At the beginning of November, Creative UK launched Redesigning Freelancing, a collective initiative shaped by members and partners across the UK creative landscape to empower freelance workers and organisations to drive change and build greater equality into freelance workforce.
The initiative is working in partnership with nine Combined Authorities to reach creative communities across the UK and to understand the challenges that freelancers face locally as well as nationally. Liverpool’s March For The Arts, Sky, BFI, IPSE, Freelancer Club, Scottish Ballet, Society of Authors and many others are getting behind the survey, which aims to shape industry standards, drive change and futureproof all parts of the work environment for freelancers across the sector to create greater long-term value and sustainability into the freelance ecology.
March for the Arts is a collective dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of the arts. They champion those who work in arts industries and campaign positively about the power of the arts to improve lives. Read more about March For The Arts here.
Creative UK’s goal is simple: to cultivate a world where creativity is championed, valued, and fundamentally nurtured.
Caroline Norbury OBE, CEO of Creative UK said:
“Freelancers are the backbone of the Creative Industries. Yet economic uncertainty means we risk losing the next generation of creative freelancers – particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. We can already see that freelancers are leaving the sector, with skills gaps becoming a major issue across all parts of the UK. However, being a freelancer can be a rewarding career, allowing for greater flexibility and variety. It is our collective responsibility to ensure more is done to protect our freelancers, integrate them with organisations in order to build better partnerships and make sure there is a fair and equal playing field. This survey will help us to identify the key priorities that need action now.”
Neil Peplow, Director of Industry and International Affairs, BFI said:
“The BFI welcomes this survey, which recognises that freelancers face many challenges and that they may work across different creative industries. Film and TV employs a high proportion of freelance workers who help make the UK a world-class production location. As highlighted in the BFI Skills Review 2022, it is vital that these freelancers are supported to progress and develop their careers if the UK is to grow and retain a highly skilled workforce.”
Are you a freelancer or do you employ freelancers?
Here’s your chance to have your say in the UK’s largest freelance survey, aiming to improve working conditions and drive industry change.
The survey takes approximately 5 minutes and it would be great to have as many people as possible from as many arts disciplines as possible to take part across the Liverpool City Region.
Take part in the Redesigning Freelancing survey now. The survey is open until 27 January 2023.
Founded in 2004, Homotopia Festival returns from 1 – 20 November 2022. The Liverpool LBGTQIA arts organisation’s theme for this year’s festival is ‘Queer Joy Is A Protest’. “We’re tired of being angry. The simple act of living our most fabulous, out and proud queer lives, just the act of being ourselves in a cis-heteronormative world, is a protest.”
The festival will feature a wide range of arts and cultural events happening across Liverpool and online for the next three weeks bringing their vibrancy and inclusivity to the city.
Homotopia 2022 Launch Party
The Homotopia 2022 Launch Party should be a memorable night and one that is long overdue. It will be the festival’s first official launch party since 2019, due to the pandemic, so they’re going big. In partnership with Tate Liverpool and the stunning cabaret collective The Bitten Peach, everyone is invited to the most fabulous (FREE) night of the year.
The Bitten Peach is a Pan-Asian cabaret collective featuring drag, burlesque, circus and variety performers from all over the UK. Expect fierce drag kings, queens and things, comedy, politics, and queer Asian excellence.
Homotopia At Home: Online Content
Homotopia At Home: Online Content will allow people to join the festival online over the three weeks, kicking off on 3 November with an eclectic poetry night, A Lovely Word, that offers a free livestream.
Homotopia is enriching our local scene with the QueerCore artist development programme which has selected four emerging LGBTQIA artists to receive structured support and professional development opportunities for the next 12 months.
This years selected artists, Kolade T Ladipo, Marcella Rick, Rhiannon May and Rosa Kusabbi, will be performing and exhibiting all around the city during during Homotopia. Find out more about the artists here.
More Homotopia Events
Queer inSIGHT
For a mix of everything Queer inSIGHT on the 6 November at 7pm at the Quarry is a celebration of LGBTQIA, with live music, spoken word, and DJ sets.
UTOPIAN (t&c’s apply)
Supported by the Arts Council England and the National Lottery Grant project UTOPIAN asks if the perfect utopia can exist? It takes circus pop culture and merges it with surrealism. Along with all the fun performative elements of high-heel rollerskating, hula-hooping and strip-teasing the production invites you to ask the essential questions if we are to better our society to be a more inclusive and fair place of “why do people abuse power roles?”
Late At Tate
To celebrate the Turner Prize 2022 and its return to Tate Liverpool, Late At Tate is an evening of free live performances, workshops and talks in response to this year’s shortlisted Turner Prize artists: Heather Phillipson; Ingrid Pollard; Veronica Ryan and Sin Wai Kin.
Queer The City Walking Tour
Homotopia have installed 15 large pieces of public art by LGBTQIA artists in prominent spots and created audio stories queering different areas of the city. Join them for a walking tour, exploring the heart of queer Liverpool, the visible and the unknown, the famous, infamous and untold stories of LGBTQIA life in the city.
This Arab Is Queer
Celebrating the release of a ground-breaking new anthology called This Arab Is Queer, Homotopia’s event brings together editor Elias Jahshan with essayists Madian Alijazeera and Anbara Salam for an evening of readings and lively chat.
Homotopia aims to make queer art accessible for everyone, with fifteen of the projects and events featured over the next three weeks being free and the rest having a maximum ticket price of £12.
Homotopia is set to bring light and vibrancy to our city as the darker days of Autumn begin to draw in. For more information and tickets visit the Homotopia website at https://www.homotopia.net/festival/
Milap is an international Indian Arts and Culture Company, with its roots starting in Liverpool from the 1980’s to provide meaningful cultural activities.
The ‘Indian Cultural Evenings’ founded by Dr Prashant Nayak, enhanced friendships, understanding and similar interests, between the Host community and people of South Asian origin who made their home in Britain.
Over the 35 years, Milap has grown to accommodate vast audiences who have an interest in Indian Arts by incorporating music, dance, films, and visual arts through enchanting live performances.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, human interactions were limited which meant the arts organisation had to move its programmes online, although 2022 was and is the year normality resumed.
In April the ‘Music for the Mind & Soul’ concert series made a return to The Capstone Theatre for live audiences to have a good time and socialise again.
The concert series began in 1991 and through the decades has featured renowned stars, emerging musicians of the Indian diaspora, and the next generation of British talent.
Milap’s current Autumn 2022 programme has been gaining traction for its show-stopping line up of Indian Arts and Culture.
The programme explores the blending of British and Indian culture, and the ground-breaking relationships, possibilities, and masterful art and music that is created when the two collide in harmony.
The anticipated launch kicked off last week on 5 October at the Tung Auditorium with the talented North Indian classical singer, Prabhat Rao, who has also been a lead vocalist for the UK’s National Indian Classical Ensemble “Tarang”.
The autumn series will come to an end with a show-stopping musical extravaganza from Mercury prize winner Talvin Singh OBE on 18 November at the same venue of the launch forming a full circle.
Pravinder Singh, Head of Programmes and Planning at Milap, said:
“For us at Milap one of the great opportunities is that we get to present some amazing musicians. The musicians who we are presenting in this particular series are what we call the future talks or generation next artists of Indian music and dance.”
He continued: “I’m hoping for audiences to come, sit back, relax and be in a safe environment and interact with not just the artists on stage, but other audience members to share their experiences and thoughts and hopefully love of Indian music and dance.”
To find out more about the music genres explored, artists involved and the several shows running till November, check out our Milap Autumn 2022 programme feature.
River of Light is set to illuminate the waterfront across 17 nights from Friday 21 October to Sunday 6 November, and will showcase ten artworks from a host of local, national and international artists along a 2km route.
The installations will include a mix of brand new, never-before-seen commissions as well as existing artworks which haven’t been on display in the city before.
The theme of this year’s free event is Unexpected Twist in a nod to the World Gymnastics Championships 2022 which is taking place in the city during the same period.
Full details of all ten pieces, the artists and their locations will be unveiled next month, but to whet people’s appetite the team behind the trail has announced the first two pieces:
BEAM – A brand new commission by the acclaimed Lucid Creates (artists Helen Swan and Chris Carr) will see a beam of light transport visitors to a hot, summer’s day, accompanied by the sounds of the British countryside. But after several minutes the feeling of peace and warmth will change to unease and suspense… Located at Canning Graving Dock, opposite Museum of Liverpool, the artists behind the work are no strangers to River of Light and have previously showcased large-scale artworks including 2021’s incredibly popular Dance Together – a huge tribute to the legendary nightclub Chibuku.
Evanescent – A series of giant bubbles will take over Exchange Flags courtesy of Australian artists Atelier Sisu. The immersive sound and light structure will react to visitors as they explore the artwork, depicting the transient nature of human existence. It has already been showcased in locations including Taiwan, the USA, Greece and Australia.
River of Light will be delivered by Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team and is supported by Arts Council England.
River of Light 2022
Friday 21 October – Sunday 6 November 2022
Liverpool City Centre & Waterfront
The Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse have announced their Autumn/Winter 2022 programme of events, with some fantastic shows lined up to brighten up your Autumn/Winter and give you something to look forward to. Here’s a look ahead to their upcoming shows.
Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Autumn/Winter 2022 Programme
A Billion Times I Love You (27 September – 8 October)
The Everyman is presenting to you a modern-day queer love story which is sure to take you on a rollercoaster journey of emotions. This play focuses on different love languages and how to display your love for someone when it feels unreciprocated.
Shakespeare’s Othello is coming to you this October at the Playhouse Theatre. This award-winning drama focuses on themes of love, sex, murder, and betrayal, transformed, and reimagined into a 21st century world. How easily can relationships be broken when they’re built on paranoia and manipulation?
A Lovely World Featuring Elle Dillon-Reams (6 October)
A Lovely Word promises a night full of beautiful and thought-provoking poetry for all you poetry fanatics and writers out there on October 6th at The Everyman. Elle Dillon-Reams is a spoken word artist who has sold out two spoken shows after winning multiple poetry competitions over the past few years. If you’re a poet and would like to show off your talent, you can sign up to speak at this event! Best of all, the entire event is completely free. All you have to do is show up.
Award winner Denzel Westley-Sanderson brings Oscar Wilde’s famous play ‘The Importance Of Being Earnest’ to a new life, with themes explored such as family, gender, class, and sexuality, packed with plenty of wit and humour. Don’t miss out on a night full of laughter and heart-warming moments at the beautiful Everyman theatre.
This October the Everyman presents ‘Deep Blue’ a play which focuses on the feeling of growing up and yearning to find where you belong. We meet Riley, the main character who feels connected to the solemness of the worlds loneliest whale on a David Attenborough documentary. In a world as big as this, many people crave human connection and are searching for their place to call home.
The Playhouse theatre represents a story book brought to life on stage for your little ones to enjoy. From puppets to costumes and stage props, your children are sure to be kept entertained for the night. Who knows, you might enjoy it too. George the giant goes on a journey involving a makeover and a quest to help his new friends carry through their mission.
Murder Mystery – The Body Snatchers: Halloween 2022 Special (28 October)
Indulge in a spooky treat this Halloween season and get down to the Everyman to immerse yourself into a thrilling murder mystery. Set in Liverpool 1826, a body is discovered in one of the ships lined up at the docks, and Johnathon fears it is his cousin who has been MIA for the past few weeks. Will he find out who it is and what price will he have to pay for exposing the truth?
On the 29th of October at The Everyman Theatre, John Gorman, Roger McGough, and Mike “McGear” McCartney are returning to Liverpool to celebrate 60 years of The Scaffold. Be prepared for a night of comedic sketches, poetry, and songs from these Liverpool legends to create a night full of memories that you won’t forget.
Join these scouse drag queens at The Everyman for a spooky night of glitz, glam and glorious costume, bringing to you Liverpool’s very own Sanderson sisters with a twist. ‘The Sefton Sisters.’ Get to planning your outfits and join these queens for a night full of laughter, fun and dragtastic outfits. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the spooky season.
State Of Mind Symposium In person & Online (3 November)
20 Stories High have raised awareness for the importance of focus on mental health in Liverpool over the past 4 years, with talks and workshops focused on what we can do as a community to support one another and put our own wellbeing above all other life responsibilities. This year they are coming to The Everyman to bring a range of discussions, presentations, and workshops to educate the people of Liverpool.
A lovely Word and Homotopia are teaming up to present to you a night of LQBTQIA poetry with an open mic and a headliner on in the first half of the night. If you are a poet fanatic or you love to see people showcase their talent, come down to this FREE event and meet some new people! There is also a chance to take part if you are a poet who would love the opportunity to perform in front of others.
20 Stories High will bring to you a night filled with Liverpool’s best rappers, poets, singer, and Ninjas! With two themes of the night, ‘Touchy’ will begin in the first half featuring a collection of award-winning short films which all centre around the theme of touch, made to captivate and entertain. The second half of the night will present ‘Analogy’ which brings fourth a collection of funny and emotive testimonies performed on stage, from hip hop music to a perfect combination of poetry and Ninja moves. It sounds like a unique night that you don’t want to miss out on.
Brown Girls Do It Too: Mama Told Me Not to Come (4 November)
At The Playhouse Poppy Jay and Rubina Pabani present to you a night filled with personal entertainment and life advice, focusing on themes such as navigating life, sexpectations and the messy reality that we all live in. Crowned ‘The funniest woman in Britain’ by The Times, their unapologetic and raw personalities are sure to draw you in and make you feel seen. From sketches to humorous songs and personal anecdotes, it is sure to be a night you won’t regret.
Stand-up comedian David O’Doherty joins The Playhouse Theatre for a night of humour, wit, and maybe a little bit of singing accompanied by his famous keyboard. From Live at the Apollo to 8 Out Of 10 Cats, David is set to perform in Liverpool, a show not to miss. Come and find out what all the hype is about.
Musical comedy duo, Flo and Jean are set to perform in The Playhouse Theatre this November, to bring to Liverpool a night of brilliant songs and great comedy. With multiple sell out tours across the globe, we can see why these two women are so loved with their witty humour and infectious personalities, paired with their famous retro look.
The Playhouse welcomes award winning comedian Mark Thomas this winter, with themes of capitalism and uniting together as a community to learn and grow, this night will focus on new ideas for uplifting ourselves and each other and finding hope in uncertain times.
Jon Culshaw joins The Playhouse Theatre to celebrate the very much missed comedic legend Les Dawson, bringing his stage presence back to life with this amazing tribute. From sketches to retelling of incidents from his life, join Jon Culshaw to keep the memory of Les alive and enjoy some good ol’ comedy.
Noughts and Crosses is a play which focuses on racial and social divides, represented by two groups, The Noughts and The Crosses, and the struggles that emerge when two people fall in love from each group. Inspired by Romeo and Juliet, this play involves themes of violence brought upon by forbidden love.
The Rock N’ Roll Panto Red Riding Hood (25 November – 14 January 2023)
Prepare to enter a world of wolves, bears, and an unsuspecting girl in a bright red dress. From dazzling costumes to brilliant stage props and musical performances, Little Red Riding Hood is being brought to life right in our own Everyman Theatre. A perfect event to bring your family to this winter. Prepare to be dazzled.
A Lovely Word Featuring The Repeat Beat Poet (1 December)
Lovely Word is back with a headliner in the first half of the show and open mic poets in the second, once again free of cost! If you’re looking for a fun and chilled night of poetry then this event is perfect for you. Ghanaian poet Peter De-graft Johnson will be performing his amazing poetry, you don’t want to miss it.
The Playhouse presents, hit musical SIX, from Broadway to Liverpool, this famous West end Show is a perfect way to celebrate the Christmas season and treat your family to an amazing night of Pop Princesses, Tudor Queens, and the six wives of Henry the VIII within the 21st girl power theatre performance. It’ll leave you feeling uplifted and empowered.
Liverpool Theatre Festival is back and ready to entertain Liverpool in 2022. The festival first made an appearance in 2020, with the intent to boost Liverpool’s creative sector after the devastating aftermath of Covid-19. With over 4,000 festival goers in 2021 and over 200 participants, the festival is going from strength to strength.
Liverpool Theatre Festival will take place from 31 August to 11 September, in the beautiful venue of St Luke’s Bombed Out Church to create a magical backdrop to a range of fantastic plays, comedy, cabaret and more.
Liverpool Theatre Festival 2022 Full Line Up
I Wish My Life Where A Musical (31 August)
Performed by a talented west end cast, kickstarting the festival off is this comedic extravaganza which walks you through life in the theatre and all the mishaps that could happen on stage. Hilarious and heart-warming, it’ll have you laughing in your seat.
Starring Liam Powell Berry, this show will guide you through life in a typical German household set in the 1930’s when Hitler shook the nation. You will get first-hand insight into the fear that lived within German households and the impact of the war on the country.
Comedians Mick Miller, Tom Wrigglesworth, and Duncan Oakley and host Chris Cairns have teamed up to bring to you a night of scouse comedy and a barrel of laughs. Prepare to be entertained by this hilarious trio and treat yourself to a night you won’t forget.
With a 5-star rating, Megan Hindley and Beth Amos are back with their two-woman comedic act. Their characters Howard and Jeffrey find themselves in a murder mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat one minute and choking down laughter the next. Hilarious and unique, it’s not a show to miss.
Hosted by the mega-talented Nana Funk, Holy Moly Cabaret presents to you a night of music, comedy, burlesque, and circus. Starring award-winning comedy musicians, Jollyboat and Liverpool’s own glamour queen, Millie Dollar, and all presented in the stunning surroundings of the Bombed Out Church.
Set in the wild woods, following the stories of woodland creatures Mole, Ratty and Badger and their adventures, from picnics to fun with friends. This story is brought to life on stage, combined with folk-rock tunes to entertain your little ones for the day. Don’t miss out on this fun performance.
Written and performed by Victoria Evaristo and directed by Angela Ekaette Michaels, this performance brings to you the ups and downs of motherhood and a humorous perspective of Liverpool’s social, economic, and political status. Ma Joyce brings us back in time to her childhood set in the Welsh countryside and takes us on a journey through her romantic affairs and her trip to Nigeria.
This play follows the story of a writer who discovers a newfound talent for erotic fiction and has created a successful life for himself…yet he has a deep hatred for everything in it. A modern love story that takes you through themes of loss, regret, and uncertainty. Will James gets his happy ending after all? You’ll have to come to find out.
Two rival gangs go head-to-head, set in Liverpool post-war in a world full of poverty, crime, and hunger. The High Rip gang and The Logwood Gang have taken over the city and installed fear into its inhabitants that even the police are too terrified to intervene. This play follows a criminal investigation of missing jewels and drug dealing in the city. When the reward for finding them is the title for King or Queen of the city, people will do anything they can to win. Even murder.
Welcome you to Clapham South tube station – home to the last five survivors of the climate crisis. Ava and Cayden are having a baby, but with the oxygen dwindling, can they come together and stabilise their living situation, or will someone pay the ultimate price? Combining climate activism with dynamic storytelling, they use a range of creative practices to ensure their productions tell sustainable stories using sustainable methods.
Absolute Opera presents to you this September a night of magnificent music, set under the starry night sky. With national and international performers such as Soprano Leigh Rhianon Coggins, Tenor Roy Locke, and Mezzo Soprano Augusta Knopov, joined by Per Nielsen on the piano, it is set to be an enchanting evening. The nations most well-loved songs will be performed such as music from the Grand Opera and Modern Classical hits. Opera lovers will not be disappointed.
97+ A Drama Based On The 1989 Hillsborough Disaster (9 September)
Written and directed by Tom Cain, this play is based on the tragic real-life disaster at Hillsborough which led to 97 lives lost and many injured. Following the story of Hillsborough survivors, John and Steve, this performance takes us along with their battle of the trauma they endure in everyday life and the mental health issues they struggle with daily. The two characters find each other due to their shared experience and take us through their journey to justice.
The Forgotten Forest is a children’s performance which takes us along on a group of furry friends quest to saving their habitat. It includes real life themes of pollution and the effect it has on the world and animals, celebrating the power of change, friendship, and the importance of a healthy environment. Come along to find out if the animals will end up as the queens servants or if they find a new place to call home!
Drag galore, this family-friendly drag show is sure to entertain. Fabulous makeup and stunning outfits, come and join Dame Fanny De Faux the magnificent mystique alongside Brooke Spears and Iva bouquet, two incredible performers, for a night of comedy, fashion, music, and games. It is the perfect interactive event to lift your spirits and bring out your inner drag.
Come down to the bombed-out church to watch these drag queens strut their heels within the church ruins, adding their dazzling sparkle to the night. Hosted once more by Dame Fanny and The Starlets, secure your place now for a night filled with glitter, games, and giveaways. Maybe you’ll be the lucky audience member who gets chosen to compete in the lip sync battle?
This West End smash hit show is coming to you this September. This story follows showbiz star Dame Julie Andrews and her life of fame and stardom. Songs from Mary Poppins, My Fair Lady and The sound of music are interwoven into stories of her life, following her journey from child stardom to a career ending incident of losing her voice. Performed by Sarah-Louise Young, this performance will show you the reality of life in showbiz.
Looking For Me Friend – The Music Of Victoria Wood (11 September)
Music director Michael Roulston joins cabaret and TV performer Paulus to take us through a loving tribute to his late idol Victoria Wood, performing songs such as ‘Reincarnation’ and ‘It would have never worked’ to bring her soul back to life for the night. To embody her persona, he adopts a northern accent and Wood’s famous catchphrases and sketches to make you feel as though she is in the room with you. This performance is a treat for Victoria Wood fans.
The Dream Sculpture, St Helens. Photo Credit Steve Samosa
Are you yearning to get out and about but you’re on a budget? We’ve compiled a list of free activities to dive into around the Liverpool city region.
Halton
Halton Castle
If you’re a fan of history and you love visiting historic monuments and ruins then Halton castle remains is a perfect place for you to visit. Just a short drive over the Runcorn bridge, you can visit this Norman castle situated on a hill that looks over Halton village. So not only will you get to see the ruins, but you’ll also have a beautiful view to gaze at from the hill. There are often events and tours available to venture into the castle so keep a look out for any updates if this is something you’d be interested in.
Victoria Park
Located in Widnes, Victoria Park is filled with lots of wildlife and beautiful scenery. Take a stroll around the stunning lake and appreciate the birds and the flowers. There is also a glasshouse that you can to visit and wander inside to take a look at the diverse types of plants that are coming into bloom.
The Centre
The Centre located in Halton is a community centre that is open to the public throughout the week which includes a skate park, ballpark, playground, café, and community centre. Located in the Lune Valley, you can even venture off to go on a lovely nature walk. With lots to do here, it is the perfect place for a day trip with the family.
Knowsley
Kirkby Gallery
Kirkby Gallery is known to be one of the best contemporary art galleries in Merseyside and best of all, it has free admission! It includes local artists as well as international pieces for you to browse. They also often host adult and children’s art classes if you want to get creative. Located in Kirkby town centre, the gallery is open from 10am-5pm, Monday to Friday and on Saturday from 10am-1pm.
Prescot Museum
Why not visit Prescot Museum to step back in time and learn about Knowsley’s past. With over 14,000 items to browse, this museum tells the tale of the people who built Knowsley’s reputation, from businesses to pottery manufacture and coal mining. There’s lots to learn on this trip. This museum is open 10am-5pm, Monday to Friday and on Saturday at 10am to 1pm.
Sefton
The Atkinson
The Atkinson describes itself as a cultural pick and mix for the family. There’s music, theatre, art, literature and history all under one roof.
Sefton Coastal Path
The Sefton Coastal Path at Southport is a beautiful journey through a variety of landscapes – perfect for blowing away those cobwebs. See the impressive Southport Pier, salt marshes of the Ribble Estuary, the RSPB Nature Reserve and the Queen’s Jubilee Nature Trail. The 9.5 mile route starts at Crossens and finishes at Ainsdale.
Another Place at Crosby Beach
Crosby Beach has beautiful views over to New Brighton and is also home to the famous sculptures of Anthony Gormley’s Another Place – 100 cast iron statues stretching for 1.5 miles. Gormley described the installation as a poetic response to the individual and universal sentiments associated with emigration – sadness at leaving, but the hope of a new future in Another Place.
St Helens
The Dream Sculpture
Located on the former site of Sutton Manor Colliery, Dream is a 20 metre high sculpture designed by the world-renowned artist, Jaume Plensa. The site offers views across the Cheshire and Lancashire plains, out to the mountains of Snowdonia, the Pennines and the Peak District. The Dream Sculpture is a great day out if you enjoy walking as there’s some brilliant trails to explore around the sculpture too.
The Smithy Heritage Centre
Formally a busy blacksmith’s forge in the heart of Eccleston village, The Smithy Heritage Centre hosts an exhibition focusing on the impact industry has had on St Helens. With lots of historic items inside, history is brought to life here, making it the perfect family visit. They are open from 1-4pm on weekends.
Taylor Park
If you’re looking for some new parks to visit this summer, Taylor Park is a lovely place to go to relax, have a stroll around the lake and maybe bring a picnic to enjoy on the grassy fields. Although, if you forget to bring food there is a café and ice cream parlour at the park to stop by if you get hungry. There are also two playgrounds located in the park for your little ones to enjoy.
Wirral
West Kirby Marine Lake
If you’re looking for a lake side trip or you love to watch boats travel across the waves, then West Kirby Marine Lake is the perfect destination for you. It’s set on the tip of peninsula with beautiful views of the Welsh hills and the Dee Estuary. If you’re more on the adventurous side then you can use the lake for water sports or sailing or take a stroll on the beach.
Wirral Tramway and Wirral Transport Museum
Travel back in time to Wirral’s past with this transport museum where you’ll have the chance to browse models of trains, buses, trams, cars, and motorcycles of the past. Open Wednesday to Sunday on school holidays from 1pm to 4.30pm, there’s lots to learn and see here, perfect for an educational family trip.
Tam O’Shanter Farm
Located on the Bidston Hills in Wirral is the Tom O’Shanter urban farm and cottage which has free entry and is open every day. With lots of animals to see such as goats, pigs, alpacas, ponies and much more, this is a perfect trip to go on with family or friends. There is also a park onsite for the kids to play in and there is a café and picnic areas located at the farm to grab a bite to eat after a long day of petting the animals.
The Wirral Way Walk
The Wirral Way is situated within the beautiful Wirral Country Park. The route starts in West Kirby and runs through to Hooton along an old disused railway line. Wirral Country Park is perfect for seeing wildlife, a variety of birds nest in the dense hedges and you may see up to ten kinds of butterfly in summer. There are also stunning views over the Dee Estuary to Wales. The entire route is 13 miles but you can just choose to walk sections of the Wirral Way.
Hilbre Island
You can visit Hilbre Island throughout the year, it’s a pleasant walk across the sands from West Kirby to the island – an archipelago and one of just 43 unbridged islands in the UK that can be reached on foot from the mainland. In the summer, it’s possible to see grey seals swimming just off the shore, and it’s a great place for spotting sightings of rare and endangered wildlife all year round. It takes roughly an hour to cross the 2 miles to Hilbre Island and is essential to time your walk to fit in with the tides.
Discover more of what’s happening in Liverpool and across the Liverpool City Region via our What’s On listings.
There’s so much that you can do in Liverpool that won’t cost you a penny. Whether you’re looking for some arts and culture or some outdoor activities this is your guide to all the free things to do in Liverpool.
Art Galleries
Tate Liverpool (Free Collection Displays)
If you’re an art fanatic or you just enjoy browsing through a variety of creative pieces in beautiful buildings then look no further than the Tate Liverpool. Tate hosts a range of free art exhibitions, with work from over sixty artists from different corners of the world. There is an ‘Ideas Depot’ which includes work personally chosen to be displayed by children in primary schools In Liverpool and ‘Journeys Through The Tate collection’ which captures the impact of international exchange, colonialism, and migration in Liverpool. Book your free tickets now via the Tate Liverpool website.
Walker Art Gallery
Inside the Walker Art Gallery you will find many famous renaissance art pieces alongside captivating stone sculptures and decorative art including Victorian furniture and cultural dishware. The Walker Art Gallery is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
Bluecoat
At Bluecoat you can find free exhibitions and events for all the family to enjoy. There is also a calm sensory room which is located in Gallery One with beautiful visuals, soft and comfortable spaces, and soothing sounds to relax your children. Gallery Two includes a playroom with soft toys and surfaces to play on whilst Gallery Three includes drawings and sculptures to browse, where children can get creative with their own artwork and enjoy story-telling sessions. Lastly, Gallery four includes a small library where you can enjoy a variety of children’s books including dual language books.
Museums
World Museum
The Liverpool World Museum will take you through a journey from the Jurassic period through to ancient Egypt. With plenty to learn about and see, from ancient antiquities and paintings to the exploration of sea life in the aquarium. Whilst you’re there you can head over to the planetarium to go star gazing and learn more about our solar system. The world museum is perfect for a fun family day out or a solo trip.
Museum of Liverpool
The Museum of Liverpool is brewing with the city’s culture and history. From a mode of Liverpool’s former overhead railway to famous paintings, sculptures, archaeological objects and much more, there’s a bit of everything for you to see. It is the perfect place to bring your family for a fun and educational trip. The Museum of Liverpool is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
Maritime Museum
Are you interested about life at sea or have a thirst for knowledge for Liverpool’s seafaring past? The Maritime Museum is the perfect place to learn more about the old dock and glance around old models of the ships that once frequented Liverpool. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday 10am-6pm.
Lady Lever Art Gallery and Museum
Located in Port sunlight, Merseyside the Lady Lever Art Gallery and Museum is a stunning place to visit. Home to many famous paintings and sculptures, nestled inside a magnificent building, there is so much to see here. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. If you get hungry on your trip, there is a café inside open from 10am to 3pm through the week and 10am to 4pm on weekends.
Explore The City
Liverpool ONE Heritage Trail
Become a time traveller and journey back 300 years into Liverpool’s past with this free heritage trail, discovering the creation of Liverpool’s famous first commercial wet dock. To participate, download the free app in the app store called ‘Liverpool ONE’ which will give you an audio guide to listen to as you follow the 16 stop off points and as the history behind each one is explained to you. A free map is available to collect at the Liverpool ONE Visitor Information Centre, located on Wall Street. The tour should last between 60-80 minutes.
Williamson Tunnels
One of Liverpool’s hidden gems is the Williamson Tunnels which host free tours. On this tour, you will explore the caverns of the tunnel which include all of the treasures that have been discovered by the team such as ancient dishware and household objects. To enter these tunnels, you will have to go through a trapdoor which you will then be escorted through the various caverns by a team member. All completely free.
Liverpool Cathedral
Whether you are a local or a tourist, Liverpool Cathedral is always a beautiful visit. You can go inside to gaze at the beautiful architecture and history it holds and if you’re religious, feel free to stay and worship. There is a shop located inside of the cathedral to have a wander around and see if there is anything you would like to pick up whilst you’re there. Rich in history, the Anglican Cathedral isn’t a sight to miss.
Strawberry Field Visitor Centre & Famous Gate
If you or anyone you know is a Beatles fan, then this one is for you. The famous Strawberry Field gate is free to visit, plus you can also visit the Strawberry Field visitor centre and gardens. There’s also an exhibition that you can purchase tickets for separately inside or online.
Liverpool Street Art
Discover Liverpool’s Street Art by checking out our features here:
One of Liverpool’s most beautiful parks is home to lakes, waterfalls, beautiful scenery, play areas, tennis courts, ice cream parlours and much more. It is also home to the Palm House which is a beautiful building with a botanical garden inside which is free to enter! It often holds many events across the year so keep a look out to see if anything interests you.
Croxteth Park
Enjoy the nature Liverpool has to offer with the beautiful scenery that Croxteth Park has to offer. Walk around beautiful fields, lakes, and architecture such as the stunning Croxteth Hall. There is also a playground for your children to enjoy. A horse-riding club is also located within this park if that is something that interests you, or maybe you’d prefer to admire the horses from a distance out on the fields.
Festival Gardens
Why not enjoy some beautiful scenery and oriental style architecture that Liverpool Festival Gardens has to offer? Take a stroll around this park and enjoy the lakes, waterfalls, and sculptures. There is also a woodland trail to walk around to enjoy the view and the wildlife this park is home to.
New Bird Skate Park
For you skaters who are looking for somewhere to practice your tricks and meet people with fellow interests, New Bird Skate park is completely free and is located near the Baltic Triangle. With Graffiti art decorating the walls and floor, it is a perfect place to enjoy an activity you love and hang out for a while.
Everton Park
If you’re looking for a new park to wonder around, why not visit Everton Park? This park has a heritage trail you can follow to learn about the grounds and the history that lays there as well as a skate park and a playground for your kids to enjoy. To see a beautiful view of the city you can climb the steps from Heyworth street and enjoy the view of the city below.
Rice Lane City Farm
If you’re looking for a family day out or a trip with your friends, Rice Lane City Farm is free to visit with plenty of animals to see from goats to sheep and pigs. There’s also a children’s play area to keep kids occupied too.
Discover whats happening in Liverpool via our What’s On section here.
There’s plenty of events happening in Liverpool this August, here’s just 5 of our top picks.
1. Peter Walker – Being Human
Placed within the gothic architecture of the Liverpool Cathedral, acclaimed sculptor and artist Peter Walker unveils his four art installations entitled ‘Being Human’. The exhibition will run from the 27 July – 30 August, leaving plenty time to drop in on this creation story inspired work. The centrepiece of the exhibition is a sculpture entitled Connection, inspired by Michelangelo’s ‘Creation of Adam’ yet subverted by Walker in his contemporary style. Individuality is the aim here, inviting visitors to reflect on their own sense of self, our uniqueness and our relationships with others in our ever-changing world. These four artworks, Connection, Reflection, Identity and Creativity are most certainly not to be missed.
2. Trails and Tales: Interactive Map from The Reader
If you’re struggling to find a way to get the kids outside this school holidays look no further than this interactive trail around Calderstones Park. It has been running since July 2021 and has proven extremely popular within that time, it merges literature with exploration and the outside world to provide a fun yet educational journey. Open from 10-6pm everyday.
3. Summer of Luv
Big Luv is taking over the rooftop of the Shankly Hotel to present a special series of parties in August. Giving all the energy of the best house, disco, and club classics it is set to be the ultimate summer vibe. It is on from 4pm till 1am meaning it can be an afternoon dance or transcend into nightlife. Tickets can be found on Skiddle, with their final party of the season taking place on the 27 August giving you plenty of options for a boogie.
4 .The Book of Mormon
Musical fans look no further. This scandalous musical comedy, named as ‘the best musical of this century’ by the New York Times has come to Liverpool. Hailed as potentially the funniest musical of all time the book of Mormon follows a mismatched pair of missionaries to give us a story of chaos and hilarity. You must be quick however if you want to see this critically acclaimed show as The Book of Mormon is only on at the Liverpool Empire until the 6 August.
5. Emma Rodgers: Wunderkammer
The Williamson Art Gallery is hosting home-grown talent this month. Wirral based sculptor Emma Rodgers presents us with a mini-retrospective of her practice giving visitors an insight into the world of an artist. It takes the form of a ‘coming of age’ story almost, showing us how her work has developed overtime from a young artist to her most recent work. The Williamson Gallery will also be unveiling a specially commissioned sculpture by Emma for their outdoor courtyard. This will most certainly be a cultural masterpiece not to be missed.
For more events happening in July and beyond check out our What’s On section.
Over the past two years, the cultural scene around the world, including music festivals, was shrouded in silence as an unfortunate result of the global pandemic. However, the year 2022 symbolizes the revival of many cultural programmes, injecting a lot of expectation and excitement.
With a number of cultural events taking place in Liverpool this year, organisations are starting to recover from the long break and are returning with even more drive and devotion. In fact, the announcement of a new era for the Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF) proves it. Like many other large-scale events, LIMF used the downtime to re-evaluate the whole concept of the event and embrace new visions and ambitions.
LIMF 2022 falls on the last weekend of July and unlike in previous years, the programme is spread across various indoor and outdoor venues in the city. This new approach brings more diversity and allows the attendees to plan their own itinerary by choosing between the genres as well as venues. LIMF has confirmed a collaboration with M&S Bank Arena, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, St. Lukes Bombed Out Church, The Merchant, Invisible Wind Factory, The Arts Club, and many more.
This year’s festival also aims to go beyond mere entertainment and as a response to a range of social issues and tensions, conveys a broader message. Therefore, the programme has been built to address social justice, equality and inclusion. In other words, with the theme ‘Power To The People & Purpose’, LIMF celebrates humanity, its power, beauty, and influence.
Looking at the line-up of the 3-day event, the organisers have summoned both national and international names together with new progressive voices and sounds. To give you a little brief of what awaits, LIMF 2022 will kick off with UB40 Featuring Ali Cambell on Friday 29th June in M&S Bank Arena. However, if reggae music is not your cup of tea, you can opt for hip-hop with De La Soul, as they headline the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Alternatively, there’s the sound and visual installation SYSTEM By Gaika situated in the Invisible Wind Factory.
Saturday will follow up with the same ambition, featuring a wide range of genres and styles. Visitors can choose from a Jazz Happening in Ettie’s, a basement bar situated beneath Bold Street, a mixture of U.K. Garage and R&B by Donae hosted by Arts Club Liverpool, and much more. Night owls can also enjoy the afterparty thrown by The Merchant with DJs Greg Wilson and Roisin W, until early morning.
And finally, Sunday culminates with the fusion of genres including rock, indie, reggae, and soul. Namely, Camp and Furnace in Baltic Triangle will host Liverpool indie rock band The Zutons and guests, while the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall will experience a unique encounter of Cuban and Jamaican music Havana Meets Kingston.
Overall, LIMF has returned with a desire to create a diverse, multi-cultural space for people to learn, share and connect. Alongside the music programme, this year’s festival introduces a brand new visual element to the program. Namely, Liverpool John Moores University will present the ‘Still Do The Right Thing’ exhibition, exploring the relationship between music, art, fashion, and activism.
