Author: Uncover

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)

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.

Bonus Event – Romeo & Juliet, Unity Theatre (18 February)

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.

From underground cinema to family-friendly festivals, iconic exhibitions and thought-provoking theatre, February is packed with culture across Liverpool and the city region. Whether you’re looking to discover new music, dive into queer literature, get hands-on with making, or plan a brilliant half-term day out, these 10 unmissable events in Liverpool and the city region showcase the breadth, creativity and imagination happening this February.

1. Faetooth, Future Yard (3 February)

Hailing from Los Angeles, Faetooth conjure their own brand of “fairy-doom” — a hypnotic blend of doom metal, sludge and shoegaze that’s as beautiful as it is brutal. From spellbinding melodies to guttural shrieks, their music creates a vast, otherworldly atmosphere that pulls you deep into their shadowy realm. Fresh from the release of the ferociously beautiful single Death of Day and ahead of their sophomore album Labyrinthine, this Future Yard show promises a heavy, immersive experience not to be missed.

2. Queer Book Club, St Helens Book Stop (3 February)

Queer Book Club is a welcoming, inclusive reading group bringing people together to explore LGBTQIA+ literature in all its forms. Founded by local queer artists and book lovers, the club offers a relaxed space to share thoughts on queer novels, memoirs and writing. This month’s pick is Sense of Self by James Lefebure — a gripping queer body-horror exploring belonging, faith and the cost of being loved. Making this edition extra special, Lefebure will join the group in person for a live discussion at The Book Stop. Open to all and drop-in friendly, it’s a thoughtful, community-led event for readers looking to connect through powerful queer storytelling.

3. Can Meeple Escape the Neurophoria? FACT Liverpool (6 February – 26 April)

Curated by FACT’s 2025 Curator-in-Residence Milia Xin Bi, Can Meeple Escape the Neurophoria?  is a playful yet thought-provoking exhibition inspired by tabletop games — where every decision changes the narrative. Visitors become the “meeple”, a human game piece whose choices carry real-world consequences, exploring how our actions shape technological futures. Featuring works by Vytas Jankauskas, Jan Zuiderveld and Joseph Wilk, the exhibition blends participation, politics and machine intelligence, using play as a lens to examine climate, humanity and emerging technologies. Interactive, curious and quietly unsettling, it asks a timely question: in a world driven by intelligent systems, who really gets to make the next move?

4. Fringe Flicks: Uncanny Desires, DoES Liverpool (6 February)

Fringe Flicks returns with Uncanny Desires, a one-night underground short film screening celebrating the strange, funny and unsettling. Hosted at DoES Liverpool, this edition dives into themes of desire, obsession, intimacy and transformation through dark comedy, surreal storytelling and gloriously offbeat visuals. Headlined by the fearless Welsh short The Girl with the Haunted Vagina, the programme blends international films with Liverpool-made work, including a preview developed through PVTV’s Creative Meet-Ups. Pay What You Can and intentionally informal, Fringe Flicks is all about atmosphere, shared experience and adventurous cinema — perfect for anyone curious to watch something a little different.

5. St Helens StoryFest 2026, St Helens Libraries (14 – 21 February)

Wonder Arts returns with StoryFest 2026, a week-long celebration of storytelling for children and families across St Helens. Running from 14–21 February, the festival features an exciting mix of imaginative theatre, interactive performances, BSL-interpreted shows, free workshops and Read & Rhyme Time sessions, all hosted in local libraries. From magical adventures and playful dance theatre to inclusive, sensory-friendly storytelling, StoryFest offers joyful, accessible cultural experiences designed to spark curiosity, creativity and connection for young audiences and their grown-ups.

6. ARTIST ROOMS: Ed Ruscha, Tate Liverpool (12 February – 14 June)

Explore the iconic work of American artist Ed Ruscha in this free ARTIST ROOMS exhibition, inspired by his road trips across the United States. Featuring books, photographs, paintings, drawings and lithographs, the display captures the architecture, geography and everyday imagery of the USA — from gas stations and diners to swimming pools and highways. Highlights include Ruscha’s seminal 1963 book Twentysix Gasoline Stations, works from the Sunset Strip Portfolio, and bold text-based pieces such as OK (State I) and Dance?. A fascinating snapshot of an artist who helped redefine how we see the American landscape.

7. Horrible Histories – The Concert, Liverpool Empire (13 – 14 February)

Horrible Histories leaps from screen to stage in this riotous live concert packed with monstrous monarchs, mayhem and music. When William Shakespeare attempts to create the greatest show on earth, chaos quickly follows — with appearances from Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria, Cleopatra, Boudica and even Death himself. Featuring the original TV cast performing fan-favourite songs like Stupid Deaths, Charles II and The Monarchs Song, backed by a live band led by Richie Webb, this high-energy show promises singalongs, silliness and seriously horrible fun for the whole family.

8. Make It! Craft Workshop, The Atkinson (19 February)

Join Liverpool-based visual artist Linny Venables for a free, family-friendly Sweet Factory Make It! Craft Workshop at The Atkinson. Inspired by Linny’s playful glass-based exhibition currently on display in the Art Gallery, the drop-in session invites all ages to get creative with hands-on making in a relaxed, welcoming space. Running from 11am–3pm with all materials provided, it’s a perfect opportunity for families to explore art together — no booking required, just curiosity and creativity.

9. Introduction to UV Screen Printing, Bluecoat (21 February)

Get hands-on with the fundamentals of UV screen printing in this one-day introductory course at the Bluecoat. Designed for beginners, the workshop covers materials, processes and techniques, guiding participants through preparing and exposing a screen before printing a small two-colour edition to take home. With all materials included and a focus on environmentally friendly, water-based inks, it’s a practical and creative introduction to printmaking — and a great first step for those looking to use the Bluecoat’s screen printing studios in the future.

10. The Memory of Water, Everyman Theatre (25 February – 14 March)

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Shelagh Stephenson’s Olivier Award-winning comedy The Memory of Water. Set in 1996, three sisters reunite at their childhood home on the eve of their mother’s funeral, unearthing old resentments, shared memories, and plenty of laughter along the way. Hilarious, heartfelt, and full of whisky-fuelled revelations, this play explores family, grief, and the stories we inherit — and forget.

Discover 100+ events happening across the Liverpool city region via our What’s On Listings.

By Gabriel Moran

Liverpool’s cultural identity has long been shaped by its ability to turn the personal into the political. Across performance, film, and open discussion, Homotopia’s recent programme of events demonstrates how queer culture continues to shape the Liverpool City Region’s creative life. From intimate artist conversations to exuberant spectacle and radical history, these events offered a multifaceted portrait of LGBTQ+ culture in Liverpool today.

Rather than existing as isolated moments, Homotopia festival has used various events like: an evening with Dross, Mr Blackpool’s Seaside Spectacular, the Queer Arts North Open Forum, and the Rebel Dykes screening collectively to highlight the importance of visibility and community within the city’s cultural landscape.

An Evening With Dross

Among the festival events, An Evening with Dross offered a reflective introduction. Known for their uncompromising approach to drag and performance, Dross spoke candidly about creativity within queer art spaces. The discussion framed drag not simply as entertainment, but as a process shaped by resistance and lived experience. Using lip synching as their tool, they brought the performance to life with culture references, political speeches and visual extravagances. 

Rather than presenting a polished narrative, Dross emphasised the realities of making work from the margins, resonating strongly with an audience made up of artists and community members alike. The event underscored how queer creativity often exists in tension with institutions that celebrate diversity and how Dross was redefining what drag means within gay culture. 

Mr Blackpool’s Seaside Spectacular 

If the conversation with Dross was intimate, Mr Blackpool’s Seaside Spectacular embraced unapologetic excess. Drawing on the aesthetics of traditional British seaside entertainment, the performance transformed familiar tropes through a queer lens. Glittering costumes, exaggerated humour, and camp musicality created an atmosphere that was deliberately irreverent. 

Beyond the spectacle, the performance functioned as an act of cultural reclamation. By queering a format so closely tied to British working-class leisure, Mr Blackpool, aka Harry Clayon-Wright asserted that LGBTQ+ lives and histories belong firmly within shared cultural memory. The result was entertainment with a subtle political edge, reminding audiences that camp has long been a vehicle for critique as well as celebration.

Queer Arts North Open Forum at Bluecoat 

The Queer Arts North Open Forum shifted the focus from performance to collective conversation. Inviting guest speakers like Dross, they brought together artists, organisers, and audiences. The forum created space to discuss the practical and emotional realities of sustaining queer art in the North of England. Topics ranged from funding precarity and regional underrepresentation to burnout and the importance of mutual support. 

What stood out was the emphasis on collaboration over competition. Speakers highlighted the need for stronger networks that nurture emerging artists while protecting existing queer-led spaces. In a cultural climate marked by uncertainty, the forum reinforced the idea that queer art ecosystems depend as much on care and dialogue as they do on visibility and output.

Rebel Dykes Screening 

The Rebel Dykes screening and after party provided a powerful historical anchor within the Homotopia Festival. The documentary, which explores lesbian activist cultures in 1980s London, foregrounds stories of protest and resistance. Watching the film in a collective setting gave these histories renewed urgency, particularly as many of the issues explored continue to shape queer life today. 

The screening highlighted the importance of intergenerational memory within LGBTQ+ culture. It served as a reminder that the freedoms and spaces enjoyed now were hard won through sustained activism. The after party that followed transformed reflection into celebration, echoing the film’s emphasis on radical joy as a core component of resistance.

Queer Culture equals cultural infrastructure 

Attending these events offered insight into the wider festival and the other events Homotopia had to offer like: Young Homotopia & QuuerCore showcase, No Pride In Genocide film screening, All The Devils performance and Rest as Resistance, an interactive art exhibition. Taken together, these events demonstrate Homotopia’s commitment to presenting queer culture in all its complexity. Audiences were invited to move between vulnerability and spectacle, history and futurity, discussion and celebration. Crucially, these events were rooted in Liverpool itself, drawing on the city’s traditions of collective activism, creativity, and solidarity. 

For Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ communities, Homotopia operates as more than a festival or programme. It functions as cultural infrastructure: creating space for connection at a time when queer lives are increasingly politicised.

While Homotopia 2025 festival has come to an end, the impact continues to resonate across the city. They will return this year, bringing new conversations and performances.

For more information visit homotopia.net.

January is the perfect month to slow down, take stock and dive back into the Liverpool city region’s galleries — but several standout exhibitions won’t be around for much longer. From bold contemporary commissions and immersive installations to major prize shows and powerful stories rooted in the city’s history, these exhibitions are all closing soon, making now the time to plan a last-minute culture fix before they disappear.

Lou Miller We Dream of our Freedom & Just Browsing, Bluecoat (8 February 2026)

Artist and activist Lou Miller collaborates with children from St Vincent de Paul Catholic Primary School in L1 to explore what freedom means today, transforming their voices into textile banners, clay and print works. Turning the gallery into a community studio, We Dream of Our Freedom invites audiences of all ages to reflect, respond and share their own ideas, connecting contemporary voices with the Bluecoat’s long history of championing creative freedom.

Additionally, Just Browsing will also close on 8 February. This playful group exhibition invites audiences to touch, wear and even buy works of art, blurring the lines between gallery and retail space. Featuring tactile works in textiles, ceramics and scent by a diverse group of artists, the exhibition forms part of Bluecoat’s Felt season, encouraging hands-on engagement and new ways of experiencing art beyond simply looking.

Sweet Factory, The Atkinson (Ends 21 February 2026)

Sweet Factory celebrates the histories of sweet making, working-class food traditions, and seaside culture. Featuring glass artworks by Linny Venables and local workshop participants, alongside objects from local sweet factories, the exhibition invites audiences of all ages to explore joyful experimentation, material transformation, and community storytelling. Through its colourful displays, Sweet Factory offers a hands-on celebration of local history and the pleasures of making.

Nina Davies & Bassam Issa Al-Sabah, FACT Liverpool (End 22 February 2026)

In Meet Me in the Digital Twin, Nina Davies collaborates with young people from The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre to transform lived experiences of cancer into a speculative, immersive installation. Blending film, podcast storytelling, and interactive environments, the exhibition invites audiences to explore shifting spaces, digital futures, and the line between fact and fiction. It’s a deeply imaginative work that highlights resilience, creativity, and the power of shared stories.

Meanwhile, THE MISSION IS THE END, THE END IS ALL I WANT! immerses visitors in dreamlike environments that explore how digital culture shapes identity, desire, and collective experience. Through sculpture, film, and installation, Bassam invites reflection on the worlds we inhabit, the ideals we chase, and the futures we imagine.

Turner Always Contemporary, Walker Art Gallery (Ends 22 February 2026)

Reframing J.M.W. Turner as a radical artist of his time, Turner Always Contemporary highlights the enduring relevance of his work. Through carefully curated paintings and context, it reveals why Turner continues to influence artists today.

John Moores Painting Prize, Walker Art Gallery (Ends 1 March 2026)

One of the UK’s most prestigious painting competitions features a diverse showcase of contemporary practice. Featuring work from emerging and established artists, this year’s John Moores Painting Prize offers a compelling snapshot of painting today.

Toxteth: Harlem of Europe, Victoria Gallery & Museum (Ends 26 April 2026)

Toxteth: Harlem of Europe celebrates the city’s Black musicians of the 1950s and 60s, whose talent influenced The Beatles and shaped modern British music. Featuring portraits by Ean Flanders of both musicians and their descendants, the exhibition explores a rich legacy of creativity, community, and innovation. Presented with local partners, it tells the powerful story of a generation whose voices still resonate across Liverpool 8 today.

To discover more exhibitions and events check out our What’s On listings.

By John Maguire

In the first edition of Buried Treasure for 2026, John Maguire of ArtsGroupie CIC explores the rituals, superstitions and everyday traditions that shape how we welcome a new year. Drawing on memories from a working-class Liverpool upbringing and customs passed down through generations, John reflects on “living heritage” and why these Old New Year practices still matter. As 2026 is recognised as a year of living heritage in the UK, this piece considers how ritual, memory and shared belief help us navigate change in a fast-paced world.

In my working-class upbringing, superstitions and rituals were woven into everyday life, such as not crossing on the stairs or avoiding walking under a ladder. My mum always kept a rabbit’s foot in her purse for luck, given to her by her grandma. I cannot say why it was lucky; I’d say it hadn’t been particularly lucky for the rabbit!

2026 is a year of “living heritage” in the UK, so I thought in this Buried Treasure, we would dive into some New Year rituals and where they come from. These “Old New Year” traditions feel even more vital in our fast-paced digital world. One tradition I have started is to make not so much New Year’s resolutions as New Year’s wishes: a list of wants for the forthcoming year for my family, my friends, and me. I focus on experiences and how I want to develop. These go into an envelope and are popped away with the decorations, ready to be looked at the end of the year. This act of anamnesis—intentionally recalling these past hopes—allows me to see how I have developed. It is a way to design your own future; to plot your own story, so to speak.

I am of Irish descent, and Liverpool’s customs largely reflect those of the broader British Isles due to migration and cultural exchange. My nan brought a ritual from her Irish ancestors she called “seeing the New Year in”—a tradition involving opening the back door just before midnight to “let the old year out,” and then opening the front door to “welcome the new year in.”

But the threshold isn’t the only place we invite change; my sister looks to the very corners of the home. Performing a thorough spring clean before the New Year is a common custom to ensure a fresh start and ward off evil spirits. However, one of the most prevalent historical customs in Liverpool is “First Footing.” The core idea is that the first person to enter a home after the stroke of midnight brings good luck for the year ahead.

First Footing:

• The Ideal Guest: A tall, dark-haired man was believed to bring the best fortune.
• Unlucky Visitors: Women or fair-haired men were historically considered bad luck, a superstition possibly stemming from Viking invasions.
• Symbolic Gifts: The visitor would bring tokens to ensure the household had all it needed: Coal for warmth, Bread for sustenance, Money (a silver coin) for prosperity, and Greenery for a long life.

These traditions of commensality—the sharing of food and resources—ensure that prosperity is distributed throughout the community. Many “old” customs also involve specific symbolic foods:

• In Italy and South America, lentils are eaten because their shape resembles coins, symbolising future wealth.
• In Brazil, poultry is avoided because chickens scratch backwards, which is believed to cause setbacks.
• In North Macedonia, a coin is baked into bread (called pita or maznik); whoever finds it wins the year’s luck.

I particularly like the Romanian tradition in which people dress as bears and dance to ward off evil spirits, known as the “Jocul Ursului” (Dance of the Bear). I may take this up and head to my nearest woods, Childwall Abbey Woods. Keep an eye on the local papers for any bear sightings!

However you choose to welcome 2026, we hope it is enjoyable and that the year ahead is prosperous. Does your family still practice “First Footing,” or do you have a modern ritual of your own?

In the latest instalment of Buried Treasure by ArtsGroupie CIC, the team delves into the chilling world of Ghost Stories for Xmas, their much-loved festive tradition that blends Victorian ghost tales with immersive theatrical spectacle. This feature revisits the project’s roots and presents the winning story from the 2023 Ghost Stories for Xmas Writing Competition, inviting readers to embrace the dark magic of seasonal storytelling.

As we head into the depths of winter for the fourth year, ArtsGroupie is once again busy with our annual ‘Ghost Stories for Xmas’ events across the U.K. Praised by The New York Times as the “late-night sensation that revived a time-honored tradition” and consistently selling out, our latest offering is an expanded theatrical experience that began in November and is running throughout December 2025 in the North West of England and Wales.

The Theatrical Spectacle

Continuing the Victorian tradition of sharing spooky tales during the festive season, the production features classic works from masters of the macabre, M.R. James and Algernon Blackwood.

The show is far more than a simple reading; it’s a whole theatrical spectacle. We incorporate signature shadow play and puppetry to enhance the eerie atmosphere. Local writer David Griffiths and I perform the tales in atmospheric venues designed to maximise the chills, such as the historic Liverpool Central Library Hornby Room and the Shakespeare North Playhouse.

Our goal is to engage the audience’s imagination in a dark, candlelit setting—to encourage people to read and listen to ghost stories, move away from digital screens, and perhaps write or tell a tale of their own.

Looking Back: The 2023 Writing Competition

Looking back to 2023, we were kindly supported by Arts Council England. We facilitated 14 creative writing workshops across the Liverpool City Region in community hubs and libraries, focused on crafting new ghost stories. We also ran a competition and were delighted to receive over 142 entries for our Ghost Stories for Xmas Writing Competition, showcasing a remarkable wealth of talent and creativity in the region.

The competition was fierce, with exceptionally high standards of entry, making the selection process challenging. A shortlist of ten was then presented to our friends at the Liverpool Literary Agency to select the top three winners.

The 2023 Winner

So, for this month’s Buried Treasure, we want to share the 2023 winner with you. Perhaps it may inspire you to pen a tale to share with family, friends and colleagues. Please note, candlelight is best!

The Advent
By Jason Teasdale

The first door was as it should be. The figure ‘1’, depicted as a candle. Seasonal. 

‘2’ was a swan, not very Christmassy, but on reflection, the least of the artist’s worries. 

‘3’ was a snowman – better as a figure ‘8’ surely?

His son Sam, unimpressed, had cast it aside as ‘weird rubbish’. 

He wasn’t wrong.

But this was a gesture typical of Julia. Homemade, scrappy, even each ‘reveal’ was an abstract depiction of the date on its door. Pointless, weird rubbish. Acceptable in 1973 perhaps, but Advent had upped its game to chocolates, Haribo, Lego. Not this home-crafted tat.

So, here he was on Christmas Eve. He should be binning it, not opening it. 

Why bother? Loyalty? Sentimentality?

No. An uneasiness.

Its arrival in this morning’s post came a week after her body was recovered. The envelope held a child’s drawing, smudged with what looked like mud. Inside, a handmade advent calendar.

He recalled how the penmanship on the calendar’s envelope had matched that of her final note. Curls in ink of emerald, green. The colour of her eyes. The colour of his too. Identical at birth, so very different after. He hated her now. Hated her for leaving him. To send this, perhaps even on the day she took her own life? To address it to his seven-year-old child… cruel didn’t cover it. 

Hate couldn’t cover it.

It should have stayed lost in the post, like she had been lost to him. Instead, here it was on his kitchen table. A table set for one. Sam’s mum had collected the boy earlier than agreed, another cruel twist on this, their first Christmas apart. So, brandy in hand, he allowed tears to flow as his long fingers worked their way across the board, peeling, tearing.

Under each window, the artwork became progressively less seasonal and more disturbed: a blade and a bowed head to represent ‘19’. ‘20’ was fog, or water. 

‘21’ a rope and gibbet. 

Entrails for ‘22’. 

A headstone with the figure ‘23’ picked out. 

Shaking, he poured a fresh glass. One door left. This one more unnatural still, in a way he couldn’t identify. His heart stuttered. His veins chilled. His breath fogged before him. An uneasy, cold dampness seemed to grip his ankles, rising like a tide. But there was nothing there. He took another swig of warming brandy, before pawing at the remaining door. But the heat in his throat was short-lived. A cold, pressure fell hard on his chest. Panic? Impossibly, he felt his lungs fill. He coughed. Filthy, sour, grey water spewed from his mouth, mingling obscenely with the ribbons and glitter of the calendar. Beneath his panicked fingernails, the corrupted paper yielded, disintegrating to reveal a familiar green eye. 

She winked.

You can read the other two winning selected stories via the ArtsGroupie CIC website.

 

Things to Do in Liverpool and the City Region this Festive Season: Exhibitions, Museums, Theatre & More.

This festive season, Liverpool City Region is brimming with exciting things to do, offering something for everyone. From captivating exhibitions showcasing inspiring artwork to fascinating museums where history comes to life, there’s plenty to explore. For those seeking live entertainment, the vibrant theatre scene promises dazzling performances and unforgettable shows. If you’re after some fresh air, take a relaxing stroll on one of the many scenic walks through the city’s beautiful parks and waterfronts. And when the weather calls for a cosy escape, head to the cinema for a film screening. Whatever your interests, the Liverpool city region offers a wealth of activities to make this festive season extra special.

Museums and Galleries

Amidst the holiday hustle and bustle, visiting museums and art galleries is one of the best things to do in Liverpool City Region for a peaceful retreat. Whether you’re seeking a break from the festive frenzy or looking to add a dash of intellectual curiosity to your holidays, a museum excursion offers the perfect blend of reflection and exploration. Step into a world of fascinating artifacts and exhibits, where the past unfolds its stories, making for a unique and enriching experience during the festive season.

FACT

FACT have a number of immersive exhibitions currently on display. assam Issa Al-Sabah unveils dreamlike animations and sculptures exploring resistance and queer possibility, while Nina Davies blurs fact and fiction in a futuristic sci-fi installation shaped by lived experiences of cancer. Completing the programme, Symoné’s Highway to Infinity offers a 20-minute bio-digital game that guides players through a surreal journey of memory, identity and self-reflection.

Check FACT’s festive opening hours

Bluecoat

Bluecoat’s winter exhibitions offer playful, tactile and thought-provoking experiences for all ages. Lou Miller: We Dream of Our Freedom invites visitors into an interactive installation created with local schoolchildren, exploring young people’s visions of what freedom means today. Alongside it, Just Browsing transforms the gallery into a touchable, wearable art space, featuring textiles, ceramics, scent and sculptural works that audiences can physically engage with. Part of Bluecoat’s Felt season, the show brings together a vibrant group of artists and celebrates art you can truly get hands-on with.

Check Bluecoat’s festive opening hours

Museum of Liverpool

The Museum of Liverpool features iconic collections like the Beatles collection, regional archaeology, and social and community history. From fascinating exhibitions to family-friendly displays, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxed day out during the festive break.

Check National Museums Liverpool’s festive opening hours

World Museum

A trip to World Museum is a perfect festive break activity, with plenty to explore for all ages. You can wander through the fascinating Ancient Egypt gallery, get up close to marine life in the Aquarium, and experience the wonders of the universe in the Planetarium — all under one roof, and ideal for a winter day out between Christmas and New Year.

Check National Museums Liverpool’s festive opening hours

Walker Art Gallery

The Walker Art Gallery is a must-visit between Christmas and New Year, with two standout exhibitions to explore. Turner: Always Contemporary celebrates 250 years of J. M. W. Turner by pairing his iconic landscapes with modern and contemporary works, revealing how his legacy continues to inspire artists today. Alongside it, the John Moores Painting Prize 2025 showcases the very best of contemporary British painting, offering a vibrant snapshot of today’s most exciting artistic talent.

Check National Museums Liverpool’s festive opening hours

Theatre

Experience the vibrant world of theatre, where there’s something for everyone. From dazzling musicals and captivating dramas to hilarious comedies and enchanting pantomimes, the region’s theatre scene offers unforgettable live performances. Enjoy the magic of talented actors, stunning productions, and the excitement of being part of the action. Whether you’re a seasoned theatre-goer or just seeking fun things to do for a night out, the Liverpool city region’s diverse theatre scene promises entertainment for all ages.

Everyman Theatre

The Everyman’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto 2025 brings a high-energy twist to Jack and the Beanstalk, combining fairy-tale fun with live music, cheeky humour, and outrageous costumes. Perfect for ages 3 to 103, it’s a musical adventure full of soaring solos, giant-sized laughs, and festive fun for the whole family.

The Atkinson

Beauty & the Beast brings festive magic to The Atkinson with a charming, laugh-filled pantomime packed with music, dazzling costumes and heartwarming storytelling. Perfect for all ages, this enchanting production from KD Theatre Productions is a sparkling family treat for the Christmas season. Running until 31 December.

Liverpool Empire 

Catch Matilda The Musical at the Liverpool Empire this festive break — a magical, award-winning show based on the cherished novel by Roald Dahl, brought to life with songs by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly. The story follows the brilliant, brave young girl Matilda — full of wit, imagination, and a little bit of magic — as she stands up to unfairness and finds her own path. It’s bursting with humour, heart, and high-energy musical numbers, making it a perfect festive outing for families or anyone young at heart. It’s on at the Empire until 4 January 2026.

Liverpool’s Royal Court 

The Royal Court’s The Scouse Christmas Carol is a grown-up festive treat, packed with cheeky humour, live music, and a uniquely Liverpool twist on Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Expect outrageous jokes, a mischievous Scrooge, and plenty of festive chaos — the city’s biggest Christmas night out!

M&S Bank Arena

Experience the magic of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the M&S Bank Arena, starring Helen Flanagan as the Wicked Queen and a star-studded cast bringing the classic tale to life. Packed with live music, dazzling dance, stunning sets, and spectacular effects, this festive pantomime is a fun-filled adventure for the whole family.

Music

Future Yard’s Gig Panto: Hoodstock ’25

Get ready for the first-ever Future Yard Gig Panto: Hoodstock ’25, an irreverent, gig-style festive adventure where Robin Hood must save live music from an AI-controlled industry. Running from 22–31 December, this alternative panto combines festive hijinks with a full live band playing hits from Talking Heads, The Zutons, CMAT, Fontaines D.C, Pulp, and classic Yuletide favourites — perfect for music lovers looking for a hilarious, high-energy night out.

Mersey Dub Club

Mersey Dub Club returns on 27 December 2025 for a night of pure soundsystem culture, bringing together Equity Hi-Fi and Sugar Shack Sound System under one roof. Expect an evening of roots, dub, rocksteady, reggae, and steppa, delivered on vinyl and digital, celebrating unity, good vibes, and Merseyside’s rich musical heritage — perfect for lovers of deep, immersive sound.

 

Walks 

A winter walk is one of the best things to do after the hustle of Christmas, the crisp air and peaceful comfort of the outdoors offer a refreshing break. The city slows down, making it the perfect time for exploration without the usual bustle. Layer up, savour the brisk air, and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the region’s beautiful parks and green areas for a truly serene experience this winter.

Albert Dock Art Trail

Join Tate Liverpool’s art-loving cat, Mildred, on a fun and creative adventure, on Mildred’s Albert Dock Art Trail. This free, family-friendly activity is perfect for children aged 7-11. Collect a free Art Trail booklet from Tate Liverpool + RIBA North at Mann Island, and follow the map to find six hidden artworks around the inner quay of the Royal Albert Dock. Along the way, children can create their own amazing art and solve word games by rearranging letters found near the artwork. It’s a wonderful way for families to explore the waterfront, get creative, and enjoy some quality time together.

Cinema

For cinema lovers, there are plenty of things to do in Liverpool City Region this festive season. Heading to the cinema during the holidays adds a touch of magic to the chilly air. There’s something uniquely special about the cosy warmth of the theatre, the scent of buttery popcorn, and the anticipation of immersing yourself in captivating stories on the big screen. Whether you’re in the mood for a holiday classic or a new release, the festive season offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy some cinematic escapism.

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic

Experience the thrill of Jurassic Park like never before at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall this festive season. Between Christmas and New Year, audiences can enjoy the blockbuster classic projected in HD while the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra performs John Williams’ legendary score live. It’s an epic cinematic adventure — complete with prehistoric predators, breathtaking visuals, and heart-pounding music — perfect for a memorable winter outing.

FACT Picturehouse 

At the Picturehouse at FACT you can watch a variety of films over the festive period including:

• Rocky (27 December)
• The Shining – 45th Anniversary (28 & 29 December)
• Eyes Wide Shut (29 December)
• Phanton Thread (31 December)

Showtimes & Tickets

Shakespeare North Playhouse

Shakespeare North Playhouse offers a brilliant festive cinema programme, including its family-friendly Wee Cinema Club, where children can enjoy free creative activities before screenings like The Legend of Ochi. Film fans can also catch a special showing of The End (2024) paired with a North West short film, making it a great spot for both magical family mornings and thought-provoking cinema experiences.

Keep an Eye Out for More Things to Do in Our What’s On Section

Looking for even more exciting activities? Be sure to check out our What’s On section for a full list of things to do across the Liverpool City Region. From festive events and live performances to unique exhibitions and hidden gems, there’s always something new and exciting happening.