be for everyone, no matter your age. Live music venues have often been off limits for young children and their parents and Mosh Tots flips that on its head. A great opportunity to share the joy of live music together as a family.

For every child ticket purchased, 1 adult goes free.

Robin Hood – Shakespeare North Playhouse (30 August)

Folksy Theatre invites you to experience a brand new musical adaptation of the classic Robin Hood tale at Shakespeare North Playhouse. Set against the enchanting backdrop of the eerie Sherwood Forest, this whimsical production sees King John and the Sheriff of Nottingham trying to thwart the legendary outlaw, Robin Hood and his band of merry men as they steal from the rich to give to the poor.

Filled with Folksy’s signature live music, audience interaction, and delightful silliness, this adaptation promises to have you laughing and singing along!

For even more things to do this summer in Liverpool and the City Region check out our What’s On Listings.

Culture Radar – Szymon Mamys and Becks Hylton (Bring The Fire Project)

Posted on 21/07/2025 | by Uncover

This week our Culture Radar guests are Szymon Mamys (Director) and Becks Hylton (Production Manager) of Bring The Fire Project.

Loved: The dance show NOW created by Jasmin Vardimon at the Liverpool Playhouse Theatre was beautiful. A visually stunning performance, wonderfully choreographed melding movement and technology together to touch on important topics of our modern life.

Looking Forward To: There’re so many incredible events happening over the summer. Unity Theatre’s Scratch Nights always showcase interesting and incredible new pieces. We’re also looking forward to bringing you the next edition of the Liverpool Fire Arts Festival next year.

Trivia: Bring the Fire Project is based at Metal at Edge Hill Station – the oldest active passenger station in the world.

Culture Radar – Abbie Billington

Posted on 07/07/2025 | by Uncover

This week our Culture Radar guest is Uncover Liverpool voluntary features writer, Abbie Billington. Abbie is a Trustee for the Jacob Billington Trust and Project Manager for Up Front North West.

Loved: I’m a writer by trade, and I love all things theatre. I try to expose myself to new writing as often as possible, and most recently I had the pleasure of watching The Walrus Has A Right To Adventure at the Everyman Theatre which was absolutely phenomenal!

Looking Forward To: I’m really looking forward to the Arab Arts Festival and everything that has to offer, but I’m also excited for all of the new writing showcases happening this summer! From the Wirral Theatre Festival to Unity’s Scratch Night, it’s going to be a season of celebrating new art and new artists.

Trivia: As an artist myself, I’ve always wanted to create opportunities for artists in Liverpool. I’m so lucky to work for two arts organisations, both of which aim to cultivate artists and their talents. It’s such a fulfilling job!

Author: Uncover