Community Post Type: News

The group, featuring Omar Puente (electric violin), Jack Jennings (guitar), Gurdain Rayatt (tabla) and Santi Jayasinha (cello), are forging their own path with an uniquely authentic approach to Indian classical music.

Each composition is constructed individually, creating an intriguing environment for improvisation to take place. Melodic material is based on the Raags of North and South India, with harmonic elements developed to enrich their character.

Though embodying the complex rhythms of Indian music, the overall landscape of the ensemble draws much from Latin and Jazz traditions. These contrasting rhythms, when layered into arrangements, flow together seamlessly to create real impact.

A luminous talent within the realm of Indian classical music, on Wednesday 24th April, Debasmita Bhattacharya will be joined by Milap artist-in-residence Kousic Sen for a special instalment of The Tung Auditorium’s lunchtime concert series.

Offering the perfect midday melodies, Bhattacharya not only boasts a profound comprehension of classical traditions, but also possesses an innovative spirit, revitalising the timeless essence of Hindustani music.

Her musical journey started at an early age, having since evolved into the powerhouse musician she is today, touring across India and internationally with numerous cross-genre musicians, breaking down gender stereotypes along the way.

The final show of the Spring Season on Friday, 10th May will feature world-renowned sitar player and maverick musician, Niladri Kumar, as he performs in Liverpool for the first time ever, alongside virtuoso percussionists Kousic Sen and Yashwant Vaishnav.

Celebrating Classical Indian Heritage through his own unique, captivating, and much-loved style, Niladri Kumar captures the heart of audiences and stirs the soul.

Widely acknowledged as India’s foremost sitar player, Kumar’s musical prowess spans generations, rooted in an innate understanding of Indian Classical Music. Trained under his father, a disciple of Pandit Ravi Shankar, Kumar was heralded as a prodigy, and has been pushing boundaries ever since.

His groundbreaking creation of the “zitar” – a fusion of electric guitar and sitar – generates a unique rock-guitar sound. His sitar mastery, marked by dexterous double stops, whispering string bends and rapid taans, creates a sound like no other.

Joining Niladri is maestro Indian percussionist, Kousic Sen, and the prodigious tabla player, Yashwant Vaishnav.

Continuously pushing the boundaries of Indian music and dance – and inviting attendees to come along for the journey – Milap encourages the discovery of new sounds and artistry, creating a welcoming environment for new and old audiences to enjoy the best of what Indian art and culture offers.

Be sure to follow Milap across all of their social channels to stay up to date with what’s going on around the city and further afield! 

Instagram – @milapfest
Twitter – @milapfest
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/milapfest

Tickets for The Attuned Quartet at Liverpool International Jazz Festival on Saturday, 24th February are available to purchase here.

Tickets for Debasmita Bhattacharya and Kousic Sen on Wednesday, 24th April are available to purchase here.

Tickets for Niladri Kumar & Yashwant Vaishnav on Friday, 10th May are available to purchase here.

Liverpool Biennial is excited to announce the appointment of Marie-Anne McQuay as Curator for the 13th edition, taking place 7 June – 14 September 2025.

McQuay will be seconded to curate the Biennial – the largest festival of contemporary visual art in the UK – returning to her current role as Director of Projects at Arts & Heritage in Autumn 2025.

Marie-Anne McQuay, Curator, Liverpool Biennial 2025, said:  

“I feel honoured to be curating the 13th edition of Liverpool Biennial with and for the city where I live. I am so looking forward to reflecting on civic life, researching international exchanges, and collaborating with the wider team on Liverpool Biennial 2025.” 

Dr Samantha Lackey, Director, Liverpool Biennial, said:  

“We are thrilled to be welcoming Marie-Anne to the team for Liverpool Biennial 2025. Her longstanding relationship with the city of Liverpool will bring insight and intention to every part of the next festival, re-thinking the city’s changing relationships to the rest of the world. I look forward to working with Marie-Anne, our partners and artists across the city over the coming months as we begin to bring the festival to life.” 

The 12th edition of Liverpool Biennial, ‘uMoya: The Sacred Return of Lost Things’ took place from 10 June – 17 September 2023 and was curated by Khanyisile Mbongwa. The independent evaluation of LB2023 can be viewed here. 

Liverpool Biennial is supported by Arts Council England, Liverpool City Council and founding supporter James Moores.

National Museums Liverpool is pleased to announce the appointment of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBStudios) as the new team leading the architectural design of a £58m major redevelopment of the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum.

The world-renowned design firm will develop the proposals for the Dr Martin Luther King Jr building and the Hartley Pavilion, building on the momentum already generated on this important strand of the Waterfront Transformation Project.

The redevelopment will see the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Building become a prominent new entrance to the International Slavery Museum, creating not only improved visitor orientation and an inspiring welcome, but also a stronger sense of purpose and identity for the museum. The building will be multi-functional, serving as a space for community collaboration, events, and learning and participation activity too. The Hartley Pavilion will benefit from improved circulation for visitors with enhanced commercial facilities, including a shop, café, events spaces and a dynamic temporary exhibition space.

The transformed International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum will centre people – past, present and future, local, national and international – to create dynamic, welcoming spaces that meaningfully address contemporary issues. The national collections of both museums will be elevated through this new redevelopment.

Those whose lives have been most affected by the histories being told will play an integral role in the development of both museums.

Ralph Appelbaum Associates, who were appointed in 2022, continue to lead on the exhibition design for both museums.

Laura Pye, Director of National Museums Liverpool, said: “To be bringing two such visionary designers with international reputations to the project represents the bold ambition and thinking behind it. We are delighted they’re keen to embrace this as a co-production project which we feel will create something truly ground-breaking.

“There has never been a more important time to address the legacies of the transatlantic slavery and the redevelopment of the International Slavery Museum symbolises our, and our region’s, commitment to confronting the significant role the city played in British imperialism.

“Alongside the revitalisation of the Maritime Museum and the wider Canning Dock development, which will bring a renewed focus on Liverpool’s rich maritime history and communities, the project will create a holistic exploration of the heritage of the Liverpool waterfront, as well as a world-class visitor experience.”

The FCBStudios team will be led by partner, Kossy Nnachetta, who has been with the practice for 10 years, supported by Geoff Rich and Peter Clegg. Kossy is passionate about community design and has delivered several schools and community projects.

Kossy said: “FCBS are excited and humbled by the invitation to join the NML team and to lead the architectural transformation of these museums. We understand that there is huge responsibility to help create a platform to tell this story, long whispered, yet still awaiting the space to fully express itself; and all the potent, deep-seated emotions it can elicit. We hope to help create something bold and yet beautiful. The result of ‘many hands’ working together with the museums and communities in Liverpool.”

FCBStudios will also be working with key members of the University of Liverpool School of Architecture in facilitating the co-production of the designs. The team will include Head of School, Professor Ola Uduku, the school’s most recent professorial appointment, Professor Ilze Wolff, who is also a distinguished South African architect and founding partner of Wolff Architects, as well as EDI specialist, architectural designer, and PhD candidate Kudzai Matsvai. All three women have engaged in research and creative practices around the issues of gender, race, slavery, colonialism and imperialism and seek ways to transform society to be more equal, anti-racist and free.

FCBStudios has worked with National Museums Liverpool previously, completing the original masterplan for its waterfront sites in 2019 and supporting the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum Project’s bid to the National Heritage Lottery Fund Heritage Horizon Awards programme in 2020.

Colleagues at National Museums Liverpool were joined by community stakeholders for the selection and appointment of FCBStudios, including the co-chair of its RESPECT Group.

This project is made possible with generous support of £9.9million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund with thanks to National Lottery players.

Leading independent race organiser BTR Liverpool has announced a busy and exciting event portfolio for 2024 – which also includes a number of milestone anniversaries and the return of an old favourite.

Established in 2006, BTR Liverpool creates, organises, and delivers some of the region’s headline running events – including festive spectacular the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash and established road race BTR Liverpool Half Marathon. Both are long-standing, key events in the annual programme.

The 30^th anniversary of BTR Liverpool Half Marathon is on 17 March, with the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash celebrating its 20^th anniversary on 1 December.

After a few tough years, BTR Liverpool has worked tirelessly to overcome the economic challenges arising through the Covid-19 global pandemic. The team have adapted races and introduced virtual options where possible, which continues to prove popular with regular BTR runners and attract newcomers.

Race entries are once again growing with 2024 already shaping up to be a successful year. Entries are open now for all BTR races – the full calendar and portfolio can be found at www.btrliverpool.com

The programme for 2024 includes a number of key milestones. First up is the 30^th anniversary of BTR Liverpool Half Marathon which falls on St Patrick’s Day – Sunday 17 March. More than 6,000 runners have already signed up with almost two months still to go to race day.

The celebrations continue with 20^th anniversary BTR Liverpool Santa Dash on Sunday 1 December; and 10^th anniversary BTR Tour Of Merseyside, a seven-day challenge of six races covering 52 miles starting on Sunday 30 June.

This year also sees the 10^th staging of community legacy Run For The 97 5K on Saturday 18 May; followed by a decade of the Port Sunlight Road Race on Sunday 9 June featuring 5K and 10K distances, as well as a 15K dual race.

The portfolio also includes the BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K on Sunday 14 April; and BTR Wirral 10K on Sunday 13 October. And new for 2024 – BTR is bringing back the Women’s 10K Liverpool on Sunday 8 September.

BTR Liverpool is the leading independent organisation for creating, managing, and delivering headline running events across Liverpool City Region. Its extensive portfolio covers various distances across different terrains, all with an ongoing commitment to sustainability.

The portfolio includes events for all ages and abilities – from serious athletes pushing for a PB to families running together for run and everyone between, including many people taking part in their very first organised event.

The man at the helm is Liverpool-born BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell. He began running as a youngster and now race events are his vocation.

BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell explained:

“Last year was positive in that we turned a corner and could see a marked increase in people once again taking part in organised races and fun runs. For some people that’s what really makes them tick. Once you sign up you’re committed to the cause – you have a target, focus, and aim. And a real reason to train and stay fit and healthy.

“The 2024 programme is full of variety. Honest events bursting with heritage, great history, landmarks, an infectious atmosphere; while others are packed with fun, laughter, a real community feeling; and not forgetting plenty of challenges along the way to really test runners.

“First up in the 2024 calendar is the 30^th anniversary BTR Liverpool Half Marathon – and it’s a huge testament to the history and standing of the event that we already have more than 6,000 runners signed up. A running party in Liverpool on St Patrick’s Day, with lots of runners visiting from overseas, people enjoying their post race celebrations – it’s going to be incredible.

‘Happiness!’, the first major exhibition on a comedian in a national museum, celebrates one of the UK’s best-loved and most influential comedians, Sir Ken Dodd.

Much like the man himself who was renowned for the length of his performances, the exhibition will now be giving visitors to the Museum of Liverpool an extra four months of laughter, closing to the public on 7 July 2024.

Ken’s marathon shows were legendary. He even earned a place in The Guinness Book of Records for the world’s longest ever joke-telling session: 1,500 jokes in three-and-a-half hours (7.14 jokes per minute). The fundraising “Marathon Mirthquake” was undertaken at the Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool, in 1974 where audiences entered the show in shifts.

When challenged, Ken would say: “I don’t do long shows, I just give good value – and don’t worry about the dark, you’ll always go home in the daylight.”

Les Dennis, presenter, actor, and comedian said: “Apart from pantomime, my first theatrical memory was seeing The Ken Dodd Laughter Show at the Royal Court Theatre in the early 60s. The gales of laughter from the audience as they watched Doddy in action were intoxicating and I was immediately hooked. I knew there and then that a life in showbusiness was what I wanted to pursue.

“Walking round the amazing Doddy exhibition brought back all the wonderful memories I have of the extraordinary career of one of the true greats of live theatre and comedy. If you haven’t yet visited, treat yourself and go. How tickled you’ll be and you’ll come out saying ‘By Jove, I needed that!'”

The ‘Happiness!’ exhibition is a laughter-filled experience, steeped in Doddy’s unique blend of whimsical, physical, surreal and theatrical humour, which transformed the UK comedy scene.

From the Diddymen to the Broken Biscuit Repair Works, Ken’s imagination was both endless and infectious. Through never-before-seen personal objects, film, photography, interactives and of course many, many jokes, this ‘tattyfilarious’ show has already raised thousands of smiles and with this extension it is hoped there are many more to come.

Anne, Lady Dodd said: “When you are so closely involved with the development of an exhibition as I have been over the last few years, it is difficult to be objective about how others will see it. I knew that I loved what the talented team at the Museum of Liverpool had put together but until it opened, I wasn’t sure what others would think. However, it has been so wonderful to stand in the museum and hear visitors rocking with laughter and sharing some of Ken’s favourite jokes with each other. It’s been a delight to read their memories of Ken in the visitor’s book and discover their first-hand stories about seeing him at some of the many theatres we visited around the country on Ken’s Giggle Map.

“It was a difficult decision to include some pages of Ken’s private notebooks, but the overwhelmingly positive response has reassured me that Ken’s hard-earned experience in the entertainment industry is one that many want to hear and read about.”

Many of the objects featured in ‘Happiness!’ are kindly loaned to the museum by Ken’s wife, Anne, Lady Dodd. National Museums Liverpool is hugely grateful for her support and generosity towards the exhibition.

Karen O’Rourke, Curator (Sport, Music & Performance) said: “The response to our exhibition, ‘Happiness!’ has been overwhelming and really reflects the love people have for Doddy.

“Of course, he’s well known and much-loved in Liverpool, but it’s been wonderful to also welcome visitors who have made the journey from all corners of the UK just to see the exhibition.

“We expected plenty of laughter, but it’s also been very moving to hear such touching memories of Ken, what he meant to people and how fondly they remember him.”

Among the unmissable highlights of the exhibition are a small selection of notebooks from the more than 1,000 Ken used to keep meticulous notes about his performance. These were intended to be private, in fact in later life, Ken repeatedly made his wife, Anne, promise to burn them all ‘after I’m gone’. After much soul-searching, she decided that they were too culturally significant and needed to be saved. Exclusively for this exhibition, Anne agreed to share extracts from this important archive of a comedy genius and great philosopher.

The extension allows visitors more time to indulge in the nostalgia of getting up close to the iconic props and costumes that became so synonymous with Ken’s act. From his much-loved Dicky Mint (the ventriloquist puppet he performed with on TV, and in some live shows), to the famous Tickling Sticks, Knotty Ash Great Drum and the Huury Furry Moggy Coat, the exhibition brings back many happy memories.

During the exhibition’s run so far, The Ken Dodd’s Giggle Map, a digital interactive created especially for it, has grown. With contributions from visitors added frequently, the map includes images, programmes, flyers, and wonderful anecdotes from the hundreds of theatres where Doddy performed.

The exhibition also features dozens of clips, taken from the huge volume of footage that reveals a sparkling and unique entertainer. Exclusive interviews with comics, actors and performers such as Lee Mack, Miriam Margolyes, Sir Ian McKellen and Paul O’Grady pay homage to the influence Ken had and the esteem in which he was held.

‘Happiness!’ runs at Museum of Liverpool until 7 July 2024. Tickets are £5 (concessions available) and under 17s go free. Book now here. 

Spread happiness and bring a friend to the exhibition for free. Museum of Liverpool is taking part in the National Lottery’s #ThanksToYou offer, with Happiness! tickets available at two for one between 9-17 March 2024.  

On Saturday 27^th January, 12pm-5pm, Marginal Publishing House will host their official launch as the UK’s first youth-led publishing house, publishing solely marginalised authors under the age of 25. The launch will be held at the Williamson Art Gallery & Museum, Slatey Road, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH43 4UE.

The launch of the Marginal Publishing House is a chance for people within Merseyside to gain insight into the often closed world of publishing and celebrate the people who are often overlooked and ignored when it comes to sharing their stories.

The publishing sector has historically been one dominated by white, upper class, able-bodied men and it is time that we begin to write a new history. The launch of the Marginal Publishing House signifies a shift in who is leading the discussions around inclusivity in publishing, sharing ways more young people can get involved in the sector and skill-sharing for people to start creating their own works to be shared with the world.

The launch of the Marginal Publishing House has been organised, and will be hosted by  young people from Comics Youth’s Safe Spaces Project.

The launch will see 15 publications from Marginal being shared and celebrated to the general public through author Q+A’s, writing and ‘illustration workshops and a panel discussion involving publishers, stockists and activists in the publishing sector.

The Marginal Publishing House exists to give marginalised youth a platform to refine their skills and get their voices heard through printed media- whether that is comics, graphic novels, short stories, poetry books and more.

The event is free and open to the general public.  Young people attending will receive a free Marginal publication.

There will also be an arts marked filled with young creators and makers throughout the day.

To find out more about Comics Youth please visit www.comicsyouth.co.uk

Huge news coming from Liverpool today as Jacaranda Baltic have announced an intimate acoustic album launch show with The Libertines which will be taking place next week.

Pete Doherty and Carl Barat will take to the stage on Wednesday 24th January 2024 in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle area for an acoustic show. Carl Barrat described their acoustic shows as being ‘very rare’ so Liverpool is in for a treat.

The Libertines will be in Liverpool to launch their fourth studio album entitled, All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade which is out out 8th March 2024. The release marks the band’s first new album in nine years.

Jacaranda Baltic was announced by Liverpool’s iconic Jacaranda on the 1st January and the announcements have been coming ever since with Tom Odell, Dizzee Rascal and Jamie Webster all playing there in the next few weeks.

The first album launch show at the venue was Shed Seven on Friday 19th January. Reviews from the show said the “venue sound was great” and there was a “great atmosphere”. Gig-goer Alisa said Jacaranda Baltic was a “Brilliant intimate venue”.

Tickets to The Libertines at Jacaranda Baltic are available via jacarandarecords.com.

Jack Rowley, Marketing & PR at Jacaranda Baltic said:

“We’re so proud that despite Jacaranda Baltic being open less than a month we’re able to bring artists of this caliber to the record store and live. We’re all fans of The Libertines in the office so this one is special for us!”

An acclaimed show highlighting the incredible talent of the late Beatle George Harrison embarks on a UK and Ireland next month, it follows a successful run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe and sell out shows in 2023.

Something About George – The George Harrison Story, pays tribute to the man dubbed the “quiet Beatle” it will visit 31 venues across England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, its biggest tour to date. It will open with two shows at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton on Sat 3 February and ends at the Town Hall Theatre in Galway, Ireland on Fri 29 March.

West End performer and musician Daniel Taylor, fresh from his recent TV and media appearance with partner Shirley Ballas (head judge from Strictly Come Dancing), front’s the band of five and tells the fascinating story of George and performs his biggest hits. The band are Joe Smithson (MD, Guitar and Vocals), Callum Macmillan (Percussion/Drums), Tom Kinton (Bass Guitar and Vocals) and James Breckon (Keyboard and Vocals).

Featuring beautiful songs like My Sweet Lord, Something, Got My Mind Set On You, and My Guitar Gently Weeps, Something About George showcases Harrison’s incredible solo material and music from rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest supergroup The Traveling Wilburys, which was made up of Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty… and, of course any show celebrating one of the Fab Four just must include a few classics from The Beatles.

From heartbreak to hedonism and song writing to success, Something About George celebrates a life that was anything but quiet.

FLORAL PAVILION – NEW BRIGHTON

SAT 3 FEBRUARY

www.floralpavilion.com

THEATRE ROYAL – ST HELENS

THU 14 MARCH

www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

Christmas wishes have come true in St Helens as theatre management have announced that their spectacular pantomime Aladdin has officially broken all box office records to be their most successful pantomime ever staged.

37,000 people have already booked to see the spectacular pantomime Aladdin with the final 6 performances taking place this week, some tickets are still available for shows taking place from Friday to Sunday. 

The seasonal production from acclaimed Panto producers Regal Entertainments has not only been their best seller and fastest selling panto, but also its most well received, with the five-star reviews from the press to 37k happy audience members leaving the theatre to the 1000’s of comments left on the theatre’s social media channels.

Regal Entertainments have been entertaining the St Helens region, producing pantomimes since 1999 and previously as Crown Productions since 1994, it is safe to say that they have established themselves at one of the region’s top panto producers, putting St Helens on the map for quality live family entertainment.  Regal Entertainments have found the perfect formula of a modern twist on traditional family Panto which resonates not only with St Helens audiences, but audience members coming in from across the country and even some making themselves known from as far as Australia and USA.

Emmerdale’s Liam Fox made his professional panto debut as the evil Abanazer, and panto royalty and queen of the airwaves, Leanne Campbell appears digitally as the magical Genie of the Mirror.

Tickets can be booked over the phone or in person at the box office between 10am and 5pm, from Monday to Saturday. Tickets can also be purchased online.

For more information please visit www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com