Community Post Type: News

Liverpool charity Mandela8 have announced the appointment of three new trustees for 2025 to the organisation’s Board.

Former Urban Design Officer, Lesley Woodbridge, anti-racism champion nurse, Michelle Cox, and filmmaker and longtime Mandela8 collaborator, Joe Campbell will bring their extensive experience and skillsets to the charity following the announcement this week.

Michelle brings an expertise in in equality, diversity, and inclusion to support Mandela8’s vital work. With a strong background in advocating for racial equity within the NHS and beyond, she is committed to challenging systemic injustices and creating lasting change.

Michelle’s experience in policy development, workforce inclusion, and amplifying marginalised voices aligns with Mandela8’s mission to inspire social justice and empower communities and she is looking forward to “contributing to the charity’s impactful initiatives and helping to drive meaningful progress”.

In 2012, Joe founded Culture City with the aim of highlighting and celebrating the rich culture of Liverpool. Originally a university project, Culture City has since evolved into a thriving content creation house based in the iconic Royal Liver Buildings.

Over the years, Culture City has worked with a diverse range of clients, from global brands to emerging artists, telling captivating stories, and providing opportunities for young people in the Liverpool City Region. Joe has worked previously with the Mandela8 Young Media Group on the production of several documentaries.

Lesley has over 30 years’ experience working in the art, heritage, and regeneration sectors.  For the past ten years, she worked with Liverpool City Council’s urban design and placemaking team encouraging high quality, creative and sustainable design in the public realm.

As Liverpool’s World Heritage Site co-ordinator, she worked with heritage organisations in the UK, including Historic England and the DCMS, as well as UNESCO and other World Heritage Sites to promote, protect and enhance Liverpool’s rich cultural heritage.

Her previous experience includes working with the Victoria and Albert Museum and public and private sector galleries in England and Scotland before spending 15 years with one of Scotland’s leading public art commissioning agencies to promote the contribution artists can make to important regeneration schemes, advising on the art programme for the new Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, and the community engagement work of one of Scotland’s successful housing associations.

Chair of Mandela8, Sonia Bassey MBE said: “We’re delighted to have Lesley, Michelle and Joe join us as Trustees at Mandela8. They are all shining examples of excellence in their industries as well as champions of their communities and longtime supporters of Mandela8. We can’t wait to work with them on all our upcoming projects.”

More information on Mandela8 can be found at mandela8.org.uk.

Heart of Glass is excited to launch a new downloadable map that showcases 12 incredible co-created public artworks across St Helens and Knowsley.

This project, part of its Creative People and Places programme, has brought art to some of the most underrepresented areas, with funding from Arts Council England and National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Since 2021, Heart of Glass has been privileged to work with internationally known women and LGBTQIA+ artists to create vibrant murals and mosaics to smaller sculptural works. Each artwork was developed in collaboration with local residents, schools, housing groups, young people, and businesses. From primary schools to housing residents and shopkeepers to , these pieces reflect the identities, stories, and shared experiences of the communities involved.

Artists like Faunagraphic, Cherie Grist, Carrie Reichardt, and Nomad Clan have worked closely with these communities, helping transform public spaces and creating lasting connections. It’s been an inspiring journey of bringing people together, sparking important conversations, and celebrating local pride.

The new map makes it easier than ever for you to explore these artworks, whether you’re a local resident or just visiting. You can discover where each piece is located, learn about the artists behind them, and find out more into the creative process that brought them to life.

In St Helens, the works are mainly centred around Parr and can easily be explored on foot or by bike. In Knowsley, the artworks are more spread out, so you may need a bit more time to tick them off the list.

Download the map and start discovering! Share your thoughts and photos via Heart of Glass’ social media.

To download the map and explore the artworks, visit: https://www.heartofglass.org.uk/projects-and-events/projects/public-art

A new Shared Reading group has just launched at Spellow Library Hub in Liverpool for 2025.

The Walton group will run every week on Mondays from 4pm – 5pm.

It is led by a volunteer who has trained as a ‘Reader Leader’ with national charity The Reader based at The Mansion House in Liverpool’s Calderstones Park.

Nichola Ditchfield, Spellow Library Hub Manager, said: “Reading a novel, short story or poem aloud in a group can open up discussions and reflection, fostering a love of reading and flourish imagination.

“I feel these sessions in Spellow Library will benefit the community in many ways including helping to reduce loneliness, increase social connections, relaxation and wellbeing, as well as and understanding. People who come along will be able to share experiences, thoughts, ideas, and memories.

“More importantly reading is a fun and enjoyable activity to be part of and brings a sense of community together which we are hoping to achieve. These groups are open to everyone, regardless of background or literacy levels it is free to attend.”

Anyone interested in joining is invited to drop into the library – located at 125 County Road, Walton, Liverpool L4 3QF.

The group offers a welcoming, inclusive and non-judgmental space where people can connect and share experiences using stories and poems. There is no pressure to talk or read aloud.

It was originally due to start in 2024 after Spellow Library Hub reopened last March but was put on hold following damage caused by devastating riots which swept across the city and UK last summer triggered by events in Southport.

The newly revamped community hub was left severely damaged and parts of the building were badly scorched. A GoFundMe page, https://www.gofundme.com/f/books-for-spellow-lane, set up to support the rebuilding of the library, has so far raised more than £250,000 and even Queen Camilla has donated books.

Donations flooded in from people across the UK and the world including from Nigella Lawson and Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce, a patron of The Reader, who attended the reopening of the library in December 2024.

Nichola added: “Spellow Library will always be a supportive and friendly environment. We offer many services for all walks of life.”

Community services and family-friendly activities include training and skills courses, enterprise business services, Liverpool in work, Smoke-free One Stop Shop, Song and Rhyme sessions for under 5s, Song and dance using BSL signing for under 5’s, welfare rights, councillor’s surgeries, smart classrooms, flexible learning space, public PC’s, hublets, projector, Wi-Fi and smart board.

Liverpool-based national charity The Reader, located in the Grade II listed Mansion House at Calderstones Park, runs around 490 Shared Reading groups across Liverpool City Region and the rest of the UK, including 112 in libraries.

Shared Reading has been shown to improve wellbeing, reduce loneliness and help people find new meaning in their lives, according to the charity’s research and annual feedback from group members and volunteers.

The charity also works with children, families, adults in community spaces, people in dementia care homes, people with physical and mental health conditions, those coping with or recovering from addiction and people in the criminal justice system.

For further information on Liverpool’s Libraries, including Spellow Library Hub visit here: https://liverpool.gov.uk/libraries/. To find out more about Shared Reading in Communities visit here: https://www.thereader.org.uk/shared-reading-wwd/shared-reading-in-communities/.

If you think your organisation or community would benefit from Shared Reading visit here: https://www.thereader.org.uk/get-involved/partner-with-us/.

The Narrative’s next showcase is on Tuesday 6th of May, and they’ve got an INCREDIBLE line-up for you!

Featuring performances by:

The Farm

John Fellner

Mike McKenzie

Tickets are ‘pay what you can’ and available now via this link. Get yours now, you don’t want to miss this!

This May, The Tung Auditorium present Before Oasis: In Conversation with Marcus Russell – a rare opportunity to hear the story of how one of the UK’s most successful artist managers came to work with Oasis, the definitive act of Britpop.

Along with Dr Mike Jones from the University of Liverpool’s Department of Music – a lifelong friend of Russell’s – they will reflect on memories of Russell’s formative music industry experiences as a young gig promoter. The story begins in his hometown of Ebbw Vale in South Wales, eventually leading to his management of Jones’s band Latin Quarter, which became a springboard to a 40-year career.

The conversation will be followed by an audience Q&A.

Book tickets here

Bring your family to Tate Liverpool + RIBA North this Easter holiday! 🍃🐣🌷 Enjoy:

🐞 Bugs Are Us: Family Workshops, 5-21 April
🐛 From creepy crawlies to slimy snails, create your own creatures inspired by artworks from the Tate collection.

🎨 Art Games, every day
🖌️ Pick up a free activity booklet and try the challenges and games

🔍 Mildred’s Albert Dock Art Trail, every day
👣 Find artworks displayed around the Albert Dock

Join the team in celebrating the incredible creative talent of Make Huyton Village with a special showcase at Make on the Corner (22 Derby Road, Huyton)! 🎨✨

📅 Exhibition Dates: Friday 23rd May – Saturday 31st May
⏰ Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday, 11am–4pm

Explore a vibrant collection of art, craft, and design from their talented resident makers, artists, and creatives. Over the coming weeks, they’ll be introducing the participating artists—stay tuned! 👀

Community arts organisation Heart of Glass is thrilled to announce the successful launch of The Book of Knowsley, a unique guidebook created by 220 children from seven primary schools across the borough.

Over 250 people including all the children and teachers involved, parents, the Mayor and Cabinet Member for Culture Cllr Shelley Powell attended the event on Wednesday, March 26th, 2025, at St Chad’s Church in Kirkby, which was a wonderful celebration of the creativity and vision of Knowsley’s youngest residents.

The book, co-created by the children with internationally renowned artists Andy Field and Beckie Darlington, showcases Knowsley through the eyes of the children who live there. Supported through funding from Arts Council England, the guidebook highlights local places the children love, areas they’d like to improve, and their hopes for the future of their community. It’s part of the artists’ The Book of Your Town project, which has inspired children around the world to create guidebooks reflecting their own hometowns.

Featuring readings from the children, and audience participation led by the children, the event provided a unique opportunity for attendees to hear directly from the children who edited the book. Guests were able to explore the finished guidebook and take home signed copies signed by the book editors.

Heart of Glass is proud to have worked with students from seven local primary schools: Cronton Church of England Primary, Holy Family Catholic Primary, Knowsley Village Primary, St Leo’s and Southmead, St Luke’s Catholic Primary, St Marie’s Catholic Primary, and Willow Tree Primary. The illustrations for the book were created by Liverpool illustrator Rosa Kusabbi, with design by Will Brady.

Nat Hughes, Producer at Heart of Glass said:

“This project has been such a fantastic celebration of the creativity and curiosity of these amazing young people. Every step of the way, the children have led the way—shaping the ideas, making decisions, and bringing everything to life. The artists Andy and Beckie were brilliant to work with, as always. They have a real gift for helping children’s ideas shine, making sure their voices are at the heart of it all.”

Mrs Davey, Holy Family Catholic Primary School said:

“Phoebe and Scarlett (book editors) have absolutely loved these afternoon sessions. As well as having fun, it has really built their confidence too. It’s been a real positive experience. “

Artist Andy Field said:

“We have loved the experience of working with so many schools in so many different parts of Knowsley to create this book. It has felt like a true celebration of the breadth and diversity of the area and the myriad connections that bind it together. Seeing all the hundreds of children that wrote the book come together for the launch will remain one of our favourite memories of the entire Book of Your Town project.”

The Book of Knowsley is the latest project in Heart of Glass’s Children and Young People’s programme and forms part of artists’ international The Book of Your Town project. The organisation has previously collaborated with Andy Field and Beckie Darlington on projects such as The Book of St Helens and Lookout and continues to work with them on Project Parr.

Copies will be made available through local venues and libraries. To find out more and get your hands on a copy visit https://www.heartofglass.org.uk/projects-and-events/projects/the-book-of-knowsley

Join WoWFest’s birthday celebrations as they welcome old friends and first-time guests for a fantastic festival throughout May 2025.

Ft. Irvine Welsh * Frank Cottrell Boyce * The Singh Twins * Armando Iannucci Michael Rosen * Jackie Kay * Jordan Stephens * Prof. Phil Scraton * Simon O’Brien * Mike Berners-Lee Kit De Waal * Gary Younge * Brian Bilston * Henry Normal * Yusuf Aliamal * Basma Ghalayini Skinnyman * Anaxagorou * lisa luxx * Paddy Hillyard * John Finucane – More announcements coming soon

Events include: Family Friendly 25th Birthday Party at the Palm House, Public Inquiries, A Climate of Lies, Exploring Diversity in Modern Ireland, Liverpool Rising Against Racism, Absurdageddon, Addressing Palestine.

“For our 25th anniversary year our accomplishments are also a powerful reminder of the work still to be done. Together, we continue to write, we continue to fight, and we continue to build a better world. We are, once again, proud to present our festival programme to launch our year of celebrations. Here’s to the next 25 years of Writing on the Wall.”

– Madeline Heneghan and Mike Morris – Co-Directors, Writing on the Wall

Event Tickets and Details here

The festival will be taking over venues along Smithdown Road and Penny Lane from 2nd to 5th May 2025 for a weekend of free live music, DJs and family friendly fun – all in support of the Whitechapel centre.

Organiser (and owner of Handymans) Kev McArthur says “We’re thrilled to be putting on the biggest festival we’ve done since pre-covid times. There’s so much here to help us celebrate our tenth birthday. What’s on that weekend can get the whole community involved in some way.”

Organiser Andy Scott (and owner of Black Cat) says “After ten years, we’ve seen this area change so much for the better and we’re proud to have made it to this landmark year. This year promises to be one of the most ambitious events we’ve done, with so much happening around the area from a warehouse party to a crochet workshop and everything in between!”

Free Live Music

Up on Smithdown Road, brewery taproom Handymans will host scouse synth pop trio Stealing Sheep DJs, African beats from Mamadou and The Lekette, plus up and coming talent from Ellis Murphy and Clockwork Gibbons.

Popular student haunt Black Cat has live music all weekend from the likes of indie rockers Mexican Dogs and Gen and The Degenerates, non-binary DJ collective SISU, and the Big Bank Holiday Hangover Quiz – event festival organiser Andy will be jumping onstage for a gig with his punk outfit Snakes Everywhere! Nomad have a DJ takeover from Everybody Dance and Juicebox. Franks Bar will be bringing old school dance with InDemand Radio DJs including Chris Cee.

Further down the road towards Penny Lane, coffee shop Bean There has a synth night from local promoters Skylark, whilst Penny Lane Wine Bar, Leaf and The Tavern are hosting a raft of local live talent.

Community

As part of the celebrations we’ve put together a broader programme of activities for the community too. Including our first Alcohol Free outdoor stage, held at Quaker Community Garden. There will be walking tours of Toxteth cemetery, while Smithdown Litfest will be hosting a book talk from musician turned author R. Peter Davies at Smithdown Social Arts Hub.

The Arts Hub will also host a 24 hour fundraising Art-A-Thon, with local artists creating art to auction. We will also be working with local community group Liverpool Together, an organisation that tackles loneliness amongst older people with a program of activities such as Pub Quiz and crochet workshop.

The Big Clean will be a huge volunteer led litter pick throughout Wavertree taking place before, during and after the festival – sponsored by Handymans and Black Cat. Big Clean Volunteers will be rewarded for an hour of their time with drinks tokens to use over the weekend – to get involved with The Big Clean please email smithdownfestival@gmail.com

Family friendly

For the families, we have teamed up with Penny Lane Development Trust for a two day outdoor family area including live music from the Rock Project music school, Atomic Wrestling, face painting, arts and crafts, market stalls and a picnic area.

Along with this the Wavertree Coffee House will have a fun afternoon of outdoor live music, inflatables and bbq. Smithdown Social Arts Hub will also be hosting a ‘zine making workshop.

History

Smithdown Festival is a non profit community organisation, with the aim of improving community cohesion whilst promoting grassroots music and arts in Wavertree. Over the past ten years we’ve been lucky enough to have acts on including Craig Charles, Space, Krafty Kuts, Idles, Stone, John Power, The Mysterines, Dave McCabe, Beardyman, Katy McGrath.

Warehouse After Party

For the first time ever, they will also be hosting a ticketed afterparty to be held at Wellington Yard featuring DJ sets from Girls Don’t Sync members G33 and Hannah Lynch, fast-rising multi genre DJ Amber Rose and many many others across two warehouse spaces. All proceeds from ticket sales go towards keeping the festival free. There are limited early bird tickets available from skiddle.com

For more information and up to date line up head to SmithdownFestival.com where more listings will be added over the coming weeks.