Author: Uncover

By Molly Thirlwall

As the cobwebs of Halloween (both real and decorative!) are blown away, pantomime season is fast approaching. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best Pantos in Liverpool for you to check out this Winter.

From fun for all the family to adults-only-extravaganzas, there’s certainly something here for everyone to enjoy. And before you say ‘oh no there isn’t!’ check out this list for some festive fun!

The Scouse Christmas Carol, Liverpool’s Royal Court (7 November 2025- 17 January 2026)

Adults deserve a Christmas treat too, so round up your 18+ friends for this exciting Scouse reimagining of A Christmas Carol. Claiming to make Charles Dickens spin so fast in his grave that a sinkhole opens up, this show is sure to have you laughing the night away. 

Alongside this performance is the opportunity for dinner and a show. Liverpool’s Royal Court is offering one and two course meals throughout this performance run, so be sure to book your tickets quickly for the chance to share in the festive treats. 

Jack and the Beanstalk, Everyman Theatre (15 November 2025- 17 January 2026)

Returning once again for 2025 is the Everyman’s legendary Rock ‘N’ Roll Panto. This year they are putting their festive twist on another classic, Jack and the Beanstalk. Part fairy tale and part concert, Chloë Moss’ retelling is sure to provide fun for all the family.

If this new spin on the classic fairytale isn’t enough excitement, the Everyman are also creating Picnic Boxes to add onto your ticket to accompany the magical theatre experience. These include snacks for the show and are available for both kids and adults- so no one is left out!

Cinderella, Shakespeare North Playhouse (21 November 2025- 10 January 2026)

Tia Larsen takes on the titular role of Cinderella in this classic fairytale story, with a very special Prescot twist! Helped by her fairy godmother Mandy, Cinderella tries to find her missing mum and win the heart of the handsome prince, in this captivating new adaptation by Nick Lane that brings Cinderella to Merseyside. 

Packed with magical moments, your favourite songs and lots of laughter, this new production is the perfect show to warm your hearts in the festive season. 

Matilda The Musical, Liverpool Empire (2 December 2025- 4 January 2026)

The beloved story by Roald Dahl has been stealing audience’s hearts on the stage for 15 years and is in Liverpool for the first time this Christmas. Matilda The Musical has won over 100 global awards and is coming to the largest two-tier theatre in the UK, the Liverpool Empire Theatre.

Bring the whole family along (Revolting Children included!) to be inspired by the story of one extraordinary girl, with one extraordinary mind.

Beauty & The Beast, The Atkinson (5-31 December 2025)

KD Theatre Productions brings the classic love story of Beauty and the Beast to the stage at The Atkinson theatre, for their most charming pantomime yet. Step into the dazzling winter wonderland and let the timeless tale of love and transformation wow you. There’ll be laughter, song, dance, and everything you love about The Atkinson pantomime. Dazzling costumes, live music, and jaw-dropping sets just to name a few!

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: M&S Bank Arena (12-28 December 2025)

Stepping into the magical world of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs this Christmas is a star-studded cast. Starring Coronation Street’s Helen Flanagan as the Wicked Queen, comedy star Bippo as Muddles, the hilarious Andy Brennan as Dame Dolly, X Factor’s Sean Smith as The Prince, singing sensation Ellis Lloyd as Snow White and local favorite Rebecca Lake as The Fairy. There is also the opportunity to meet this dazzling cast with meet and greet packages available. Join Snow White and her seven friends to see if they get their happily ever after in this truly wicked pantomime!

By Terry Sweeney

The dazzling stage adaptation of the classic 1935 film of Top hat, which starred Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, was first staged in 2013 on the West End and won the 2013 Olivier Award for Best New Musical that year. It also won the Evening Standard Award of Best Night Out.

Now award-winning American director and choreographer Kathleen Marshal who won the Tony and Olivier Awards for ‘Anything Goes’, has come to the UK to stage this brand-new production of Top Hat, which is on the Liverpool Empire this week.

We first meet Broadway star Jerry Travers (Phillip Attmore: Hello Dolly-Broadway, in the Fred Astaire role) as he finishes his Broadway theatre run with a scintillating song and dance routine to ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’. Jerry brings the house down and then meets up with Impresario and producer Horace Harwick (James Hume) to plan his secret return to London to star in Horace’s new production.

What ensues is a star-crossed romantic relationship with model Dale Tremont (Amara Okereke My Fair Lady-West End in the Ginger Rogers role) once he arrives in London.

Jerry meets up with Horace and his dancing in Horace’s hotel suite disturbs Dale who is trying to sleep in the room below. Dale eventually comes up to Horace’s suite to complain and Dale and Jerry meet for the first time. Jerry falls for Dale immediately, but as always in Hollywood movies or Broadway shows the course of true love never runs smooth. The plot in Top Hat hinges on mistaken identity.

 The plot is further complicated when Horace travels down to Venice for the weekend to meet his wife Maud (Sally Ann Triplett), Dale’s best friend, taking Jerry with him. Dale is in Venice at the invitation of Alberto Beddini (Alex Gibson-Giorgio), who has hired her to wear his dresses and impress the rich international clientele in Venice with his creations.

Add in Horace’s manservant Bates (James Clyde in fantastic comic form) and this sets the scene for his sets or Irving Berlin’s timeless classics like Puttin’ on the Ritz, I’m putting all my eggs in one basket’, ‘Cheek to Cheek’, ‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’, and ‘Top Hat White Tie and Tails’, against a backdrop of mistaken identity and comic mistakes.

Will Jerry leave his bachelor days behind forever, and will Dale realise Jerry is not the philanderer she suspects him to be?

The two stars, and Berlin’s music, carry the show, with fantastic vocals and dancing, supported by a fabulous chorus line of singers and dancers and sparkling choreography on the big set-pieces. Horace and Maud add witty dialogue, comedy and pathos to the plot, and Bates and Alberto add broad comedy and great character acting.

As Irving Berlin aptly says:

“There may be trouble ahead.
But while there’s moonlight, and music.
And love and romance,
Let’s face the music and dance.”

For more events happening at the Empire Theatre visit atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire.

To discover hundreds of events happening across the Liverpool city region visit our What’s On listings.

By John Maguire

In the latest instalment of Buried Treasure by ArtsGroupie CIC, writer and historian John Maguire reflects on a deeply moving journey retracing the footsteps of the 1,490 Irish men, women and children forced from their homes in Strokestown, Co. Roscommon, during the Great Famine. 

Last year, I undertook a walk from Strokestown to Dublin (the National Famine Way, Global Irish Famine Way) as part of ArtsGroupie’s work with the Liverpool Irish festival on the Liverpool Irish Famine Trail. This commemorated the 1847 journey taken by 1,490 evictees from Strokestown Estate (Co. Roscommon, Ireland).  The evictees were marched 165km to Dublin, to be put on cargo ships to Liverpool and thence to Canada. It’s estimated that over half of those who made the journey died before they reached their destination. Participating in the walk of the bronze shoes was a phenomenal experience.

Thought-provoking, poignant and life-changing. A rare opportunity — in a speedy modern world — to take a journey in sync with nature’s rhythms and to reflect, respect and remember the 1,490 of Strokestown. A chance to honour all those who suffered and passed during An Gorta Mór and highlight the resilience and tenacity of the Irish people and their rich contribution to the Global community.

It gave me time to reflect on the Great Hunger Commemoration’s efforts to raise funds for the Famine trail plaques and memorial in the nineties. Our role in preserving the memory of all the people who lost their lives and suffered during AN GORTA MOR, and how Liverpool and the Irish Famine Trail fit into the Global Famine Way.

The night before our departure, we took the famine soup. It tasted a little like the barley recipe my Irish Nan used to make; cheap ingredients, but filling. The poitín was like a strong mouthwash, one that should be gargled, spat out and not swallowed.

Before we started the walk, the names of all the 1,490 were read out aloud, and each was like a painful pinch down the spine. A number dehumanises, but an actual name really hits home the reality. The ‘surplus population’ were actual real people. 

So many surreal memories of the trail, including being forced to stop because a flock of cows had escaped their field and played havoc in a sculpted garden, leaping over the wall, like horses on a steeple chase.

Once we reached the canal, it became the one constant that stayed with us over the next few days. The backdrop changed from woodland to marsh, fields of ferns, soggy bogs and carved stone hills. And the wildlife, like swifts, ravens, a woodpecker and a regular visitor we called ‘Harry the Heron’. He would land in the distance.  Then, as I got closer, he would fly with grace and elegance into the cotton wool clouds, loop and circle around. A private performance for my eyes before he landed 300 metres ahead. I would walk onwards, and the gesture would be repeated, as if he were leading me along the way.

As the walk progressed, the green landscape and solitude gave way to urban buildup. Mankind is a stain on the very canvas nature has created. Civilisation made its mark on the landscape. Its housing infrastructure and branded supermarkets felt like intrusive strangers, out of place with what we were doing. 

On the final day, the collective headed towards Lock Six, the bordering wall near Custom Quay, through the industrial heartlands of Dublin’s docks. The sight of copious amounts of tents littering the canal banks like weeds that had sprung up almost overnight was saddening. People taking flight and landing on the Emerald Isle, hoping that the new land — and tomorrow— would herald a better future. History is repetition. I suddenly felt out of sorts, walking these six days in honour of the 1,490, yet still today, there are people like the 1,490 forced to flee.

(an abridged extract from A Walker’s Reflection: John Maguire, in the new book REVEAL)

This Strokestown to Dublin walk connects with the Liverpool Irish Famine Trail in Liverpool. A way for local people and visitors to the city to engage with Irish heritage. When I began work on reviving the trail with an incredible Volunteer History research group back in 2021, a casual remark from a relative mentioned that my great-grandma’s relatives had come over during the famine, which intrigued me. However, nobody knew anything else, and all those who could have provided more information had passed away. I believe that this is like many people in Liverpool with Irish surnames.

We are all made up of the stories of our ancestors. It is essential to ensure that people understand their heritage and where they have come from. The Liverpool Irish Famine trail allows communities and individuals to reflect on the streets that they live and work in, what has gone before and how that can impede on the now.

ArtsGroupie CIC specialises in bringing history alive through street theatre, walking tours and plays, to culturally engage, an interrogation of the past and an appreciation of the people who have gone before us. There are numerous figures in the Famine story, and numbers and statistics can indeed cause distance and alienation. We endeavour to seek out the personal stories that then honour those dead and also humanise what can be overlooked on the page. Community voices are key, especially when untangling the net of colonialism.  And as we continue to discover, we still have a lot more to unpick. Many more voices and stories need to be incorporated to help us understand our heritage, which can hopefully better inform our future. And so, the work continues…

The book REVEAL is available via liverpoolirishfestival.com.

Find out more about the Liverpool Irish Famine Trail and download a free map.

Free Exhibition 

Visit Rathbone Ceramic Studio & Gallery, Birkenhead, to experience extraordinary artworks created in response to the Liverpool Irish Famine Trail.

Featuring films, embroidery, banners, cyanotypes, mixed media and community stories — this exhibition powerfully connects Merseyside with the history of The Great Hunger.

Open during gallery hours until Saturday 1 Nov.
FREE entry — just drop in!

Make the most of October half-term in Liverpool with a fantastic line-up of family-friendly fun! Go behind the scenes at World Museum’s aquarium, enjoy a Carnatic concert at Liverpool Philharmonic, or meet life-sized dinosaurs at The Atkinson. Plus, there’s crafts and workshops, it’s the perfect week for discovering something new together.

The Gruffalo’s Child – Liverpool Playhouse (28 October – 1 November)

Follow The Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. She follows snowy tracks and encounters many mysterious creatures.

Let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone aged 3 to 103.

A Carnatic Quartet: A Concert for Children and Families – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall (29 October)

An exciting introduction to the magic of South Indian classical music. Join Liverpool Philharmonic Hall for a special concert designed just for children and families, featuring the dynamic Carnatic Quartet.

This interactive performance is a joyful, high-energy introduction to the fascinating world of Carnatic music. Expect stunning sounds, fun rhythm games, and plenty of chances to get involved – whether it’s clapping along to the beat or discovering how these powerful instruments work together.

Dino Tales – The Atkinson (30 October)

Put on your safari hats and get ready for some ranger danger and roarsome routines with Dino Tales! There’s a baby Ankylosaurus lost in the forest who needs your help and you must find her before the Evil Zookeeper Scientist does…

Flapping frills and dino thrills await as you set off on the ultimate wild rescue mission with state-of-the-art walking dinosaurs, some of which have never been seen on a stage before. You’ll encounter Freya the dancing Raptor, Dylan the Dilophosaurus, Angie the Ankylosaurus, Scar the Spinosaurus and Bruce the mighty T-Rex.

Aquarium Story Workshop – World Museum (30 October)

Have you ever thought about what life is like for the endangered species on Earth? In this Aquarium Story Workshop, suitable for both adults and children 11 and above, they will introduce you to some residents from behind the scenes of the World Museum.

You will learn the stories of natural history objects who are endangered, extinct and who defy our expectations! As part of the workshop you will engage with the living creatures of the aquarium and bug house to use as inspiration to create your own stories!

Picturing Freedom: Photography with Freedom Objects – Bluecoat (30 October)

Join photographers Yaqeen Amir, Anoosh Ariamehr for Picturing Freedom: Photography with Freedom Landmarks, to have a free portrait taken with an object or picture which, for you, represents freedom. Families and children are invited to bring an object, drawing, or photo that feels connected to the idea of freedom; maybe something from home, a favourite toy, a family keepsake, or even just a symbol of something you dream about.

Together with Anoosh, these personal items will become part of your portrait through light, projection, or collage, showing that freedom can live in our everyday lives as well as our memories and hopes.

Katumba Halloween Carnival 2025 – Starts Bold Street, City Centre (31 October)

Every October, Liverpool drumming and movement troupe, Katumba transforms Liverpool City Centre into a playground of imagination. Their performances inspire, and engage audiences by creating big, bold, visual shows through a spectacle of drums, fire, lights, dance, theatre and more. This year, Katumba Halloween Carnival reclaims deeper roots. Their theme for 2025 is Ancestral Spirits, Ritual Fire, weaving together the diasporic origins of carnival with the ancient pagan traditions of Samhain.

Born from rituals of remembrance, resistance, and renewal, carnival is a living space where communities gather to drum, dance, and light the darkness with rhythm and spirit. By fusing Afro-diasporic beats with the fire and folklore of Halloween, the procession becomes both a homage and a reinvention.

ArtsGroupie: Grow Together, Kids Puppet Crafternoon – Norris Green Library (1 November)

Join Liverpool’s ArtsGroupie for a crafternoon of creative fun and make your very own shadow puppet in Grow Together. Make a wildflower, butterfly or other garden creature to take home. Ideal for a family half-term activity and a chance to let the children’s imaginations run riot!

The free craft session is part of Green Libraries Week.

Viking takeover day – Museum of Liverpool (1 – 2 November)

Join the Museum of Liverpool‘s atrium as they are joined by living history reenactors from Wirhalh Skip Felagr, who will be bringing the Viking Age back to life in Viking takeover day. Find out what life was like in this region more than a thousand years ago, see authentic Viking Age crafts and take your opportunity to ask questions as history comes to life.

While you are in the museum, you can also take the opportunity to visit their latest exhibition Treasure: History Unearthed to see more wonders from the Viking Age.

To find even more events happening in the Liverpool City Region take a look at our What’s On Listings

Liverpool’s waterfront will once again become a dazzling open-air gallery as River of Light returns, unveiling its brand-new theme: The Science of Light.

Taking place from Friday 24 October to Sunday 2 November (5-9pm), the popular free festival will feature ten stunning large-scale installations inspired by themes of science, technology, and nature. Now celebrating its 8th year, River of Light attracts huge crowds each autumn, blending imaginative design with some of Liverpool’s most iconic settings.

For 2025, organisers have teamed up with the city’s vibrant science and innovation community to deliver an awe-inspiring 3km trail spanning the Royal Albert Dock, Pier Head, Exchange Flags, and Liverpool ONE.

River of Light 2025 Map

River of Light 2025 Installations

Blueprint by Studio Vertigo

Blueprint is a large-scale immersive artwork inspired by the form of a double helix, the physical structure of DNA. It is a parametric design, 20m long and 5.5m high, comprising of 180 x 360º tube LEDs that follow an outer spiral and are brought together at a fixed central point with sweeping curves. This is highlighted with a sequence of high-resolution lighting effects, representing the four bases of DNA slowly flowing through the artwork.

The edges are also highlighted with a dynamic lighting program to show the DNA backbone. The sculpture appears to be in a state of constant transformation, its free-flow of curves are set within a functional and orderly working of lines. DNA is often called the blueprint of life because it contains the instructions for development, growth and survival. life.

Location: Strand, in front of Salthouse Dock – Opposite Canning Place. L3 4AN

Cycle by Serge Maheu

Cycle is an urban star, shining bright. Created by Serge Maheu, Cycle is an interactive installation inspired by the revolutions of the sun and the moon, that illuminates open spaces.

Composed of a series of modules equipped with several light animation sequences, Cycle delights with its variations in intensity and colour. Diffusing brightness from its core, it evokes the halo effect of an eclipse. In a maestria of light and sound, Cycle comes to life at the rhythm of bystanders’ interactions. By moving to the beat of the ambient music, the young and the young at heart transmit their energy to Cycle, transforming it into a larger-than-life musical sequencer.

Location: The Strand, Liverpool, L1 8LT (Outside Cunard Building)

Dandelion by Amigo & Amigo

Close your eyes, make a wish, and behold, Dandelion comes to life! Inspired by the wind-blown petals of the dandelion — a plant as symbolic as it is scientifically fascinating — this installation reimagines a delicate natural form through engineering, optics, and motion. Revered for its medicinal properties and aerodynamic seed dispersal, the dandelion becomes a living sculpture that blends biology with technology.

Every five minutes, Dandelion transforms into a dynamic spectacle, combining programmed LED light animations with immersive sound design to mimic the fluid dynamics of wind and the natural rhythm of seed release. The work not only celebrates the aesthetic beauty of the plant but also explores the principles behind its structure, movement, and resilience. By bridging natural science with sensory experience, Dandelion invites audiences into a realm where curiosity meets wonder — where light becomes a language for discovery, and art becomes an expression of the unseen forces that shape our world.

Location: Mann Island – in front of Museum of Liverpool (L3 1DG)

Embrace by Beamhacker

Experience the science of connection with Beamhacker’s interactive light and sound installation Embrace. First commissioned for Vivid Sydney 2024, Embrace is a circle of 15 life-sized illuminated silhouettes inspired by the nostalgic human paper chain. When people join hands between the figures, their bodies complete an electrical circuit, allowing a flow of energy that triggers ripples of light and sound.

This simple act of touch – proven to release oxytocin, lower stress, and strengthen bonds – becomes a living demonstration of bioelectricity and the transfer of energy between people. Each connection transforms the installation, with light patterns refracting and harmonies layering in response, making the science of interaction visible and audible.

As more people collaborate, the colours grow richer, the movements more dynamic, and the soundscape more intricate. When the full circle is joined, Embrace reaches a spectacular crescendo, symbolising the synergy of human connection, the flow of energy, and the beauty of achieving a shared goal.

Location: Exchange Flags, L2 3PF

FACE VALUE by Emma Brass and Venya Krutikov

“Face Value” is an immersive experience where audience members unexpectedly become part of a fantasy gameshow, as an AI-powered robotic artist selects and transforms their images in real time. The experience highlights themes of technology and control, prompting participants to wonder what ultimately happens to their digital selves.

The installation combines novel technologies, including artificial intelligence and robotics, to create a constantly evolving spectacle. A CCTV-style network of cameras captures images of the crowd, from which pictures of current audience members are selected at random. This ensures that every cycle of the installation is entirely unique.

Location: Mann Island Atrium, L3 1BP

Neuron by Juan Fuentes Studio

Neuron draws inspiration from the fascinating world of neurons and brain connectivity. The light installation “Neuron” simulates neural networks, bridging art and science by visually representing the functioning of the human brain and the connections that enable us to learn and perceive the world.

The piece reflects how neurons transmit information through electrical impulses, which are fundamental to human communication and creativity. At the same time, “Neuron” evokes the functioning of real neurons in solving complex problems. The installation transforms a fundamental scientific concept into a sensory experience, connecting audiences to the wonder of science through light.

Location: The Strand outside Royal Liver Building, George’s Dock Gates, L2 0RG

Optik by The Urban Conga

An interactive installation by The Urban Conga, Optik reflects on our ability to play with our surroundings while giving the opportunity for brand new point of views on our daily environment. The essence of Optik lies in the captivating phenomena of reflection and refraction, where light and sound becomes a medium of discovery and interaction, inviting users to manipulate it and playfully reimagine their world.

The ten 6 feet (1,8 meters) gyroscope-like forms with, at the centre, a dichroic film, offer new ever- changing opportunities that reflect any ray of lights during the day while refracting the inner rings lighting at dusk. As the audience rotates each unit, they create their own endless cascade of colors. The experience is raised to another level as sound joins us on the rhythmical effort, turning each unit into a different musical instrument.

Location: Thomas Steers Way, Liverpool ONE, L1 8LW.

SPICA by Juan Fuentes Studio

A star of lights that shines with the energy of the universe. This luminous installation, with moving LEDs, not only dazzles visually but also brings to life a fascinating scientific concept: why do stars shine? The answer lies in Einstein’s equation E=mc², which explains how nuclear fusion at the core of the Sun and other stars converts mass into an explosion of energy and light.

As a tribute to Einstein’s groundbreaking work and his most famous theory—the theory of relativity—this star transforms science into art, representing the constant flow of energy that lights up our universe. The installation connects spectators to the wonder of space, reminding us that, at the end of the day, we are all made of stardust.

Location: Outside Dr Martin Luther King Jr Building (Hartley Quay, Salthouse Quay, Royal Albert Dock, L3 4AX)

Pendulum by Amigo & Amigo

Pendulum is a giant interactive artwork that blends science, art, and play into an immersive experience. Inspired by the simple beauty of a gravity pendulum, this illuminated installation brings motion to life through dynamic waves of light and sound. Suspended above the audience, a glowing geometric structure appears to sway back and forth, mimicking the rhythm of a pendulum.

On either side, interactive light spheres invite people to engage – when pushed, they activate the artwork, sending energy across the space. The light animations follow the pendulum’s natural movement, creating the illusion of continuous motion, as if the entire structure is swinging through the air. By transforming the forces of gravity into shifting patterns of light and sound, Pendulum turns a fundamental scientific principle into a mesmerising, playful, and immersive experience.

Location: Pier Head – North (L3 1BY)

Within Water by Yellow Studio

Within Water is a site-specific installation inspired by the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence in marine life. Located within Liverpool’s Pier Head canal link, the piece explores the dynamic relationship between water, light, and human interaction. Through a grid of programmable lights embedded beneath the water’s surface, the installation mimics the gentle glow and movement of bioluminescent algae, creating an illuminated current that shifts in colour and intensity.

The central sculptural element, a human hand, serves as a symbolic trigger, sparking a physical disturbance that activates the bioluminescent light in response to human touch, emphasising connection and interaction between people and their environment. Within Water invites viewers to experience the vibrance, layers, and fluidity of light as it dances through water, blending natural phenomena with innovative technology. The installation celebrates water’s role as a driving force in Liverpool’s identity while engaging themes of transformation and community.

Location: Pier Head, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 1HT (South End Canal Basin)

River of Light 2025
24 October – 2 November, 5-9pm
Liverpool Waterfront
FREE

For more information about River of Light Liverpool 2024 visit visitliverpool.com/riveroflight.

Halloween is creeping closer, and Liverpool City Region is ready to deliver a frightfully good time. From family-friendly fun to spine-tingling nights out, there’s plenty of exciting Halloween events in Liverpool and the city region this year.

Step back in time to explore the origins of Halloween at The Atkinson, experience a concert of eerie orchestral favourites at the Liverpool Philharmonic, or revel in a ghoulishly glamorous burlesque at the Everyman Theatre — plus plenty more!

Here are some of the best Halloween events in Liverpool and across the city region for 2025.

Ghosts and Spirits – Downstairs at the Everyman Theatre (25 October)

Join the team downstairs at the Everyman Theatre this Hallow season for Ghosts & Spirits; three cocktails and three stories of the spooky kind.

Your ticket includes a sharing of stories read by their Ghost Hosts, which will include extracts from The Judge’s House (Bram Stoker), Signal Man (Charles Dickens) and Lost Hearts (M R James) plus a cocktail to complement each story.

It’s a triple scream show!

Family Concert: Spooktacular! – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall (26 October)

Witches, vampires, ghosts and ghouls – they’re all at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall this Halloween! In this fabulous Family Concert: Spooktacular, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra take on the spooky and the spine-chilling, performing haunting music from your favourite films and television, as well as creepy classics by Mussorgsky, Saint-Saëns, Leroy Anderson and more.

So head along in your most devilish disguise and settle in for a journey of musical mystery, it’s guaranteed to give you goosebumps. Family concerts are designed for 5-10 year olds, but all the family are welcome!

Little Liverpool Halloween Special – Museum of Liverpool (28 – 31 October)

Join Winnie the Spider and some of her friends for a fiendishly good time in the Little Liverpool Halloween Special at Museum of Liverpool. Head along and explore their dedicated children’s gallery with some added Halloween themed fun.

Little Liverpool spooky specials are for visitors aged up to age 6 and their parents/carers. The sessions are held over several days this year, so there’s plenty of opportunity to join in with the scary antics.

Spooky Tales – Unity Theatre (29 October)

Perfect for brave children aged 9+ and their families. From the Team that brought you When Another Dragon Roars. Do you enjoy stories about ghosts, witches, and things that go bump in the night? Then join Edward and Martha Creep as they share terrifying Spooky Tales that will make you gasp, gawp, and grin.

Featuring Altered Scale Theatre’s outstanding puppetry and Petite Ullaloom’s unique storytelling, Spooky Tales is a Halloween treat!

The Spare Rib: Scared Shirtless – Downstairs at the Everyman Theatre (30 October)

Join Spare Rib this Halloween-Eve for Scared Shirtless, a performance of spine-tingling sexiness! A night of frighteningly hot, terrifying delightful and weirdly funny burlesque that may leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about sexuality. There will be British Sign Language interpretation throughout and lyrics will be signed using a mix of BSL & SSE.

Once More… With Screaming – Liverpool Royal Court Theatre (31 October – 1 November)

The People’s Players present Once More… With Screaming, head along and join them for a spooktacular show from Liverpool Royal Court’s very own acting group.

This brand new comedy from writer Sarah O’Hara takes Hammer House Of Horror and hams it up to another level. Ghosts, secrets and murderous intent combine to put the willies up a willing audience who will be left screaming with laughter!

Tender Claws and Friends, Halloween Special – Future Yard (31 October)

With a voice that shifts from velvet sonorous tones to banshee-like wails, Tender Claws lures you into her haunting world of alt rock songs inspired by gothic fiction and the darker sides of nature and the human condition.

Her fuzz-heavy, 90s-reminiscent sound comprises powerful grunge-influenced outbursts and softer episodes, scattered with serrated guitar and synth elements. Following the release of her most recent single, Disappear; and shows this year supporting Dog Race, Rosegarden Funeral Party and Bonnie Trash, she eagerly awaits her suitably spooky Halloween show at Future Yard.

Isaac Hart: Halloween Through the Ages – The Atkinson (31 October)

Writer and Ghost in the Museum podcaster, Isaac Hart, returns to The Atkinson on Halloween Night to discuss the deep origins of the spooky season, with Isaac Hart: Halloween Through the Ages.

From ancient pagan traditions to modern panics over trick or treating, Halloween has always been the time of year that we welcome the weird and the uncanny into our lives rather than pushing it away, with often strange and surprising results…

Spooky Sudley – Sudley House (31 October)

Join the team at Sudley House this Halloween for some ghostly goings on at Spooky Sudley. Halloween at Sudley House will be family friendly but they do recommend that their very youngest visitors might like to be pre-warned that the theme of the event will be a bit spooky. Don’t say they didn’t warn you!

Whether you’re after ghostly tales, live music or family fun, these Halloween events in Liverpool and the city region promise plenty of thrills and chills this spooky season.

To find even more events happening in the Liverpool City Region take a look at our What’s On Listings

Liverpool Irish Festival is all about bringing Liverpool and Ireland closer together through arts and culture. The festival opens the door to Irish culture in fun, accessible and creative ways – from performances and workshops to tours and events across the city.

At its heart, the festival is about sparking conversations through cultural storytelling, blending tradition with contemporary creativity. It’s a celebration of Ireland’s many sides, proudly challenging assumptions along the way.

This year’s theme is ‘arrivals’, shining a light on the contributions of Liverpool’s Irish community.

Here are just a few highlights from the 2025 programme:

Reveal: Book and Documentary Launch – Boxpark (13 October)

This special preview to launch the festival also presents the exclusive first screening of their new documentary and the debut of their long-awaited book, Reveal. Three years in the making, this evening marks a milestone moment for Liverpool Irish Festival.

Documenting the 2024 Walk of the Bronze Shoes — a pilgrimage from Strokestown, Ireland to Liverpool — and the creation of the Global Irish Famine Way, this book and film capture countless hours of research, endurance and dedication from our remarkable walkers and researchers.

#LIF2025 Launch – Liverpool Irish Centre (16 October)

Meet the Festival team and artists at the #LIF2025 Launch, hear about the programme and meet with friends. The Centre, the spiritual home of the Irish community in Liverpool, provides a convivial space in which to toast ‘fáilte’ (welcome) to all those who join them, have helped them and will be there for festivals ahead.

You can also be among the first to claim your free Brave Maeve treasure map and meet Stu Harrison — the illustrator and storyteller that brought Liverpool’s real life Brave Maeve to 2D.

In The Window: Meet The Maker: Corinne Price – Bluecoat Display Centre (17 October)

The Bluecoat Display Centre and Liverpool Irish Festival’s 2025 In The Window: Meet The Maker is artist Corinne Price. This event provides visitors with the chance to speak with the artist directly, about their work, general practice, ambitions and achievements.

Centred on Corinne’s ceramics, which layer pigment into the clay itself, visitors will benefit from a guided question and answer session, being able to ask additional questions.

Queer Arrivals – Unity Theatre (17 October)

Queer Arrivals, staged at Unity Theatre, is a deeply personal, music-filled journey by Irish singer-songwriter Gráinne Hunt, exploring what it means to come into queerness – and into oneself – later in life. With original songs and intimate storytelling, Gráinne shares her experience of falling in love with a woman in her 40s and how that has transformed her understanding of identity, artistry and belonging.

Incorporating Gráinne’s partner Jules Stewart on drums and vocals, Queer Arrivals is a tender, honest, and powerful celebration of love, growth, and self-acceptance debuting at the Liverpool Irish Festival.

The Great Hunger 2 Hour Tour – Starts Pilotage Building, near Museum of Liverpool (19 October)

Join Liverpool Irish Festival‘s John Maguire (also of ArtsGroupie) on an expanded The Great Hunger 2 Hour Tour of several Liverpool Irish Famine Trail sites, including Clarence Dock – the entry way for over 1.8m+ Irish Famine poor – and others in the town centre.

Spectators will hear how The Great Hunger changed Liverpool’s streets, learning how locations were used for sanctuary, nourishment and safety. Along the route, sites of Irish influence will also be marked helping to show the geographic memory of these times. Walkers will also hear about the benevolence of Liverpool’s people and on-going effects on the city today.

The Druids – Liverpool Irish Centre (19 October)

Irish folk band The Druids are back with another master show, featuring captivating new blends of traditional Irish folk music and storytelling. This type of performance highlights the band’s rich musical heritage, weaving together timeless Irish ballad songs with the powerful narratives that have been passed down through generations.

The combination of music and stories gives audiences a deep dive into Ireland’s cultural history, offering a mix of lively jigs, heartfelt ballads and tales that reflect the country’s folklore, struggles, and triumphs. Irish folk bands often use this format to connect with their audiences on a more emotional level, while also providing an immersive, entertaining experience.

Did I Ever Tell Ya – Liverpool Royal Court (22 October)

Join award-winning Irish playwright and actor David Gilna for Did I Ever Tell Ya, an unforgettable evening of storytelling at Liverpool’s Royal Court, as he delves into the laughter and heartbreak that shape our lives.

Through themes of grief, nostalgia, and the enduring power of humour, David asks the ultimate question: why do we tell the stories we do? A deeply moving and wildly entertaining night that will leave you laughing, crying, and craving more.

Welcome Home / Failte Abhaile – Sefton Park Palm House (23 October)

Irish people have made homes all over the world and Liverpool is no exception, being known as East Dublin, East Belfast and the 33rd county! Taking this year’s theme of ‘arrivals’, the George Ferguson Irish Dance School and Merseyside’s Melody Makers have collaborated to produce a Welcome Home / Failte Abhaile programme, celebrating what it is to arrive. Whether home is new or old, arriving there can be full of anticipation, expectation and nostalgia.

This engaging two-hour programme features over 50 musicians and dancers from across Merseyside. The performance takes place in one of Liverpool’s most emerald spaces: the ever-magnificent Sefton Park Palm House.

Family Day – Museum of Liverpool (25 October)

A festival-staple and must-see, at Family Day you’re invited to pop by or spend the day at the Museum of Liverpool. There’s plenty of activities to entertain kids (and adults) of all ages. The Armagh Rhymers return with their (exclusive to the Festival) Liver Bird story helping to understand how the First Nations people of North America helped the Irish during The Great Hunger.

The Bolger-Cunningham Dance School will give it their all in the morning, before the George Ferguson School for Irish Dance produce junior and senior dance sets, whilst Melody Makers and Comhaltas will bring their intergenerational group to play in the space. You’ll also be able to collect a Brave Maeve Tír Na nÓg map.

View the full Liverpool Irish Festival 2025 programme for more information.

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

Milap’s INDIKA festival is returning to Liverpool this October with a 15-day celebration of Indian music, dance and culture. The expansive range of events are taking place across the entire Liverpool City Region, as Milap strives to bring Indian culture to an even bigger audience.

Coinciding with their 40 year anniversary, the 2025 INDIKA festival “feels especially meaningful, as a celebration of how far we’ve come and a statement of where we’re headed” (Alok Nayak – Artistic Director of Milap). As one of Europe’s largest festivals of Indian classical arts, INDIKA has a varied programme which will allow audiences to not only watch and listen to performances, but feel them too, through multi-sensory experiences from both internationally renowned and British talent.

The programme will include captivating events that span across India’s diverse cultural traditions, such as traditional and contemporary dance and music, yoga, poetry, storytelling, talks, workshops, films, and more to inspire and connect with audiences.

Here’s some highlights coming up at this year’s festival.

The Tapi Project – Downstairs at the Everyman (22 October)

A continuous revival and retelling of stories and themes that make up modern India – held together by their compelling songwriting and compositions. Influences from the worlds of jazz, funk, folk and rock – filtered through the Indian subcontinent – all combine to create their unique and genre-defying sound.

Dancing The Divine  – Unity Theatre (23 October)

Dancing the Divine by acclaimed Kathak artist Sanjukta Sinha comes to Unity Theatre on Thursday 23 October. This intimate solo performance takes inspiration from the figure of Krishna, exploring themes of love, longing and devotion through movement and stillness. Rather than retelling myths, Sinha invites audiences into a personal, meditative journey where presence, absence and the search for the divine unfold on stage.

Rohan Roy Collective – Philharmonic Hall Music Room (24 October)

Taking place in The Music Room at Philharmonic Hall, acclaimed violinist Rohan Roy leads the collective in a bold fusion of Indian classical and contemporary sound. Joined by Giuliano Modarelli on guitar, Domenico Angrano on bass, and Harkiret Singh Bahra playing the table. This promises fusion at its finest as they combine Indian classical ragas with jazz, groove, and global sounds. 

The Stringmasters – The Tung Auditorium (25 October)

After being brought together by Milap in 2013, Anil Srinivasan, an award winning Indian pianist, and Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh, a virtuoso of the Saraswathi Veena have come together and created a remarkable blend of Western and Carnatic classical traditions. 

A Carnatic Quartet- A Concert for Children and Families -Philharmonic Hall Music Room (29 October)

Also taking place in The Music Room at Philharmonic Hall is an exciting opportunity to introduce a new generation to the magic of South Indian classical music. Designed just for families, the Carnatic Quartet have created a high-energy interactive performance perfect for curious young minds. Comprised of Shreya Devnath (Violin), Mylai M Karthikeyan (Nadhaswaram), Praveen Sparsh (Mridangam), and Adyar G Silambarasan (Thavil), the quartet create melodies that open up a world of wonder.

Sarathy Korwar – Future Yard (29 October)

One of the most original and compelling voices in the UK Jazz scene. Sarathy Korwar – globally acclaimed percussionist, composer and producer – is set to present music from his upcoming album ‘There Is Beauty, There Already’. Expect a striking, percussion-led exploration of rhythm, voice and electronics. With South Asian temple procession rhythms and contemporary minimalism, this is futuristic folk at its finest.

Resonance – Strings Across Borders – The Tung Auditorium (31 October)

A captivating concert taking place in the Tung Auditorium is Resonance – Strings Across Borders, made up of the duo of acclaimed sarod maestro Dr Pandit Ranajit Sengupta and distinguished sitarist Ashim Chowdhury and also the versatile and virtuosic German guitarist André Krengel. Accompanying the musicians is the esteemed Kousic Sen on tabla. It’ll be an evening where you can experience a fusion of musical traditions, where Indian music meets contemporary guitar and where tradition meets innovation. 

INDIKA festival will take place across Liverpool from the 17th-31st of October, with Diwali on the 20th of October featuring as the centrepiece of the festival. Full of exciting events and experiences, this multi-arts festival has something for everyone to explore and enjoy.

INDIKA Festival 2025
17-31 October
Various venues
More information can be found on Milap’s website.