Community Post Type: News

Liverpool’s World Museum visited by Blue Peter

Many childhood dreams came true when World Museum had a visit from Blue Peter !

The iconic CBBC show came to film a claw-some segment with the Living Centres team in May 2025 and to visit a few different spaces in the museum, including Bees: A Story of Survival and the dinosaur gallery.

Their Living Centres team were also instrumental in making the day go smoothly for the Blue Peter crew, and not just from behind the camera.

A massive shoutout to Ben Mitchell, Lead Curator (Living Centres) and Abigail Smith, Living Centres Assistant Curator who had a starring role alongside some of their aquarium residents, including their legendary lobster Marge and our jellyfish and baby axolotls.

The team showed the presenters what it takes to look after their creatures, including food prep and feeding. To top it all off, everyone involved got their very own Blue Peter badge. 🥳

You can catch the finished piece on BBC iPlayer. Keep your eyes peeled for some familiar faces (and fins).

Acclaimed Director Nick Bagnall gives talk at Liverpool Everyman, held 6 Jun ’25

Liverpool Everyman’s host for Tea & Talks in June is Nick Bagnall.⁠
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Nick will be exploring how you take a huge story from the seed of an idea through to its realisation on stage. Using his work from adapting and directing stories such as The Iliad and The Odyssey, he will talk through the pathways in which these stories find their way on stage. And answer the question, how do we make old and well-worn stories accessible and dynamic to a modern ear?

From reimagining Shakespeare to retelling Fairy tales, he will talk you through how it starts and ends, and all the madness in between.⁠
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Fri 6 June, 2 pm, Liverpool Everyman⁠

More information and tickets here

Bridgerton Candlelight experience returns to Liverpool July ’25

Following the success of the first concert series, Liverpool will once again welcome the Bridgerton concert by Candlelight®, presented by Netflix, Shondaland, and Fever.

Starting in July, the experience will return to St George’s Hall Liverpool into a spectacular setting illuminated by thousands of candles and enhanced by a beautiful display of blossoms. Audiences will be able to relive the best moments from the three seasons through live music performed by the local string quartet String Infusion Quartet.

The program includes popular songs featured in the show, such as Billie Eilish’s ‘Bad Guy’, Ariana Grande’s ‘thank u, next’, and Sia’s ‘Cheap Thrills’, among others. These special performances will also return to cities like London, Paris, New York, Madrid, Sydney and Berlin giving fans another chance to enjoy a unique and unforgettable Bridgerton-inspired experience.

Candlelight® is a series of live concerts presented by Fever, designed to democratize access to classical music. This innovative format offers a unique musical experience through a diverse selection of programs, catering to all tastes. Performed by talented local musicians in iconic venues illuminated by thousands of candles, Candlelight creates an immersive and intimate atmosphere.

Candlelight draws in a broad audience, including those who may have never considered attending a classical music concert. Audiences can connect with the masterpieces of composers like Vivaldi, Mozart, and Chopin, while also enjoying fresh interpretations of popular hits from artists like Queen, ABBA, Coldplay, and Ed Sheeran. The Candlelight brand is present in over 150 cities worldwide and has delighted millions of guests since its launch.

Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings
Venue: St George’s Hall Liverpool
Dates and times: July 25th 18:00, 20:30

Tickets can be purchased at: https://feverup.com/m/197218

Award Winning Drama Project Ends With Hope Street Theatre Finale – Workers Playtime, held 6 – 8 Jun ’25

A Drama Project celebrating the Workers Theatre Movement of the 1920s and 30s will come to an end the weekend of 6 – 8 June at the Hope Street Theatre.

Workers Playtime Hope Street Theatre

The finale shows will feature 3 Living Newspapers created by local writers, directors and actors as well as a play, “Unity”, by local writer Tom Mclennan.

One of the featured Living Newspapers has already won the Richard Wainwright Award at the Leverhulme Drama Festival and will be performed on the Saturday.

The Workers Theatre Movement delighted in creative styles and techniques which brought a welcome change from much of the stuffy theatre of its day and went on to influence many modern theatre organisations including Unity Theatre.

Tickets £8/£6 from hopestreettheatre.com

0344 561 0622

Supported by Unity Theatre Trust, the Barry Amiel and Norman Melbourne Trust and the Lipman-Milliband Trust.

Blue Room gallery tour – Bluecoat arts project supporting learning disabled / neurodivergent artists, held 22 Jun ’25

Join Blue Room, Bluecoat’s inclusive arts project supporting learning disabled and neurodivergent artists, for an explorative tour of their Gallery during Liverpool Biennial.

Blue Room artists will lead an interactive Bedrock gallery tour sharing their perspective on the exhibited works and bring to life the sensory experience of the gallery, followed by a behind-the-scenes look at creative responses made in their supported studio at the Bluecoat.Sun 22 Jun, 1-2pm & 3-4pm
Free, booking required (donations welcome)

Book now, link here

Collective Encounters expanding Radical Retrospectives project in 2025

Collective Encounters are expanding their Radical Retrospectives project 🔥

Thanks to additional funding from Aceagrams and Granada Foundation, their National Lottery Heritage funded project will include a programme of organisational development and artistic exploration, enabling the company to look back over the past 20+ years and ask: what next for Theatre for Social Change in Liverpool City Region? And you can get involved as well.

Expect workshops, discussion events, performances and exhibitions throughout 2025, peaking in October with a ‘mini festival’. Visit their website for the full news story and upcoming events.

Frank Cottrell-Boyce shares ‘stark warning’ with launch of first Children’s Laureate Report in 2025

Frank Cottrell Boyce 2025
Best-selling author & award-winning screenwriter, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, has launched his first reading report as Waterstones Children’s Laureate – it’s a milestone moment in Frank’s ‘angry and political’ tenure as the most prestigious role in children’s books.

The report shares an urgent roadmap to turn children’s reading from ‘an invisible privilege to a universal right’ – as well as a stark warning from Frank about the consequences of continuing to neglect addressing the ‘indefensible’ reading inequality in the UK.

Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2024–2026, said:

“Britain is not an equal society. 4.3 million children are growing up in poverty. When I was named Waterstones Children’s Laureate, I knew I wanted to use my position to campaign for these children, the ones that are being left behind.

I started the ‘Reading Rights’ campaign to highlight this indefensible inequality, but also to say that we can do something about it. We have an astonishingly powerful tool in our hands – shared reading. If you’ve been read to,  as a child, by someone who cares about you, you have been given an enormous invisible privilege. If you haven’t been given that privilege, then you’ve been left with an enormous mountain to climb.

During my travels as Waterstones Children’s Laureate I’ve encountered brilliant people and ideas who are already making a difference. We just need to make sure that every child gets a chance to experience that difference. To turn that invisible privilege into a universal right.

This report contains a stark warning. If we vacate that space – where child and story meet,  where human love slows the world down and makes it a bit more navigable – we will hand it to something that is not human, that will not slow down, that does not love us. We will be ceding the territory of clam and connection to confusion, anxiety and fury. The mission is urgent. Childhood is fleeting. But the mission is also achievable. And it is full of joy.

I’m asking for government support on a local and national level to make sure this simple, vital experience is available to all. To help us remember who we really are – the storytelling species.”

Frank Cottrell-Boyce’s Reading Rights Summit report from January 2025 can be read here.

The Brain Charity shortlisted for the Charity Awards 2025

The Brain Charity is elated to announce that it has been shortlisted for this year’s Charity Awards, the longest-running and most prestigious awards scheme in the charity sector.
The Brain Charity has been shortlisted in the Disability category for its innovative Neuro Gym project. This project provides a free, accessible fitness and rehabilitation space designed specifically for people with neurological conditions.
The Charity Awards, which announces its shortlist on May 16th, is the sector’s most highly regarded excellence recognition scheme. This year, it is celebrating its 25th anniversary. An independent panel of sector leaders has judged all 30 shortlisted charities as having demonstrated best practices in leadership and management, from which other organisations can learn.
Launched in 2023 in Liverpool, the Neuro Gym is the only free gym in Merseyside tailored for people living with neurological conditions. With wheelchair-accessible equipment, free physiotherapy, one-to-one support, and inclusive group activities such as boccia, dance and yoga, the gym supports individuals on their rehabilitation journeys in a welcoming and judgement-free environment.
Since inducting its first members in January 2024, the gym has welcomed over 220 people, with 78% reporting improved physical health and 73% reporting improved mental health after just three months. The Neuro Gym also helps combat loneliness and social isolation, while easing pressure on overstretched NHS services, saving an estimated £15,818.40 through physiotherapy provision alone.
Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and a private donor who underwent brain surgery himself, the Neuro Gym was created in response to unaffordable and inaccessible mainstream gyms. It now stands as a national model for inclusive rehabilitation.
Pippa Sargent, CEO of The Brain Charity, said:
“We’re so proud to be shortlisted for this prestigious award. The Neuro Gym represents everything The Brain Charity stands for — empowerment, inclusion and practical, person-centred support. Often, people with neurological conditions have been excluded from fitness and rehabilitation spaces. The Neuro Gym is changing that, and this recognition shows how vital and replicable this service is.”
Pippa, added:
“What makes the Neuro Gym truly special is the people who use it. We work closely with each member to understand their condition and goals, and we’ve seen life-changing progress, from physical improvements to huge boosts in confidence. Being shortlisted is a tribute to every individual who’s walked through our doors, and we hope this inspires more communities to create spaces like ours.”
The 10 category winners, the Overall Award for Excellence recipients and the Daniel Phelan Award for Outstanding Achievement, will be announced at a black-tie dinner on Thursday, 3 July, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.
BBC news presenter Asad Ahmad will host the evening, which will bring together representatives of the shortlisted charities, sector leaders, and celebrity guests.
Matthew Nolan, chief executive of Civil Society Media, which organises the Charity Awards, congratulated The Brain Charity on making the highly-coveted shortlist. He said:
“For a quarter of a century, the Charity Awards have showcased and celebrated the terrific work of UK charities, large and small. At a time when the sector is struggling with higher costs, shrinking donations and ever-increasing demand for its work, it is reassuring and inspiring to see the extent and quality of charitable activity still occurring across the country.
“We offer our heartfelt congratulations to all the charities on this year’s shortlist; we know that times are tough, and you should all be very proud of getting this far. We wish The Brain Charity the best of luck on the night.”
Peter Hugh Smith, chief executive at CCLA, Overall, Partner of the Charity Awards, said:
“Every year, the Charity Awards serve as a moment for the sector to reflect and acknowledge the transformative power of compassion, determination and resilience. The awards amplify the voices of those making a difference, inspiring others to join in creating positive change.
“We’re honoured to renew our role as the Charity Awards’ Overall Partner, championing the remarkable efforts of charities, large and small, right across the UK.”
About The Brain Charity
The Brain Charity is a national charity that provides support and information to people with neurological conditions and their families. The charity offers a range of services, including information and advice, counselling, and support groups.
For more information, visit: thebraincharity.org.uk

Something About Lennon stage show heads to The Atkinson Gallery plus City Region venues, held 31 May

A new stage show which celebrates the life and music of John Lennon is set to take Merseyside by storm next week when it plays three key venues as part of its inaugural UK tour.

Something About Lennon – The John Lennon Story will entertain audiences in St Helens, Southport and New Brighton.

The show, from Something About Productions, comes to St Helens Theatre Royal on Tuesday 27 May before moving on to the waterfront Floral Pavilion at New Brighton on Wednesday 28 May and then The Atkinson in Southport on Saturday 31 May (two performances).

And as an extra treat, Lennon fans are being invited to drop in to the Fab4 Café at the Beatles Story this Saturday 24 May to experience a FREE intimate preview show.

West End performer and musician Daniel Taylor will perform several iconic Lennon numbers during the event which will also feature Something About Lennon writer and co-producer Jon Fellowes.

It takes place at the Royal Albert Dock attraction at 1.30pm.

Meanwhile the 26-date tour ends at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre on Sunday 6 July, and today it can be announced that an extra matinee performance has been added to the date due to demand.

The Epstein will also host a closing party for the tour in the theatre’s newly refurbished bar following the evening performance on 6 July, with special entertainment promised.

West End performer and musician Daniel Taylor fronts the production’s band of five and tells the fascinating story of Lennon along with performing his best-known, best-loved hits. The band are Joe Smithson (MD, Guitar and Vocals), Callum Macmillan (Percussion/Drums), Jesse Eigen (Base Guitar and Vocals) and James Breckon (Keyboard and Vocals).

Weaving together songs and stories, Something About Lennon is not a tribute show as we know it, but rather one musician authentically telling the tale and honouring the music of another in a story that will reveal a life that wasn’t always filled with peace and love.

A tale of controversy, genius, politics and protest, Something About Lennon charts John’s life from the breakup of the Beatles at the end of the 1960s to his shocking murder in New York in December 1980 and features an irresistible soundtrack of incredible songs including Woman, Instant Karma and Imagine – although of course the story wouldn’t be complete without a few of those Fab Four classics along the way too.

Something About Lennon is brought to audiences by producers Bill Elms, Jon Fellowes and Gary Edward Jones of Something About Productions.

THE ATKINSON

Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DB

31 May 2025 – 2.30pm & 7.30pm

www.theatkinson.co.uk

 

 

Tate Liverpool and Sir Peter Blake bring dazzle to Kirkby High School

Kirkby High School pupils with Sir Peter Blake Dazzle Flags © Tate (Gareth Jones)
Kirkby High School pupils with Sir Peter Blake Dazzle Flags © Tate (Gareth Jones)

Tate Liverpool have given Kirkby High School a ‘dazzling’ pop art makeover after donating a series of flags designed by Sir Peter Blake. The flags were commissioned for the gallery’s café using the same ‘Everybody Razzle Dazzle’ design which can be seen adorning the Mersey Ferry. Marking the 10th anniversary of the launch of Sir Peter’s renowned work on the ferry, the flags have now been unveiled at the Knowsley school where it has been inspiring students.

Following the temporary closure of Tate Liverpool for redevelopment it became clear the flags would not fit in their new spaces when they return. The gallery and artist decided to give them a new life by finding a new home for the flags within the community. Tate Liverpool has a long-standing relationship with Kirkby High, having worked with them on its transformational art and mental health programme, Tackling the Blues, over the last 3 years.

The flags have now been donated to the school who have created an eye-catching installation seen by its 1,000 pupils and visitors every day. Sir Peter’s work has been used by the teachers there to inspire students and help them as they transition to high school.

The flags bring together the artist’s iconic pop motifs with international maritime signal flags, playfully updating tools typically used for navigation. They mirror Sir Peter’s design on the Dazzle Ferry – a contemporary interpretation of dazzle camouflage, a technique created by artists and used during the First World War which has become one of the iconic symbols on the River Mersey over the last decade.

Phil McClure, Assistant Curator Learning, Tate Liverpool said: “We would like to thank Sir Peter Blake for this contribution, and we hope that the flags become a valuable teaching resource for the school and a chance for the students there to engage directly with works created by a significant British artist.  We hope that the students at Kirkby High will be inspired by the flags to make and create and to engage with art and artists. We believe a creative education can positively impact student’s lives and we hope that the bright, colourful flags bring positive memories and a smile to students faces when they come through the door.”

Amy Argent, Head of Art and Jonathan Greenbank, teacher of art and PD said: “Sir Peter Blake has long been an inspiration to Kirkby High School staff and students; To have his flags here is simply wonderful as they directly link to the art curriculum. When primary schools visit for transition sessions, students are introduced to his work and create self-portrait images based on his collages and the razzle dazzle imagery. Year 9 students explore his work with reference to his Pop Art style while exploring graffiti and logos. Also, at the end of Year 7 students reflect on their achievements and changing identities by designing their own Self Portrait With Badges based on the painting which won him the John Moores Painting Prize in 1961.”

Sir Peter Blake (b. 1932) is a leading figure in the development of British pop art and his work is synonymous with the use of imagery from modern culture, including comic books, consumer goods and advertisements. Sir Peter Blake has a strong relationship with Liverpool that extends beyond his famous design of The Beatles’s album cover, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band in 1967, including winning the Junior section of the John Moores Painting Prize in 1961 with his work Self Portrait with Badges which is now in the Tate collection.

In 2007, Tate Liverpool hosted Peter Blake: A Retrospective, the largest since an exhibition at the Tate Gallery in 1983. He also created an updated version of the iconic Sgt. Pepper’s album cover with famous figures from Liverpool history as part of the successful bid for Liverpool to become European Capital of Culture 2008.