Loved: I visit River of Light every year and I’m a regular at the Floral Pavilion and the Liverpool Empire, I went to their amazing launch party for Eurovision. I also pop into the Walker Art Gallery, whenever I can, to see The Shepherdess by George Clausen, which I love.
Looking Forward To: I’m delighted to be joining this year’s Liverpool Literary Festival, which is held 17 – 19 October. As an alumnus of the University of Liverpool, it’s great to be part of this year’s 10th anniversary programme, where I’ll be talking about my latest novel, The Wager and the Bear. Tickets are still available so I would encourage anyone who is interested in themes such as climate change to book and come along.
I’ll also be heading down to see Liverpool Empire’s new production of Fawlty Towers next month.
Trivia: I once drove a £100 banger from Plymouth to the Gambia for an African children’s charity and raised over £10,000
This week’s Culture Radar guest is Archana Shastri, Director of Marketing & Communications, Milap.
Loved: I recently had the chance to see one of India’s most celebrated composers, Ilaiyaraaja, present his very first Western symphony, performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. With a career spanning over 7,000 songs and a huge global following, it felt special to witness such a milestone in his incredible career — the music was breathtaking, and it was amazing how he brought his signature Indian sound seamlessly into a Western symphonic form.
Looking Forward To: INDIKA Festival is just around the corner, and honestly, the whole line-up is going to be brilliant. In music, I can’t wait for The Stringmasters featuring Milap favourites Jayanthi Kumaresh (veena) and Anil Srinivasan (piano) with Indian percussion, and in dance, Dancing the Divine with kathak dancer Sanjukta Sinha — the way she blends energy, passion, and grace is astounding.
Trivia: I trained in Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance form, for over 15 years.
From local legends to global sounds, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Music Room is celebrating 10 years of bringing you closer to grassroots music, their birthday celebrations will be held from 28 September to 13 October.
Over the past decade, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall’s Music Room has done it all. They’ve brought you incredible shows spanning the whole spectrum of musical genres, plus intimate chamber concerts, musical adventures for their youngest audiences and inspiring community music workshops too. They’ve welcomed a vast array of artists, nurtured new talent, and collaborated with partners to present a programme that’s exciting, diverse and truly unique.
Now, they’re marking this special occasion with a huge celebration of all the Music Room does. So head along, join the party and help celebrate a decade of the Music Room – a real treasure of Liverpool’s music scene.
Discover their Music Room 10 programme below…
Cerddoriaeth Cymru: 9Bach, Cerys Hafana and VRi (3 October)
In every corner of Britain, there are tales to be told – and great folk artists ready to tell them through song. In the Music Room, they have a proud folk music tradition, and so as part of their tenth anniversary celebrations they’re shining a spotlight on folk musicians from across the home nations, celebrating their countries and their music.
First up at Cerddoriaeth Cymru, they welcome three captivating Welsh artists, VRï, Cerys Hafana and 9Bach, back to the Music Room.
Daughters of Albion: Kathryn Williams and Sarah Smout (5 October)
The Music Room has always been a beloved home for folk music – and they’re finishing theirr tour of Britain’s folk tradition by returning home to England with Daughters of Albion. In two exciting shows, you’ll see female folk artists, both established stars and up-and-coming talent, come together on stage in inspiring showcases of the English folk genre, its history and its future too. This afternoon, they welcome Kathryn Williams and Sarah Smout.
Kathryn Williams is a Liverpool-born, Mercury Music Prize nominated singer-songwriter with 16 albums under her belt. Cellist, singer and poet Sarah Smout weaves together nature, creativity, and activism to provoke thought and inspire change. Her music has been played on BBC Radio 2, she’s worked with Greenpeace and been a session musician for artists such as Michael Chapman and Bridget St. John
Music Mondays (6 October)
Over the last ten years, the Music Room has been home to lots of Liverpool Philharmonic’s award-winning Music and Health work – an integral part of their activity within the community, helping thousands of people every year. They’re proud to celebrate that programme during this anniversary.
So, today they’re hosting a very special edition of Music Mondays. Running as a social prescribing programme, Music Mondays aim to boost mood, increase social connection and build confidence through learning about music and making music together too. Sessions are open to anyone aged 18+ from across the Liverpool City Region, and participants can self-refer or be referred by a GP/community organisation.
Hope St. Blues: Catfish Keith and Jo Harman with very special guest Connie Lush (7 October)
Foot-stomping, heartbreaking and spellbinding, some Music Room legends return to sing the Hope St Blues. On this tenth anniversary, the pioneering Catfish Keith makes his tenth appearance on our stage, and award-winning, best-selling blues/soul vocalist Jo Harman performs for the third time too.
They’re also delighted to welcome back Connie Lush from retirement to perform a couple of songs. She was the artist who performed the very first test event at the Music Room’s launch and treated them to a Christmas residency in 2019.
One Night on Sugnall (9 October)
As part of their celebrations, they’re welcoming back some of the city’s most exciting young stars in One Night at Sugnall – artists who have all risen up through the Music Room, and have each headlined their own show in the space. Head along as Ellis Murphy, Astles, MT Jones and Motel Sundown perform as you’ve never seen them before.
Ellis Murphy has amassed a cult following with his timeless brand of storytelling, through his songs that are both current and fresh but also reminiscent of a time when troubadours were the voice of a generation. Astles’ songwriting has piqued the interest of the NME, Clash Magazine and even Sir Paul McCartney. He has supported the likes of Bill Ryder Jones, The Mysterines and Michael Head.
MT Jones evokes a sound that transports you back to a smoke-filled speakeasy, while also feeling fresh and innovative and Motel Sundown draw listeners with their blend of 70’s soft rock and luscious three-part harmonies.
They Say It’s Our Birthday: Baked a la Ska (10 October)
Today’s the day – it’s officially the Music Room’s tenth birthday! And what better way to celebrate this anniversary than with an all-out, irresistible party hosted by none other than Baked A La Ska – the incredible group who have brought so much fun and joyful energy to the venue over the years.
With their annual Christmas show, and plenty of other visits besides, they’ve introduced us to vintage ska sounds and an eclectic platter of covers – and now they’re back, marking a decade of the Music Room with a specially-curated, never-before-seen show. In this very special performance, they’ll be sprinkling some ska dust on Beatles hits and rarities, and travelling through their own back catalogue, bringing you tracks from all five of their albums. Get ready for a real extravaganza, from one of the tightest rhythm sections in Manchester.
Klezmer-ish – Celebrating 10 Years of Music and Memories (12 – 13 October)
Klezmer-ish returns to the Music Room to celebrate a remarkable milestone — the 10th anniversary of both the band and this iconic venue. These special performances will be a vibrant celebration of nostalgia, joy, and musical magic.
To mark the occasion, they’ll welcome back special guest artists who have collaborated with them over the years, while also showcasing the talent of new young performers, coming together to create a dynamic and exciting blend of sounds and styles.
Youth Company Celebrates 10 years of the Music Room (12 October)
Since 2015, the Music Room has been an invaluable venue for Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company, giving the region’s brightest young musicians a space to stage incredible concerts, and celebrate their talent and hard work. For their anniversary, Youth Company Celebrates 10 years of the Music Room, they’ve invited two of Youth Company’s stellar ensembles to head along and really put on a show.
Both Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Session Band and Brass Band are no stranger to the Music Room – they have regularly taken to the stage over the years to sell-out audiences. Hear the best of the company’s contemporary and brass ensembles in an electrifying, high-energy performance of pop favourites new and old, and brass music that will bring the house down.
Liverpool’s creative scene is ever-evolving, and The Studio Beyond is a testament to that.
Following their success with The Studio Below, Sharon Colpman and her team launched their second venue in March this year. Upgrading to a more central location on Wood Street, The Studio Beyond boasts a 50 seater theatre space, rehearsal room, podcast suite and bar, as well as their on-site Red Book Casting Agency, run by Sinead Renaye.
Colpman, Co-Founder of The Studio Beyond and Make it Write Productions, explains, “if you stay still it doesn’t work, we have to keep moving forward”. Having started out as a science teacher, Colpman realised she was something of a wordsmith when asked to write a play for her village’s millennium celebration, working alongside Forest Forge Theatre Company. Moving to Liverpool, she was keen to showcase her plays locally, resulting in the birth of Make It Write Productions.
Co-founded with James Gaskin, Make it Write is a community interest company (CIC) supporting writers, actors, directors and the like to take their work to the next level. Now, with both studios at their disposal, Colpman’s dedicated team are not only using the spaces to mentor, but have stepped up as one of the city’s most affordable venues, without sacrificing professionalism or high quality tech. She presents The Studio Beyond as “a great place to experiment. Blake is really good with people who haven’t done a tech run before – he can see their vision, paint a picture of the night in his head and just make it happen!”
Atom Improv
Al Donohoe from The Atom Improv describes it as “a conveniently priced fringe venue that young theatre makers have been lacking in the city centre.” Atom’s fortnightly Harold Night and monthly improv jam both take place there, providing a safe space for improv lovers old and new to get up on stage.
Toeing the line of theatre and stand up, Donohoe and twoprov partner, Mike Burton, hope to give their audience “a sense of alternative comedy, proving how great improv can be”. Rejecting the working man’s club style of humour in favour of something more unpredictable, they build their shows around the crowd, asking audience members to share their own hilarious stories as prompts.
With roughly 90% of their spectators being return customers, the joy and loyalty within Liverpool’s improv scene is clear to see. “Sometimes people will quote our own show back to us, which is funny,” says Donohoe, “they’re very supportive, fun and willing to get involved”.
The Atom Improv took it one step further as students returned to the city this September, kicking off the academic year with a Freshers Week Extravaganza. With show tickets starting from just £3, The Studio Beyond consistently ensures that the arts are accessible on a budget, meaning you can spend a little and laugh a lot!
Notably, the venue’s commitment to inclusivity goes much further than finance. Creative spaces are often seen as a safe haven for the LGBT+ community, and The Studio Beyond is no exception. Abbie Caskie, co-founder of Bunny Boiler Productions, produced They’re Just Roommates back in July, as part of Grin Theatre’s Pride Double Bill – a night built for queer joy. Drawn to the venue through word of mouth within Liverpool’s creative community, her experience working with them was positive from first rehearsal right through to curtain.
The Studio Beyond Podcast Suite
Caskie wrote and directed her “modern day lesbian adaptation of Pride and Prejudice” as a celebration of queer relationships. Representing a lesbian love story without questioning sexuality, her show attracted likeminded audience members of all ages. Describing the team as “supportive and engaged with the show”, she felt they were “all collaborating to make the night a success”. Now, having successfully trialed her work as a 30 minute piece, the theatre-maker hopes to develop it into a full length show. “The point is to be inclusive and we will welcome you,” expresses Colpman. Regretfully, the building is not currently accessible, due to its listed status.
As committed as they are to their work at The Studio Beyond, the team prove to be talented creatives themselves. Theatre Manager, Molly Farquhar, recently returned from Edinburgh Fringe Festival with a five star review from The Scotsman. Her award winning show, Hairy B*stard, previewed at the venue before heading off to The Fringe.
Hairy B*stard – a show about self love, self loathing, and how expensive razors are – is a semi-autobiographical show based around Farquhar’s experience with PCOS and hirsutism. Having previewed at The Studio Beyond, she had a full house to work with. “Hearing people laugh, cry and connect was wonderful,” she reflects.
Farquhar describes her workplace as “a welcoming, warm space that provided me with a platform to tell my story. As a working class creative, I strongly believe in championing local voices and giving them a chance to shine. Without places like Beyond, this just wouldn’t happen.” Enabling her to test new sections of the show and work on audience interaction, the preview was vital in preparing her for Edinburgh Fringe.
Theatre Manager, Molly Farquhar
It’s never a dull day as part of The Studio Beyond’s team, getting stuck in and wearing many hats. Farquhar loves to mentor, teach and network with local artists on top of her managerial duties. She adds, “every single one of us works our socks off to make sure we can provide a community space for creatives. We’re approachable, problem solvers, and most importantly – we care.”
Colpman shares her hopes to open The Studio Beyond’s hidden roof terrace ready for summer 2026, as well as investing in air conditioning for the hot-yoga-studio turned-theatre. With Liverpool Fringe 2025 just around the corner, they will debut as a Fringe venue for local practitioners, along with hosting the official awards evening on 12 October. “Having that live experience is something that’s dying out, to come here and have connection with real live people,” she highlights.
Other upcoming shows include their Fringe Bangs Film Festival and Studio Beyond The Grave open mic this October, followed by Christmas festivities, Weird Fest, Queer Words and much more in store for 2026. “We all share boundless energy and passion for the arts,” says Colpman, “some nights we crawl to the kebab house because we’re so tired, but seeing happy faces after you’ve been running around behind the scenes makes you realise why you’re doing it”.
In this latest instalment of Buried Treasure, John Maguire of ArtsGroupie CIC uncovers the hidden riddles and remarkable treasures within Liverpool Central Library, with the coded granite walkway leading to one of the world’s most extraordinary books.
As you enter the path to Liverpool’s Central Library, on the ground, there is a list of great examples of storytelling—an impressive 79-foot-long walkway, detailing popular titles from books and films.
It reminds me a bit of Madonna’s shout-out to the fabulous age of Hollywood in the song Vogue. Here, we find a list of timeless classics, ranging from local authors, such as Educating Rita (Willy Russell) and The Cruel Sea (Nicholas Monsarrat), to National titles, including Charlotte’s Web (E. B. White) and Rebecca (Daphne du Maurier).
You notice, amidst this, “wordy welcome” that several red letters are standing out within the granite walkway as you trail into the library. A bit of a riddle! In fact, the red letters spell out a coded message.
It is fitting that we are faced with such a challenge when entering the reading space. Not many people know that a man by the name of Arthur Wynne was a Liverpool-born inventor who came up with something still popular now. The first ever crossword puzzle was published in the New York World newspaper on December 21, 1913.
At first, it was known as a “Word-Cross Puzzle,” and not the shape we know today, for this initial one was diamond-shaped, featured a hollow centre, and had the word “Fun” already filled in. This puzzle, created for the “Fun” section, became a widespread phenomenon, though the term “crossword” only emerged later due to a typesetting error.
The puzzle was an immediate success, becoming so popular that other newspapers quickly began to publish their own versions. The popularity of Wynne’s creation led to the publication of the first crossword puzzle book by Simon & Schuster in 1924.
So, what do the red letters in this Word puzzle on William Brown Street mean – if you collect them as you make your way into the library, they read Cyclops In The Wood.
The Flamingo
You can find the said Cyclops In The Wood, that is the OAK room (wood), next to the Hornby Library, just off the Picton reading room. Inside, you will have to search for the mythical beast, which is in fact a book titled The Genus Crocus by George Maw (1886), situated amongst the bookshelves.
Keeping a watchful eye on a piece of absolute treasure, the magnificent Birds of America by John James Audubon (1827- 38). 435 life-sized prints celebrated for artistic and ornithological accuracy. The depictions of birds are majestic. It is displayed open, and the dimensions when open are 3 feet 4 inches high by 4 feet 6 inches wide by about 5 inches deep. It looks like it has been taken from a giant’s bookcase. Each page of the book is illustrated with a hand coloured image of a type of bird. They catalogue and display American birds, some of which are extinct. His work in this book indicates he was an incredible artist who created one of the most scientific explorations of birds. In 2018, a copy of The Birds of America was officially sold for $9.65 million (£7, 161 197.44).
It has to be noted that Audubon is a controversial figure with accusations of plagiarism and criticism of his involvement in the slave trade. In 1905, a non-profit environmental organisation was founded in his name, dedicated to bird conservation and habitat preservation. The organisation is the largest and oldest ecological organisation in the world, advancing the education and advocacy of policies to protect birds and their environment. It has not shied away from the murkier elements of their namesake and addresses his white supremacist views and ethical failings on their website with an insightful essay – The Myth of John James Audubon.
The people of Liverpool own this book in Liverpool Central Library, the taxpayers of our City, a public treasure on display every day. There is a magical energy in the air when you enter the room surrounded by the bookcases and with the cyclops guarding close by. When I visit this space, I always think about writer Roald Dahl and his words: “And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it”.
Once a week, the book has its page turned so you can see a new bird in its glass nest (The book is encased in a bulletproof glass case). I like to view this tomb as much as I can, to try and spot a different bird; one day, I hope to have seen them all. So far, my favourite has to be The Flamingo. I have seen this a few times, and the last time, as I stared closely with my face pressed up against the glass, I am sure the creature pecked its beak on the side as if to say hello.
The Magic of Motown on stage at the end of their performance at the Empire
When Berry Gordy took out that famous 800 dollar loan to start Tamla Records in 1959 he couldn’t have dreamt that 60 odd years later the music he created would still be moving audiences all of the world, but here we were on a rain-swept Wednesday night in Liverpool listening to his greatest music and the Motown legacy carries on.
This year three of Motown’s all-time greats, Diana Ross, Lionel Ritchie and Stevie Wonder have been performing in the UK, and for those who couldn’t make it to watch one of their shows, The Magic of Motown covered music by all three, and more.
The show opened with the band playing the opening bars of Please Mr Postman by the Marvelettes. This was their debut single and the first Motown song to reach number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles in 1961. The first of seemingly endless Motown number 1’s in the US, the UK and across the world, From the moment that the familiar lyrics ‘oh yes, wait a minute Mr Postman. Wait ,wait Mr. Postman’ rang out in the darkened auditorium the audience started partying. The Liverpool audience were up for a good time last night and the singers on stage, backed by an excellent band, didn’t disappoint
They roared through a cracking set list of songs from all of Motown’s heavy hitters; The Supremes, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Isley Brothers, Smokie Robinson, Lionel Ritchie, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Marvelettes, Martha & the Vandellas and The Jackson 5.
The show contained fantastic lead and backing vocals, wonderful music, aided by multiple costume changes, mixed all girl and all boy sets, with the occasional duet or single piece. The singers were exceptional all night, with only the occasional over-emoting on the outro hitting a flat note with me.
Highlights of the show included:
‘Sugar Pie Honey Bunch’ and ‘Reach Out’ by the Four Tops
‘Just my Imagination’ and ‘My Girl’ by the Temptations
Stevie Wonder’s ‘Sir Duke’ and ‘Superstition’
Marvin Gaye, with and without Tammi Terrell on ‘You’re all I need to get by’ and ‘Heard it through the Grapevine’.
Smokie Robinson and the Miracles with ‘Shop Around’, and ‘Tears of a Clown’.
Diana Ross & the Supremes with ‘Baby Love’ and ‘Stop! In the name of love’.
Lionel Ritchie’s ‘All Night Long’ and ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’.
Jackson 5 with ‘Rockin’ Robin’ and ‘ABC’
‘Heatwave’ by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas.
‘Please Mr Postman’ by the Marvelettes.
At the interval the ‘Four Tops’ were mingling with the crowd in the bar during the interval drinks.
The second half of the show continued where the first half left off, with great music, call and response with the audience, and singing along to all the choruses. People were dancing in the seats and the aisles, if not the streets, and the girls from Queen Mary High School in front of us were on fine form singing and dancing along to Motown’s finest.
The singers were top-notch; no one would pretend that they measured up to Stevie, Marvin, Levi Stubbs, David Ruffin, Martha Reeves et al-but then who does?
At the end the singers asked if we’d like to have them back next year, and they got a resounding yes. The night finished with the cast of the show taking a selfie with the Empire audience in the background.
The Empire has already mailed to ask for feedback on the performance, so let’s hope they act on what we’ve fed back and book The Magic of Motown for 2026.
To find live music events happening in the Liverpool city region take a look at our What’s On Listings.
The John Moores Painting Prize is currently on show at the Walker Art Gallery, opening on 6 September, the exhibition runs until 1 March 2026.
About The John Moores Painting Prize
The Prize was set up in 1957, when John Moores sponsored a competition for contemporary artists at the Walker Art Gallery for the first time, with the intention of showcasing the best of new British painting. John Moores, as well as his work with The Littlewoods Organisation and Everton Football Club, was a philanthropist and great supporter of the arts and was himself an accomplished amateur painter.
The John Moores Painting Prize has since been held almost every two years, with the prize open to all contemporary painters and welcomes submissions from both established and emerging artists. It awards:
First Prize: The winner is awarded a £25,000 prize.
Lady Grantchester Prize: Awarded to recent art graduates, this prize includes £5,000, £2,500 in art materials, and a month-long residency in London.
Visitor’s Choice award: selected by exhibition visitors, this award offers £2025 to the winning artist.
Each years Prize winner is also awarded a solo exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery. The 2023 winner, Graham Crowley, had a very well-received exhibition ‘Graham Crowley: I paint shadows’ on display until July 2025.
Over sixty years the competition has helped to support the work of a number of British artists and has often been acknowledged as a key moment in the careers of many distinguished painters.
The Prize attracts large numbers of visitors and remains hugely popular with the visiting public. Recent exhibitions have had record-breaking numbers of visitors.
The regular acquisition of the first prize-winning works by the Walker, along with other selected works, has led to the gallery holding a large collection of post-war British painting.
John Moores Painting Prize China 2024
This year there is also a side exhibition of the John Moores Painting Prize China 2024 winners. The 6 prize-winning artists have recently completed a month-long residency and studio exhibition at John Moores University’s School of Art and Design.
This is the 8th edition of the Prize in China. It follows the same founding principles as the UK model. The Prize is open to all painters from across China and an invited jury selects the paintings. The artists remain anonymous throughout the process.
In the UK, during its sixty-year history, the John Moores Painting Prize has displayed some of Britain’s greatest contemporary artistic talents.
Previous winners include David Hockney, with his ‘Peter getting out of Nick’s Pool’ (1966), and Peter Blake, who later became the first patron of the prize in 2011.
Darkened Heart (a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth) by Joanna Whittle
John Moores Painting Prize 2025
This year’s exhibits are a mix of figurative, landscape and abstract pieces, with several painting I found particularly interesting, including my Visitors Choice vote, which was for Darkened Heart (a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth) by Joanna Whittle. This is an exquisite small-scale landscape depicting a tent with a luminous structure within it; (oil on rayon). Joanna’s work typically depicts temporary structures which ‘speak of fragility and transience’, Joanna has exhibited at John Moores previously.
Darkened Heart was endorsed as Highly Commended by this year’s judging panel.
Another painting Highly Commended by the judges was Bedscape2 by Katy Shepherd, which is another I would personally commend, as is Ayomide Feyujimi, a portrait by Martin Stevenson.
Some of the larger pieces, for example The Judge’s Quarters (Facing West) by Shaan Syed, benefit from extended study and reveal some of the revisions undertaken during their creation.
As always with such exhibitions, visitors will have particular preferences, and the opportunity to have your voice heard and vote for your personal winner is always welcome.
John Moores Painting Prize 2025 Walker Art Gallery
Running until 1 March 2026
Free Entry More Info
This week’s Culture Radar guest is Creative Coordinator ofThe Windows Project, Dave Ward.
Loved: Toria Woofe at the Nordic Church. She is a UK Americana singer/songwriter, she was amazing… the venue is just as incredible; they do monthly music events as means of local fundraising ranging from folk, to classical and jazz. What a warm and welcoming experience.
Looking Forward To: I’m looking forward to the forthcoming classical music season at Liverpool, Philharmonic. I have very eclectic taste, but classical music is a passion of mine; my dad was a music teacher, so it is in my blood!
Trivia: I also write folkloric fiction under the name David Greygoose (my great grandmother’s name) and have provided lyrics for the forthcoming album Smoke Road by Crystal Jacqueline. In my spare time I grow cooking apples, stew cooking apples and eat cooking apples … amongst other things!
Liverpool’s waterfront will once again be transformed into a spectacular outdoor art gallery this autumn, as River of Light returns with a brand-new theme: The Science of Light.
Running from Friday 24 October to Sunday 2 November, the much-loved, free festival will showcase ten large-scale artworks, each inspired by science, technology, or the natural world. Now in its 8th edition, River of Light continues to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors, combining cutting-edge creativity with world-class locations.
This year, organisers have worked closely with Liverpool’s thriving science and innovation community to create an inspiring 3km trail stretching across the Royal Albert Dock, Pier Head, Exchange Flags and Liverpool ONE.
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)
The full line-up, locations, opening times, and FAQs can be found via the Visit Liverpool website, with updates shared via @visitliverpool (X, Facebook, TikTok) and @visitliverpool_ (Instagram).
BlackFest is grassroots, homegrown, award-winning Black arts organisation based in Liverpool City Region. They showcase music, theatre, film, visual arts, spoken word, and poetry across both community and mainstream venues. Their aim is to bridge the gap between institutions and the marginalised communities they represent.
Their annual festival was created to amplify and celebrate Black artistic expression, the theme for BlackFest 2025 is Masculinity and Masculine energy, exploring and celebrating the diverse aspects of masculinity.
Here’s a selection of highlights from this year’s line-up:
Diversity Dialogues with Malik Al Nasir – Sefton Park Palm House (23 September)
Come together for an inspiring Diversity Dialogues session with author, educator, artist, activist Malik Al Nasir hosted by Dr Rebecca Loy as he shares reflections on identity and heritage his second published book, Searching for my Slave Roots.
Malik Al Nasir was born in Liverpool to mixed parentage, with a white mother and a black father. Bemused by memories of racist shouts for him to ‘go back to where you came from’ he began to look into his ancestry. His resulting book charts the twists and turns of his journey into the past and explores an untold chapter in both Black and British history.
With uplifting performances featuring Hayli Kincade and Wavertree Community Choir.
Remée – The Tung Auditorium (24 September)
Part of the Yoko Ono Lennon Lunchtime Concert Series, join BlackFest in partnership with The Tung Auditorium in celebrating local Liverpool artist Remée.
Remée is an alternative artist who draws inspiration from a wide range of artists and genres with immersive lyrical storytelling and stunning visuals. She is also known for her love of steampunk fashion and Victorian-era aesthetics, which she incorporates into her music. The local singer/songwriter blends electronics with heavy bass in a captivating show.
Rhythms Night – District (25 September)
A dynamic showcase blending rock-punk with soulful singer-songwriters, Rhythms Night features headliner Third Kulture alongside KingFast, Mina and Rafaela. Third Kulture’s unique sound draws from all corners of their diverse cultural influence, blending mesmerising R&B vocals, electrifying guitar riffs, and the cutting-edge influences of grime and modern rap with flavours of UK rave music, dancehall and trip-hop.
Formed in Manchester, the dynamic trio are loud and unapologetically themselves, embodying the essence of diversity, innovation, and cultural fusion.
Spoken Word Poetry Night – The Capstone Theatre (3 October)
Head along and enjoy poets and wordsmiths bringing their views and experiences to life, featuring Dionne Simpson, Sabiya and Janoma Omena. The experimental Spoken Word Poetry Night has always been such a well-loved segment of the festival from audiences and artists alike.
BlackFest have shortlisted the talented and passionate artists to develop their work over a series of professionally facilitated workshops and rehearsals. The comedy veers from breaking intergenerational curses to dark and witty humour, covering themes of abuse, race, culture and identity.
Curtis Watt is an established local Liverpool multidisciplinary artist. His practice is in sketch, mixed media and surrealist dream translations in pencil, pastels and ink. His work has also included rap, music production, theatre development and performance coaching.
The Visual Arts Workshop explores creative writing, storytelling, poetry and spoken word, followed by sketching your own creative response.
Celebrating 150 Years Coleridge Taylor Day – The Capstone Theatre / Hope Creative Campus (11 October)
2025 is the 150th anniversary of the birth of Black British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. Tayo Aluko & Friends CIC in partnership with BlackFest and Liverpool Hope University are holding a Celebrating Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Day at Hope University’s creative campus.
The day will include some of Coleridge-Taylor’s works featuring singers and instrumentalists singing and playing the composer’s music. , and Tayo Aluko’s play, Coleridge-Taylor of Freetown at The Captone Theatre.
BlackFest October Scratch Night Take Over – Shakespeare North Playhouse (14 October)
Join the BlackFest October Scratch Night Take Over as artists Shak, Chelsey, Resila and BluBoy bring exciting experimental new works using their disciplines and theatre to bring their stories to life.
Some of the artists use their writing and directing skills, some their own performance and poetry skills and some a combination of singing performing and writing. They are also creating open mic slots for after the artists have performed, you can sign up before the event at andi.herring@blackfest.co.uk.
The Alternative Black Cabaret Comedy Showcase – Liverpool Royal Court Studios (25 October)
The Alternative Black Cabaret Comedy Showcase is hosted by Che Burnley, hailing from Oldham and an honorary Scouser. In the last few years Che has established his own showcase show in Edinburgh and Liverpool, provided tour support for Reginald D Hunter, written his own solo shows and still found time to gig across the country. Join the festival comedy showcase for Che and some excellent supporting acts from Liverpool and beyond.
For more details and to buy tickets, visit their website www.blackfest.co.uk
To discover even more events across the Liverpool city region check out our What’s On Listings.
Keep in touch
Newsletter
Sign up to keep up to date with what's on in the city and the region!
