The Liverpool European Festival returns in 2025 with its most ambitious programme yet, building on the success of the inaugural festival that captured hearts and minds during the 2023 Eurovision celebrations.
This year’s festival, a co-production of Liverpool’s European diaspora communities in collaboration with Liverpool City Council, will showcase the rich cultural tapestry that European heritage has woven throughout the Beatles City. From vibrant folk dances to avant-garde cinema, the festival highlights the stories of European migrants who have made Liverpool their home and shaped new generations.
“In today’s world defined by global uncertainty, the Liverpool European Festival stands as a beautiful and much-needed symbol of hope, unity, and belonging,” said Gosia McKane, who has been leading the organisational team since 2023. “It brings people together through the vibrant and diverse cultures of Europe — serving as a reminder of where we come from and inspiring us to build a kinder, more understanding future together. Right now, we need that more than ever.”
Communities from Albania, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, and beyond will open their hearts and share their unique cultural traditions through an extensive programme of events running throughout May and June.
Festival Highlights:
- May 8: VIP Launch at Liverpool Town Hall, bringing together European communities with diplomatic representatives for music, dance and conversation
- May 9: VIP meetings with LCR leaders, business and culture sector followed by a sightseeing tour of Liverpool for diplomatic guests
- May 10: Community Launch – Free daytime celebration at the Bombed Out Church (St. Luke’s) featuring stalls, music and dance performances, followed by two ticketed Fire Galas in the evening
- May 17: “Little Italy History Ride” explore Liverpool’s Italian heritage by bike
- May 31: International Children’s Day celebration, co-produced by European communities at Mini Roads, Liverpool
- June 15: Midsummer Celebrations with the Polish community at the Palm House
- June 21: German Summer Fete at the German Church (“Lederhosen” optional)
The full programme can be viewed at www.liverpooleuropeanfestival.co.uk.
Tickets for the Fire Gala can be booked here: https://bit.ly/Fire_Gala_Tickets_BombedOutChurch
“Together, let’s celebrate the power of unity in diversity,” added Gosia McKane. “This festival offers an opportunity for people of all ages to connect through dance, arts & crafts activities, and the powerful stories that unite us across cultures and generations.”
About Liverpool European Festival
Initially delivered during Eurovision 2023, the Liverpool European Festival celebrates the city’s deep connections to European culture and the vibrant diaspora communities that call Liverpool home. In 2024, alongside the festival, the partnership hosted a conference “Europeans and European Culture in the Liverpool City Region” at the University of Liverpool, School of Law.
The Liverpool European Festival dates are 8th May – 28th June 2025.
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Website: www.liverpooleuropeanfestival.co.uk