Community Post Type: News

Collective Encounters is delivering their popular Trauma Informed Practice training in collaboration with Unity Theatre, led by experts in the fields of participatory performance and psychotherapy.

This training is specifically for artists, facilitators and activists working in community settings and takes a social justice approach to understanding trauma and incorporating this understanding into your creative practice.

This training will:

• Unpick popular perceptions and misuse of language around trauma and PTSD;
• Provide an overview of the physiology of trauma and an insight from the perspective of a clinical psychotherapist;
• Offer practical tips for creating safe spaces and avoiding practices which may re-traumatise participants;
• Create a space to explore problem solving using real-life scenarios;
• Explore asset-based approaches to understanding trauma within social justice frameworks.

Ticket prices:

• Tier 1 – for attendees supported by their organisations the full price of a ticket is £60.00
• Tier 2 – for freelancers and individuals from non-regularly funded organisations attendees the price of a ticket is £40.00
• Tier 3 – for those on low or no income the ticket price is £18.00

Bursary places are now fully booked.

Click here to book

Join FACT for three powerful short films that trace the many ways Gaza bears witness, in partnership with London Palestine Film Festival.

GAZA SOUND MAN

Through a series of immersive soundscapes, sound engineer Mohammad Yaghi captures the realities of life on the ground in Palestine. The visceral moments Mohammad captures highlight the transformation of Gaza’s aural environment.

THE CLOWN OF GAZA

One smile at a time, Alloush — short-statured and disabled — challenges Gaza’s devastation by spreading hope and passing moments of joy. As war closes in, Aloosh clings to laughter and art amid unimaginable hardship.

VIBRATIONS FROM GAZA

This short documentary offers a glimpse into the resilience of Palestinian Deaf children. The children describe their perceptions of missiles strikes through sensing vibrations in the air, trembling of the ground, and the resonance of collapsing buildings.

🗓️ Mon 24 Nov / 19:00
🎟️ £10 → link for tickets here

All proceeds from ticket sales will be shared between the London Palestine Film Festival and Medical Aid for Palestinians.

Youth Music believe that every young person deserves the chance to transform their life through the power of music.

Youth Music’s Shift the Scene Fund offers grants of up to £200,000 to organisations in England who provide creative opportunities for Disabled children and young people, pushing for genuine inclusion, ambition and accessibility.

Grants of up to £200,000 will be made to organisations for work that is sustained over a 4 year period.

Opportunities will be funded across all art forms, not just music, for children and young people aged 9 to 30.

The online application form is available from the 31^st October.  Stage 1 deadline: 5pm on 28 November 2025.

Application Guidance and Questions can be viewed on their website.

The fund is for organisations that:

Work across any creative discipline – not just music.

Already actively work with Disabled people across all parts of their organisation (i.e. as participants, volunteers, freelancers, and staff).

Can amplify young Disabled voices and already have established ways of co-creating with Disabled young people.

Schools and academies can’t be lead applicant but organisations that do apply, can partner or deliver in a school setting.

A Shift the Scene funded partner could be:

A museum or library that programmes literature and art activities for 9 to 12 year olds.

A theatre company that specialises in work with Disabled young people.

A small CIC comprising freelancers delivering music and movement projects with

Disabled young people in a variety of community settings.

A visual arts charity creating pathways for young Disabled artists.

In addition: 

Sole traders and individuals can’t apply to this fund.

If you are a voluntary group not registered with Companies House or the Charity Commission, you must have a constitution and management committee.

You must be legally constituted and providing activity for at least one year before you apply to this fund.

Acclaimed Liverpool-based artist Tabitha Moses is holding two embroidery workshops at Liverpool Independent Art School, 19 November and 17 January 2026.

Slow Down & Sew with Tabitha Moses

A chance to learn (or relearn) simple hand embroidery stitches and enjoy the ebb and flow of conversation as we sew together.

Date and time: Wednesday, November 19 · 10am – 12:30pm GMT. Doors at 9.50am.

Location: Liverpool Independent Art School, 68 Upper Hill Street Liverpool L8 1YR

Cost: £26 – £36

For tickets, visit here

Stitching Circles: Mandala-Inspired Embroidery with Tabitha Moses

Explore colour, rhythm and the ancient symbol of the circle as we slow down and sew together. Suitable for all skill levels.

Date and time: Saturday, January 17, 2026 · 10am – 4pm GMT. Doors at 9:50am

Location: Liverpool Independent Art School, 68 Upper Hill Street Liverpool L8 1YR

Cost: £52 – £72

For tickets, visit here

Join RAWD’s DYCP Access Support Coffee Morning

Saturday 1st November, 10am–1pm
Static Gallery, Liverpool L1 9JD

Their experienced creative access workers are here to help you:

Write up and interpret your ideas
Navigate Arts Council England’s online system
Access extra support and useful resources

📧 Email access@rawdproject.co.uk to let them know you’ll be coming or if you can’t make it then get in touch if you want support.

Find out more about Liverpool’s Caribbean Carnivals going back to 1978 as part of BHM2025 this half term, with workshops on Monday and Thursday, 27 and 30 October.

Taking place at the African and Caribbean Centre in L8, find out why Carnival matters, its roots in resistance and celebration and make your own Carnival costume inspired by the iconic Blue Devil, a playful and powerful Carnival character from Trinidad & Tobago.

Workshops are free and will be held on Monday 27 October, 10am–4pm and Thursday 30 October, 5pm–8pm.

Go to the Culture Liverpool website to book.

Spice Route Stories After School Session

Mon 10 Nov 2025 3:45 PM – 5:00 PM

Sefton Park Palm House, Liverpool L17 1AP

Explore the hidden history of spices at Sefton Park Palm House with ArtsGroupie, through a drama performance, Christmas crafts, and gardening!

This free after-school session aimed at children aged 7-9 is part of the Being Human Festival-funded ‘Spice Route Stories’ activity day, organised by the Research Institute for Literature and Cultural History at Liverpool John Moores University. Discover how spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves travelled the world and seeded hundreds of stories – including the forgotten story of Liverpool’s links with ginger.

Children will be led through a series of drama, crafts, and planting activities, but must be accompanied by an adult. As spaces for the session are limited, booking is essential (book one place per participating child – there is no need for accompanying adults to book).

This event is part of Being Human Festival 2025, the UK’s national festival of the humanities, taking place 6-15^th November 2025. Led by the School of Advanced Study, University of London, with generous support from Research England, in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the British Academy. For further information, please see beinghumanfestival.org.

FREE TICKETS HERE – https://www.tickettailor.com/events/researchinstituteforliteratureandculturalhistory/1751252

A Liverpool Institute Of Performing Arts graduate from America has produced a powerful rock opera about his life in Liverpool during Covid lockdowns. Eddie Min, now 26, is premiering the show at Hope Street Theatre from 24^th-26^th October.

Different Kind of Normal is an explosive new rock opera running for three nights only at Liverpool’s Hope Street Theatre on 24th, 25th and 26th October! The exciting concept blends a dystopian psychological thriller with a rocking soundtrack!

Blending the raw energy of a live rock concert with the intensity of theatre, the production promises to be a genre-defying experience. At its core, Different Kind of Normal is inspired by university life during the Covid-19 pandemic — following five university students as they grapple with identity, artistic awakening and love amid extraordinary challenges.

Deacon is a down on his luck musician with anxiety and OCD who is in his final year of uni. He will surely clash with Bonzo — a nerdy drummer with ADHD and Autism who has a dependency on alcohol and drugs. Meanwhile, Harley is a visual artist in her early 20s with her own issues and Logo is an obnoxious drug dealer. Throw young hippie and peacekeeper Regan into the mix and it’s an interesting dynamic.

Through a psychedelic rock score, the story explores urgent themes such as neurodiversity, mental health, addiction and the emotional toll of isolation. As the characters confront their inner struggles, they reveal a collective path toward healing and self-acceptance — played by some of Liverpool’s finest young acting talent, the result is a profound and captivating production.

The soundtrack is performed live by Liverpool alt-rock band Tripwire, whose sound has been shaped by heavyweights like Queens of the Stone Age and Deftones. With 11 powerhouse tracks, the score drives the story forward with gritty riffs, haunting melodies and heart-pounding rhythms designed to immerse the audience in the chaos.

The concept comes from Eddie Min, a 26-year-old California-born graduate of Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA). Eddie arrived in Liverpool in 2018 to study music, just before the pandemic hit. Stranded in a new country under lockdown, he began writing a concept album about students forced into confinement — each bringing their own fears, flaws and inner battles to the fore.

Out of this period of isolation and creativity, both Tripwire and the rock opera were born. Half play, half rock show, Different Kind of Normal isn’t just a piece of theatre — it’s an immersive and thrilling experience. With edgy acting, a hard-hitting soundtrack and a story that feels both urgent and unsettling, it’s poised to set Liverpool alight this October.

Eddie said: “Coming to Liverpool, home of The Beatles, to study at LIPA was a dream for me back in 2018. However, that soon turned into a nightmare when Covid lockdowns hit and I felt isolated and uncertain of the future in a new country. That’s when I decided to come up with the concept album for Different Kind Of Normal.”

He continued: “My band Tripwire has been getting some great traction — with some big performances at Zanzibar, Jacaranda and further afield. We completed the concept album and that’s when I thought about turning it into a rock opera. We have a super talented cast of young actors and it’s going to be an incredible show — if you love theatre, rock and all things psychological and dystopian you’re in for a treat!”

Tickets are expected to sell fast for this one-of-a-kind event at Hope Street Theatre, a fitting stage for a production that refuses to fit neatly into any one box. Different Kind Of Normal premieres on the evenings of 24th, 25th and 26th October — with tickets just £13 including all fees.

Different Kind Of Normal / 24th, 25th, 26th October 2025, 7.30pm / Hope Street Theatre, 22 Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BY

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS FOR JUST £13

Ken Horton (b. 1940) grew up in Huyton and attended Prescot Grammar School. His father was a keen landscape artist, so Ken was introduced to art from an early age and his interest grew. At Grammar School, he befriended now famous Liverpool fine artist, Stuart Sutcliffe. Both pupils enjoyed working together in the art room under the supervision of their art teacher Willliam Walters.

At 16 Ken left school and started work as a trainee technician at Liverpool University Medical School. At this time Stuart was studying at Liverpool College of Art in Hope Street, and encouraged Ken to apply, which he did and was accepted.

At Art College, Ken worked in various departments before focusing on the study of Painting under the tutelage of Arthur Ballard. The curriculum included life drawing and compositional studies. Following graduation, Ken spent a further year training to be a teacher and from there embarked on a forty-year career working in several Liverpool secondary schools teaching ceramics and art.

Alongside this, Ken continued to produce his own work in painting and sculpture which was informed by early 20th Century artists such as Picasso and Brâncuși. During the 1970s and ‘80s he exhibited work at St George’s Hall, The Neptune Theatre and as part of June Furlong’s “Merseyside Artists” exhibition series which took place at venues such as the Liverpool Daily Post and Echo Building, University of Liverpool’s Senate House, The Mersey Docks and Harbour Building and other venues.

After painting a succession of figurative works often with a surrealistic and photo-realist approach; during the 1980s he became fascinated by the power of vibrant colours and in a particular brand of abstract expressionism known as Orphism pioneered by the painters Robert and Sonia Delaunay. Ken’s mature work, displayed in this exhibition, uses only straight lines and circles.

Using a variety of techniques, Ken takes a constructivist approach in which the finished works emerge without forward planning. His colourful works are exciting, vibrant and multi-layered. Despite their abstract nature, his paintings often reference organic forms especially birds; Ken is a keen nature photographer and ornithologist.

Ken has embraced the opportunity to present this retrospective exhibition which includes paintings from 40 years ago through to very new work completed over recent months.

The exhibition runs from 6th November to 18th December at The Cornerstone Gallery at Liverpool Hope University.

Southport is in a scarily good position to make the most of Halloween this year with weeks of ghoulishly good fun planned for the October break.

From the vibrant and energetic Day of the Dead Festival at Adventure Coast Southport to pumpkin picking at Windmill Animal Farm, there’s something for everyone to have a spooktacular time this half term.

Here Visit Southport gives you a rundown of just some of the tricks and treats around the corner this Halloween…

Day of the Dead Festival at Adventure Coast Southport (November 1 and 8)

Marine Drive, Southport, PR8 1RX

Step into a world of colour and celebration inspired by Mexico’s vibrant Día de los Muertos.

Adventure Coast Southport’s Day of the Dead Festival promises a fiery fusion of light, rhythm, and magic for two unmissable nights this November.

Expect dazzling performances, live drummers, flame-throwing spectacles, and a breathtaking fireworks finale.

Cost: £32.99 for Adventurers (Unlimited Rides) and £15 for Spectators (no rides)

Read more: https://www.visitsouthport.com/event/day-of-the-dead-mexican-festival

Pumpkin perfect festivities at Windmill Animal Farm (October 11-31)

Fish Lane, Ormskirk L40 1UQ

Don’t forget your wellies for the Pumpkin Picking Adventure as Windmill Animal Farm welcomes families for hours of memorable fun. With all pumpkins grown on the patch, you’ll be able to choose from all varieties and sizes.

From the Runaway Farm Train to the Cuddly Critters Experience, pumpkin picking isn’t the only adventure you’ll be having at the farm.

You can also experience fantastical farmyards at Farmer Ted’s as the iconic Pumpkin Festival returns with highlights including The Spooky Shaun the Sheep Show, alpaca time, ghost stories and pony grooming.

Cost: Adult £18.95, Child (1-15) £19.95, Under 1s Free, Concession (65+) or carer £16.95

Read more: https://www.windmillanimalfarm.co.uk

Fear by the Pier at Silcock’s (October 31 – November 2)

106-114 Shakespeare St, Southport PR8 5AJ 

Silcock’s invites you to Fear by the Pier Halloween events this half term to enjoy attractions to get you in a ghoulishly good mood.

Start your enchanting day at Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant, where little monsters can tuck into a Spooky Kids Meal and take home a goody bag with plenty of treats (no tricks!).

The fun continues with a ride on the famous Silcock’s carousel and a game of crazy golf at the Masters Putting Green.

Keep your eyes peeled for a special appearance from Willow the Witch from Regally Royal Parties, who’ll be casting a little magic across the weekend!

Cost: £10 per child.

Details on accommodation, days out and events in Southport can be found here visitsouthport.com