Community Post Type: News

Children from across Liverpool are invited to the very first afterschool World Book Day Ball at Calderstones Park.

Many city schools encourage children to dress as their favourite literary character, bring in the accompanying book and explain why they chose their characters. Late night costume panic aside, World Book Day on Thursday 6 March is all about fostering a love of reading in children.

Who better to host a 90-minute fancy dress ball than the UK’s largest Shared Reading charity The Reader at its Liverpool home in the historic grade II-listed restored Mansion House in Calderstones Park, a thriving community celebrating books, creativity and nature.

The Reader’s team of Storyhunters – usually found in the organisation’s magical playspace, The Storybarn – will be throwing a fun-filled party to celebrate their favourite day of the year from 5pm to 6.30pm. The Theatre Room will be transformed for The Reader’s first World Book Day spectacular best suited for children aged between four and nine-year-olds – expect interactive storytelling sessions, silly book-inspired games, boogie-ing and crafts.

The Reader Bookshop will also stay open until 7pm and be fully stocked with a wide range of books for any children and young adults looking to spend their £1 World Book Day tokens.

Natalia Rojas, Storybarn manager at The Reader, said: “We really wanted to celebrate the 30th anniversary of World Book Day this year. Not only does it encourage children to find a book that makes them happy, but it allows them to step into the shoes of a baddie, hero or any other character for the day.

“Here at The Storybarn we’re all about loving books and stories. We tell children you can tell a story about anything – all you need is a little bit of imagination. There can be stories up in the clouds, on the tip of your nose or under your shoes.

“That’s why we are inviting children to our first World Book Day Ball where they can come dressed up and get ready to dive into a world of interactive storytelling, games and dancing.

“There will be a special crafting area where we will be making book worms, monster bookmarks and a craft based on The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle and cosy areas where they can curl up with a book for some quiet time.”

For more information and tickets for The Reader’s World Book Day Ball at Calderstones Park on Thursday 6 March at 5pm and to book tickets visit here: https://thereader.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173656904

Are you on a never-ending hunt for books that might get your child reading more? Visit The Reader Bookshop & Cafe, open 10am – 4pm seven days a week, specially extended until 7pm for World Book Day.

For further information see here https://www.thereader.org.uk/visit-calderstones/reader-shop/ and to order books online visit: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/TheReader

An evening of stunning, authentic Andalusian flamenco is coming to Liverpool’s Capstone Theatre on Saturday 15th March from 7.30pm.

Renowned dancer Cristina Aguilera is bringing her captivating Emuná show to the city, alongside guitar maestro David Caro and talented singer Miguel Lavi.

In a series of fleeting scenes, featuring flamenco styles such as the Soleá, Farruca and the Nana, Emuná sets out to show how faith enables us to overcome and learn from the challenges of life. The international flamenco dancer from Granada brings her team of talented musicians to Liverpool to showcase her latest awe-inspiring production.

Brought to the city by Espíritu Flamenco, who have been hosting flamenco showcases in the North West for over 10 years, a mesmerising night is in store. With countless 5 star reviews over the years, Espíritu Flamenco shows are known to blow audiences away and this latest Emuná show from Cristina Aguilera will be no exception.

One of flamenco’s most respected dancers and choreographers, Cristina Aguilera has performed at festivals and events all over the world, including the XX Festival de Jerez and the Festival of Jazz & World Music in Brno. She has produced a number of critically acclaimed shows and has worked alongside many other renowned Flamenco artists.

For this, her latest production, she has recruited two of the most respected Andalusian artists. Flamenco cantaor Miguel Lavi is in constant demand at international festivals worldwide for his passionate and rhythmic approach to pure flamenco song. Meanwhile, guitarist David is much in demand by singers and dancers alike for his lyrical composition and wide range of musical expression.

Espíritu Flamenco’s Sarah Chambers said: “We have had so many messages of thanks from members of the audience who have felt elated after these performances and others who have cried tears of emotion arising from the passion of these great artists. At its best, flamenco is deep and profound and we are grateful to have these superb artists bringing such a wonderful cultural experience to Liverpool once again.“

Renowned dancer Cristina Aguilera is bringing her captivating Emuná show to Liverpool’s Capstone Theatre on Saturday 15th March from 7.30pm, alongside guitar maestro David Caro and talented singer Miguel Lavi.

Standard tickets start at £22 plus booking fee, with Under 16 and Over 60 tickets £18 plus booking fee.

Cristina Aguilera’s Emuná / Sat 15th March 2025, 7.30pm / The Capstone Theatre, 17 Shaw Street, Liverpool, L6 1HP

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Shared Reading charity The Reader has unveiled a new programme of open-air theatre for summer 2025, featuring Jane Austen, Shakespearean favourites, Gilbert and Sullivan and a fun family show.

Five performances will be staged outdoors in one of the city’s hidden historic gems – the art-deco style Garden Theatre in Liverpool’s Calderstones Park following its restoration by the charity and reopening in 2019. Built in 1947 it has hosted everything from performing dogs and ventriloquists to opera and award ceremonies.

The Reader has also announced a special family-friendly indoor Easter production of Alice in Wonderland with two showings in the Grade II listed Mansion House Theatre Room on Monday 21 April at 11.50am and 2.45pm.

Liverpool’s Bookworm Players, who mesmerised children with their lovely interactive Christmas show, Cinderella: The Mice’s Tale, will be back with an enchanting and bonkers adaptation based on Lewis Carroll’s classic story.

Family audiences will be asked to guide Alice to safety after she has fallen down a rabbit hole into Wonderland, with help from The Mad Hatter, The Caterpillar, Scouse Cat and playing cards.

The summer season of theatre begins on Thursday 10 July at 7pm with Shakespeare’s hilarious and lyrical romantic comedy Twelfth Night. Award-winning touring theatre company The Lord Chamberlain’s Men are returning with this hugely popular play as the Bard first envisioned it – in the open air, with an all-male cast and Elizabethan-era costumes, music and dance. Expect an evening of romantic confusion, mistaken identity, practical jokes and riotous disorder.

On Friday 1 August at 6.30pm The Handlebards are back in Calderstones Park for a bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s comedy Much Ado About Nothing.

This four-strong troupe of actors will be bringing to life two parallel love stories. There will be music and manic costume changes a plenty.

The season continues with two performances by another award-winning outdoor theatre company, Illyria, also back in the Mansion House Garden. Their first show will be Gilbert and Sullivan’s timeless comic opera HMS Pinafore, on Thursday 21 August at 7pm.

Sharp dialogue and catchy tunes will be key features of this production which tells the story of captain’s daughter Josephine, who loves Ralph, a common sailor. Her father insists she marries First Lord of the Admiralty Sir Joseph Porter – but must class always get in the way of love?

Illyria’s second visit to Calderstones will be to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in sparkling style with Pride and Prejudice on Sunday 3 August at 7pm.

Lizzy Bennet finds disdainful Mr Darcy detestable – or does she? Can she see beyond his pride, and can he overcome her prejudice to consider a possible future together?

The season ends with two performances of Pan and the Eternal Wreck by family theatre company and festival favourites The Fabularium on Wednesday 13 August, 11.30am and 2.45pm

The actors, whose Reynard the Fox was a big hit last summer, return with a seafaring adventure where two mariners, from two ancient cultures aboard two storm-riddled shipwrecks, are thrown together to navigate their way through the pandemonium to safe passage.

Mary Crotty, Engagement Manager for The Reader in Calderstones Park, Liverpool, said: “We are truly excited to be welcoming back six theatre companies to perform at The Mansion House this Easter and for our summer 2025 season.

“Calderstones really is the perfect setting – there is no other outdoor-theatre venue like it! From children’s theatre to Jane Austen and Shakespeare, we invite all the members of our community to come together. We are very lucky to work with such talented theatre makers whose performances enhance our core programme of Shared Reading.

“As a national charity championing Shared Reading based in the heart of Liverpool’s Calderstones Park, we believe passionately in the power of literature, great plays and live performance to inspire creativity, ignite the imagination and to change lives for the better.”

Audiences will be invited to bring along a picnic blanket or deckchair, feast on freshly made pizzas and grazing boxes and sip drinks from the fully stocked bar under the summer sky. Guests are advised to dress for the weather. Deckchairs are also available to book.

Two free Page to Stage workshops will be running for Twelfth Night and Pride and Prejudice just before the show starts. These extra special Shared Reading sessions will explore a few key extracts from the text.

Tickets are available for public booking from Monday 17 February here: thereader.org.uk/theatre2025

Priority Booking is now open for Calderstones Members who can save 10% on tickets, plus the first 20 members to book will receive a free glass of fizz. If you are already a Calderstones Member, simply log into your account to apply your discounts. Or, join today to enjoy a year of benefits and discounts.

 

Smithdown Festival  is back to celebrate its 10th Birthday with another unforgettable few days in Liverpool.

Running from Friday 2nd May to Bank Holiday Monday 5th May 2025, this event gives local up and coming acts a great opportunity to perform to full crowds alongside great stablished artists.

Stretching all the way down to R and H Wines on Allerton Road, this year’s birthday celebration promises to be one of the best yet. Any businesses in the area are asked to e-mail smithdownfestival@gmail.com to get involved.

The full programme of events will be announced soon but expect a mixture of fresh local talent as well as favourites from years gone by. It’s not just music on the agenda, as there will be cinema, art and photo exhibitions, spoken word and loads more happening – including a family fun area with live wrestling too!

Although it is free entry, each venue will be taking donations for The Whitechapel Centre – a charity which the event has supported since day one.

For more information on line up and venues follow their Facebook and Instagram posts.

 

A popular landmark on Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock has moved to a temporary new home in 2025.

The (approx.) 5 tonnes HMS Conway anchor, part of Maritime Museum’s collection, was lifted today from its current position on the quaysides in front of the museum, opposite Canning Dock, and transferred to near the north steps of Museum of Liverpool, Mann Island.

HMS Conway, a two-decker vessel, lent by the Royal Navy to the Mercantile Marine Service Association, was moored on the Mersey from 1876, as a school ship and the site for thousands of cadets to be trained.

The ship was anchored on the Mersey for many years before being moved to North Wales during the Second World War. Following the loss of the ship (wrecked in the Menai Strait) in 1953, the Admiralty pattern anchor was recovered and kept by the parade ground at the ‘Stone Frigate’ in Plas Newydd, Anglesey. The anchor, along with other relics, were later donated to the museum in 1980 by the Conway Club – a group made up of former cadets.

In the almost 40 years the anchor has been on display outside Maritime Museum it has become a popular meeting place and photo backdrop for the millions of visitors who visit the historic waterfront location.

The temporary move of the anchor will enable access for the redevelopment of both Maritime Museum and International Slavery Museum.

Both museums closed to the public on 5 January 2025 for essential repairs and maintenance works ahead of a major redevelopment project, subject to funding. Find out more: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/waterfront-transformation

Whether you’re looking to explore cultural heritage, unleash your creativity, or dive into the wonders of nature and space, National Museums Liverpool’s diverse programme of events promises to engage and inspire visitors of all ages.

Lunar New Year 

Lunar New Year celebrations begin with Lady Lever Art Gallery’s annual celebration (Saturday February 15) of the gallery’s astonishing Chinese collections and Wirral’s Chinese community.

Festivities include fascinating talks about the Lunar New Year and the legend of the Zodiac Race with BBC Merseyside’s Billy Hui, Chinese Ney Year Card Craft Workshops and beautiful dances in traditional dress from the Wirral Chinese Cultural Association dance group.

At the waterfront, Museum of Liverpool will host Little Lion Dance Workshops (Saturday February 15) with China Spirit UK! Grab the family and join the team as they explain the history and tradition of the Chinese Lion while children learn how to work the life size puppets and learn the rhythm on the traditional Lion Dance drum.

LGBTQ+ History Month 

February also marks the start of LGBTQ+ History Month, where Museum of Liverpool will host a variety of exhibitions, workshops and events that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

Running until July, The Holly Johnson Story explores Holly’s creative genius and marks the 40th anniversary release of Frankie Goes to Hollywood album, ‘Welcome to the Pleasuredome’. This exhibition charts Holly’s early personal life and career, from a young musician to an internationally renowned, openly gay star, living in the public eye. Dealing with the price of fame, coping with an HIV+ diagnosis and unwanted negative press, whilst going it alone as a monumental LGBTQ+ icon.

Discover more about one of Liverpool’s most celebrated and iconic LGBTQ+ musicians by booking on to The Holly Johnson Story curator tours hosted by our expert exhibition curators.

A lot of Holly Johnson’s work has used, played with, and celebrated queer codes that would have been recognisable to LGBTQ+ people but not always to everyone. You can learn more about this by heading to Queer Codes: Polari and Hidden ‘Gay Language’ Workshop (Saturday February 23) where participants will actively take part in creating pieces using Polari, considering why Holly and countless others in the past had to use hidden meaning and think about what those gestures, languages, and images look like today.

Unleash your creativity by visiting “Queer Sew and Sew” Embroidery workshop (Saturday 15 February). Whether you’re a needlework novice or an embroidery enthusiast, this fun and inclusive workshop is the perfect place to express yourself and make new friends.

World Museum 

Running (or buzzing) at World Museum until May 2025, Bees: A Story of Survival is an immersive exhibition that brings together art and science to explore one of nature’s most incredible creatures – the bee. Journey into the fascinating world of bees in ways that have never been experienced before. A soundscape connects you to a live beehive, constantly changing in response to the activity of the colony. Discover the wonder of these tiny creatures through interactives, sculpture, projection and light and even better, kids under 11 go free.

Ever wanted to know what it takes to look after all the amazing animals in the World Museum aquarium? Why not book onto a Behind the Scenes Guided Aquarium Tours for a deep dive look at our back of house facilities to see how we look after the animals in our care.

Cuerpos del Tiempo (Bodies of Time) is a new collaborative project in partnership with Luma Creations, the leading Latin American Cultural organisation in the north of England and is funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund. This initiative will engage Latin American communities across the North West of England to help reshape the interpretation of the museum’s Latin American collections for display in 2025-2026.

To celebrate the beginning of this exciting partnership, World Museum will host a launch event (Saturday 15 February) featuring a series of talks, dance and live music performances, craft workshops and a chance to speak to the curators of the Global Collections as well as the Luma Creations team.

Blast off to space with one of World Museum’s Planetarium shows– a dream come true for stargazers! Whether you’re a budding astronomer or simply want to marvel at the incredible universe we call home, this programme of planetarium shows has something for the whole family.

Open to the public Wednesday- Sunday The Clore Natural History Exploration Space offers the chance to get up and close with some of our incredible collections.

Walker Art Gallery 

Conversations is an ambitious exhibition that brings together work by around 40 leading Black women and non-binary artists who are transforming contemporary British art today. This exhibition asks poignant questions about the present and aims to provide a moment of celebration and joy centred around artists working in the UK. Conversations includes paintings, sculpture and video from the last ten years, with many works selected for display by the artist themselves.

Stitching Souls: Threads of Silence is an installation by British Trinidadian artist Karen McLean and comprises of 132 heads created with authentic African fabrics using traditional quilting techniques. Made in partnership with a community of sewers in the artist’s home city of Birmingham, the work honours and memorialises the enslaved African people who lost their lives in the Zong Massacre (1781).

Get creative and with craft and create sessions at Walker. Join the team of creative Facilitators this summer holidays in on ’make and take’ family craft session.

With an incredible lineup of events, workshops, and exhibitions, February at National Museums Liverpool is set to be a month of celebration, education, and inspiration.

Head to their website to find out more: https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/

Please note that both the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum closed ahead of an incredible redevelopment project and scheduled to reopen in 2028.

The 2025 programme for the Floral Pavilion has something for everyone, whether it’s comedy, drama, or music – the theatre will be hosting it this year.

The coming months will see stars from across the entertainment world appearing at the New Brighton theatre, and just announced will be an “out of this world” show with British astronaut Tim Peake bringing his amazing show Astronauts later in the year.

The new brochure is a great way to see what’s coming up and plan which performances to book well in advance.

Floral Pavilion Venue Manager Pauline Campbell said: “The spring season is packed with so many fantastic shows, and whether you are looking for the memorable Mother’s Day gift, or the perfect Valentines night out or just a great night out with friends and loved ones, we have something for you at the Floral Pavilion.”

Among the shows coming soon is the Olivier Award-winning comedy Pride & Prejudice* (Sort Of) – the hilarious re-imagining of Austen’s classic, direct from the West End.

Or brought to the stage the tangled love story of the cult classic movie by Wallasey director Alan Clarke with Rita Sue & Bob Too! And this month the Floral hosts the world premiere of Under The Mersey Moon, the inspiring new musical which tells the heart-warming story of one man’s determination to follow his dream and the enduring power of love, home and family, a performance which also features local radio legend Billy Butler and his wife Lesley.

Laughter is guaranteed with comedians such as Ben Elton, Al Murray, and An Evening Shared With Jasper Carrott & Alistair McGowan and for music fans, we’re welcoming back favourites including world-class artists Newton Faulkner and Curtis Stigers.

For football fans both red and a blue there’s the chance to hear glorious tales as the theatre welcomes nights with LFC Legends and Everton Legends.

Bringing stories from further afield, Simon Reeve with his show To The Ends Of The Earth will be packed with inspiration from around the globe.

And for younger guests there is Fireman Sam, Bing Live!, The Little Mermaid and Dinosaur World Live, which are sure to keep them entertained.

For older theatre fans and literature lovers (including GCSE students), we’ve got a new adaptation of The Scottish Play, Macbeth. And if young people are inspired to tread the boards themselves, StageEd Theatre School over the Easter holidays is the perfect place to start!

Find out more about what’s coming to the Floral Pavilion in their new summer brochure packed with incredible shows, or log on to the Floral Pavilion website.