Community Post Type: News

Visitors can celebrate Black History Month and the Liverpool Irish Festival, enjoy spooky storytelling and crafts, or try something new through tour guides and performance. With activities for children, young people and adults, there is something for all ages throughout October and the half-term holiday.

Celebrating Black History Month  

Discover the stories of Liverpool’s Black community through guided tours at the Museum of Liverpool on Saturday 10 and Thursday 29 October. The tours highlight inspirational Black Scousers, from community leaders and activists to artists, athletes and pioneers, and the contributions they have made to the city and beyond.

The programme also includes a performance of Laroche on Saturday 17 October, a powerful historical drama written and directed by Dr Carlette Norwood. The play tells the remarkable true story of Joseph Philippe Lemercier Laroche, the only known Black passenger aboard the RMS Titanic. Blending history, identity, and human drama, Laroche explores the life of a Haitian-born engineer navigating race, class, love, and belonging in early twentieth-century Europe. The performance is recommended for adults and children aged 11 and over.

At World Museum, a special Spotlight Day on Sunday 25 October transports visitors to Ancient Nubia and explores its story, from the birth of complex cultures in the region to a civilisation that was able to challenge Egypt for supremacy and eventually conquer its northern neighbour, uniting the whole Nile Valley under the rule of kings from what is now Sudan.

Irish culture and young voices 

The sights and sounds of Irish culture fill the Museum of Liverpool on Saturday 24 October as the Liverpool Irish Festival Family Day returns. Co-hosted with Liverpool Irish Festival, the free event brings together live Irish music, dancing, traditional performance and creative activities for all ages from 11am to 4pm.

Young people aged 16 to 25 can take part in the Youth Engagement Forum at the Walker Art Gallery on Sunday 11 October, sharing their ideas and helping to shape exciting events and projects for their peers across Liverpool and beyond. Meanwhile, Future Voices at the Museum of Liverpool gives young people a platform to share music, poetry and spoken word with audiences in the atrium on Sundays 25 October, 29 November and 20 December.

Halloween fun for all the family   

A playful mix of spooky surprises awaits families this half-term. From 20 to 31 October, Winnie the spider and her friends take over the Little Liverpool children’s gallery at the Museum of Liverpool, bringing Halloween-themed fun for children aged 0 to 5 to explore with their parents and carers. Sudley House receives its own spooky makeover on 30 and 31 October, inviting families to enjoy crafts, face painting and curious objects to handle. A special after-hours tour on Saturday 31 October, Sudley After Dark, invites brave adults to explore one of Liverpool’s most fascinating historic homes by lantern light. Featuring theatrical storytelling and atmospheric surprises, it is perfect for curious history lovers and anyone who enjoys a good shiver.

Hands-on creativity and discovery  

Crafts club socials are monthly workshops for people aged 18 to 30. At the Museum of Liverpool on Saturday 3 October, visitors can meet new people and design their own tarot cards with local artist Nicole Marnell. Adults of all ages can also enjoy a sociable candle-making workshop at Sudley House on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October, or at the Lady Lever Art Gallery on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 October, making a candle to take home. For a calming creative experience, the Walker Art Gallery hosts a drop-in Sketching for Wellbeing session on Tuesday 13 October.

On Saturday 24 October, Mind Games comes to World Museum’s Egypt gallery, where visitors can learn, play and test their strategic skills through games like chess and the East Asian game of Go, with members of Liverpool Chess Club joining the day’s activities.

A family dance workshop at World Museum on Wednesday 28 October invites visitors to discover the traditional dance of Mexico’s Day of the Dead. Featuring uplifting music and colourful costumes, the workshop has been specially adapted for all ages. The family fun continues on Thursday 29 October with Beatlemania: National Museums Liverpool at 40. Inspired by the iconic Beatles gold disc on display, the event brings together a craft activity to design record sleeves influenced by classic Beatles artwork, a chance to get up close to Beatles memorabilia during the museum’s 1960s object-handling session, and a lively musical atmosphere throughout the day.

On Sunday 1 November, Muse-zine at World Museum invites young people aged 16 to 25 to find inspiration in National Museums Liverpool’s collections as they create their own art, experiment with zines and printmaking, learn new skills and meet people in a welcoming and supportive space.

Storytelling and world-class tour guides  

Magaly Flores leads a free Spanish storytime session for children aged five and over as part of Big Art for Little Artists at the Walker Art Gallery on Saturday 17 October, featuring El Pequeño Salvador Dalí by Anna Obiols. The La Feria Festival Takeover celebrates the rich cultures and traditions of Latin America at World Museum on Saturday 10 October, with live music, dance, storytelling and hands-on activities throughout the galleries.

Visitors can round off their day by exploring Liverpool’s remarkable maritime past with the award-winning team behind the Old Dock Tour. Head underneath Liverpool ONE to discover the world’s first commercial enclosed wet dock or join Walking the Waterfront to see the Pier Head’s history brought to life, tracing the city’s transformation from a medieval harbour into a globally influential port.

Full details of events and activities across National Museums Liverpool’s museums and galleries are available at www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/whatson.

The UK’s longest running LGBTQIA+ arts and culture festival returns this Autumn. Liverpool’s Homotopia is back for its 22nd year, with the theme of We Come Together. Running from 17 Oct to 1 Dec 2026, the festival will see theatre, performance, film, music and conversation as it brings Queer creativity in all its forms to venues across Liverpool.

This year, the festival will launch to celebrate the birthday of another iconic Queer community as House of Suarez marks two decades at the heart of the Northern UK vogue scene. With a spectacular runway event, the evening will set the tone for a November programme championing Queer art and artists.

Artists featuring in this year’s Homotopia include; Thick & Tight, Fag Packet, Fatt Butcher, House of Suarez, H.R.H Aphrodite I, Noiregaze, EAT Me Collective, First take,

Highlights of this year’s programme include;

Queer theatre with three shows. Award-winning dance theatre company Thick & Tight with Natural Behaviour, a collection of performed portraits spanning human and non-human life forms. Joining them is Fag Packet with DYKE Systems Ltd, a repeat sell-out at Edinburgh Fringe that serves an anarchic, physical comedy cocktail dissecting pyramid schemes, ruthless heteronormativity, and corporate feminism. Finally, Fatt Butcher performs Congregational an act of coming together. Part concert, part communion, part resurrection – join Fatt Butcher on the dance floor with special guests the Liverpool Rainbow Chorus.

Photographer Helen Constantinou’s The Gathering – Stop The Clause  confronts the legacy of Section 28 at Open Eye Gallery capturing the mass protests in 1988 against Section 28, the barbaric UK legislation which banned local authorities from “promoting homosexuality”.

Homotopia is hosting a special screening of Project Triangle at 17: YOUNG QUEER AND STILL HERE. To mark the historic exchange, of Project Triangle, documenting the 2009 journey of Young Homotopia to Auschwitz and Warsaw to explore the persecution of LGBTQIA+ people during the Holocaust and its lasting impact on queer history.

A month of Queer club nights for dancing feet including EAT Me Collective with HORRIBLE HERSTORIES, Noiregayze, Protect Scouse Dolls, Homotopia edition of Sonic Yootha and Queer Cxntry Burnin’ Daylight, a country music themed LGBTQIA+ club night by PINK SUITS.

A Reel Queer film screening marking the 40th anniversary of Liverpool production company, First Take.

Dine in the converted stables of Cobble and Hay in historic Port Sunlight for Cookery Book Club at the Movies, featuring a menu inspired by Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe.

Commemorations for World AIDS Day with Sahir House and a screening of April Ashley in Enigma for Transgender Day of Remembrance.

An evening with the next generation of Queer talent with Young Homotopia and QueerCore Showcase.

Venues for this year’s Homotopia include; Museum of Liverpool, Unity Theatre, District, Everyman Cinema, Playhouse Studio, The Music Room, Bluecoat, Arts Bar, Cobble and Hay.

View Homotopia Festival 2026 Brochure

Picturesque Port Sunlight Village will once again become a meeting place for poets, performers and poetry lovers this autumn as Wirral Poetry Festival returns on 3rd and 4th October, bringing the written and spoken word to one of the most beautiful settings on the Wirral.

There can surely be few more fitting places for a poetry festival than Port Sunlight. With its tree-lined roads, historic architecture, sweeping lawns and intriguing corners, the iconic village has a distinctly poetic quality of its own. This October, those surroundings will once again provide the backdrop for Wirral Poetry Festival — a celebration of poetry, creativity and the pleasure of sharing words with others.

The 2026 festival continues Wirral Poetry Festival’s mission of promoting poetry on the Wirral and beyond, bringing people together through readings, performances, workshops and opportunities to discover new voices. Whether you’re a lifelong poetry enthusiast, an occasional reader, an aspiring writer or someone who simply fancies experiencing something different, the festival is a must.

The festival combines established and emerging poetic voices with community participation, offering everything from readings and book launches to poetry walks, workshops, children’s activities, open-mic opportunities and the energy of a live poetry slam. At its heart is Poetry on the Green, bringing performances by local poets into the open air beside the Lady Lever Art Gallery.

This year’s extravaganza once again features many free events to attend and enjoy. In addition to this, some big hitting ticketed events are taking place including — a Performing Poetry Workshop, Slam Night, Leigh Lawson Poetry Night, An Audience With Jennifer Lee Tsai and Cathy Galvin, An Audience With Zoe Brooks, Caroline Smith and Barry Woods and An Audience With Sarah James.

On Saturday 3rd October at 5.30pm, acclaimed actor Leigh Lawson will share stories and poems from his collection Now and Then at Saturday 3 October, 5.30pm at Port Sunlight Church Hall (tickets just £6). Meanwhile, Cathy Galvin (Ethnology: A Love Song for Connemara) and Jennnifer Lee Tsai (Melete) will read from their debut Bloodaxe Books collections at the same venue on Sunday 4th October at 7.30pm.

Slam Night is always an incredible showcase of some of the region’s finest wordsmiths. Port Slam Night takes place on Saturday 3rd October at 7.30pm, again at Port Sunlight Church Hall. Tickets are just £6 and poets compete for the £100 prize! It’s an opportunity to witness some fantastic and diverse poetry and if you would like to take part please apply to enter on the Wirral Poetry Festival website.

Young voices are also taking their place in the festival story. In 2026, Wirral Poetry Festival launched its first Youth Poetry Competition for young people aged 11 to 18 who live or attend school within the Liverpool City Region. Supported by the Christopher Salmon Foundation and held in memory of talented young Wirral poet Christopher Salmon, the competition invited entrants to write on the theme of “Home”.

Entries arrived from every borough of the Liverpool City Region, demonstrating both the appetite for creative writing among young people and poetry’s extraordinary ability to turn a simple word into something intensely personal. Eleven-year-old Amjad Sharif, a pupil at Oldershaw School in Wallasey, was named the competition winner, with Kai Lloyd Jones, aged 12, and Adriana Brandao, aged 17, selected as runners-up. Their prizes are due to be presented at a special celebration during Wirral Poetry Festival in Port Sunlight on the Saturday.

Wirral Poetry Festival’s Alison Schultz said: “Living in such a digital age, there’s never been a more important time to celebrate poetry and literacy, and there’s no better setting than Port Sunlight. We’re really excited for this year’s festival and as ever, there will be so much going on and something for everyone. Whether you’re a poetry enthusiast or just fancy something different, we look forward to welcoming you.”

Kemal Houghton added: “Poetry can be quiet and reflective or funny, challenging and exhilarating. It can live on the printed page or come alive when performed in front of an audience. Bringing those different forms into Port Sunlight allows visitors to experience a historic village not simply as somewhere to look back at the past, but as somewhere contemporary culture is being made.”

For local writers, the festival offers opportunities to connect with a wider creative community. For visitors, it offers the chance to encounter poetry away from the classroom or bookshelf. And for Port Sunlight itself, the festival adds another layer to a place already associated with art, architecture and ambitious ideas about how surroundings can enrich people’s lives.

Wirral Poetry Festival 2026 / 3rd & 4th October 2026, 10.30am-7.30pm / Port Sunlight Village, Various Venues

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL LINE UP AND BOOK TICKETS

Liverpool’s International Festival of Latin American Arts & Culture returns this October – bringing together internationally acclaimed musicians, theatre-makers, dancers, artists and artisans from across Latin America and the UK for an inspiring programme of live performances, exhibitions, workshops, talks and participatory events.

Established in 2018 by LUMA Creations, LA FERIA celebrates the many voices, traditions and contemporary cultures that make Latin America so unique. Through world-class artistic experiences, the festival creates opportunities for cultural exchange, shared understanding and meaningful connections between communities.

From Wednesday 7th to Sunday 11th October 2026 audiences can enjoy a truly diverse programme of events – showcasing the richness of Latin America, in the company of some of the diaspora’s most exciting emerging talent.

The 8th annual LA FERIA launches at Unity Theatre on 7th October with Manuelita – a critically acclaimed one-person play that brings to life the remarkable story of Manuelita Saenz, the Ecuadorian revolutionary and trusted partner of Simon Bolivar. Through powerful storytelling, physical theatre, comedy and live music, the production explores the passion, courage and legacy of one of Latin America’s most influential historical figures.

The next two evenings will see two very different acts grace the stage at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall Music Room. Following their magical sold-out appearance at LA FERIA 2022, Camila y Silvio return to share another unforgettable evening of music, storytelling and cultural connection on October 8th, breathing new life into classic folkloric genres while honouring their Chilean cultural origins. Support on the night comes from PEREGRINOS – a pioneering Chilean duo, whose music brings together the rich traditions of Chilean folk with the creativity and spontaneity of jazz.

The following night brings Orchestra Mambo International – a powerhouse 13-piece Latin big band, formed in 2022 by renowned salsa DJ and promoter DJ Lubi Jovanovic and acclaimed trombonist/composer Jonny Enright. Bringing together exceptional musicians from Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, Spain, Brazil and the UK, OMI celebrates the golden age of mambo, salsa dura and Afro-Cuban jazz while injecting the music with a fresh, contemporary energy.

As LA FERIA enters the weekend, the festival will take over World Museum Liverpool for a day for all the family – featuring live music, dance, storytelling, workshops and participatory activities. Experience the Museum like never before as La Feria transforms its galleries into a vibrant celebration of Latin American arts and culture. Meet artists and practitioners from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Venezuela and beyond, as they fill the museum with infectious rhythms, captivating stories, colourful traditions and joyful encounters.

The same evening, Colombian DJ and Producer Killabeatmaker takes to the stage at District for a night of global rhythms – combining beatboxing, rap, vocals and live beats. Renowned for his energetic and interactive live shows, Killabeatmaker’s sound fuses traditional Colombian music with electronic production, urban grooves and deep bass. Also on the bill is rising Brazilian singer-songwriter MARI MERENDA, bringing her expressive voice and magnetic stage presence to the UK for the first time.

LA FERIA 2026 comes to a close on Sunday 11th October with A TASTE OF LATIN AMERICA at The BLACK-E. Celebrate the energy, warmth and diversity of Latin American cultures as artists and communities come together for this free Finale Event – an unforgettable day filled with delicious Latin American cuisine, live music, DJs, dance, hands-on workshops and creative activities for all ages.

Whether you are discovering Latin American arts for the first time or reconnecting with your own cultural heritage, La Feria warmly welcomes audiences of all ages and backgrounds to experience the colour, rhythm, stories and spirit of Latin America in the heart of Liverpool.

Throughout September and October firstly St George’s Hall then Unity Theatre will host Belonging – a celebration of the diverse voices and creative practices of UK-based artists of Latin American heritage. Bringing together a compelling collection of contemporary artworks, the exhibition explores themes of identity, memory, migration, home and cultural connection, offering insight into the many ways belonging is experienced and expressed.

Reflecting both personal and shared histories, the works reveal how culture is preserved, reimagined and passed between generations while continually evolving across places and borders. Through a rich range of visual languages, Belonging invites visitors to consider the connections that shape who we are and the communities we create.

LIVE PROGRAMME

MANUELITA by POPELEI
Wednesday 7th October, 8:00pm
Unity Theatre
Tickets Here

Manuelita is a critically acclaimed one-person play that brings to life the remarkable story of Manuelita Saenz, the Ecuadorian revolutionary and trusted partner of Simon Bolivar.

Through powerful storytelling, physical theatre, comedy and live music, the production explores the passion, courage and legacy of one of Latin America’s most influential historical figures. Through a compelling blend of theatre, movement, humour and live music, the production brings to life the passion, courage and resilience of a woman who played a pivotal role in Latin America’s fight for independence.

Performed by Tamsin Hurtado Clarke with live music from acclaimed Colombian guitarist, Camilo Menjura, Manuelita has captivated audiences internationally and received widespread critical acclaim, including the prestigious Top of the Fringe Award at the Edinburgh Festival.

18 year old Argentinian/British musician, ELI ROWLEY opens the event by bringing Argentinian folklore and Andean music to life through the ronroco, a larger member of the charango family.

Inspired by artists including Gustavo Santaolalla and Jaime Torres, Eli combines traditional rhythms  with original arrangements and compositions. Performed solo, the ronroco’s haunting, resonant sound takes centre stage, showcasing the instrument’s versatility while introducing the audience to a distinctive instrument rarely heard in the UK.

CAMILA Y SILVIO + PEREGRINOS
Thursday 8th October, 8:00pm
Music Room, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Tickets Here

CAMILA Y SILVIO return to La FERIA Festival with their award-winning sound, deeply rooted in Andean and Latin American folk traditions. Blending rich musical heritage with a fresh, vibrant and youthful perspective, the duo creates performances that transport audiences through breathtaking landscapes, shared histories and the universal emotion that connects us all.

Known for their warmth, authenticity and captivating stage presence, Camila y Silvio breathe new life into classic folkloric genres while honouring their cultural origins. Their acclaimed debut album, En el borde del la Noche (2019) earned the prestigious 2020 Pulsar Award for best Root Music Artist in Chile; establishing them as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary folk music.

Through both recording and live performances, Camila y Silvio have become celebrated for preserving and reimagining Latin American musical traditions for new generations.

Following their magical sold-out appearance at La FERIA 2022, they return to share another unforgettable evening of music, storytelling and cultural connection.

PEREGRINOS is a pioneering Chilean duo formed by Raimundo Santander and Rodrigo Recabarren, whose music brings together the rich traditions of Chilean folk with the creativity and spontaneity of jazz. Drawing on more than a decade of artistic collaboration, they have developed a distinctive sound that honours their cultural roots while exploring new musical landscapes through improvisation, rhythm, and storytelling.

Through acclaimed releases such as Peregrinos and Haciendo el Fuego, the duo has earned recognition for their innovative approach to contemporary folk music. Their performances offer audiences an immersive journey through Chilean culture, blending tradition and experimentation to create.

ORCHESTRA MAMBO INTERNATIONAL
Friday 9th October, 8:00pm
Music Room, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Tickets Here

Orchestra Mambo International (OMI) is a powerhouse 13-piece Latin big band formed in 2022 by renowned salsa DJ and promoter DJ Lubi Jovanovic and acclaimed trombonist/composer Jonny Enright. Bringing together exceptional musicians from Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, Spain, Brazil and the UK, OMI celebrates the golden age of mambo, salsa dura and Afro-Cuban jazz while injecting the music with a fresh, contemporary energy.

Inspired by Latin music legends including Tito Puente, Machito, Eddie Palmieri, Celia Cruz, Ray Barretto and Tito Rodríguez, the band has rapidly established itself as one of the UK’s most exciting Latin music ensembles.

For their first ever performance in Liverpool, the band will be joined by Venezuelan vocalist Carlos Peña and special guest vocalist Claritzel Miyares from Cuba. Expect an unforgettable evening of explosive rhythms, soaring brass, infectious grooves and authentic Latin passion from a band that brings the spirit of Havana, New York and beyond to life on stage.

WORLD MUSEUM TAKE-OVER
Saturday 10th October, 12:00pm – 5:00pm
World Museum Liverpool
FREE ENTRANCE

Experience the World Museum like never before as La Feria transforms its galleries into a vibrant celebration of Latin American arts and culture. Throughout the day, the museum will come alive with live music, dance, storytelling, workshops and participatory activities, creating an unforgettable journey through the rich cultures, traditions and creativity of Latin America.

Meet artists and practitioners from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Venezuela and beyond, as they fill the museum with infectious rhythms, captivating stories, colourful traditions and joyful encounters.

Whether you’re dancing to live music, discovering new cultures through hands-on activities, or sharing stories with family and friends, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

*Presented in partnership with the World Museum and the Global Cultures Collections Team as part of the Cuerpos del Tiempo project

KILLABEATMAKER + MARI MERENDA
Saturday 10th October, 8:00pm
District
Tickets Here

KILLABEATMAKER is a music producer and performer from Medellín, Colombia, whose sound fuses traditional Colombian music with electronic production, urban grooves, deep bass and global rhythms. Renowned for his energetic and interactive live shows, he combines beatboxing, rap, vocals and live beats, alongside a talented band featuring  Guadalupe Giraldo on percussion, Colombian gaita and vocals, and Julian Ramírez on percussion and backing vocals.

Over the past two years, KILLABEATMAKER and his band have completed three European tours, performing in more than 70 cities and appearing at major festivals and cultural events worldwide. Following award-winning performances across the international circuit, the group will continue touring in 2026 with key appearances across North America, Canada, India and Europe, captivating audiences with their innovative blend of Colombian tradition and contemporary electronic music.

On her first visit to Liverpool and the UK, the rising Brazilian singer-songwriter MARI MERENDA brings her live performance with music from ‘Reverbero’ (latest EP) with an expressive voice and a magnetic stage presence, Mari breathes new life into contemporary Brazilian music. As a multi-instrumentalist and singer, Mari will be playing the piano and the asalto (a traditional West African percussion and rhythm instrument ). She will be performing with Gulherme Monteiro (bass, guitar & vocals)

A TASTE OF LATIN AMERICA (Festival Finale)
Sunday 11th October, 12:00pm – 5:00pm
The BLACK-E
FREE ENTRANCE

Join us for the spectacular FINALE of La Feria 2026 at The Black-E— A Celebration of the Cultures and Arts of Latin America for the whole community, making it  the perfect way to close this year’s festival.
Experience an unforgettable day filled with live music, DJs, dance, hands-on workshops, delicious Latin American cuisine and creative activities for all ages. Celebrate the energy, warmth and diversity of Latin American cultures as artists and communities come together for one final Finale Event.

Enjoy outstanding live performances from artists representing Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Venezuela and beyond, showcasing the incredible sounds, rhythms and traditions that make Latin America so vibrant.

Artists include: El Guapo & Catriona Price (Argentina, Scotland), ArtPer UK Dance Co (Peru), Wayta Sisa (Ecuador), Inti Tusuy Dance Co (Bolivia, Mexico, Peru, UK) and Colibri (Mexico). Come and celebrate with us – everyone is welcome!

VISUAL ARTS PROGRAMME

Visual Arts Exhibition: Belonging
9th – 26th September: St George’s Hall Visitors Centre
7th October – 6th November: Unity Theatre, Hope Place
FREE ENTRANCE

Belonging is a celebration of the diverse voices and creative practices of UK-based artists of Latin American heritage. Bringing together a compelling collection of contemporary artworks, the exhibition explores themes of identity, memory, migration, home and cultural connection, offering insight into the many ways belonging is experienced and expressed.

Reflecting both personal and shared histories, the works reveal how culture is preserved, reimagined and passed between generations while continually evolving across places and borders. Through a rich range of visual languages, Belong invites visitors to consider the connections that shape who we are and the communities we create.

A major conference designed to support aspiring and established podcasters from across the north of England is set to launch in Liverpool.

Podfest North will take place at The Liner Hotel on Friday 13 November 2026 and is expected to attract hundreds of delegates ranging from first timers to seasoned podcasters.

“We’re aiming to establish a thriving network of podcasters across the north of England, North Wales and the wider region by helping creators develop the skills, contacts and commercial opportunities needed to grow successful podcasts,” says Mick Ord, who co-presents the Misadventures in Music podcast with musician Ian Prowse.

The former BBC manager has brought together a team to plan what is hoped to become an annual event. 

It includes the host, award-winning entrepreneur and broadcaster Ngunan Adamu, podcaster and journalist Nigel Thompson, Helen Cross, Creative Industries Lead from Liverpool City Region’s Combined Authority, former Merseyside and Cheshire tourism chief Chris Brown and BBC Radio 4 reporter and podcaster Stephanie Powers.

Podcasting Growth

The launch comes at a time when podcasting is experiencing unprecedented growth. 

More than 25 million people in the UK now listen to podcasts every month, while weekly podcast consumption has doubled over the past decade, according to industry research and Ofcom figures. 

The popularity of video podcasts is also reshaping the sector as audiences increasingly expect content to be available in both audio and visual formats.

Organisers say Podfest North will focus on the practical needs of independent and emerging creators with a strong emphasis on encouraging businesses to engage with podcasting as a powerful marketing and communications tool.

“There is a growing ecosystem of podcasters, producers and content creators across the North, but many lack opportunities to access specialist expertise, develop business contacts and learn from others in the sector,” says Podfest North host Ngunan Adamu.

“We aim to fill that gap by creating a diverse, grassroots event that is accessible, practical and focused on helping creators and businesses grow and thrive”. 

The conference will include speakers, workshops, panel discussions and debates covering important topics such as AI, monetisation, audience growth, video and the future of podcasting. 

Experts will also discuss opportunities for advertising and investment across industry from SMEs to large businesses, local authorities and charities.

Key Speakers and Workshops

Speakers include John Gibbons founder of the hugely successful The Anfield Wrap podcast, BBC audiences expert Adam Bowie, Richard Hollingham co-creator with his wife Sue of the acclaimed podcast “Space Boffins”, BBC Merseyside editor Ben Anderson and David Reid, Professor of AI at Liverpool Hope University, who co-presents “Married to the Machine” with his partner, journalist Stephanie Power.

There’ll be a range of practical workshops from experts specialising on technical and editorial aspects of podcasting.

 Partial funding for the event has come from Liverpool City Region’s Growth Platform, the business support service designed to support business leaders aiming to grow and develop.

 Creative Industries Lead from the LCR Combined Authority Helen Cross says,

“This conference fills an important gap in the market, bringing together both emerging and established podcasters to learn from industry experts, discover the latest tools and explore new opportunities in this rapidly growing channel. 

It will also help marketers across the City Region understand the value of podcasting and connect with the creators, studios and producers shaping the sector locally. 

By bringing the community together, Podfest North will inspire collaboration, spark new ideas and help more businesses realise the potential of podcasting.”

The event is also backed by Audiotrain, AudioUK’s skills and training platform dedicated to raising the bar in podcasting and audio across the industry.

“There is an enormous amount of podcasting and audio talent across the North, and events like Podfest North are vital in creating the connections, skills and commercial opportunities that can help that talent flourish. 

At AudioUK, we want to see a strong and diverse podcast and audio industry across the whole of the UK, not just in London. 

Through Audiotrain, our free training platform, we’re helping people at every stage of their careers build their knowledge and confidence across podcasting and audio. 

We’re delighted to support Podfest North and its focus on making practical expertise, networking and commercial opportunities more accessible to the growing creative community across the North. 

We hope this will become an important fixture in the region’s podcasting calendar.” 

Chris Baughen – CEO, AudioUK

Organisers believe Liverpool is the ideal location for the inaugural conference due to its growing digital media sector, strong creative industries and excellent transport connections across the North of England and North Wales. The event aims to strengthen the city region’s reputation as a hub for digital creativity and innovation.

A limited number of Early Bird tickets are priced £50.00 and available from the Podfest North website podfestnorth.co.uk

For more information on Podfest North contact:  Mick Ord 07850 757845  or  Nigel Thompson 07773 673688

 

British pop trailblazers Cleopatra are bringing infectious energy, soulful harmonies and powerhouse vocals to The Tung Auditorium this September in partnership with BlackFest, Liverpool’s grassroots Black Arts festival.

Returning to the city on Friday 25th September, 2026 – almost two decades since their last Liverpool-based performance – both organisers and fans are delighted to welcome them back for a nostalgic evening of pop bangers.

Cleopatra, comprised of Mancunian sisters Cleopatra, Zainam and Yonah Higgins, burst onto the music scene in the late 1990s, quickly captivating audiences with their dynamic and charismatic performances – and earning their special place in music history as the first all female black British group to achieve mainstream success.

Born into a musical family, Cleopatra’s passion for music was nurtured from an early age. Influenced by a diverse range of genres, including R&B, pop, and soul, the sisters honed their vocal talents through years of dedication and practice, setting them apart in an industry dominated by boy bands and girl groups.

In 1998, Cleopatra entered the music scene with their debut single, ‘Cleopatra’s Theme’. The song, characterised by its catchy hooks and infectious beats, became an instant hit, catapulting the group into the spotlight and garnering widespread acclaim. ‘Cleopatra’s Theme’ soared up the charts, reaching the top five in the UK Singles Chart and earning the trio a coveted BRIT Award nomination for Best British Newcomer.

Buoyed by the success of their debut single, Cleopatra continued to make waves with their debut album, Comin’ Atcha! Released in 1998, the album showcased the group’s versatility and musical prowess, featuring a mix of upbeat anthems, heartfelt ballads, and empowering girl-power anthems. Tracks like ‘Life Ain’t Easy’ and ‘A Touch of Love’ resonated with audiences, solidifying Cleopatra’s status as a pop sensation.

Throughout their career, Cleopatra remained true to their roots, using their platform to inspire and empower young fans around the world. With their message of self-confidence, resilience, and sisterhood, the group became role models for a generation of aspiring musicians, particularly young women of colour, who saw themselves reflected in Cleopatra’s success.

Though their time in the spotlight was relatively brief, Cleopatra’s impact on the music industry continues to be felt to this day. Their groundbreaking achievements paved the way for future generations of black British artists, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of pop music.

Don’t miss Cleopatra and Yonah Higgins at the Tung Auditorium this September, presented in
partnership with BlackFest.

Tickets available here

AGE ; BOARC’s Annual General Exchange is finally back after a 2 year hiatus!

This year they have settled on three thematics that have been most urgently discussed round BOARC’s dinner table

AGE; Economies, Capacities and Topologies will be 5 days of collective investigation into DIY organising and Arts Activism now

They are asking folks invested in these topics to put their thinking forward through a light touch presentation which will gain weight when working together with the other amazing people through active crossover and sharing of knowledge and strategy. All aimed towards hope, solidarity and getting to what matters.

For those new to AGE it has always been a time for collective thinking about politics and challenges of the moment. It’s speculative and evolves as group conversation. It’s a time that allows BOARC to think through important issues for its development, while also posing questions that resonate with all of us who look to activate social change.

While the themes are broad they have offered some hints at our thinking but these are just a flavour of very open prompts. Please feel free to be specific or vast, geeky or unsure this is the woods our collective brain gets to shout in!

Lastly their 5th and final day is their capture and implementation day for BOARC. This day is completely optional but will include a 4th night’s stay for free.

Held: 5th – 8th/9th November 2026 Bidston Observatory, Wilding Way, Prenton CH43 7RA

Basic £160 or Day Rate of £25

Book via email enquiries@bidstonobservatory.org

For more information please take a look at the full brochure; https://tr.ee/P4_M6FLzPk

Or check out their Instagram: @bid_obs

 

For those of you who cannot make the Kathak Intensive event in London, MilapSpace are bringing the Kathak Intensive with Sanjukta Sinha directly to you. For Sanjukta’s students and followers, this is your chance to be in the room with her.

On 26th and 27th September, you’ll have full access to both days of teaching as they happen — streamed live, wherever you are in the world.

Sanjukta Sinha

One of India’s most celebrated Kathak artists— recipient of the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar and a practitioner whose movement language, musicality and depth of understanding are genuinely rare.

This is two full days in her world.

Book livestream access here

Everyone accessing the livestream (subscribers & non-subscribers) must register separately in the link below. Only those names / emails registered on this list will be sent a link to access the livestream.

Please note:  If you are purchasing access to the Livestream acesss alone for $49, please purchase that first before registering your name on the form linked here.  If you are a MilapSpace annual subscriber, you only need to fill out the form.

Saturday 26th September 2026
13:00 – 17:00 BST

Sunday 27th September 2026
16:00 – 20:00 BST
+ 30 min post event Q&A