Community Post Type: News

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.

Inspiring community figures and change makers will gather in Liverpool this April to help shape the North’s future on their terms as the People’s Powerhouse ‘This is the North’ convention returns. Here’s what to expect and how to get tickets.

This is the North 2025 will see local leaders, voluntary organisations, social enterprises and businesses come together to further the conversation around Northern devolution and drive discussions on the region’s future.

Following the Government’s spending cuts announced in the Spring Statement, This is The North 2025 represents an opportunity to reassert the power of community as an asset and its ability to drive positive change.

High-profile speakers at this year’s event include metro mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram, Southport MP Patrick Hurley, leader of Liverpool City Council, Liam Robinson, head of policy at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Eve Holt, Dr Nicola Headlam and former chief prosecutor Nazir Afzal OBE.

This year’s theme is ‘If more local power is on its way, how do we keep it real?’ with speakers set to offer thought-provoking insights on how to create stronger communities and shape the future of the North.

Discussions will explore who holds the power in the North, what steps could be taken to truly address poverty and inequality and making a difference to the lives of ordinary people in the North.

As well as discussions and panels – covering everything from policy changes to grassroots innovation – participants can take part in a range of workshops including sessions by the Racial Equality Network and Community Catalysts CIC. There will also be the opportunity to connect and share projects and ideas with local businesses, creators, and community groups.

Whether you’re an artist, grassroots activist, small business owner, or an innovator – the convention will leave you inspired and get you closer to decision-making in and for the North.

The event is being held at The Black-E, on George Street, Liverpool on Thursday, April 3rd from 9am to 4.30pm.

Leader of Liverpool City Council, Liam Robinson said: “Liverpool and the wider North are on the cusp of transformative change. This is an opportunity for communities, businesses, and creatives to shape what that future looks like – and to make sure it’s one that truly delivers for everyone.”

Since its first convention in 2017, People’s Powerhouse has been pivotal in bringing the people of the North together to celebrate local communities and grassroots organisations across the region while driving change. Previous conventions have been held in Doncaster, Bradford, Sunderland and Preston.

Edna Robinson, chair of People’s Powerhouse, said: “I’m looking forward to reconnecting with everyone.”

Secure your spot by booking your ticket here.

For more information visit the People’s Powerhouse website here.

20 Stories High are thrilled to announce the final instalment of their ‘Black with a Capital B’ project, a powerful collection of seven exclusive works by Black Liverpool artists.

Their 4-year journey, led by the then Associate Artistic Director Nathan Powell (currently Creative Director at the Everyman and Playhouse Theatres), began in response to the murder of George Floyd in America in 2020. Like many individuals and organisations, 20 Stories High processed the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent events with a mix of anger, grief, and reflection. These events amplified the spotlight on racism in the UK, creating an urgent call to action for systemic change.

While diversity, equity and inclusion have always been central to their work, 20 Stories High recognised that we had an even greater role to play in becoming a truly proactive and anti-racist organisation. The organisation decided to use this difficult time to celebrate the achievements and highlight the struggles of Black artists, showcasing their depth, range of experience, and insight, giving them a platform to create and share their artistry.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, 7 artists channelled their voices into compelling pieces using a variety of art-forms such as music, poetry, visual art and film making and using a range of DIY tools such as smartphones, home studios, and ancestry kits. The films, made by Brodie Arthur, Tia Hume-Jennings, Malik Lidgett, Anita Welsh, Amber Akaunu and Dorcas Sebuyange were all created and released over the course of the pandemic, each with a unique voice and powerful story to tell.

The final piece, created by Paislie Reid, marks the culmination of this journey. Paislie’s project has been four years in the making, creating the music and lyrics in 2020, Paislie had a vision for what this film could eventually become.

“My Black with a Capital B project is a love letter to Liverpool’s Black community and beyond. It is an uplifting garage song written and directed by me with Isaiah Burnett-Egeonu as Director of Cinematography and Editor, Instrumental by Malik Lidgett and Mixed and Mastered by Kofi Owusu for GoPlay Studio. The lyrics of the song speak about the Black experience, and how despite any obstacles we face, we frequently rise above people’s expectations and do wonderful things. We are worthy and valuable just as we are – regardless of what we achieve – we are worthy when we are playing, when we are looking after our children and when we are resting – regardless of where we are from or how light or dark our skin is. We have captured many people from Liverpool’s Black community and can’t wait to show it to them. I hope that it brings as much joy as possible.” – Paislie Reid

Her work celebrates the vibrant Black community of Liverpool, pulling together a narrative that is as much about collective identity as it is about personal expression.

You can check out Paislie’s film and the other 6 incredible films on our YouTube channel now: https://youtu.be/6XvvX7C-pkg?si=1DuFI_v5x7V6j4II

Liverpool’s much-loved Epstein Theatre is set to reopen after a deal was agreed to breathe new life into the historic city centre venue.

The Grade II listed theatre closed its doors in June 2023 following a decision by the city council, which owns the building’s freehold, to withdraw financial support which had helped to keep the 112-year-old venue running.

But now the Hanover Street landmark is due to welcome audiences once again, with new leaseholders and a new management team promising a busy programme of entertainment which reflects the theatre’s century-long role as the home of local talent, national touring productions, music, comedy and pantomime.

Test events are set to take place over the spring and summer, with a full autumn programme of shows being launched including a special Gala Night on Friday, 19 September – Brian Epstein’s birthday – which will feature local acts and celebrities.

Ahead of that, £1 million is being invested in the venue with extensive refurbishment works including refitting the stage with new lighting, stage cloths and sound, and improving the backstage areas.

The theatre’s bar is also being remodelled as part of the work.

The theatre is encouraging people to join the Epstein mailing list via the website www.epsteintheatre.com to be the first to hear about future shows.

For programming enquiries, contact programming@epstein.com

The search to find the most talented young artists across Liverpool City Region is nearing its exciting conclusion – and now, the public can get involved by casting their votes online.

dot-art Schools, in partnership with Edge Hill University, invites the public to vote for their favourite artwork as part of the annual competition highlighting the creative brilliance of young artists from the Liverpool City Region. This year’s entries come from Year 5 and Year 9 students across more than 80 primary and secondary schools.

A judging panel of respected arts professionals have shortlisted three entries from each school. The panel includes Tina Ramos Ekongo, a figurative visual artist and workshop facilitator, painter Joseph Venning known for his large murals; Alice Demba, who leads the learning team at National Museums Liverpool, Hannah Lambert the Schools Programme Manager at Curious Minds and Steph Leach Senior Lecturer in Primary Education and the Art & Design Lead at our partner Edge Hill University.

The shortlisted artworks can be viewed and voted on at schools.dot-art.com/browse-schools from Monday 24th March to Thursday 24th April 2025.

The entry with the most votes from each school will be displayed at the 13th annual dot-art Schools exhibition, which is being held at The Walker Art Gallery from Thursday 5th June to Sunday 6th July 2025.

Carolyn Murray, dot-art Schools Project Manager said:
“The dot-art Schools competition showcases the excellent visual arts happening in schools and develops young artists creative confidence. We encourage everyone to get involved and vote for an artwork online. Let’s make this a record year for the number of votes cast. Voting gives all the shortlisted pupils a chance to be the winner for their school and have their work shown in the iconic Walker Art Gallery!”

Alice Demba, Schools, Young People and Adults Lead at National Museums Liverpool, said:
“dot-art Schools has yet again captured a wide range of vibrant artistic talent from students across the region. It’s been my privilege to admire children’s and young people’s imaginative expression, exploring themes such as the beauty of nature and the ocean as well as their personal reflections and thought-provoking stories. The artworks express deep emotional narratives, playful and abstract concepts, and cultural symbols.

We can’t wait to showcase their work at the Walker Art Gallery, celebrating their dedication and innovation. We hope this experience also sparks new inspiration as they take in the masterpieces from artists around the world that call our walls home.”

As a national leader in high-quality teacher training Edge Hill University provides dot-art Schools with greater access to schools in the region and supports it in its key aims of promoting creativity and good mental health.

Lorraine Partington, Head of Partnership Development in the Faculty of Education.
“Our successful partnership with dot-art has significantly fostered creativity within local schools, empowering young people to recognise their artistic potential. The positive impact of art on pupils’ development is evident.

I encourage you to explore the wonderful artworks showcased on the dot-art Schools’ website and vote for your favourite short listed piece.”

Visit https://schools.dot-art.com/browse-schools/ between 24th March and 24th April to cast your vote.

New spring poetry walks, school heritage trips and a Garden Party have been announced at Liverpool’s Calderstones Park to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Mersey Forest, the Cheshire and Merseyside community forest has commissioned The Reader – the UK’s biggest Shared Reading charity – to run these three events as part of The Oaks at 80 project.

The project, which launched in Calderstones Park on Remembrance Day in November last year, will see local communities encouraged to collect seeds and plant oak trees in 2025 to honour the service men, women and civilians from across the region who helped defend Britain during the Second World War.

Mary Crotty, The Reader’s Engagement Manager at Calderstones Park, said: “The Reader is thrilled to be launching the first of three new events at Calderstones Park this month in collaboration with Mersey Forest.

“We were delighted Oaks at 80 was launched here, in the park, with the planting of a new oak tree near to the 1,000-year-old Allerton Oak. During the Second World War, acorns and leaves from the tree were sent with letters to local soldiers fighting on the frontline to remind them of home.

“All three of our events are designed to inspire adults and the next generation to nurture the environment, highlighting the importance of trees and woodlands for biodiversity, climate resilience and a sustainable future.

“As the team at Mersey Forest expressed so eloquently at the project launch, oak trees embody strength, resilience and longevity – virtues that resonate deeply with the sacrifices made during the Second World War and the hopeful spirit of peace that followed.”

A new free weekly Poetry Walk is set to begin at the start of spring from this Sunday (23 March) between 11am and 12noon. It will be a restorative walk around the park with its many exotic plants and trees accompanied by reflective poems. Walkers meet on the Mansion House steps.

During spring eight fully-funded new Step Back in Time School Heritage Trips will also be launching for children aged seven to 11 from local schools. Pupils will go on an educational nature walk learning about some of the trees in the park, including the Allerton Oak, voted England’s tree of the year in 2019 which has connection with World War II.

Pupils will also have an opportunity to create a class mural based on what a new oak tree might see in a thousand years’ time and create their own poems based on the Allerton Oak. The tours will be led by an experienced team of Heritage Storyhunters and Calderstones heritage volunteers.

The third event taking place is a special family-friendly Garden Party on Sunday 11 May, 11am-5pm, celebrating Victory in Europe or VE Day when the war ended in 1945 and celebrations took place across the world.

All are welcome to join in, pop up a deckchair or lay out their picnic blanket in the stunning ‘secret’ walled garden at the Grade II listed Mansion House for a chilled afternoon with live music from the Liverpool Show Choir, a female-led community choir who sing musical theatre, pop, gospel and folk.

Highlights will include a free bookable Mansion House Heritage tour at 11am, two Shared Reading taster sessions at 11.30am and 1.30pm, as well as seed planting.

There will also be a BBQ, summer tipples, the Ice Cream cart and crafts, along with Library on the Lawn – a handpicked selection of books for adults and children to explore. Entry is free with donations welcomed.

Paul Nolan, Director of the Mersey Forest, said: “Oaks at 80 is about remembering the past and planting for the future. By coming together to plant trees, we not only honour the sacrifices of those who lived through World War II but also create a long-lasting commemoration, that will benefit our communities and environment for generations to come.”

For further information about The Reader visit: https://www.thereader.org.uk/

For further information about The Mersey Forest and Oaks at 80 project visit here: https://merseyforest.org.uk/get-involved-with-the-oaks-at-80-project/