Community Post Type: News

Milap are back with a brand new summer season showcasing some of the finest Indian Classical music and Indo-Jazz across Liverpool’s city region.

To launch this special programme, one of the leading Carnatic flautists of his generation will return to Liverpool Philharmonic’s Music Room on Thursday 25th June, offering an immersive journey through Indian Classical Music. J.A.Jayant is not only a flautist, but a collaborator, educator, and composer who’s been popularising the art of flute playing on a global scale since he was 7 years old. Celebrated for his rich tone, lyrical expression and imaginative improvisation, his Liverpool performance will offer audiences the opportunity to experience Jayant’s melody and rhythm unfold with elegance, intensity and spontaneity for what’s set to be a magical night.

Jayant will be joined by two outstanding percussionists: RN Prakash and Kousic Sen.

RN Prakash is a highly respected mridangam artist known for his intricacy, flair and sensitive accompaniment; his deep understanding of Carnatic music brings a vibrant dimension to his musical collaborations. Kousic Sen is an acclaimed tabla player, recognised for his dynamic solo and collaborative work that’s seen him perform in some of the world’s most prestigious venues alongside leading musicians, bringing fresh life and energy to traditional tabla playing. Together, they will reach new heights with their musical delights, showcasing the depth, virtuosity and expressive power of Indian classical music.

The following night, again at the Philharmonic’s Music Room, Ranjana Ghatak presents Songs of The Luminous Heart on Friday 26th June. Bringing together an exceptional array of artists in a richly textured, genre-defying collaboration, the performance will showcase a luminous meeting of Indian and European classical and folk traditions, drawing on the emotive vocal forms of thumri and bhajan, alongside the mystical writings of Mirabai and Hildegard of Bingen.

Renowned Indian vocalist and composer, Ranjana Ghatak will explore shared spiritual and musical threads across cultures. With a unique voice bringing “…a trancelike, soulful incantation of meditative magic” Ranjana will be joined by the extraordinary Céline Saout on the harp. Known for her genre-defying collaborations and luminous sound, Céline brings a distinct dimension to this unique performance.

Kirpal Singh Panesar will also bring his soulful mastery of the esraj, with his performances beautifully reflecting the rich heritage of Indian classical music. Accompanying Kirpal will be Harkiret Singh Bahra, a renowned tabla player with an innovative approach and unique energy. Following an acclaimed performance at St George’s Festival of the Voice—described by audiences as “enthralling, stimulating, sublime”—this concert offers a rare and deeply moving musical experience.

losing Milap’s Summer Season, expect a spellbinding journey through euphoric jazz, thundering funk, cosmic improvisation and intoxicating grooves over the water at Birkenhead’s Future Yard, as boundary-pushing bassist Shez Raja and visionary guitarist Guthrie Govan unite once again for another exhilarating show on Friday 24th July.

Voted one of the “Hottest Bass Players in the World” by Bass Player magazine, British-Asian bass extraordinaire Shez Raja is an electrifying performer renowned for his live energy shows, who has drawn comparisons to Jaco Pastorius. Playing a fusion of Indo-jazz, funk and groove, he has collaborated with icons including Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Wayne Krantz and Trilok Gurtu.

Joining Shez is UK guitar master Guthrie Govan, famed for his virtuosic technique in The Aristocrats and his work with Hans Zimmer. Guthrie has been voted “Guitarist of the Year” by Guitarist magazine, graced the covers of Guitar Player and Guitar World and has earned his place as guitar royalty on the world stage.

Completing this stellar line-up are long-time collaborators Chris Jerome (Courtney Pine) on keyboards and Sophie Alloway – dubbed the ‘Goddess of Groove’ by Jazz FM – on drums.

Following spectacular sell-out performances at venues including Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Royal Festival Hall and The Jazz Café, as well as major international festivals from Europe to New Zealand, Shez and his band have built a devoted following and a reputation as one of the most exhilarating live acts today.

Now touring acclaimed new album Spellbound – featuring drum titan Dennis Chambers – Shez and Guthrie will bring this exciting music to the Future Yard stage this summer.

Milap Summer Season 2026

Milap & Philharmonic Music Room present

Flute J.A. Jayant with R N Prakash and Kousic Sen

Thursday 25th June, 7.30pm | Philharmonic Music Room

Tickets

Milap & Philharmonic Music Room present

Ranjana Ghatak – Songs of The Luminous Heart  

Friday 26 June 2026, 7.30pm | Philharmonic Music Room

Tickets

Milap & Future Yard present

Shez Raja and Guthrie Govan

Friday 24th July, 8pm | Future Yard

Tickets

Liverpool Arab Arts Festival (LAAF), the longest running annual festival of Arab arts and culture in the UK, returns for its 24th year this July – and has just announced more events for this year’s edition.

World renowned percussionist Simona Abdallah returns to Liverpool, this time to collaborate with two powerful DJs from the Arab music world. At the Bluecoat, expect cutting edge cinema, with My Father and Qaddafi, as well as a collaboration with Comma Press – launching the latest in their ‘Reading The City’ series, The Book of Damascus. And, also announced is a debut script reading of 40 Days & 40 Nights at the Royal Court.

LAAF 2026 will provide a platform for artists and audiences to explore the many meanings of “home”: whether rooted in place and territory, shaped through family and relationships, or carried through memory, movement, environment, and social or geographic experience.

Just Announced For LAAF 2026

40 Days and 40 Nights

LAAF are delighted to be collaborating with the Royal Court Theatre to present a ‘script in hand reading’ of 40 Days and 40 Nights on Saturday 18th July.

In 1996, the El Gadhy family from Bootle did what any sensible family would do. They piled onto a bright red double decker bus and set off for Yemen.

Based on the real life journey of Mohamed El Gadhy, and written by Chrissy Jones, 40 Days and 40 Nights is a cross-continental comedy of double decker proportions, where a family departs and comes together. As they navigate across Europe and the Middle East, the El Gadhys explore their different versions of being Muslim, pioneers, Yemeni and Scouse.

Hop on, this is the bus you won’t want to miss – next stop Yemen!

My Father and Qaddafi

The first announcement of this year’s film programme at LAAF is a powerful piece of cinema – My Father and Qaddafi – to be shown at the Bluecoat on Tuesday 21st July.

My Father and Qaddafi, in association with the University of Liverpool, takes the audience on a raw and reflective journey as Jihan pieces together a father she barely remembers, all while discovering the troubled history and politics of Libya.

A daughter unravels the disappearance of her father, the peaceful opposition leader to Qaddafi, and pieces together her mother’s 19-year search to find him. Without any memory of her father, she tries to reconnect with him and reconcile with her Libyan identity.

The film screening will be followed by a Q&A.

The Book of Damascus

Also taking place at the Bluecoat, LAAF will launch The Book of Damascus on Thursday 23rd July, in association with Comma Press.

Expect a celebration of storytelling, writing, and critical thinking from the Syrian Capital. Damascus is a city of contradictions – it’s the oldest city in the world, and stands at a crossroads between East and West, the past and the future, peace and war.

The latest instalment in Comma’s ‘Reading the City’ series is filled with the perspectives of ordinary Syrians we never read about in the news – be they teenage boys scheming to raise funds for a longed-for Eid picnic; impoverished girls picking through rubbish dumps hoping to find gold, or more mystical characters like the mysterious guardians who watch over the seven planet-themed gates of the old town.

Join us for an evening of readings, translations and discussions about the challenges that Damascus has survived, and what lies ahead for it, in these most precarious times. Featuring Zaher Omareen, Odai Al-Zoubi and Majd Abu Shawish.

Simona Abdallah and Hiba Salameh & DJ, Yasmeen Soudani at Rough Trade Liverpool

On Saturday 25th July, LAAF will partner with Savera UK for two events at Rough Trade Liverpool.

In the afternoon, internationally recognised percussionist Simona Abdallah joins host Sara Suliman for a thought-provoking conversation about the patriarchal constraints she faced in embracing the darbuka — including family pressure to marry — and how she found freedom through her art. The session will include live acoustic performances, a welcome from Savera UK CEO Afrah Qassim, and a Q&A.

That evening, the celebration continues with Simona’s powerful solo set on the darbuka, followed by a collaborative performance with Palestinian DJ and filmmaker Hiba Salameh and Jordanian sound artist DJ MUSYS (Yasmeen Soudani). Named by Mixmag as one of the Palestinian DJs you need to know, Hiba blends Arabic music with global electronic sounds, while DJ MUSYS crafts experimental electronica rooted in Arab futurism, migration and collective identity.

2026 Festival Theme: Home

This year’s festival will highlight how Arab artists – from within the region and across the diaspora – engage with the deep and ever-shifting concept of belonging, while also recognising those whose sense of home is less stable or anchored, as is often the case for migrants and displaced communities.

Across ten days, a bold and diverse programme will trace the emotional and political dimensions of home: from the comfort of closeness to the ache of distance, and the possibilities in exploring new ground.

Through sound, performance, visual art, and personal narratives, LAAF 2026 invites audiences to reflect on the places that shape us, and on how families, social networks, and communities continue to build foundations of cultural connection and inclusion.

Liverpool Arab Arts Festival takes places across Liverpool venues from 17th to 26th July 2026. Tickets for all events as they are announced will be available via arabartsfestival.com.

Join an exciting interactive adventure as Shaun the Sheep: Fun with the Flock AR trail returns to Liverpool ONE!

This FREE augmented reality (AR) trail is packed with fun for the whole family, 1-31 May, follow the trail using the bespoke ‘Fun with the Flock AR’ app to track down nine markers hidden across Liverpool ONE.

Along the way, enjoy plenty of selfie moments, play musical stat-ewes, and help Bitzer find the Flock as you tick off his checklist. Complete the trail and earn an exclusive Shaun the Sheep sticker – a perfect keepsake from your spring adventure!

Plus you could be in with a chance of winning £100 Liverpool ONE Gift Card for taking part!

For more details, visit: liverpool-one.com/whats-on/shaun-the-sheep-trail.

A new exhibition at The Atkinson explores the decades long career of two artists – father and son who work primarily in the public realm but also explore their own interests and passions in steel, paper and music.

Brian Fell is a maker, first and foremost with interests spanning architecture, engineering, nature and music. Born in Liverpool and now working in a studio in Yorkshire Sculpture Park, he moves easily between abstraction and figuration, believing that the two disciplines feed one another, bringing distinct but related intellectual artistic challenges.

He is best known for his landmark figurative public sculpture with a strong sense of place, sited across the UK. However, his abstract compositions in steel and on paper are the foundation of everything he has done. In 2011 his son, George Fell began working in partnership with him as his studio assistant on major commissions and is now securing and leading his own and joint projects. A skilled artist metalworker, his father’s influence is evident in his hands-on approach and his love for the physicality of the craft.

Always Something New highlights some of their key commissions from the past four decades, celebrating the breadth and ambition of Brian and George’s practice – both collaboratively and individually. Spanning public art and personal explorations, the exhibition reveals a partnership rooted in continual making and creative curiosity.

The show will present an insight into the many ways that Brian and George work with steel ,demonstrating through their sculptures, photography and video of their work in the studio, its remarkable qualities as an artistic material and the range of skills, working methods and approaches that they have developed individually and together to bring it to life.

Photographs, archival material, maquettes and sculptures will offer an insight into how this expertise has been employed in the creation of some of Brian’s key commissions and the pieces that he and George have made. His early work in Southport, the Leviathan on the Barbican in Plymouth, the Merchant Seaman’s Memorial in Cardiff, Skyhooks in Manchester, the HaHa Bridge at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park will feature alongside projects they’ve worked on together such as the Spearfisherman in Jersey, the herd of Deer in Bedale and the Prescot Shakespeare Sculpture Trail.

Finally, there will be the chance to experience the creative work the two artists do for themselves in the downtime between commissions, showcasing Brian’s abstract work using paper and steel and George’s music, revealing the creative impulses that exist beyond the commissioned work and continue to inform their creative lives.

Visit their exhibition page here.

Three years on from Liverpool’s landmark hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest, the Liverpool European Festival (LEF) is returning for its fourth year with a vibrant programme of events across Liverpool throughout May and June 2026, with its most ambitious and expansive programme to date, with more than 40 events, across a wider geography, and with new institutional partnerships.

Organised and led by European communities from across the city, the festival encourages residents and visitors to explore the wonderful cultural diversity that defines Liverpool, through food, music, dance, language, visual art and workshops. This year we look forward to Italian bike rides, Swedish Midsummer celebrations, Ukrainian dance performances and a German Sommerfest. Most events are family friendly and free to attend. 

The 2026 festival will launch on Saturday 9th May at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church, one of Liverpool’s most iconic landmarks, with a community celebration featuring European cultural stalls and a programme of live entertainment including dance and choirs. A European Parade will follow on Sunday 10th May, bringing the streets of Liverpool to life. Community-led events will take place throughout May and June, offering locals and visitors the chance to learn about European traditions, stories, and culture in the city.

Each event is organised and led by European communities themselves, offering authentic experiences for all. From Italian bike rides and Swedish Midsummer celebrations to Ukrainian dance, and German Sommerfest, almost all events are family friendly and there is something for everyone.

A Festival Built on Growth and Recognition

What began as a Eurovision-inspired celebration of Liverpool’s European communities has evolved into an important part of the city’s cultural calendar. This year marks a further milestone: the festival has doubled in size from its inaugural 20 events to more than 40 events, the Liverpool European Partnership has been formally constituted as a Community Interest Company, and LEP has been honoured with the prestigious Empower EU Award, presented by EU Ambassador Pedro Serrano, in recognition of its contribution to European identity and civic engagement in the United Kingdom.

In 2026, the festival extends its reach beyond the city for the first time, with events confirmed outside of Liverpool, and three National Portfolio Organisations (Liverpool Philharmonic, Open Eye Gallery, and National Museums Liverpool) have joined as collaborative partners, bringing additional resource, expertise and audiences to the programme.

European Culture Institutes Join for the First Time

A significant development in this year’s festival is the formal involvement of European Culture Institutes for the first time. The Cyprus Cultural Centre, and the Dante Alighieri Society will contribute to the programme, adding institutional and diplomatic weight to the festival’s mission. A dedicated series of events will mark the Cyprus EU Presidency and take place in June, presented in partnership with these institutes.

Festival Launch: 9th-10th May 2026

The 2026 festival launch event will take place on Saturday 9th May at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church, one of Liverpool’s most iconic landmarks, with a community celebration bringing together cultural stalls and a programme of live performances, including choirs, dance and music from Liverpool’s European communities. The launch will be followed by a European Parade on Sunday 10th May through Liverpool city centre, a colourful public expression of the city’s European cultural diversity, celebrated through dance, music and traditional costume.

Community-led events will continue throughout May and June, sharing authentic European traditions, stories and culture. Each event is chosen, organised and delivered by the communities themselves, ensuring a genuine and participatory experience for all who attend.

Gosia McKane, Liverpool European Partnership said “The Liverpool European Festival is a powerful example of what can be achieved when communities, cultural organisations and partners come together with a shared purpose. We are incredibly proud to see the festival grow in scale, ambition and impact, and to have built – from the ground up – a partnership that reflects the richness and diversity of European life in our city region.

This work is not only about celebration, but about creating lasting structures that support engagement, collaboration and representation. The recognition we have received is a testament to that vision, and we are excited to continue developing it together with our partners.”

Sarah Fisher, Executive Director of Open Eye Gallery, Chair of The Contemporary Art Network, NW and member of Liverpool City Region Culture Network Strategy group: “We are delighted to be an official partner of the Liverpool European Festival 2026. This collaboration reflects our commitment to connecting the arts with communities and ensuring that culture is accessible, relevant and representative.

Through this partnership, we are able to connect artistic practice with grassroots communities, helping to create meaningful opportunities for expression, visibility and engagement.”

Festival Highlights 2026

• Pre-festival Open Eye Gallery Exhibition: Opens 16th April 2026
• Launch celebration at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church: Saturday 9th May
• European Parade through Liverpool city centre: Sunday 10th May
• Polish Heritage Day Family Picnic: Saturday 16th May
• Ukrainian Community Centre Annual Concert: Sunday 17th May
• Parade to celebrate Day of the Bulgarian Culture and the Slavic Alphabet: Sunday 24th May 
• Global Liverpool, In Limbo Project & Black Europeans, A vital conversation about diversity, identity, and belonging: Saturday 6th June

All events are open to everyone. Full programme details and ticketing information are available on our portal, and more information about the history of the festival can be found on our website.

Portal: lep-portal.vercel.app/events

Website: liverpooleuropeanfestival.co.uk

Andrea Dunbar’s hilarious and gritty tale of love, lust and tested friendships is based on the 1987 British film and features a brilliantly funny script along with all the best 80s music, taking audiences on a riotous trip down memory lane through this cult classic.

Rita and Sue are two working class girls from a run-down council estate who are about to finish their final year at school. In their spare time, they earn money babysitting for married couple Bob and Michelle.

Behind Michelle’s back, Bob embarks on an affair with both Rita and Sue, who take it in turns with him in his car in the countryside. Michelle eventually finds out and leaves lothario Bob. When Bob later develops a preference for Rita, the two girls fall out but when Sue ends up in an abusive relationship, the trio are reunited.

Director Chantelle Joseph said: “We had an amazing response from audiences when we took Rita, Sue and Bob Too! on tour last year – so I’m absolutely delighted to be able to announce we will be back on the road next spring and summer, visiting 11 venues up and down the country over the course of almost three months.

“Before it became a cult classic film, Andrea Dunbar’s raw and unflinching – and very funny – coming-of-age story was a hit play. It’s a wonderful piece of writing and a show you can watch again and again and still find yourself roaring with laughter. I can guarantee audiences from Birmingham to Billingham, and Malvern to Harrogate, a brilliant time.”

The Atkinson, Southport
Wednesday 9 – Saturday 12 June 2027

theatkinson.co.uk | 01704 533333

 

Unity Theatre are proud to introduce ‘A Radical Reimagining’ – a new and exciting multi-faceted heritage project, celebrating the building’s incredibly unique history and the importance of radical theatre in Liverpool’s vibrant and ever-growing cultural fabric.

Lovingly conceived by Unity’s Artistic Director Eli Randle when she first took the post in March 2024, ‘A Radical Reimagining’ is coming to life this May & June as an official National Lottery Heritage Fund project. Exploring over 200 boxes of archives dating back to the 1930s, audiences can look forward to a series of events – spanning theatre, art, live music, performances and workshops – culminating in Unity’s very own production STAGE LEFT, which tells the story of the theatre’s bold and rebellious past.

Celebrating nearly 100 years of political and grassroots theatre, Unity Theatre has firmly established itself as the beating heart of Liverpool’s thriving radical theatre community. Unity’s Heritage Project truly represents how the arts is a vital force for social change, offering a rare opportunity to explore the building’s rich and storied history.

Eli Randle, Artistic Director of Unity Theatre: “I was thinking about what Unity stood for, why it exists and how none of its rich history isn’t present in our building or archived, and so decided to create this project which looks at that past and also to the future through new work with young people. The heritage is a testament to the role of the arts in fostering social awareness and political dialogue and it is a privilege to be able to explore this through the project”

The Origins of Unity Theatre…

Unity Theatre was established in the 1930s – originally as Merseyside Left Theatre – when workers’ movements and political unrest was prevalent across the UK. In 1944, the theatre group then joined forces with The Unity Theatre movement – a national theatrical initiative that produced politically left-wing works by and for working class audiences.

Throughout the 1940s, 50s & 60s, Unity were audaciously radical and experimental, staging politically and socially conscious contemporary works that challenged conventional theatre and addressed themes of workers’ rights, fascism, capitalism and wider issues of inequality. Productions were also often held in unconventional locations such as street corners, pubs and community halls, offering an outlet for working-class people to discuss the issues they were facing in society.

Today, Unity Theatre is the only surviving member of that movement, and the organisation continue its mission with the same sentiment dating back to the 1930s – investing in local work, emerging artists and theatre companies – and producing high-quality radical and groundbreaking theatre.

The History of Hope Place…

The Unity Theatre was originally built in 1857 as Liverpool’s first ever synagogue for the New Hebrew Congregation, later becoming Hope Place Synagogue in 1937 and operating until 1962. As the Jewish community relocated to other parts of the city, the synagogue was eventually vacated and by the late 20th century, the space was transformed into a theatre – continuing its legacy as a place for community, discussion, and social change.

At a time when the world faces increasing uncertainty and inequality through a number of conflicts, humanitarian and ecological crises, Unity Theatre’s history as a platform for resistance and social change has never felt more relevant. The project reflects a deep commitment to honouring the building’s legacy in the city whilst creating innovative and groundbreaking theatre that champions diverse voices and engages local communities – all in aid of creating a more inclusive and forward-thinking society.

“I’m delighted to announce A Radical Reimagining, Unity’s major heritage project, bringing together exhibitions, events and performances that celebrate our radical past while championing the next generation of theatre-makers shaping our future. Exploring archives that date back to the 1930s has been truly inspiring, and it’s equally exciting to be creating new work that continues this legacy.”

Eli Randle, Unity Theatre’s Artistic Director

A Radical Reimagining | Unity Heritage Project

A Radical Reimagining will explore and interpret archival materials from 1930s – 2010s including administrative papers, minutes, correspondence, scripts, press cutting, photographs and promotional items. They are currently being archived by Liverpool John Moores University as part of this project. Alongside this, Unity will present a typically diverse summer programme, illustrating their ongoing commitment to platforming underrepresented voices and unconventional theatre.

Upcoming Programme at Unity Theatre

Theatre

Stage Left
Thursday 4th June – Saturday 6th June
Showings: 7.30pm, 2pm Matinee
Tickets

Created in-house at the Unity, this new performance dives into the theatre’s bold and rebellious past. From its roots as Merseyside Left Theatre in the 1930s to the vibrant creative home we inhabit today, A Radical Reimagining brings decades of radical storytelling roaring back to life.

Through dynamic performance, powerful voices, and striking moments from the past, we celebrate a legacy of theatre made for the people. Expect a journey through protest, passion, and creativity, a reminder that this stage has always belonged to those with something to say.

Young Radical Theatre Makers
Thursday 4th June – Saturday 6th June
Showings: 6pm-6.30pm or 6.45pm-7.15pm, 1.15pm-1.45pm Saturday Matinee
Tickets

Step into the future with Unity’s Young Radical Theatre Makers as they take the stage in a bold, high-energy ensemble performance. This new generation of artists amplifies the voices of today to ask the urgent questions of tomorrow; a call to listen, to reflect, and to imagine what comes next.

Divided by the ensemble. Directed by Grace Gallagher and Mariana Pires.

Art

‘A Radical Reimagining’ Exhibition – The History of Merseyside Unity Theatre, 1937-1987
Thursday 14th May – Sunday 28th June
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8.45am-7pm, Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-4pm
Location: Mount Pleasant Campus Library, 29 Maryland St, Liverpool L1 9DE
More Information

Step into the past at this exhibition featuring archives from the Unity Theatre collection.

Exhibition Launch Event
Thursday 21st May, 4.30pm-6.30pm –
Location: Mount Pleasant Campus Library, 29 Maryland St, Liverpool L1 9DE
More Information

Join LJMU Archives & Unity for an evening of celebration to mark the official opening of the Merseyside Unity Theatre archive exhibition, with pop up performances!

Archive Open Days
Thursday 4th June – Friday 5th June
Opening hours: 10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm
Location: Special Collections and Archives, Mount Pleasant Campus Library, Liverpool John Moores University, 29 Maryland St, Liverpool L1 9DE
More Information

Have you ever visited an archive before?

Join Unity at the open day sessions to view some of the original papers created and collected by Merseyside Unity Theatre. Explore rare scripts, programmes, photographs and songbooks, and meet the Project Archivist to learn more about how unique historical records are being preserved for future generations.

Film

Liverpool Doc Club presents Orwell: 2+2=5 (2026)
Saturday 23rd May, 6pm
Location: Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, Liverpool, L1 9BG
Tickets

“Orwell: 2 + 2 = 5” is a dense, urgent, and unapologetically blunt documentary that offers a chillingly relevant examination of totalitarianism’s enduring appeal and the societal conditions that enable it.

Director Raoul Peck (I Am Not Your Negro) charts the startling continued relevance of visionary author George Orwell’s political observations. Orwell’s iconic novels “1984″ and “Animal Farm” foretold a chilling, all-too-believable authoritarian future. In “Orwell: 2+2=5”, working in collaboration with the Orwell Estate, Peck seamlessly interweaves historical clips, readings from Orwell’s diary, cinematic references, and dynamic modern day footage, to craft not only a definitive portrait of the writer himself, but an entirely fresh take on how remarkably prophetic his work has become.

Screening presented by LIV:DOX (Liverpool Documentary Club), a project fuelled by Imagine Futures CIC.

Workshops / Talks

Common Wealth Theatre Company present DO IT YOURSELF: Making Political Theatre

Friday 29th May
10am-12.30pm Workshop
Tickets

2pm-3.30pm Talk + Q&A
Tickets

Location: John Foster Drama Studio, Hope Street, L1 9BY
Age Guidance: 16+

This workshop will offer a brief introduction to a range of practical exercises to enable you to work with others to create political theatre and make social change. The exercises will give you an insight into Common/Wealth, how they make original theatre about the here and now, and with people who may not have been part of any theatre-making process before.

Suitable for people new to theatre, experienced theatre makers, activists and community organisers.

Sharing Common/Wealth’s DIY origins, how they’ve made shows along the way and why making political theatre is critical and urgent now more than ever.

About Common/Wealth: Common/Wealth is a political theatre company based in Bradford and Cardiff, UK. They make radical, high-quality documentary theatre and other public events that are site-specific, experimental and push form – relevant, artistic work addressing social injustices and concerns of our times, in partnership with the people who are most affected by inequity.

Political Songs Workshop: Sing, March, Protest with Patrick Dineen

Saturday 23rd May, 2pm-5pm
Location: Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, Liverpool, L1 9BG
Tickets

Come along and experience the political songs that the Unity Theatre would have performed, written and experienced over the years from the Spanish Civil War to the 1960s.

From rousing marching songs through to sophisticated cabaret. Listen and sing the wit, irony and dark humour of songs that speak of injustice and corruption.

Patrick Dineen is a composer and lyricist. He has written many scores for theatre and political

cabaret over the years and has a long standing relationship with Unity Theatre. His work as a composer includes TV, film, dance, cabaret and directing his own music-theatre shows.

Breaking the Class Ceiling:

A Live Exploration of Working Class Artistry

Saturday 30th May, 3pm-4.30pm
Location: Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, Liverpool, L1 9BG
Tickets

Join Unity for an unflinching, live panel discussion that bridges the gap between Unity’s 1930s ‘Workers’ Theatre’ roots and Liverpool’s contemporary creative scene.

In an era where the ‘class ceiling’ remains a challenging barrier in the arts, how do creatives and radical makers keep momentum? Unity will bring together five Liverpool working-class artists to discuss the politics of the stage, the power of heritage, and the future of working-class storytelling.

Followed by Radical Scratch Open Mic 5pm-6.30pm – offering a space for working-class creatives to test new ideas, political rants, or works in progress.

Africa Oyé have announced the DJ lineup for this summer’s celebration in Liverpool’s Sefton Park, with an eclectic ensemble of DJs and selectors spinning the best in Afrocentric sounds across the festival site this June.

Two of the UK’s biggest names in African and Caribbean music will be returning to Oyé in 2026 – BBC1 Xtra’s DJ Edu and Seani B – alongside some of the region’s best talent.

The Oyé Stage

Seani B – one of the world’s leading dancehall and reggae DJs – returns to Africa Oyé after a highly successful set in 2024. His weekly ‘1Xtra Dancehall show’ is the most listened to specialist programme on the network, as well as having amassed over 90 million views for his sessions from Jamaica.

Born in London, Seani has incorporated these cosmopolitan surroundings into his unique musical blend. From Dancehall to Hip Hop, R&B to House and even Soca to Rock – if it is musical, Seani will be all over it!

Oyé are also excited to be welcoming back the ‘Afro Boss’ DJ Edu. Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Edu began his career as one of the premier Homeboyz DJ crew, a resident at Carnivore, and as a presenter on Capital FM – and has been regular fixture at Oyé over the past decade.

Edu was named one of the 100 most influential Africans of 2024 by NewsAfrica magazine, and it is clear that his goal of ‘putting the latest and greatest sounds produced by Africa’s new generation on the global map’ has become a reality. Edu continues to introduce fresh faces to the UK music scene through his BBC Radio1 and 1Xtra platforms, helping to expand the global reach of Afrobeats, Amapiano, Afro-fusion and more

Due to popular demand, this year both Seani B & DJ Edu will also be playing an evening set on Oye’s dedicated DJ stage – giving them the opportunity to take the audience on a dancefloor journey. While they do so, the main stage will be covered by Liverpool-based DJ and head honcho of the popular Afrosentrik nights – SoulfulTiz.

The Oye DJ Stage – Trenchtown meets Freetown

Oye’s DJ stage provides the perfect platform to showcase the purveyors of Afrocentric sounds in the region, featuring DJs and collectives who are supporting the culture all year round. The festival is welcoming back a host of familiar faces – with some of the region’s best established and emerging talent, alongside international artists.

Returning favourites include G33 & Hannah Lynch (both of Girls Don’t Sync) with a set that fuses house, UK gargae and global club sounds, following their incendiary set in 2024. Also back at Oye in 2026 are Liverpool-based clublight OTRA, bringing residents Dharma Collective and RoBaSca, for a set of globally influenced club music and percussive dancefloor sounds.

Oyé regulars Dub Defenders and guests Sugarshack Sound will be playing heavyweight roots, dub and stepper selections featuring guest MCs Andre Jahnoi, Nicky Talent, Smokey and MC Blista. The stage will also feature Liverpool DJ royalty – with selectors from No Fakin’ and Lyrical Compact, and a host of friends, making their return.

The 2026 festival will also welcome Chop.Life Partee – serving up amapiano heat and bringing high energy to the dancefloor, as well as Liverpool heavyweights Culture Deck with a collective of L8 selectors, and Decks in the City presenting a 2-hour takeover showcasing a cross-section of its community, with ‘Mums in the Mix DJs‘ alongside core residents, bringing together different journeys, sounds and perspectives on the decks for a high-energy, genre-spanning session.

Artistic Director of Africa Oyé, Paul Duhaney said: “Edu is part of the Oyé family and we’re delighted he can join us for the first festival in this new era. And Seani’s debut in 2024 went down so well we just had to bring him back this year. Both of them playing a headline set on the DJ stage for the first will be something special!  For DJs based more locally – the lineup really is a testament to the talent that this city is producing behind the decks.”

Expect a diverse range of Afrocentric and Caribbean sounds over the festival weeknd, with reggae, roots, dub, bass music, hip hop, house, garage, Afro-house, amapiano, Afrobeats, Afro-synth & Afro-disco, and much more from this eclectic lineup.

The Africa Oyé Festival takes place on 20th and 21st June in Liverpool’s Sefton Park. Tickets are available now for both days via TicketQuarter at africaoye.com.