Community Post Type: News

The 12th edition of Liverpool Biennial, uMoya: The sacred Return of Lost Things’ addresses the history and temperament of the city of Liverpool and is a call for ancestral and indigenous forms of knowledge, wisdom and healing. In the isiZulu language, ‘uMoya’ means spirit, breath, air, climate and wind.

10 June – 17 September, various venues/spaces.

The festival explores the ways in which people and objects have the potential to manifest power as they move across the world, while acknowledging the continued losses of the past. It draws a line from the ongoing Catastrophes caused by colonialism towards an insistence on being truly Alive

More than 30 international artists and collectives have been invited to engage with uMoya as a compass, divine intervention, and thoroughfare. Taking over historic buildings, unexpected spaces and art galleries, a dynamic programme of free exhibitions, performances, screenings, community events, learning activities and fringe events unfolds over 14 weeks, shining a light on the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Liverpool Biennial 2023 is curated by Khaniyisile Mbongwa.

For full listings see here

A new online series from National Museums Liverpool is giving viewers exclusive, behind the scenes access to the wardrobes of local artists.

Streaming exclusively on the National Museums Liverpool YouTube channel, What Artists Wear delves into the unique style of six creatives living and working in Liverpool – exploring the personal stories and thought processes that go into crafting their ideal outfits. From comfort and practicality to supporting upcoming designers, the series takes an in-depth look at what makes us tick when it comes to our personal style.

The series launches with Sister Sister, star of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 2, who shares stories from the early days of her drag career and finding her own personal drag persona through comedy and satire. Sister Sister said: “I’ve always explored identity through gender and drag, so this series speaks to me as an artist. My looks are in constant evolution depending on my mood, feelings, or the politics of the day. I look forward to watching my episode back in years to come as a compass to see where I am in the future.”

Future episodes come from a diverse group of creatives, including illustrator and artist Sumuyya Khader, activist and performer Felix Mufti, contemporary artist Millie Toyin Olateju, designer Liz Harry and photographer Daniel de la Bastide. Each episode chronicles three unique looks, curated for different settings – whether it’s what they wear to the studio, during a performance, or when relaxing off-duty.

Ellie Field, Digital Content Producer at National Museums Liverpool, said: “What Artists Wear aims to put some of Liverpool’s most exciting creatives centre stage, showcasing the variety of fashion styles that our city is renowned for. Fashion is not governed by standards and rules, and this new series reflects that.

“From our popular Museums Sessions series to the National Museums Liverpool podcast, What Artists Wear is a fantastic addition to our ever-growing output of digital experiences, giving our audiences even more insight into our seven museums and galleries no matter where in the world they are.”

Visit the National Museums Liverpool YouTube channel from 9 June to watch Sister Sister’s episode of What Artists Wear, with subsequent episodes coming every month.

Liverpool Theatre Festival returns in 2023 with a brand new date to coincide with the school Summer holidays – and this year the programme features nine family shows to wow youngsters of all ages. 

The event usually takes place in September, but this year it’s been brought forward. Spanning 11 days, it will play its part in entertaining children of all ages during the school Summer holidays.

The nine-strong line-up of family shows include specially commissioned new shows The Oogy Boogy Man and Fred The Musical, as well as The Magic Bookmark With Mama G, Magic Gareth: Level Up!, Rubbish Romeo And Juliet, The Monkey With No Bum, Shout! The Mod Musical, Dame Fanny & Her Fabulous Friends, and The Tempest.

The fourth annual Liverpool Theatre Festival takes place between Thursday 20 July and Sunday 30 July 2023 and features a total of 24 performances. Once again, it will take place outdoors at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church in Liverpool city centre.

Alongside the family shows, the Liverpool Theatre Festival programme also features evening shows of comedy, drama, music, opera, and musical theatre.

Here we take a look at the family programme:

The Oogy Boogy Man is fresh to the stage, adapted from a new series of children’s books by Gary Edward Jones, a well-respected singer songwriter from the North West. The Oogy Boogy Man is reminiscent of the darker fairytales of olde – weaving poetic tales of talking trees, a cauldron full of forest-laden spells, and hushed secrets intertwined between the ancient creaking branches. This is the story of a lonely ogre who is not all that he seems. The people of the town fear him, but he dreams of a friend. He hopes the cauldron and potion made by the spirit of his Grandmother will help in his quest. Suitable for age six upwards. The Oogy Boogy Man is on Friday 21 July at 2.30pm. 

Fred The Musical is a new interactive stage show for children, based on the best-selling rhyming picture book Fred The Fire-Sneezing Dragon by Fay Evans. Fred is a lonely young dragon whose fiery sneezes cause chaos at school. He is teased by his human classmates until he accidentally saves the day. The pupils eventually learn to accept and celebrate Fred in this heart-warming tale. At the heart of the show are themes of friendship, diversity, and inclusivity – encouraging children to accept everyone is different and can be good at something. Aimed at toddlers and primary schoolchildren, the show is full of life and laughter and packed with pantomime-inspired interaction. Writer Fay Evans and producer Bill Elms have collaborated to bring the book to stage as a musical. Suitable for age three upwards. Fred The Musical is on Sunday 23 July at 11.30am and 1.30pm.

Join pantomime dame Mama G from Britain’s Got Talent for The Magic Bookmark, a brand new adventure for the whole family presented by Petite Pantos. It all starts when the evil Book Worm decides that reading gives people too much knowledge and makes all the books from Mama G’s library disappear. Before the world can turn to chaos, Mama G vows to save the day by finding three books that will help make the world a better place. But she cannot do it alone – and that’s when she discovers the mysterious and wonderful Magic Bookmark. The panto is full of fun, interaction, song, dance, and puppetry. Mama G recently wowed audiences when she appeared in the Christmas 2022 pantomime Goldilocks Ad The Three Bears at Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre. Suitable for age four upwards. The Magic Bookmark With Mama G is on Monday 24 July at 1.30pm. 

Ahead of a run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Magic Gareth: Level Up! is coming to LTF. Following on from the success of Magic Gareth’s Magic Eye show at last year’s Fringe, the magician is bringing a new production to Liverpool. This is a family magic show extravaganza, complete with a grumpy unicorn, games, and plenty of trickery and tomfoolery. Suitable for age five upwards. Magic Gareth: Level Up is on Wednesday 26 July at 1.30pm.

Rubbish Romeo And Juliet is brought to the LTF stage by the Rubbish Shakespeare Company before heading to the Edinburgh Festival. The title prompts thoughts of enemies, balconies, a kiss. But sausage rolls? A trio perform Shakespeare’s classic tragedy using only a box of pound shop props, a tattered floral dress, and a punctured old airbed they found by the bins. Described as “like Horrible Histories but funnier” by Primary Times, the production company revives its accessible, interactive, and joyously anarchic version of Romeo and Juliet. It features clowning slapstick, clever but mischievous storytelling, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Suitable for age five upwards. Rubbish Romeo And Juliet is on Thursday 27 July at 1.30pm.

The Monkey With No Bum is based on the popular children’s book by Asa Murphy. Little ones will meet Headmaster Mr Plop, Miss Jolly, and Charlie the Monkey for a fun-filled visit to Jungle School. This interactive show is full of dancing, music, and laughter, and features Catherine Rice, Brandon McCaffrey, and Asa Murphy. Miss Jolly tells everyone about one of her special pupils, Charlie the Monkey, and his journey to learn a very special lesson about himself. Fun-loving Charlie hates his bum, but when he receives a special birthday surprise, he thinks his bum problems are over – but he soon learns that having a bigger, better bum may not be as important as he thinks. Youngsters be thrilled by songs including The Fruit Picking Song, The Laughter Song, Perfect In Every Way, and The Bum Bum Song. Suitable for age three and above. The Monkey With No Bum is on Friday 28 July at 11.30am and 1.30pm. 

Shout! The Mod Musical boasts an irresistible blend of hip-swivelling hits, eye-popping fashions, and outrageous dance moves. The show will transport audiences to the music, style, and freedom of the 1960s. The show will be performed by Edge Hill University Musical Theatre students, producer and musical director Nick Sanders, director James Macpherson, and choreographer Lydia Bullock. Shout! follows five groovy gals as they come of age during those glorious days that made England swing. Travelling in time from 1960 to 1970, it chronicles the dawning liberation of women – from the rise of Dusty Springfield, Petula Clark and Cilla Black as independent women with major careers, to their American counterparts, redefining themselves in the face of changing attitudes about gender. The songs are tied together by hilarious sound bites from the period.  Shout! has been created by Phillip George and David Lowenstein, and features new arrangements of classic tunes including To Sir With Love, Downtown, Son Of A Preacher Man, and Goldfinger. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Musical Theatre International. Suitable for age 10 and above. Shout! The Mod Musical is on Saturday 29 July at 2.30pm.

Dame Fanny & Her Fabulous Friends comes to LTF as part of Liverpool Pride which coincides with the festival. The diva that is Dame Fanny De Faux has performed and hosted events at a variety of venues across the country and overseas. She is also thought to be the only fully trained drag wedding celebrant in the UK. Dame Fanny is delighted to be returning to LTF after much fun and hilarity at last year’s event – this time she is accompanied by two of her beautiful and talented chums. Voilet . Pain is a gifted and gorgeous queen, she has been on the drag scene for six years, showcasing her skills as a DJ, lip-syncing, performing, and hosting. She is a firm favourite across Liverpool venues. The fabulous V has also had residencies in Manchester and was recently in a show in LA, making her international and one to watch. Debs completed the trio – and is the Scouse answer to Jennifer Coolidge. Although she has only been performing drag a relatively short time, she is most definitely grabbing the attention of UK audiences, having recently toured with some huge names from the divine world of drag. Suitable for age six and above. Dame Fanny & Her Fabulous Friends is on Sunday 30 July at 12pm.

After hugely successful runs of their Norton Priory woodland Shakespeare productions of Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth in 2022 and 2021, multi award-winning A Place For Us Theatre Company present The Tempest By William Shakespeare. Be transported to an island of betrayal, magic, love, and revenge. The play will be performed by talented drama students from Cronton Sixth Form College alongside the creative team from A Place For Us. Audiences will be enchanted, enthralled, and engrossed in a world of spirits and magical creatures in this edited and accessible one-hour version of arguably Shakespeare’s final masterpiece. Suitable for age nine upwards. The Tempest By William Shakespeare is on Sunday 30 July at 3pm. 

This year’s festival partners are Edge Hill University, Morecrofts Solicitors, Bill Elms Associates and Ticket Quarter. 

This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as the lead authority. Along with Liverpool City Council and Culture Liverpool. 

Producer and artistic director Bill Elms commented: “Introducing youngsters to live theatre and making them feel welcome has been instrumental since we launched Liverpool Theatre Festival. They are the performers, writers, and creatives of the future – so they play a vital role when planning an event like this. 

“This year’s festival takes place at the start of the school Summer holidays. This new date provides the perfect opportunity for families to experience the event and for youngsters to catch-up with their friends during the break. This is the perfect introduction to experience live performance – it’s outdoors in one of Liverpool’s iconic venues, most shows are one hour, and lots of fun is guaranteed. We’ve also tried to make the shows affordable.” 

Liverpool Theatre Festival was created by Liverpool theatre producer Bill Elms, who has worked in the theatre industry for more than 30 years. Theatres and live entertainment venues were ordered to close immediately under the Government’s first national Covid-19 lockdown guidelines in March 2020. It was Bill’s mission and vision to reinvigorate and boost the city’s live performance and creative arts sector, offering a lifeline when it was needed most. Liverpool Theatre Festival was created in a matter of weeks.

Since its inaugural staging in Autumn 2020, it has gone on to win praise from audiences and critics alike, as well as winning many awards along the way. Liverpool Theatre Festival is committed to supporting local artists, creatives, and theatre companies.

This year the festival boasted its biggest and most diverse programme to date with 24 performances over 11 days, featuring drama, cabaret, comedy, music, opera, musicals, family shows, and drag shows.  

There are still opportunities for businesses to support the event as a partner or sponsor. To find out more contact producer and artistic director Bill Elms by emailing bill@billelms.com 

Visit www.liverpooltheatrefestival.com for the latest news updates. 

 

Aladdin is flying into St Helens Theatre Royal this Christmas – and the first two members of its star-studded cast have been revealed.

Emmerdale star Liam Fox will make his panto debut in the role of the evil Abanazer, and panto royalty Leanne Campbell will appear as a magical ‘Genie of the Mirror’.

The spectacular seasonal production from Regal Entertainments comes to the Theatre Royal stage from Saturday 2 December to Sunday 14 January 2024. Tickets are on sale now costing from £21.

Take a magic carpet ride this Christmas and be whisked off to pantoland where young street urchin Aladdin lives with his hapless brother Wishee Washee and larger-than-life mum Widow Twankey in their family laundry.

Then join our young hero as he battles the wicked Abanazer who has a dastardly plan to rule the world with the help of one very special lamp.

Can Aladdin save the day – and can he also win the heart of the fair Princess Jasmine?

Tickets can be booked over the phone or in person at the box office between 10am and 5pm, from Monday to Friday. Tickets can also be purchased online. For more information please visit www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

A music venue in Liverpool has received a grant from the charity Music Venue Trust (MVT), as part of a fourth round of recipients for its major new funding initiative, which provides grants of up to £5,000 for UK Grassroots Music Venues. Melodic Bar received £1705.73 from MVT’s Pipeline Investment Fund to pay for new staging, training, and seating.

Venue director of Melodic Bar James Zaremba said: “As a venue that opened right after the lifting of Covid restrictions, we’ve faced a number of financial challenges. This means that all money generated has been allocated towards basic operational costs and overheads. We’ve very rarely been able to invest in improving and growing the space. This funding allows us to make much-needed investments into our venue. The money will help to us to build modular furniture to make the most of our space, improve our overheads, allow us to put larger acts on with the extension of the stage, and help us create a safer more welcoming space through important staff training. We’re confident that this funding will improve our guests experience of visiting our venue!”

The Pipeline Investment Fund, established in 2022, is primarily funded by ticket sales of MVT’s recent ‘Revive Live’ programme of gigs around the UK, a hugely successful partnership with The National Lottery. To date £165,000 worth of grants have been awarded to 38 Grassroots Music Venues since December. This fourth round of payments sees a total sum of £97,516.97 awarded to a further 23 GMVs across the country.

The fund prioritises support for organisations who may have been excluded from other available funding and was open to all venue operators and organisations that meet any of the three definitions of a Grassroots Music Space, which can be found here.

Music Venue Trust is still actively seeking further donations, particularly from the wider music industry, to maintain and expand the Pipeline Investment Fund and make it a permanent source of support for Grassroots Music Venues. Please contact ozlem@musicvenuetrust.com for details of how this work can be supported.

The UKs first ever mainstream Gospel Music Festival has been announced to take place on 9^th September 2023 to coincide with a drive by the UK gospel music community to make September a Gospel Music Heritage Month.

The festival will take place in Stanley Park, Liverpool and will feature internationally known artists, including headliners The Kingdom Choir and CalledOut Music.

The festival organised by Liverpool Lighthouse, a charity based in Anfield working to create thriving communities of people living more fulfilled lives, is Sponsored by VistaPrint, Arts Council England and Liverpool City Council among others and is supported by the Gospel Music Industry Alliance. As the festival develops to be an annual event, it will also include panel discussions with artists, meet the artist events, participatory activities for families, the community and wider celebrations of black culture.

Anu Omideyi, Liverpool Gospel Music Festival Director and Music Director at Liverpool Lighthouse said: “As part of the wider vision to spread the power and joy of gospel music alongside the positive impact of black culture, the festival will be accompanied by a programme taking gospel music into schools. In partnership with music education hub Resonate, the schools programme will initially pilot the work with two secondary schools in June and will roll out to more schools in the next academic year, with the eventual aim of curriculum change that will see young people nationwide learning about the music genre.”

As evidenced by events such The Ascension Choir’s performance at the recent Coronation and The Kingdom Choir’s performance at the 2018 royal wedding, gospel music has the power to move and connect with a mainstream, diverse audience. The festival will feature music from The Kingdom Choir, CalledOut Music, Love & Joy Gospel Choir, Sarah Teibo, Sense of Sound, Lighthouse Choir, Volney Morgan & New Ye, DavidB, Wavertree Gospel Choir and NaffymaR.  More artists are to be announced.

Gospel Music is an inclusive, joyful, uplifting, moving music genre that, in addition to relating to the Christian faith, celebrates the stories, histories, cultures and achievements of black communities. Much modern mainstream music, as well as many genres of music of black origin, owe their origins and inspirations to gospel music. However, these roots often go unacknowledged and unrecognised. This will be the first ever mainstream UK gospel festival.

Liverpool is a city with a fantastic music and cultural heritage, known as being the home of The Beatles, the European Capital of Culture, 2008 and recent host to The Eurovision Song Contest.  It also has deep links to black history through its role as a slave trading port in the 19^th century and the location of the International Museum of Slavery. Liverpool is also home to Liverpool Lighthouse, which is currently working to develop the National Gospel Music Centre, a hub for supporting and developing gospel music and gospel music artists in the North West.

Rebecca Ross-Williams, Creative Director of Liverpool Lighthouse said: “It is beyond exciting to announce Liverpool Gospel Music Festival this September as it responds to a national need, as there isn’t an equivalent.  It is the right time for the festival with a drive to make September Gospel Music Heritage Month, with Liverpool as UNESCO City of Music, having such a strong music heritage and because of Liverpool’s contribution to black history. Liverpool Lighthouse is committed to supporting the protection and development of Gospel Music and we aim to provide a much need platform to Gospel Music artists, showcase some of the best internationally and bring joy to our audiences.”

Liverpool Football Club players, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Luis Diaz recently visited Liverpool Lighthouse to demonstrate their support for the festival along with VistaPrint which is a main festival sponsor. The players surprised the staff, beneficiaries of the charity and the combined choirs of Liverpool Lighthouse – Lighthouse Choir and Love & Joy Gospel Choir – as they were rehearsing a gospel song and all were shocked to see the football players enter the theatre in the building and join in with the choirs. Oxlade-Chamberlain was persuaded to play drums alongside the choir, much to the delight of everyone, whilst Diaz enjoyed the music.

Laces Out! Trainer Festival, the ultimate gathering for sneaker enthusiasts, has just announced its relocation to a larger and more spacious venue, the ACC Exhibition Centre at Kings Dock Liverpool. The highly anticipated event on Saturday June 17th promises an even bigger and better experience for attendees and makes this year’s date one of the biggest in Europe.

Moving Laces Out! to the ACC Exhibition Centre is fueled by the overwhelming response from previous years for a bigger location. The new venue offers ample space to accommodate the extra visitors whilst offering an impressive lineup of traders and sneaker brands.

Rob May, Laces Out!’s founder, explains: “We’re proudly now one of the longest running and largest trainer festivals in Europe with our move to the ACC Exhibition Centre and it’s nice to have built that in Liverpool. UK trainer culture continues to grow unabated, ranging from casual enthusiasts to people who dedicate their lives collecting some of the rarest sneakers out there. We have cultivated a loyal following who come from all over the UK to buy, trade, and just generally link up with like-minded people, as well as developing our wider programme at each Laces Out! around guest speakers, music and culture. Our 9th year is going to be one to remember.”

This 9th anniversary edition of Laces Out! Trainer Festival has double the number of traders compared to previous events. Sneakerheads can expect an unparalleled selection of rare and exclusive trainers, limited editions, and sought-after collaborations. With an expanded trader lineup, attendees will have an incredible opportunity to explore a vast array of footwear options and connect with fellow enthusiasts from around the world.

The event promises much more than just sneaker shopping. Laces Out! attendees can immerse themselves in sneaker culture, engage in insightful conversations, and gain valuable knowledge from industry insiders. The day will feature live music performances, guest appearances by renowned sneaker experts, panel discussions and exciting giveaways. 

Guests include renowned photographer Lawrence Watson, who caught the early days of hip-hop culture in NYC in the 1980s capturing Run DMC, Public Enemy and LL Cool J, and has worked with many iconic artists including New Order, Grace Jones and Pet Shop Boys. Earlier this month, some of this work featured as part of Beyond The Streets London, a graffiti and street art exhibition at Saatchi London commissioned by Adidas Originals. 

The ACC Exhibition Centre, situated in the vibrant Kings Dock area of Liverpool, provides an ideal backdrop for Laces Out! Trainer Festival. Its spacious halls, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient location are ideal for attendees, traders, and exhibitors alike. Laces Out! has established itself as a premier event in the sneaker community, attracting thousands of enthusiasts year after year. The move represents an exciting milestone for the festival ahead of its 10th anniversary next year. 

General admission tickets and VIP packages for Saturday June 17th offering exclusive gift bags from official partner Jason Markk include free cleaning products, stickers, pin badges and more. Other partners of the event include Liverpool based retailer Seven Store who will be hosting some activity instore straight after the event. LMNTS and Reprimo brand will also be in attendance, showcasing some of their newest unseen products to the Liverpool audience.

Finally, there’s an after party at 24 Kitchen Street celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop with DJ Mr Thing, Konny Kon (Children of Zeus) and more guests to be announced, taking place from 8pm.

Laces Out! Trainer Festival
Saturday 17th June 2023
ACC Exhibition Centre, King’s Dock, Port of Liverpool, Kings Dock St, Liverpool, L3 4FP
Midday – 5pm
Tickets from £10.00 + £1.00 booking fee
Info and tickets: https://lacesout.co.uk/ 

The Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation is set to fund a new three-year scholarship at Liverpool Theatre School. The bursary will enable a talented student to train in professional musical theatre at Liverpool Theatre School, where Sir Ken Dodd spent many years as a patron inspiring future entertainers.

Auditions for the prestigious scholarship, which will be awarded on ability and financial circumstances, will take place on 4 June and talented performers are being invited to register in advance to be considered for the bursary.

Liverpool Theatre School, whose graduates can be seen in smash-hit shows such as SIX, Frozen the Musical, Blood Brothers and Wicked, provides elite training in musical theatre, dance and performing arts with courses designed to equip young people with the skills they need to perform at a professional level.

Speaking on the introduction of the Sir Ken Dodd scholarship, Norah Button of Liverpool Theatre School said: “Sir Ken Dodd was a national treasure and a very dear friend. He was always hugely supportive of Liverpool Theatre School and our mission to make professional training accessible to all gifted young performers, whatever their financial circumstances.

 “We’re looking forward to awarding a scholarship in his name to a talented student who might otherwise consider musical theatre training to be beyond their reach financially. Our ultimate aim is to help young performers to achieve their full potential and we’re incredibly grateful to Lady Anne Dodd for her continued support. We thank the Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation for such a generous gift.”

Lady Anne Dodd said: “Ken’s association with Liverpool Theatre School dates back to the early 1960s and he spent many years supporting the performing arts school as a proud patron. He had a great love of the theatre and he would be thrilled to be able to support an aspiring young performer starting out on an exciting journey in the industry. We’re delighted to fund this musical theatre scholarship through the Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation.”

As part of a commitment to improving opportunities for performers from all backgrounds, Liverpool Theatre School was the first performing arts school to scrap audition fees for prospective students.

Liverpool Theatre School regularly stages performances at local theatres and graduating students recently appeared at the Leicester Square Theatre in London’s West End as part of a final year showcase. As well as providing full-time professional training, Liverpool Theatre School also welcomes budding young performers, between the ages of 6-16, to evening and weekend classes at its Junior Academy.

Liverpool Theatre School is located at Liverpool Central Studios, 35 Sefton Street, Liverpool, L8 5SL. To apply for the Sir Ken Dodd scholarship or to find out more about the courses available at Liverpool Theatre School, please visit liverpoolcentralstudios.com.

Prescot’s Elizabethan Fayre returns this year to celebrate the town’s Elizabethan heritage and its renaissance, all with a contemporary twist.

The FREE fayre is a popular date in Knowsley’s events calendar and there will be plenty for everyone to enjoy. It will be a fun-filled day packed with theatre and dance performances, circus skills, craft workshops, music, heritage walks, artisan stalls and more.

Visitors can also experience a piece of Tudor history, with candle making, musical minstrels, archery and soldier school. There might even be an appearance from Queen Elizabeth I herself!

Prescot’s history is quite remarkable – in Elizabethan times it was the only place in the whole of the country, aside from London, to have a free-standing purpose-built theatre. Today it is home to Shakespeare North Playhouse, a new theatre and cultural venue in the heart of the town inspired by William Shakespeare and his love of storytelling.

Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development said:

“Prescot’s Elizabethan Fayre is a wonderful way to celebrate the unique history of the town and for everyone to get involved in celebrating that history. The Prescot Cultural Consortium have created a programme of unique performances, activities and crafts for everyone to enjoy. Prescot town centre is also home to plenty of lovely shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, so visitors can spend the full day experiencing everything that the town has to offer.”

Siobhan Noble, Senior Producer at Shakespeare North Playhouse and Chair of the Prescot Cultural Consortium, commented:

“The Elizabethan Fayre is a fantastic event for Prescot and Knowsley, it’s a chance for communities to come together and celebrate the rich heritage of the town. This year’s Fayre will be jam packed with things to do and guarantees a great time for all ages. This is not to be missed.”

Where and when

Prescot Town Centre
Saturday 10 June 11am – 5pm

Get involved

• Help make the Prescot Bird with Arts Groupie
• Get Sketchy with Illustrator Gill Smith
• Willow Weaving from Twig Twister
• Clay making with Prescot Community Curators
• Heritage Walking Tours of Prescot
• Free Face Painting

Performances

• Fools Rush In – Circus Jesters Steve ‘n’ Harry
• The Egg People – The Waggle Bees
• Jan Williams Theatre School
• Liverpool Signing Choir
• Arts Groupie – The Actor’s Corner
• Curbside Ceilidh – Folk Dance Remixed
• Bring the Fire – Fire and Circus Show
• Altered Scale Theatre – Captain Parrot and His Ship of Stories
• Petit Ullaloom – The Dead Average Sonnets Society
• Imaginarium Theatre – Fools and Fairies Parade
• Poppy the Bubble Fairy
• And more!

A full programme with times for events and activities will be available soon on www.cutureknowsley.co.uk. You can also follow CultureKnowsley on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates.

This year’s Run For The 97 was officially launched today (Thursday 18 May) by former Liverpool Football Club goalkeeping legend Bruce Grobbelaar.

The ninth annual community legacy fun run takes place in Stanley Park in Liverpool on Saturday 27 May 2023.

Participants are welcome to walk, jog, or run the 5K or 1 Mile distances. Final entries are being taken at https://www.btrliverpool.com/97-5k-event

The event was first staged in 2015 as a positive community legacy event to celebrate and honour the lives of the then 96 Liverpool Football Club fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough on 15 April 1989.

Last year the event was renamed to Run For The 97 to include and honour LFC fan Andrew Devine, who sadly passed away in July 2021. Andrew received life-changing injuries at Hillsborough, he died 32 years after the disaster.

The event also remembers the families of The 97 and the survivors, who have since tirelessly fought for justice with the utmost dignity.