There’s so much to love about the spring season, with the warmer weather, longer days and blooming flowers. In this guide, we’re got 10 activities that will help to make your spring unforgettable. From immersing yourself in the city region’s history at local museums and exploring art galleries to reconnecting with nature through invigorating walks and gardening adventures. So, dust off your walking shoes, grab your gardening gloves and check out our list of fun spring activities in Liverpool and the city region.
1. Nature Walks
There are so many great local nature walks to take on Merseyside and springtime is perfect to see them at their best. The Sefton and West Lancashire coastal path and Undiscovered Formby walks are lovely scenic routes to see the River Mersey and surroundings. There’s also the beautiful Wirral Circular Trail, a longer walk with stunning views of the Dee Estuary.
Get planting this spring for a very colourful summer and a way to reconnect with nature. Summer bulbs are ideal for patio containers and add colour to mixed borders without taking up much space.
Bulbs such as Alliums, Agapanthus and Cannas can be planted in spring, when the soil is beginning to warm up. The National Trust and the BBC have some great planting tips to get you started.
You may also like to volunteer or an event or charity and you can check out lots of opportunities on our website here.
Bluecoat
5. Museums & Art Galleries
Visit a gallery or museum and take in the exhibitions currently on display. Liverpool City Region galleries and museums:
Open Eye Gallery (Photography)
FACT (Contemporary art)
Bluecoat
Tate Liverpool / RIBA North
National Museums Liverpool (World Museum, Walker Art Gallery, Museum of Liverpool, Sudley House, Lady Lever Art Gallery, International Slavery Museum and the Maritime Museum)
Port Sunlight Museum
The Atkinson
Williamson Art Gallery
Kirby Gallery and Museum
6. Nature Watching
As spring comes into life, it’s good to get outdoors with the family to discover birds and wildlife. The RSPB have a comprehensive set of online resources for identifying birds and signs of spring.
The BBC also have many resources for spring online, including archives and activities based around their Springwatch programme. The site includes tips on feeding and photographing wildlife.
7. Walking Tour
There’s lots of great walking tours you can go on around Liverpool including Reel Tours’ Film & TV location tours, Shiverpool’s Historic Ghost Tours, a Beatles walking tour and more – check out our full guide to the city’s walking tours here.
Gary Lunt of Reel Tours Liverpool Film & TV location tours
8. Arts Markets & Farmers Markets
Support local by visiting arts markets where you can find lovely gifts for friends family and yourself. There’s also some great farmers markets selling fresh, seasonal produce.
9. Ferry Across The Mersey
You won’t get many better views of the city than you do when you’re on the Mersey ferry. Bring your camera or your phone and capture some photos of the famous skyline!
10. Relax In The Park
With an abundance of beautiful parks in the city region why not head to the likes of Sefton Park, Calderstones, Birkenhead Park or wherever your favourite green space is and just relax as the weather starts to get warmer and the evenings stay lighter for longer.
To find out what’s happening across the Liverpool city region have a look at our What’s On event listings.
Easter is the perfect time to start crafting again, these seasonal workshops are ideal to add some colour to your home with an Easter themed creation.
1. Easter Bonnet Workshops
Join the team at Crosby’s Lakeside Adventure Centre for a fun-filled Easter Bonnet Workshop of creativity and crafting.
Get ready to unleash your imagination and create a beautiful Easter bonnet or hairband that your child can wear during the School Easter Parade. The team will be on hand to provide guidance and inspiration, so you can let your creativity run wild.
Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, 23 – 24 March, various times.
Alternatively, you and your little one can have fun making an Easter Bonnet at Bee Early Years.
Celebrate the spring season with a handcrafted Easter wreath for your door.
During this Easter Wreath Making Workshop at Duke Street Market, you’ll work with a stunning range of bulbs and carefully chosen bedding flowers to bring your wreath to life, starting with making the base from scratch using fresh and ethically sourced materials.
Immerse yourself in a world of flowers and learn a range of methods for preparing and arranging your wreath with guidance from Nat, an experienced florist at Somerset Blooms.
Duke Street Food & Drink Market, 30 March, 12 – 2pm.
3. Supersized Easter Egg Decoration Workshop
Join World of Glass for this kids Easter Workshop aimed at 3 – 6 year year olds. Your child will be decorating a supersized image of an egg using water spray as the glue and colourful shaped acetate for the decoration.
It’s a great chance for children to learn more about colour shape and pattern and an opportunity to take a photograph of your budding artist with their first public artwork.
All tickets are for children only with 2 adult spaces to accompany each child.
World of Glass, St Helens, 12 April, 11 – 11.45am.
4. Felt Easter Decorations
Get ready for Easter and join in with this Easter Textiles Workshop to create your own cute felt decoration, perfect for bringing spring vibes to your home.
Waterstones, Birkenhead, 24 March, 11am – 1pm.
5. Easter Family Activities at RIBA North + Tate Liverpool
Enjoy free, hands-on art activities at Tate Liverpool + RIBA North this Easter. Get your whole family involved with activities designed for all ages and available every day throughout the school holidays. Their free Art Games booklets are also available to pick up and take home.
Tate Liverpool + RIBA North, Mann Island, 29 March – 14 April. Daily at 10am – 4pm.
6. Easter Egg Painting
Artist Dot Rodgers will show you how to paint your own version of a Ukrainian Easter egg in this Make it! workshop. A pysanka egg is usually decorated with traditional Ukrainian folk designs and you can display your pysanka in a window at home to show you #StandWithUkraine.
All materials provided. Children must be supervised at all times. Recommended age 6+.
The Atkinson, Southport, 4 & 11 April, 11am – 3pm.
Looking to level up your photography skills? Whether you’re a novice or you’re looking to advance your photography skills this article has plenty of useful information to help you find photography courses in Liverpool and the city region.
Liverpool
Liverpool City College Photography and Imaging Class
This ten-week practical course (2 hours per week) is taught by practicing photographers and will enable you to develop your skills and knowledge in Photography. The course covers Compact and DSLR cameras, shutter application, aperture application, composition, an introduction to the MAC environment and an introduction to Photoshop.
The programme is delivered through practical demonstrations, mini tasks, presentations, investigative studies and group critiques. You will be expected to work independently and engage in group tasks in order to develop your skills and knowledge. You will also benefit from working in well equipped specialist studios and workshops. Students are required to purchase and provide programme materials and must have access to a digital camera. Find out more about the course here.
Open Eye Gallery
Open Eye Gallery hosts workshops on sustainable photography, cyanotype photography, photography for wellbeing and an annual Crossing Sectors course on socially engaged photography, as they take a lead on socially engaged photography. They also host courses with their partners in Life Rooms and Community Integrated Care. The results of their community projects make up their annual autumn Socially Engaged Photography show. All the announcements can be found on their Opportunities section.
Neon Light Photography
Neon Light Photography’s beginners photography workshops equip you with new techniques through an interactive, small group-oriented approach (max 4 people). You’ll learn about your basic camera functions, “the exposure triangle” and why it’s important, compositional techniques, how to use & control depth of field to enhance your composition and more.
This 3-hour workshop takes place along Liverpool’s famous waterfront, making it perfect for those who are new to photography and want to take advantage of capturing some amazing images of the docks, three graces and waterfront.
Street Snappers Street Photography Workshop
This street photography workshop is developed to take your street photography to the next level. With a maximum of 6 participants, the workshop is designed to help you become a creative, competent and confident street photographer. It will combine structured shooting with coaching from your course leader, Brian Lloyd Duckett.
This workshop covers both the artistic and technical aspects of street photography. You’ll learn new techniques and creative approaches to produce stylish, distinctive images that capture 21st-century street life. It focuses on three key shooting styles: capturing the moment, storytelling, and mastering the fine art/aesthetic approach.
Well Lit Photo Club
Well Lit Photo Clubuse Traditional Photography as a way to inspire, uplift and engage through their meet ups where you can shoot and develop your own images, no matter what your photography expertise or experience. They also run Pinhole photography meet ups where you can take your own pinhole images in inspiring locations and develop your own paper negative pinhole prints in their portable pop up darkroom.
Liverpool Photography Group
Liverpool Photography Group offers a variety of photography courses in Liverpool, from beginner classes to street photography and nature photography classes. The sessions are aimed at developing your skills based on key interests.
The Photography Academy’s Workshops
These photography courses are offered for a variety of skill level and photography styles. Whether you want a beginners class or to develop your artistic style, black and white rendering, portrait, Lightroom or Photoshop courses, you’ll find them all here.
Dot-art Darkroom
Dot-art operates an open access Darkroom in Liverpool City Centre, enabling you to learn more about Darkroom through either their Introduction to the Darkroom course or their Analogue Photography Weekend course. Also, if you are already experienced you can become a member to gain unlimited access to the Darkroom. View all of their classes here.
Wirral
Wirral Photography Group
Wirral Photography Group offers a wide range of photography classes from beginners classes to street photography, natural light portraits and more. Have a look at the classes on offer here.
Ness Gardens Photography Workshops
Photographer Stuart Robinson delivers two photography workshops in the incredible surroundings of Ness Gardens; Mastering The Basics & Next Level Digital Photography. The workshops will give you the opportunity to capture a wide variety of subjects in a beautiful setting, including landscapes, wildlife, macro, abstract and journalistic images. Included with both workshops are free access to the gardens, impartial advice on purchasing camera equipment and accessories, and email support.
St Helens
St Helens College
This course covers basic digital photography techniques, through the means of a bridge or DSLR camera. The course can be taught at beginner, intermediate or advanced levels, depending on your skills and experience of photography. Find out more here.
Knowsley
Prescot Photography Club
The Prescot Photography Club aims to promote the enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of photography and the improvement of photography skills. If you’re interested in sharing your photography skills and knowledge or you want to learn more, join them at their fortnightly meet ups in Prescot. All levels are welcome.
Knowsley FACE – Family And Community Education
The photography courses offered at Knowsley FACE covers a range of essential skills for budding photographers. From mastering camera settings to understanding composition, lighting, and post-processing techniques, this course equips you with the knowledge and skills to capture stunning images. With both theory and practical sessions, students will gain hands-on experience to enhance their photography skills and unleash their creative potential.
Knowsley FACE offers both a NCFE Level 1 and Level 2 course. Find more details here.
Halton
Halton Photographic Society
If you’re in the Halton area, the Halton Photographic Society are a friendly group of around 25 people who meet every Monday evening (7.30pm) at The Jaguar Club, 77 Cronton Lane, Widnes WA8 5AJ. Their syllabus is a mixture of guest speakers, internal club nights and competitions. New members are always welcome, whether your are new to photography or a seasoned professional.
Southport
Matthew Rycraft Photography Workshops
Learn from an international multi award-winning photographer with this photography workshop session. The workshop gives you the invaluable opportunity to improve your photography skills with Matthew, as he shares his extensive knowledge of lighting, posing and composition techniques, technical skills and more.
Have we missed anything in this article? Let us know! Get in touch with Clare at clare@culture.org.uk. We strive to make our features as inclusive as possible, so we’re keen to hear your suggestions.
Karen is the powerhouse of creativity that is The Cat’s New Pyjamas. She designs and produces a wonderfully eclectic range of jewellery made in a range of metals incorporating found sea glass and sometimes, semi precious stones.
Born and raised in Stoneycroft, Old Swan, Karen now resides in Huyton. She is not the first parent to learn from her children and it was her son, Jed who set her off down the path she currently follows.
He was studying photography and found himself focussing on homeless people, she tells me. He became aware of the plight of refugees and what was being called the Calais Jungle and decided to photograph the area to raise awareness of the situation. He reasoned that if he was going to France to do this he might as well volunteer at the same time and after some time there, he retuned home only to leave university and return to France where he has been helping for the last 7 years.
He has founded a charity Mobile Refugee Support (MRS) initially driving a generator camp to camp and allowing refugees to charge their phones, a vital communication link with estranged family members. This charity has developed into a support for Kurdish Refugees at Dunkirk.
So, what’s the link? Karen became aware of the plight of the refugees through her son and when a refugee charity online was selling elasticated beaded bracelets, she bought one. Studying this one day she realised that she could do something similar and so made her own version using Moonstone, Rose Quartz and Sandstone, mirroring the charity’s initials MRS. She sold these at an affordable price and donated all profits to the charity raising just under £1000.
A selection of Karen’s rings
This was the start of her jewellery making journey. When a brief foray into beaded jewellery proved not for her, her husband booked two places on a a ring making class as a gift and she was hooked. Karen still wears the first ring she made there and explained that although a comparatively simple piece, its production ensured that she was introduced to many essential techniques necessary in silversmithing; filing, hammering, sawing and soldering.
Next she began trawling YouTube, hungry for instructional videos and acquiring new techniques, learning by doing with the very basic tools she had at her disposal. As her interest deepened, she treated herself to more and more tools and now boasts more pliers than her husband. In a final act of commitment to silversmithing she sold her bead stash. Investing the funds into converting her spare bedroom into a practical and specialist workshop. Her husband built two workbenches; one with an oxygen converter and propane cylinder which affords a hotter flame for working larger surface areas and she was good to go.
Initially working in copper to keep her mistakes less expensive, Karen especially enjoys working with silver now. Her pieces are stamped 925 but not hallmarked she explains that having a piece hallmarked is a costly process and she is trying to keep her jewellery affordable.
Karen works only with recycled silver which she buys in sheets or as wire depending on what she is using it for. In turn she collects and keeps even the smallest offcuts from her work and the company she buys her recycled silver from pay her for these to smelt down and produce more sheets and wire which Karen then buys back…in a shiny silver circle of life. She finds silver the easiest metal to work with as it gets to the right temperature more consistently and can be soldered without damaging the surface pattern that she has just created.
She often incorporates copper and brass, this mixture of metals is often put to best use in her fabulous fidget rings. These are rings that spin freely on top of base rings, great for those of us with ADHD. She also uses recycled copper pipes which she transforms into copper cuffs which may be stamped or engraved, engraving is a new adventure for Karen.
Following jewellers online for inspiration and to extend her repertoire of techniques Karen came across the use of sea glass set as a stone and coincidentally had recently acquired some when walking on Crosby Beach earlier that same week. Sea glass is often collected due to its vibrancy of colour and the seeming glow of light that even the tiniest fragment can sometimes afford.
Karen smiles when talking about her studio, she tells me “It is my happy place. I pop in there to do a five minute job and sometimes emerge four hours later with a handful of pieces!”
Karen working in her studio
Her favourite task is creating unique settings for each piece of glass or stone as no two are the same and she often pierces the metal backplate to pendants to add interest and allow more light to shine through the piece. A technique that I can confirm is very effective judging by the beautiful necklace she was wearing when we met.
I wondered what the first piece Karen sold was. She told me that sawing is not as easy you might think, you cannot just pick up a saw and do it, you have to hone your skills so by way of a practice piece she made a chip fork! It sold in 10 mins and more followed sometimes stamped with initials or names. We have some very fancy chip eaters here in Liverpool! So, if you’re looking for a gift for the person who has everything, there’s an idea for you.
Her best sellers at the moment are her delicate stacking rings and the fidget rings which sold out at her last visit to the Liverpool Makers’ Bazaar at the The Old Police Station.
Karen is looking forward to retirement when she can focus all her attention on experimenting with new processes and designs…when babysitting duties allow! Her youngest granddaughter considers her “mumum” very cool, as she plays with hammers and fire and has already shown an interest in following in her grandmother’s footsteps.
All profits from Karen’s jewellery goes to support the charity Mobile Refugee Support.
Homotopia’s Queer the City: Drag Cabaret. Photo Credit: Mark McNulty
From the groundbreaking moments that shaped the community to the establishment of organisations and inclusive spaces, we take a look back at Liverpool’s LGBTQIA+ history and share information on organisations, resources and events that celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community.
Liverpool’s LGBTQIA+ History
Liverpool has been at the forefront of many different LGBTQIA+ movements throughout the years, and currently stands loud and proud with the LGBTQIA+ community.
In 1994 the first (pre watershed) lesbian kiss was featured in Liverpool soap opera Brookside and broadcasted on national television.
In 2005 Liverpool Registry Office became the first to include a gay couple in promotional material.
In 2011, Liverpool was the first British city to officially recognise a Gay Quarter, with the introduction of rainbow street signs along Stanley Street.
In 2012, Liverpool Pride was the first in the country to have a football club ‘officially’ represented at an UK Pride event, which has continued ever since with the clubs’ proud supporters marching in solidarity with the cities LGBTQIA+ community.
LGBTQIA+ Organisations, Events & Safe Spaces
Homotopia
Founded in 2003, Homotopia is a Liverpool based arts and social justice organisation making a cultural impact through art and activism. They aim to support and platform local, national, and international LGBTQIA socially engaged artists and creatives.
Every November they present Homotopia Festival, where they feature a wide variety of LGBTQIA art across multiple venues and outdoor spaces in Liverpool. This is the UK’s longest running LGBTQIA festival and a great safe space to express your creativity and be your authentic self.
Additionally, year round they have multiple projects aimed at supporting national LGBTQIA+ culture and community. Their various projects include:
These projects create a safe, creative space for everyone to express their individuality. They also host various Queer Creative Meet-ups, a powerful opportunity to connect with likeminded individuals and seek career advice.
Homotopia: Bluecoat, L1
The Pride Quarter
The Pride Quarter, thatencompassesStanley Street and surrounding areas, provides a safe space for a great night out.
Liverpool’s first ‘gay quarter’ was based around the original Queen Square, until its demolition to make way for St John’s Shopping Precinct in the 1960s. By 1972, Stanley Street was established as the new quarter, with the opening of the legendary Paco’s Bar. In 2011, Liverpool City Council officially recognised the area as the city’s Pride Quarter.
The area features many iconic venues anddrag nights that simply cannot be missed. Bars such as OMG Liverpool, GBar and Heaven are just a few of the amazing venues in The Pride Quarter, and undeniably offer some of the biggest and best nightlife in the city.
Pride Quarter: Stanley Street, L1
GYRO LGBTQ+ Youth Club
Founded in 1976, GYRO (Gay Youth ‘R’ Out) is the UK’s longest running LGBTQ+ youth group, setting out to provide support to youths who may be questioning their sexuality and/or gender identity. They create a safe space for vulnerable youths, offering a 1 to 1 service and various group activities to try to make sure that nobody feels alone and improve their self-esteem, self-acceptance, and confidence.
They have a support group running for 11-16 year olds every Tuesday from 4:30pm – 6pm, and for 16-25 year olds it’s held every Thursday at 6pm – 7:30pm.
GYRO: YPAS Central Hub, Lyndene Road, L25
Pride In Liverpool
Pride in Liverpool aims to position the Liverpool city region as the most LGBTQIA+ friendly region in the UK. They aim to do this by highlighting the daily barriers that LGBTQIA+ people living in and visiting the region face, and by creating an inclusive culture where people feel they can fully participate and contribute.
The official Pride In Liverpool celebration takes place in Liverpool city centre every summer and you can check out their website for details.
Pride in Liverpool: LCR Pride Foundation, Mann Island, L3
Museum of Liverpool LGBTQ+ audio trail
The Museum of Liverpool has partnered up with the Bottoming Podcast duo, Matthew Riley and Brendan Geoghegan, to create a special LGBTQ+ audio trail to listen to as you walk around the museum.
The Bottoming Podcast looks at mental health in the LGBTQ+ community and how this affects people on a larger scale. The audio trail includes an artwork of Pete Burns by Ben Youdan, the Villanelle outfit from Killing Eve and a Football Equalities Display. Download the floor maps of their LGBTQ+ exhibits here.
National Museums Liverpool also have a wealth of LGBTQ+ art history and activism coverage online, which includes many articles, videos and images. Artists featured include, David Hockney, Leonardo Da Vinci and Edward Lear.
Museum of Liverpool: Mann Island, L3, 10am – 5pm, closed Mondays.
Mersey Marauders FC
Mersey Marauders FC
Mersey Marauders FC are Merseyside’s LGBTQIA+ football club, offering LGBTQIA+ people in Merseyside the opportunity to play football in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Since 2005, Mersey Marauders FC have provided a friendly, inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ people and allies to play football in the Liverpool City Region. They run weekly training sessions for players of all abilities – everyone is welcome. Players come from a wide range of backgrounds and experience – some have been playing most of their lives, but others come having barely kicked a ball before. They cater for both these groups, and everyone in-between.
You can find out more about the team and join them here.
Reel Queer by First Take
Reel Queer is a FREE 5 year film project (2023-2028) by award-winning not for profit filmmaking and digital arts organisation First Take, working with people from the LGBTQIA+ community living in the Liverpool City Region.
Describing their Reel Queer project they says: “Together we will produce high end drama, documentary and art films for screening, socials, streaming, exhibitions, festivals and broadcast; giving a voice to our community and championing queer film.”.
Sefton Pride
Sefton Pride CIC was founded in May 2023 and held their first event in July 2023. Their aims are to provide an annual Pride event as well as year round education and community support.
Sefton Pride originated after Southport resident, Jennifer Corcoran, attended Joe Lycett’sMore, More, More! show in 2023 at theM&S Bank Arena in Liverpool. Part of the set was dedicated to how the comedian and LGBTQIA+ activist had curated a Pride event in his hometown. Jennifer came away from the gig determined to bring an event to her home borough of Sefton.
Wirral LGBT Network offers information, advice, support, advocacy, training and volunteering opportunities for LGBTIQA people. The Network was set up in September 2012 as a result of an LGBT Needs Assessment carried out by Wirral NHS.
Their vision is a thriving, diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community on the Wirral. A place where LGBT people feel safe and are free from discrimination. Visit their Facebook page to find out more.
Wirral LGBT Network: 5 Bridge Street, Birkenhead, CH45
GLOW Halton Youth LGBT
GLOW provides access to youth worker support, information and advice. They provide a safe space for young people to socialise with access to informal educational opportunities and positive activities.
GLOW run two clubs on Tuesdays – one for 11 – 15 years (5 – 6.30pm) and another for 16-24 years (7 – 9pm) – from their centre in Widnes. They also provide trips out and activities including arts and crafts, sports, film nights, music and more
GLOW: The Studio, Lacey Street, Widnes, WA8
Over The Rainbow St Helens
Over The Rainbow is a social support group in St Helens for 13-19 Year olds who are LGBTQIA+. They run a closed confidential youth group based in St Helens, Merseyside. At Over the Rainbow, you will find a group of likeminded young people that you can socialise with safely.
They offer information, advice and guidance on a range of issues relevant to young people in general and LGBTQIA+ young people in particular, including coming out, bullying, sexual and emotional and mental health and well-being.
Follow them on Instagram for information and updates.
Resources
Comics Youth LGBTQ+ Trail
With the help of 14 queer icons from in and around Liverpool Comics Youth have created this LGBTQ+ Trail highlighting spaces and places most LGBTQ+ people feel they belong.
Creative Community Organisation, Comics Youth, do incredible work for young people in the city. Empowering youth across Merseyside to flourish from the margins of society, they offer a wide range of opportunities for people, from zine creation and comic book workshops to youth-led publishing hubs and social campaigns.
Comics Youth CIC: Make CIC, Hamilton Square, Birkenhead, CH4
Sahir House
Sahir House provides vital frontline services to communities in Liverpool and the Merseyside area, including sexual health services and LGBTQIA+ support services.
Their LGBTQIA+ Peer-to-Peer Groups offer the opportunity to meet and share experiences and become more involved in Merseyside’s LGBTQIA+ community. All groups are free and welcome new members. Find out more.
Sahir House can also signpost you to a variety of independently run local groups.
Sahir House: 151 Dale Street, L2
Have we missed anything in this article? Let us know! Get in touch with Clare at clare@culture.org.uk. We strive to make our features as inclusive as possible, so we’re keen to hear your suggestions.
Last week Bluecoat launched their The Lives of Artists season, comprising of exhibitions, commissions, residencies, events and workshops. The Lives of Artists asks audiences “what might be uncovered about ourselves when we listen to the testimony, histories, and stories of artists reflecting on their lives?”
Here we’ll look into the transformative power of art, exploring how artists’ expressions of their lives and experiences can help us understand our own identities, navigate cultural contexts, and tap into our subconscious minds.
Ganjei reflects on his life and career as an artist. The deferential title of his exhibition, Thanks for Having Me, looks back on his life of operating on the margins and never quite being sure where he belongs. In a new work, Ganjei has stacked all of the books he owns but has never read to the exact height of the artist, creating a crude portrait of the artist’s aspirations and shortcomings.
In and it feels like I just got home Clague is interested in enduring memories of the female voice in his life. The exhibition often riffs on the pop-icons and divas that he once emulated. His work also lays out how his sense of self changes at different times, in different places.
Seeing the expressions of artists laid out can give us a better understanding of our own lives and crucially, make us feel less alone. Artists are often at the vanguard of culture and act as a kind of weather vane for people who follow their work and lives.
Cultural Context
Art can also help us make sense of the cultural context in which we live and relate to each other. This is especially relevant with issues of race and gender. Artists can fight for a cause and highlight contradictions and prejudice.
Writer Jennifer Lee Tsai who performs in The Lives of Artists season as their featured writer, looks at the second generation immigrant experience, with themes of ancestral trauma, loss and belonging. Tsai draws on her own life and the lives of others around her to create beautiful and powerful work that helps us understand each other and resonate with our own sense of self.
Their work serves as a mirror reflecting the complex nature of human identity. As we engage with these reflections, we may find aspects of ourselves mirrored in the art, leading to a deeper understanding of who we are. This can be both affirming and challenging, prompting us to question our preconceived notions as well as encouraging personal growth.
Babak Ganjei – Thanks For Having Me
Subconscious
Additionally, art has a unique ability to tap into the subconscious mind, bringing to light thoughts and feelings that lurk beneath the surface of our awareness. Surreal paintings and abstract compositions often act as windows into the hidden recesses of our minds, prompting us to confront and explore our own thoughts.
The Lives of Artists has two billboard commissions, Horse Big by Tess Gilmartin and Liverpool Waterfront by Ottman Said, in which both artists use abstraction as a way to create beautifully complex landscapes. They feel rooted to the landscape, and reflect this sense of belonging in their work.
In the New York Times 2023 bestseller, Your Brain on Art, How the Arts Transform Us, Susan Magsamen argues “We talk about meditation and mindfulness as a way to make us feel better; the arts also allow us to change our state of mind”.
Connection
It can be incredibly empowering to see these expressions from an artist, particularly in today’s alienating culture. Art provides a safe space for the expression of our own emotions and has the power to bridge gaps and foster empathy by providing an insight into the lived experiences of others. When we engage with art that portrays diverse narratives and perspectives, we broaden our understanding of what it is to be human. Through this interconnectedness, we can discover commonalities that unite us as well as understanding and respecting each others differences.
The Lives of Artists at Bluecoat
Babak Ganjei: Thanks for Having Me – 9 February – 14 April Find out more
Joshua Clague: and it feels like I just got home, 9 February – 1 April Find out more
Ottman Said: Liverpool Waterfront, 8 Feb – 10 Mar Find out more
Tess Gilmartin: Horse Big, 16 Mar – 14 Apr Find out more
Recent reports show an increase in people attending events and venues like museums, art galleries, theatre shows and gigs alone. Gone are the days when attending events alone was viewed by some as unconventional. Today, it reflects a growing appreciation for personal space and individual experiences in arts and culture.
In this feature, we’re exploring the increase in people attending events alone, the benefits of solo trips and tips to help you enjoy events alone if you’re a first-timer.
Solo cultural visits becoming more popular
Over half of festival goers attend festivals solo or with just one other person. The NME reported that the majority of young people have attended a music event on their own and a surprising study by DICE, found that most people felt music was more enjoyable alone.
This shift reflects broader changes in attitudes towards loneliness and individual experiences. Music website Bandsintown, discovered a notable rise in solo concert-goers since the Covid-19 pandemic, with up to 70% having attended a show alone in the past year. So, with that in mind, it seems there’s no time like the present to give the solo concert or event a whirl; you won’t be the only one.
Additionally, new research, commissioned by Beavertown Brewery, indicates that nearly half of those living in the North West have confessed to feeling lonely as a result of having fewer friends now compared to when they were younger. Many would love to attend events solo, but the majority feel either too anxious or nervous to take the plunge.
People will have different motivations for attending events on their own, whether it is a feeling of loneliness or a shift in perspective and wanting to attend events alone, at least on certain occasions. Whatever the reason is there are benefits to attending events solo.
The benefits of going solo
Going solo to art events can be daunting, people naturally have common concerns and fears, such as feeling out of place or lonely. They can also be worried about the social stigma that sometimes surrounds doing activities alone but there are plenty of benefits to attending events individually, like having the freedom to explore at your own pace, and the opportunity for self-reflection.
On your own, you can go directly to the galleries you’re interested in and not spend time on art you have little or no desire to see. Visitors spend on average 30 seconds in front of a piece of art but you can spend an hour contemplating one sculpture or breeze past an exhibit you’ve seen half a dozen times.
When you’re by yourself at a gallery or event, you also have more opportunities to meet new people. You’re more likely to strike up a conversation with strangers, and luckily, art events are filled with the perfect conversation starters. You could ask someone a simple open-ended question, such as “What do you think of this painting?”
On the other hand, when you go solo at an event, you won’t, or don’t have to have the distraction of social interaction. Instead, you can focus on the art, or look for inspiration. A museum is the perfect place to bring a sketchbook, hunker down somewhere and draw what’s around you – whether that’s the artworks or the people. Museums are a wonderful place to people watch!
Feeling welcome
Event organisers are increasingly making solo attendees feel more comfortable, such as hosting ‘solo attendee’ nights or providing resources for those attending alone. They understand that creating a welcoming environment for solo visitors can enhance the experience for everyone.
For people with disabilities, solo situations are obviously more challenging again. While each person is unique in terms of the personal circumstances they face, loneliness is a common and destructive factor. Getting the right support is so important. British Red Cross and Scope both offer help and advice for meeting new people and attending events. Additionally, Gig Buddies is a charity that aims to bring people together at events, in particular gigs.
You may also meet people through your impairment or condition. This could be through disability websites, charities, local groups or forums. If you’ve ever felt like you’re held back by a venue or event’s facilities Right to Participate: out and about offers advice on your rights when a venue or service is not accessible.
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) can also provide help and assistance, as well as hosting events of their own. Their website gives a whole range of advice on wellbeing and dealing with loneliness.
Another option you can look to is GigMate, a free app that is a community-based event discovery service for live music gigs. They will keep you updated on all of the live gigs near you, whatever genre of music you’re into. You’ll also have the chance to meet fellow music fans in their online communities or Tribes. If you haven’t got anyone to go to a gig with, they will find you other music fans in your area that match your profile exactly.
Tips for first-timers
Start small: Start with a small, local event and build up to larger or more high-profile cultural experiences. Solo gigs can be among the most rewarding, but the vibe of the evening should be in keeping, an intimate indie gig is probably more suited than a larger dance night.
Shift your perspective: Start by viewing solo outings as opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. Embrace the freedom and flexibility that comes with not having to coordinate with others.
Join guided tours or groups: Many cultural venues offer guided tours, which can be a great way to engage with the content and meet other attendees.
Attend special events or workshops: Look for events that encourage participation or interaction, such as workshops, lectures, or special tours.
Regularly attend events: The more you go to events alone, the more comfortable it becomes. It can also increase the chances of seeing familiar faces.
Volunteer at events: This can be a great way to feel part of the event while also being engaged in a specific role.
Our advice is to embrace the enriching experience of attending arts and cultural events solo. The thought of going to a place as public as a museum by yourself might be intimidating, but it’s well worth trying out. You might discover another side to yourself, to the art or to other people that you wouldn’t have experienced otherwise.
Three upcoming / current events suited to solo attendees
Lindy in the Sky with Diamonds Swing Festival, Masonic Hall (19 – 21 January)
Learning a new skill, such as vintage swing dancing, can be an ideal way to meet new people and engage at a cultural event. Mersey Swing CIC are holding their Lindy in the Sky with Diamonds Swing Festival this January, with a host of dance teachers on hand to help.
Tim Spooner: A New Kind of Animal exhibition, Bluecoat (Until 21 January)
Tim Spooner: A New Kind of Animal exhibition features an exciting new commission, alongside an impressive body of work, including over 190 works in collage, painting, sculpture and objects used in performances over the past 15 years. Bluecoat offers a range of facilities for disabled patrons. The exhibition is free entry.
Cast ‘Love Is The Call’ Album Performance – Jacaranda Baltic, (18 February)
Jacaranda Records present a live in-store performance from Cast celebrating the release of new album ‘Love Is The Call’. An opportunity to see a classic band in a smaller, intimate setting, ideal for rediscovering live music on your own.
Our Culture Radar guest this week is Digital Marketing, Communications and Content Producer at Open Eye Gallery, Maria Gulina.
Loved: I love the current exhibition at Open Eye Gallery. It’s called A Place Of Our Own and it brings together the local stories of people across Walton (North Liverpool), Prescot (Knowsley) and Chester town centre. All the works produced are examples of socially engaged projects, meaning that photographers and local communities have come together to co-author work which best reflects their local area. Whilst the three projects show varying views and responses to each location, what connects them is a clear pride in people’s memories and associations with each place.
Looking forward to: I’m really looking forward to the next project we are working on: LOOK Climate Lab 2024! We’ll be bringing together researchers and artists to show how photography can be a relevant and powerful medium for talking about climate change, and the events programme is looking very exciting. Mark your calendars: we’re opening on 18th January 2024.
Trivia: It was sad (but eye-opening) to learn more about Roma and Traveller communities. One of our socially engaged photographers, Ciara Leeming, worked with Roma and Traveller girls and women, to produce a zine and an exhibition. Roma and Traveller communities are already among the most marginalised in Britain – with a life expectancy 10-12 years below the national average. They face a lot of stereotypes, and I hope that our exhibition and the zine with their honest and brave stories will encourage empathy and understanding.
Pantomime season is here again and the Liverpool city region has a host of excellent shows this year. From Boy George in Peter Pan, Liam Fox in Aladdin and the legendary Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto at the Everyman, there’s a varied and immensely fun selection on offer.
1. Aladdin: St Helens Theatre Royal (2 December – 4 January)
Take a 3D magic carpet ride this Christmas with Aladdin at St Helens Theatre Royal, where you’ll be whisked off to a spectacular pantoland. Emmerdale’s Liam Fox makes his professional panto debut as the evil Abanazer, and pantomime royalty Leanne Campbell appears digitally as the magical ‘Genie of the Mirror’.
They promise gorgeous sets, dazzling costumes, plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and an excellent soundtrack.
2.Cinderella: The Everyman Rock n Roll Panto (17 November – 20 January 2024)
The iconic Everyman Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto is back, and this year they’re telling the story of Cinderella. With heaps of sass, silliness and sparkle, their gifted actor-musicians will bring the classic fairy tale to life, in surprising style.
Bursting with banging pop and rock tunes, this is a show to have you singing and dancing along, no matter what your age.
3. Peter Pan: M&S Bank Arena (2-3 December)
A big budget adaptation of J.M Barrie’s much-loved Peter Pan will be flying into Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena this December. The show promises a spectacular spin on the timeless classic adventure. Legendary Culture Club star and DJ, Boy George, also debuts as Captain Hook in this fun Neverland fantasy.
Featuring fabulous digital animation, the unique show boasts a cast of fifty, including a dozen cirque performers and daring aerial stunts.
4. Sleeping Beauty: The Auditorium (16 December – 30 December)
This year’s spectacular Sleeping Beauty pantomime at The Auditorium, features great live music, showstopping dance routines and beautiful costumes. It’s sure to be a magical experience for children and adults alike.
The show features reality TV star and model, Katie Price as Carabosse, comedy sensation Bippo as The Castle Clown, plus Britain’s Got Talent finalist Lucy Kay as The Fairy.
5. Jack and the Beanstalk: The Atkinson, Southport (7 – 31 December)
Join hero Jack Trott as he embarks on an extraordinary journey up the beanstalk to an enchanted land above the clouds. With hilarious antics, lovable characters, and a handful of magic beans, this traditional Jack and the Beanstalk panto is captivating for audiences of all ages.
Packed with toe-tapping songs and stunning sets, this larger-than-life pantomime promises to be an unmissable treat for everyone this festive season.
6. Beauty and the Beast: Ten Streets Social (29 November – 5 December)
Join the fun for a pantomime tale as old as time, Beauty and the Beast. Meet Belle and her friends on this magical adventure, as they discover that beauty is more than skin deep.
There’ll be glittering outfits and fantastic staging, alongside plenty of audience participation and huge helpings of laughter. Beauty and the Beast is a family pantomime not to be missed.
The Waterloo & Crosby Theatre Company are hosting their 41st annual family pantomime, Mother Goose. A traditional pantomime with a twist and some hilarious antics, on the stage and off.
The show is written by Laughing Cat Pantomimes and directed by Rosie Shields
8. Beauty and the Beast: Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight (8 – 31 December)
The enchanting Beauty and the Beast is making its way into The Gladstone Theatre this Christmas, as the Dreamworld Entertainments team return for another family pantomime in Port Sunlight.
Along with a spectacular cast, there’s all the laughs and traditions with a modern twist, their audience have come to know and love. Expect magic, mystery and lots of sparkle as they take you on a journey to find spell breaking love!
9. Jack and The Beanstalk: Floral Pavilion, New Brighton (9 December – 7 January 2024)
This Jack and The Beanstalk production is full of song and dance numbers, bags of audience participation, plus magnificent 3D effects.
The show is led by TV star Hayley Tamaddon as The Vegetable Fairy, Hayley is known for her roles in Emmerdale and Coronation Street. Joining her on stage will be CBeebies Joseph Elliot, as Fleshcreep, and Blood Brothers star Sean Jones, as Simple Simon. Not forgetting Oliver Brooks as the unmissable Dame Trott!
10. The Wizard of Oz: Liverpool Empire (13 December – 7 January 2024)
Featuring the iconic score from the Oscar-winning film, Liverpool Empire has a production of The Wizard of Oz, including the classics, Over The Rainbow and Follow The Yellow Brick Road. Join Dorothy, Toto, and friends on a magical adventure down the yellow brick road.
Based on the much-loved movie, this critically rated production is directed by Nikolai Foster, known for his work on legendary musicals such as A Chorus Line and Billy Elliot The Musical.
11. Dick Whittington: Hope Street Theatre (14 – 31 December)
This Dick Whittington show features Hope Street’s favourite panto dame John Garfield-Roberts, serving comedy chaos as Sarah the Cook, alongside Lesley Butler as the revolting Queen Rat and Phil Perez as fantastically funny Fitzwarren.
Produced by Christopher Jones of Just Entertainment, the show features a host of Merseyside performers, including a large junior ensemble from the Hope Street based Performers Theatre School.
12. The Scouse Genie (Adults Panto): Hope Street Theatre (28 November – 2 December)
City Theatre present their first ever adult panto, The Scouse Genie, at Hope Street Theatre this year.
Based on the famous Aladdin story, The Scouse Genie tells the tale of Aria, a local Scouse girl who lives with her mum, Liver Bird, and her brother and sister, Timothy and Stacey. Set in Liverpool, this rebooted version of Aladdin will be something you’ve never seen before!
Discover the vibrant world of improvisational theatre with our handpicked list of the best improv classes in the Liverpool city region, where creativity and spontaneity take centre stage.
1. Liverpool Comedy Improv (LCI)
Liverpool Comedy Improv (LCI) teaches drop-in sessions for improvisers of all levels from complete beginners through to those who are more advanced. They also offer specialised courses at every level to enable people to increase their skillset.
They see improvisation as enabling people to tap into their own creativity, boost their self-expression and confidence as well as unleashing a ton of laughter! It also allows people to hone their listening and communication skills by actively listening to others.
Liverpool Comedy Improv: Comedy Club, 22 Hope Street, L1.
2. Wing It Impro and Stories
Wing It Impro and Stories is run by multi-award winning actor and director Mark Smith. Mark has spent twenty plus years as a professional improvisor, either as performer or director. He was Artistic Director of Liverpool’s Spike Theatre from 2008-2014 and devised or directed all of their theatre shows.
Wing It run a fun Spontaneous Theatre course with play built into the heart of it. It’s suited for those who have some experience in improvisation and are looking for an intensive hit of creativity.
Mark is also behind Liverpool Improvisation Festival.
Wing It Impro: Comedy Club, 22 Hope Street, L1.
3. Liverpool Improvisation Festival
Wing It’s Mark Smith devised the new two-day Liverpool Improvisation Festival, which is supported and hosted by the Unity Theatre. Across two days in 2023, they presented an exciting programme of 12 shows including two world premieres and four workshops. There is a mix of established artists and companies and those who are new and emerging.
All the work is improvised and draws upon numerous art forms including clown, comedy, fooling, music, puppetry, storytelling, and theatre.
Liverpool Improvisation Festival: Unity Theatre, Hope Place, L1
4. Dream Academy of Arts
The St Helens based Dream Academy of Arts is taught by leading industry professionals, with experience in TV, Film, and Theatre.
Classes take place on Saturday mornings and are suitable for a range of age groups from 7-18 years, they provide unparalleled training in all aspects of performing arts. Training includes improvisation, voice work and confidence building.
Dream Academy of Arts: Carmel College, Prescot Road, St Helens, WA10.
5. Casino Improv
Slightly further afield, Casino Improv is a Wigan based Improv group, performing monthly at The Old Courts with The Something New Show. Casino Improv also performed at the first Liverpool Improvisation Festival.
Casino Improv: The Old Courts, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1.
Have we missed anything in this article? Let us know! Get in touch with Clare at clare@culture.org.uk. We strive to make our features as inclusive as possible, so we’re keen to hear your suggestions.
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