Community Post Type: News

Liverpool’s Homotopia festival returns to the city next month promising an unmissable programme of performances, film screenings, exhibitions, walks, talks, workshops and parties.

The 21^st edition of the annual event, the UK’s longest-running LGBTQIA+ arts and culture festival, takes place from 1-30 November 2025.

The theme of this year’s festival is Uprising – a rallying cry, a celebration and a defiant stand.

Homotopia takes place at venues including the Unity Theatre, Everyman and Playhouse, FACT, St George’s Hall, the Royal Standard and the Bluecoat along with two events at St Helens libraries.

And more than 70 percent of the events are FREE to enjoy.

The festival opens with a special launch party at the Unity Theatre on Saturday 1 November, with the Hope Place venue turned into a cabaret-style space for an immersive evening of playful and boundary-blurring performance, community and solidarity.

Highlights of the month-long Homotopia programme include:

Residents in the city centre, on Merseyrail stations and at the Open Eye Gallery from 1 – 30 November. Queer photographer Ming De Nasty has spent the past four months capturing members of the city region’s LGBTQIA+ community on camera. A festival co-commission with the city’s Open Eye Gallery and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, in partnership with Merseyrail and Sahir House.

Remember Nature at FACT on Tuesday 4 November. Homotopia is a partner organisation in a nationwide day of artist-led action honouring Gustav Metzger’s 2015 vision of art as a force for change and has commissioned artist Paul Harfleet to explore his 20-year relationship with Liverpool through The Pansy Project.

Drag Down the Borders at District in the Baltic Quarter on Sunday 9 November. A night of joy and solidarity showcasing the best migrant drag and cabaret talent, and raising funds in solidarity with migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in Liverpool, Palestine, Sudan and Congo.

No Pride in Genocide at District on Monday 10 November. A film programme in partnership with Queer Cinema for Palestine.

Grace Tompkins, an alumnus of Homotopia’s QueerCore development programme, presents Scrambled, a tender and deeply human show about the places people can get lost online – and how we find our way back, coming to the Liverpool Playhouse Studio on Thursday 13 November.

Mr Blackpool’s Seaside Spectacular comes to the Unity Theatre on Friday 14 November. An end-of-the-pier show at the end of the world from Harry Clayton-Wright. Commissioned by long-time festival friend Marlborough Productions and with initial research and development support from Homotopia.

And An Evening with Dross at the Unity Theatre on 15 November. Part lip-sync séance, part high-camp ritual, join the Liverpool drag queen and art-activist for a genre-defying mix of film, physical theatre, spectacle and queer resistance.

Meanwhile If These Walls Could Talk is a Queer Places Heritage Trail which is due to take over Liverpool’s walls, windows and streets throughout the month, revealing hidden stories of queer life in the city. Follow @queerplaces or visit queerplaces.co.uk for the full trail, or join a special walking tour on Saturday 8 November, starting at FACT.

And the four emerging LGBTQIA artists from the city region selected to join the 2025 festival’s QueerCore artist development programme are Willzy, Claire Beerjeraz, HRH Aphrodite and Laura Bee.

Claire Beerjeraz’s interactive art exhibition Rest as Resistance runs from 3 – 28 November at LUSH in Church Street, while HRH Aphrodite is due to present The Fire King – a History of Stephenson’s Rocket in Three Volumes as an hour-long participatory show during the festival.

All four artists will also take part in a Young Homotopia and QueerCore showcase at the Unity Theatre on Wednesday 12 November.

And on Sunday 23 November, the Museum of Liverpool hosts a Sunday Dinner: Scouse Activist Edition, a metaphorical three-course feast of ideas inspired by Split Britches’ Long Table.

Homotopia festival producer Natalie Lloyd says: “After pausing the festival for a year we’re back with a bang for 2025, with a fantastic and varied programme of the boldest voices and best and most brilliant queer art and culture. This year the festival is also hyper local and proudly Scouse.

“Our theme Uprising is about resistance and solidarity in the face of the creeping tide of fascism. It’s about finding power in the small and every day and turning it into something unstoppable, about doing it yourself when no one else will and refusing to shrink, refusing to wait for permission and refusing to apologise.

 “It’s a love letter to our community, our peers, the incredible talent embedded into the city’s very being, and the power of coming together and fighting for maginalised communities, right here and right now.”

 For full festival details and booking visit www.homotopia.net

The Nerve is a fearless, female-founded media title set up by a collective of five former Guardian and Observer journalists who believe that the UK needs more truly independent journalism.

They met at the Observer’s flagship weekend culture supplement, the New Review – they are senior editors Sarah Donaldson, Jane Ferguson and Imogen Carter, creative director Lynsey Irvine and Carole Cadwalladr, investigative journalist, press freedom advocate and scourge of extreme Brexiteers.

Their beat is culture, politics and tech. They believe culture – made by humans for humans – is the best guide to understanding our increasingly chaotic world. So they’re putting it first. They will cover culture in its broadest sense – the arts, books, games, food – and how tech is dramatically altering our politics and our lives. They also promise to bring some joy. They will celebrate the best culture that lifts our spirits.

The seeds of the Nerve were sown while Guardian News & Media was in the process of giving away our publication – the Observer, the world’s oldest Sunday paper – to Tortoise Media. They thought about the kind of journalism that we desperately need now: independent, transparent, inclusive and fearless. So they decided to launch a title that the journalists themselves will own, that will promote diverse voices, and that they hope will have a deep and genuine connection with its members.

Journalism is expensive and they need your support. You may be familiar with one of their previous projects – they are the team behind the 2018 Cambridge Analytica investigation that shifted the world’s understanding of Silicon Valley. They’re now at a critical moment – big tech and the far right have merged – and your support to enable them to continue these investigations is vital. They are not having a paywall – they want their journalism to be open. Instead they will be funded by members. Please consider signing up here.

They have big ambitions but they’re starting small – with two batches of stories a week delivered to your inbox via their newsletter and published on their beta site. Every Tuesday you’ll receive their weekday newsletter and on Fridays their weekend edition. With your help, they hope to expand fast, with regular events, a biannual magazine launching in 2026, hard hitting investigations and a rollout of audio and video content.

Developed from knowledge and insights gathered through organising as part of Industria and Artists’ Union England, this session will combine practical advice on artists’ pay and working conditions with space to discuss the issues they face as artists and imagine alternatives together. The session will build an overview of the possibilities of artists’ unions and broader artist and art worker organising.

This session will be led by Maddy Pledge and Maxi Smith, joint secretaries of Artists’ Union England and co-organisers of Industria.

Artists’ Union England is a trade union for visual and applied artists, and artists with a socially engaged practice who are working in England. Launched in 2014, AUE gained its formal status as a trade union in 2016, and has been a member of the TUC and GFTU since then. AUE started as the idea of three artists, launched with 12 founding members, and as of June 2025 has over 2000 members.

Industria is an artist-run organisation, examining and challenging the current conditions of the ‘art world’. Recent work includes Structurally F–cked, an inquiry into Artists pay and conditions in the public sector that was commissioned by a-n and published in 2023, and most recently From ‘Hand to Mouth’ to Bread and Roses, an inquiry into the lives of the Artists’ Union England membership and the role of contemporary artists’ unions in building grassroots power in the arts, published by Artists’ Union England in 2025.

Join At The Library for the launch of Queue Up and Dance new book celebrating Quadrant Park, the legendary Bootle club with speakers: artist Dave Evans, author and archivist of DIY movements Emma Warren, and DJ Melissa Kains.

Queue Up And Dance features a collection of interviews with a variety of people, from those who went to the club, to the DJs that played there, about their experiences of ‘the Quad’. Together, these highlight the club’s particular social and cultural context, why it was so important to so many, and how its legacy lives on 35 years later.

The book also contains an introduction by writer and researcher Emma Warren, author of Dance Your Way Home: A Journey Through the Dancefloor, and an afterword by Melissa Kains, the founder of female and non-binary DJ collective Sisu Crew.

Queue Up And Dance is the outcome of a year-long, artist-led project of the same title. It invited those who went to the club in its heyday, and young people living in Bootle today, to collaboratively develop an archive, exhibition, and other creative projects inspired by Quadrant Park and the early DIY culture of rave.

Please note this event takes place at Rough Trade, Hanover Street, Liverpool

Reserve your free ticket via DICE here

At The Library produce a programme of artist-led workshops, projects, commissions and happenings in Sefton Libraries. Email on hello@atthelibrary.co.uk with any questions, access needs or for a chat about any of their projects.

THE SOUTH (featuring members of The Beautiful South) head to Liverpool Arts Club on Friday 24th October 2025!

The South are back on the road and do what they do best – perform the songs of that great British pop institution, The Beautiful South, to the thousands of fans of these timeless classics.

The South are an impressive 9-piece band who feature former members of The Beautiful South including singer Alison Wheeler and lifelong sax player Gaz Birtles. Since Dave Hemingway, the original singer, left the group at the end of 2016, Gaz has moved across to front the band with Alison and taken on vocal duties.  Gareth John joins both Gaz and Ali on vocals bringing his talents to the forefront making him a third vocalist as part of the new set-up.

Since the demise of The Beautiful South in 2007, this exciting live band have spent 15 years touring the theatres and festivals of the UK up and down the country, bringing back the full sound and arrangements of these treasured songs  –  A Little Time (the number one single), Perfect 10, Rotterdam, Song For Whoever, Old Red Eyes Is Back, Good as Gold, Don’t Marry Her plus many more singles and album tracks as well as a few choice South originals. These songs span an impressive 18-year career starting way back in 1989!

The South are:

Alison Wheeler (Vocals), Gaz Birtles (Vocals), Phil Barton (Guitars), Steve Nutter (Bass), Dave Anderson (Drums), Karl Brown (Percussion), Gareth John (Trumpet/Vocals), Su Robinson (Sax) and Andy Price (Keyboards).

Tickets available from –
http://thesouth.co.uk/tour-dates/

Let’s Carry On… Regardless!

Hugh Cornwell with special guests The Courettes announces November 2025 UK Tour.

FULL BAND SHOW FEATURING NOSFERATU ALBUM IN FULL, STRANGLERS CHOICE CUTS, & SOLO DELICACIES.

Golden Brown, Strange Little Girl, Always The Sun, Peaches, No More Heroes, Nice & Sleazy…Sound familiar ? All big hits, all great songs, all written and sung by Hugh Cornwell, the songwriter behind The Stranglers.

When future historians of music draw up a list of the movers and shakers who changed the modern musical landscape, there will be no doubt that Hugh Cornwell’s name will be prominent amongst them. As a pioneering musician, songwriter, and performer his pervasive influence persists in the record collections of music aficionados, across this spinning globe’s radio waves, and on stages around the world. Hugh’s presence is unquestionable.

As leader of The Stranglers, Hugh was the main songwriter of all the band’s most memorable songs across ten stellar albums. After their 1977 debut Rattus Norvegicus, follow up albums No More Heroes, Black and White, The Raven and The Gospel According to The MenInBlack consolidated Cornwell’s stature as a unique songwriter and musician. His lyrics to Golden Brown, from the La Folie album, and their multiple meanings, is a songwriting masterclass.

Mojo – “Cornwell’s still doing things his way and often with striking results”
Uncut – “Thunderously tribal garage rock…the ex- Strangler not yet gone soft”

The Courettes
The Courettes is an explosive Wall of Sound group from Denmark and Brazil! Flavia Couri on vocals and guitar, Martin on loud drums and together they are the perfect blend of Wall of Sound, Girl Group Heartbreaks, Motown and R&B.
Imagine The Ronettes meeting The Ramones at a wild party at the Hitsville echo chamber!

The new album “The Soul Of The Fabulous Courettes” is out on legendary Damaged Goods Records, London and Rough Trade, London.

HUGH CORNWELL – November 2025 UK Shows include:

Thursday 6 November NORWICH – Epic Studios
Friday 7 November HOLMFIRTH – Picturedrome
Saturday 8 November LIVERPOOL – Hanger 34
Thursday 13 November LONDON – Islington Assembly
Friday 14 November WARWICK – Arts Centre
Saturday 15 November FROME – Cheese & Grain
Sunday 16 November BRIGHTON – Concorde 2
Thursday 20 November GLASGOW – Saint Lukes
Friday 21 November DUMFERMLINE – Carnegie Hall
&
Saturday 22 November NEWCASTLE – Digital

For tickets, please go to – https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Hugh-Cornwell.htm

For more information on HUGH CORNWELL, please visit the following website / social media links below:

Website – https://www.hughcornwell.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/hughcornwellofficial/
X – https://x.com/hughcornwell

You Tube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/user/HughCornwellOfficial

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Statement from the Culture Network LCR: Opposing Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric

The Culture Network LCR stands firmly against the rise in racist anti-immigrant rhetoric and xenophobic narratives that are dividing our communities and scapegoating migrants for systemic failures.

We know that many in our communities are struggling to access healthcare, housing, education, or social services, or just the basic cost of living, but immigration is not the cause of these problems, it is because of poor political choices and constant underinvestment. Failures of government and relentless greed, not the presence of immigrants, is the real problem. Blaming migrants for these issues not only fuels hate but also distracts from the urgent need for accountable leadership and meaningful reform.

Immigrants are not a burden. They are our neighbours, colleagues, artists, caregivers, and friends. They contribute to the richness of our society in countless ways; Liverpool is a city built on immigration. Within the arts sector especially, migrant voices and stories have always played a vital role.

As artists, arts practitioners and arts organisations we know we have an important role to play in promoting social justice and striving for a more equitable and empathetic society.  We understand the transformative power of the art. Art makes space for understanding. It elevates unheard voices. It sparks dialogue and shifts culture. In times of division, it helps us imagine and build something better – together.

We call on leaders across the region, councillors, trades unions, and all those in positions of power in our regional authority to publicly reject anti-immigrant rhetoric, in fact all forms of prejudice wherever it appears. The racist riots that took place last summer following the tragic events in Southport, which led to the arson attack on Spellow Library, are a warning of the violence and intimidation communities will face if these racist and prejudiced narratives are not challenged. City leaders have a responsibility to protect all residents, challenge scapegoating, put pressure on central government for increased funding for investment in education, and services and policies which improve the living standards, physical environment and opportunities of all communities, and foster equity and inclusion.

We urge our cultural peers, civic institutions, and communities to join us in standing against xenophobia and affirming the dignity, humanity, and contributions of migrants. A more just and compassionate society is not only possible, it is necessary and our right! 

 

Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team have announced ten brand new artistic commissions to mark Black History Month 2025 this October.

Under the theme Power and Pride, funding has been awarded to a diverse range of creative projects which will showcase and honour the rich contributions of Black communities to the city’s cultural, social, and historical fabric.

From spoken word and gospel music to textile arts and immersive technology, the commissions reflect a vibrant mix of artforms along with community and school engagement. Each project has been developed by local creatives and organisations committed to amplifying Black voices and stories in Liverpool.

Highlights include:

• More Than Words by Brodie Arthur and Leah Watson – an open mic and panel event at the Everyman Theatre spotlighting Black performers and industry professionals.
• Liverpool Lighthouse Gospel Project led by Helen Brown – a school-based programme teaching gospel music and Black history through performance.
• Digital Immersive Portraits by Robert Awork – a living exhibition at St George’s Hall featuring impressive 3D-printed community portraits with embedded audio stories.
• African Roots 2025 at The Black-E – a two-day celebration of African dance and cultural heritage.
• Black Actors Collective Headshot Exhibition – a photographic showcase of Black performers, also hosted at the Everyman Theatre.

Other commissions centre around creative writing anthologies, visual arts workshops, carnival-inspired dance sessions, and textile-based storytelling.

All projects aim to foster pride, representation, and cultural understanding throughout Liverpool’s communities and have been funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

All the events can be found on the Culture Liverpool website.

WoW are launching their Black History Month 2025 programme with their celebrated walking tours!

Liverpool & Slavery Walking Tour – 4th October –  https://bit.ly/47X3zki

Influenced by activists Dorothy Kuya and Eric Scott Lynch, this walking tour explores the many sites and streets in Liverpool with direct links to the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Great War to Race Riots Walking Tour – 11th October – https://bit.ly/46AJsGe

This tour explores the anti-black race riots that occurred in 1919 by covering the areas now known as Chinatown and the Baltic Triangle, that at the time was known as ‘Sailor Town.’

Dorothy Kuya Walking Tour – 18th October – https://bit.ly/4nNBJvn

Walk in the footsteps of one of the most prolific anti racist campaigners whose activism spanned over seven decades, Dorothy Kuya (1933-2013).

L8 Activism – 26th October – https://bit.ly/46A8k0C

From the vibrant nightlife and culture of the 1950s and 60s to the Black and anti-racist activism that developed through the 70s and 80s, this tour shares vital information in about the L8 area that you won’t find in history books.