Community Post Type: News

A Liverpool Institute Of Performing Arts graduate from America has produced a powerful rock opera about his life in Liverpool during Covid lockdowns. Eddie Min, now 26, is premiering the show at Hope Street Theatre from 24^th-26^th October.

Different Kind of Normal is an explosive new rock opera running for three nights only at Liverpool’s Hope Street Theatre on 24th, 25th and 26th October! The exciting concept blends a dystopian psychological thriller with a rocking soundtrack!

Blending the raw energy of a live rock concert with the intensity of theatre, the production promises to be a genre-defying experience. At its core, Different Kind of Normal is inspired by university life during the Covid-19 pandemic — following five university students as they grapple with identity, artistic awakening and love amid extraordinary challenges.

Deacon is a down on his luck musician with anxiety and OCD who is in his final year of uni. He will surely clash with Bonzo — a nerdy drummer with ADHD and Autism who has a dependency on alcohol and drugs. Meanwhile, Harley is a visual artist in her early 20s with her own issues and Logo is an obnoxious drug dealer. Throw young hippie and peacekeeper Regan into the mix and it’s an interesting dynamic.

Through a psychedelic rock score, the story explores urgent themes such as neurodiversity, mental health, addiction and the emotional toll of isolation. As the characters confront their inner struggles, they reveal a collective path toward healing and self-acceptance — played by some of Liverpool’s finest young acting talent, the result is a profound and captivating production.

The soundtrack is performed live by Liverpool alt-rock band Tripwire, whose sound has been shaped by heavyweights like Queens of the Stone Age and Deftones. With 11 powerhouse tracks, the score drives the story forward with gritty riffs, haunting melodies and heart-pounding rhythms designed to immerse the audience in the chaos.

The concept comes from Eddie Min, a 26-year-old California-born graduate of Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA). Eddie arrived in Liverpool in 2018 to study music, just before the pandemic hit. Stranded in a new country under lockdown, he began writing a concept album about students forced into confinement — each bringing their own fears, flaws and inner battles to the fore.

Out of this period of isolation and creativity, both Tripwire and the rock opera were born. Half play, half rock show, Different Kind of Normal isn’t just a piece of theatre — it’s an immersive and thrilling experience. With edgy acting, a hard-hitting soundtrack and a story that feels both urgent and unsettling, it’s poised to set Liverpool alight this October.

Eddie said: “Coming to Liverpool, home of The Beatles, to study at LIPA was a dream for me back in 2018. However, that soon turned into a nightmare when Covid lockdowns hit and I felt isolated and uncertain of the future in a new country. That’s when I decided to come up with the concept album for Different Kind Of Normal.”

He continued: “My band Tripwire has been getting some great traction — with some big performances at Zanzibar, Jacaranda and further afield. We completed the concept album and that’s when I thought about turning it into a rock opera. We have a super talented cast of young actors and it’s going to be an incredible show — if you love theatre, rock and all things psychological and dystopian you’re in for a treat!”

Tickets are expected to sell fast for this one-of-a-kind event at Hope Street Theatre, a fitting stage for a production that refuses to fit neatly into any one box. Different Kind Of Normal premieres on the evenings of 24th, 25th and 26th October — with tickets just £13 including all fees.

Different Kind Of Normal / 24th, 25th, 26th October 2025, 7.30pm / Hope Street Theatre, 22 Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BY

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS FOR JUST £13

Ken Horton (b. 1940) grew up in Huyton and attended Prescot Grammar School. His father was a keen landscape artist, so Ken was introduced to art from an early age and his interest grew. At Grammar School, he befriended now famous Liverpool fine artist, Stuart Sutcliffe. Both pupils enjoyed working together in the art room under the supervision of their art teacher Willliam Walters.

At 16 Ken left school and started work as a trainee technician at Liverpool University Medical School. At this time Stuart was studying at Liverpool College of Art in Hope Street, and encouraged Ken to apply, which he did and was accepted.

At Art College, Ken worked in various departments before focusing on the study of Painting under the tutelage of Arthur Ballard. The curriculum included life drawing and compositional studies. Following graduation, Ken spent a further year training to be a teacher and from there embarked on a forty-year career working in several Liverpool secondary schools teaching ceramics and art.

Alongside this, Ken continued to produce his own work in painting and sculpture which was informed by early 20th Century artists such as Picasso and Brâncuși. During the 1970s and ‘80s he exhibited work at St George’s Hall, The Neptune Theatre and as part of June Furlong’s “Merseyside Artists” exhibition series which took place at venues such as the Liverpool Daily Post and Echo Building, University of Liverpool’s Senate House, The Mersey Docks and Harbour Building and other venues.

After painting a succession of figurative works often with a surrealistic and photo-realist approach; during the 1980s he became fascinated by the power of vibrant colours and in a particular brand of abstract expressionism known as Orphism pioneered by the painters Robert and Sonia Delaunay. Ken’s mature work, displayed in this exhibition, uses only straight lines and circles.

Using a variety of techniques, Ken takes a constructivist approach in which the finished works emerge without forward planning. His colourful works are exciting, vibrant and multi-layered. Despite their abstract nature, his paintings often reference organic forms especially birds; Ken is a keen nature photographer and ornithologist.

Ken has embraced the opportunity to present this retrospective exhibition which includes paintings from 40 years ago through to very new work completed over recent months.

The exhibition runs from 6th November to 18th December at The Cornerstone Gallery at Liverpool Hope University.

Southport is in a scarily good position to make the most of Halloween this year with weeks of ghoulishly good fun planned for the October break.

From the vibrant and energetic Day of the Dead Festival at Adventure Coast Southport to pumpkin picking at Windmill Animal Farm, there’s something for everyone to have a spooktacular time this half term.

Here Visit Southport gives you a rundown of just some of the tricks and treats around the corner this Halloween…

Day of the Dead Festival at Adventure Coast Southport (November 1 and 8)

Marine Drive, Southport, PR8 1RX

Step into a world of colour and celebration inspired by Mexico’s vibrant Día de los Muertos.

Adventure Coast Southport’s Day of the Dead Festival promises a fiery fusion of light, rhythm, and magic for two unmissable nights this November.

Expect dazzling performances, live drummers, flame-throwing spectacles, and a breathtaking fireworks finale.

Cost: £32.99 for Adventurers (Unlimited Rides) and £15 for Spectators (no rides)

Read more: https://www.visitsouthport.com/event/day-of-the-dead-mexican-festival

Pumpkin perfect festivities at Windmill Animal Farm (October 11-31)

Fish Lane, Ormskirk L40 1UQ

Don’t forget your wellies for the Pumpkin Picking Adventure as Windmill Animal Farm welcomes families for hours of memorable fun. With all pumpkins grown on the patch, you’ll be able to choose from all varieties and sizes.

From the Runaway Farm Train to the Cuddly Critters Experience, pumpkin picking isn’t the only adventure you’ll be having at the farm.

You can also experience fantastical farmyards at Farmer Ted’s as the iconic Pumpkin Festival returns with highlights including The Spooky Shaun the Sheep Show, alpaca time, ghost stories and pony grooming.

Cost: Adult £18.95, Child (1-15) £19.95, Under 1s Free, Concession (65+) or carer £16.95

Read more: https://www.windmillanimalfarm.co.uk

Fear by the Pier at Silcock’s (October 31 – November 2)

106-114 Shakespeare St, Southport PR8 5AJ 

Silcock’s invites you to Fear by the Pier Halloween events this half term to enjoy attractions to get you in a ghoulishly good mood.

Start your enchanting day at Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant, where little monsters can tuck into a Spooky Kids Meal and take home a goody bag with plenty of treats (no tricks!).

The fun continues with a ride on the famous Silcock’s carousel and a game of crazy golf at the Masters Putting Green.

Keep your eyes peeled for a special appearance from Willow the Witch from Regally Royal Parties, who’ll be casting a little magic across the weekend!

Cost: £10 per child.

Details on accommodation, days out and events in Southport can be found here visitsouthport.com

 

Spooky Storytime with Liverpool BID Company and ArtsGroupie CIC

Join them for two days of frightfully fun family storytelling! Enjoy free, 45-minute spooky story sessions filled with imagination and laughter — perfect for all ages.

Fancy dress encouraged!

30th October – Liverpool Libraries and Information Services Liverpool Library, William Brown Street
12:15 | 1:30 | 2:45

31st October – Museum of Liverpool (1st Floor)
12:15 | 1:30 | 2:45

https://liverpoolbidcompany.com/halloween/

Liverpool’s Halloween Carnival returns for 2025, celebrating 10 years of the city’s very own Samba Band, Katumba.

Every autumn, the nights grow longer, the air turns colder, and the line between worlds begins to blur. Halloween has always been about more than just costumes and sweets – it’s a time to honour our ancestors, to gather in ceremony, to transform fear into celebration.

This year, Katumba Halloween Carnival reclaims those deeper roots. Their theme for 2025 – “Ancestral Spirits, Ritual Fire” – weaves together the diasporic origins of carnival with the ancient pagan traditions of Samhain. Born from rituals of remembrance, resistance, and renewal, carnival is a living space where communities gather to drum, dance, and light the darkness with rhythm and spirit. By fusing Afro-diasporic beats with the fire and folklore of Halloween, the procession becomes both a homage and a reinvention. A living ritual that connects past to present, ancestry to community, darkness to light.

Every October, Liverpool drumming and movement troupe, Katumba Transforms the Liverpool City Centre into a playground of imagination, with performances inspiring, and engaging audiences by creating big, bold, visual shows through unexpected spectacle of drums, fire, lights, dance, theatre and more.

What began in 2012 as an impromptu, small gathering of drummers springing up in Liverpool City Centre for a dressed up parade on Halloween, has grown into one of Liverpool’s most anticipated annual celebrations — a fusion of carnival, culture, and community spirit.

This year’s Halloween Carnival marks the grand finale of Katumba’s Black History Month celebrations, as participants from their Routes & Roots beginner sessions join the parade.

Starting at Bold Street, making it’s way through Church Street and Lord Street before culminating in an unmissable finale at Liverpool ONE, the carnival will also celebrate 10 years of Katumba – Liverpool’s leading large-scale drumming and movement organisation, renowned for creating inclusive public spectacles and community programmes that blend Afro-Brazilian, contemporary and urban influences. Join them in celebrating an incredible decade of drumming, movement, and community.

This year, there are even more ways to get involved!

Every costume, every rhythm, every flicker of flame in the Katumba Halloween Carnival is created and carried by people from the local area. This year, Katumba are inviting YOU to take part in a host of workshops with a Halloween twist.

Learn to:
 Craft everything you need for a real carnival, inspired by ancestral spirits
 Beat out rhythms that shake the streets alive
 Move, dance, and embody the energy of carnival

…Then step into the procession itself!

Join them at the following FREE workshops:

Saturday 25th of October – Lantern Making
Make your very own lantern (no fire involved!) to light up Katumba Halloween Carnival – ages 5+

Saturday 25th of October – Circus Workshops
A chance to discover the magic of circus with silk ribbons, poi, juggling balls, devil sticks, hula hoop and spinning plate with Bring the Fire Project – ages 7+

Sunday 26th of October – Katumba Drumming
Come along to Liverpool One’s Halloween Party from 12pm and take part in a Katumba Drumming workshop  – under 18’s

PLUS: Sunday 2nd of November – Sounds & Sauna, An Evening of Wellbeing

Music, movement and mindfulness, the best way to wind down and relax after our Halloween carnival with sound bath, mindful movement and a gorgeous wooden sauna to top it all off on the – 18+, ticketed

Book now at https://katumba.co.uk/halloween-carnival-2025/

Feel the drums. Honour the ancestors. Celebrate the spirits.

This Black History Month, International Slavery Museum launches a year-long series of workshops set around themes of transatlantic slavery and its legacies.

The free sessions follow a model of ‘call and response’ to create dynamic and open dialogue. The conversation this inspires will be instrumental in creating a new museum that is relevant to its audiences and effectively represents truth, trauma, and collective memory.

The first call – How do we curate slavery? – which sets the foundation for the rest of the series, will consider the ongoing questions the museum’s multi-disciplinary curatorial team are grappling with while developing new displays. Jean-Francois Manicom, Senior Curator at London Museum Docklands, will be the first guest speaker.

Attendees can answer the call either in person, at 5.30-7.30pm, on 23 October 2025, at University of Liverpool (Rendall Building, Lecture Theatre 8), or online. 

Book tickets here. 

Africa Oyé have announced big changes for their 2026 festival as organisers prepare for an exciting new era for the much-loved event.

The UK’s biggest celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture returns this summer following a fallow year in 2025 due to rising infrastructure costs, changing legislation, and the increasingly difficult challenge of keeping the event free.

The jewel in Liverpool’s festival crown will return as a ticketed event in 2026 with organisers committed to making it as affordable as possible for its audience.

Paul Duhaney, Artistic Director Africa Oyé spoke about the decision: “We couldn’t let the festival just disappear off the UK’s cultural calendar. The Board, myself, and the team all agreed that a paid event would be a much better alternative to no Oyé at all, and I hope our loyal audience agree with the decision and keep showing us the support they always have. The change will enable us to maintain and build on the quality of the event that people have come to expect and ensure that those attending can do so in safe and relaxed environment.”

The festival began back in 1992 as a series of gigs in Liverpool city centre put together by Africa Oyé’s founder, Kenny Murray. It’s growth over the last 33 years has seen it taken in multiple venues including Birkenhead Park, Princes Park, and Concert Square; it has taken place in the picturesque surroundings of Sefton Park since 2002.

Next year’s celebration – taking place on the 20th and 21st June 2026 – will be the first ticketed Oyé in Sefton Park in the festival’s history, as ever delivering an eclectic mix of international live acts, emerging talent, community performances, family friendly workshops, DJs, world cuisine, arts & crafts and much more.

Earlybird prices see local resident tickets start at just £6 with general admission beginning at £11. Children under 12 receive free entry to the event (with a paying adult) and there is a discount when buying for groups of four people.

Paul also explained how local organisations, shops and businesses can get involved next year:”Grassroots festivals rely on the support of the local community and Oyé has always enjoyed great support from the city and region – including additional support pledged by Liverpool City Council for this first year of transition to a ticketed event. We’ll be working with community organisations to distribute free tickets to as many low income people and families as possible. Any local companies that would like to buy a bundle of tickets to contribute to this effort and be recognised as an official supporter of the festival – so that we can pay it forward – would be hugely welcomed so please do get in touch.

We’re still a registered charity and we’ve kept the ticket prices as affordable as we possibly can. The Earlybird prices are limited though so grab them while you can and get the dates in your diary.”

Jen Cleary, Director North West, Arts Council England said: “We know that Africa Oyé is a popular event within both the North West and the music world, so I’m delighted that it will be returning in 2026. I’m sure that local people and visitors alike are looking forward to the relaunched Africa Oyé next year.”

Previous headliners of the festival have included titans of global music with Julian Marley, Oumou Sangaré, Akala, Fuse ODG, Tinariwen, Max Romeo, Baaba Maal, Horace Andy and many more all gracing the Oyé stage.

Africa Oyé 2026 will take place in Sefton Park, Liverpool on 20th and 21st June 2026. Tickets are on sale now via TicketQuarter and africaoye.com.

This Halloween it’s going to be a bone-afide spooktacular introducing The Skeleton Storywalk. Stories and spooks are coming together this October to bring celebrations across Liverpool city centre.

Hidden in windows throughout the city centre are the skeletons in a new bone-tingling trail. Walk through town and discover the spooky skeletons created by artists.

Grab a skelfie with three skeletons along the trail and share with @liverpoolbidcompany for the chance to win a special Halloween bundle.

The ghouls at Arts Groupie will host two spooky story sessions on 30th October at Liverpool Library and on the 31st October at 1st floor at Museum of Liverpool. On each day there will be three 45 minute storytelling sessions which will be free and completely family friendly and fun for all ages.

On Monday 27th October (12-3pm), join the skeletons as they head to Williamson Square to shake their bones and get you feeling a Halloween chill with some spooky performances.

It’s all free. Times and dates are here

Other spooktastic Halloween events include Katumba’s Halloween Carnival Parade starting on Bold Street. Now in its eighth year the biggest outdoor event on the Katumba calendar, the Halloween Carnival Parade works its way through the city centre.

For more ticketed events visit BID’s website, along with special spooky food and drink offers  https://liverpoolbidcompany.com/halloween/

New York, 1990s. Rooftop parties. Yellow taxis. Jazz bars humming till dawn. For a young Liverpool woman hungry for more than her beginnings could offer, the city’s glittering promise feels like everything she has ever wanted. But when dreams sour and illusions crack, what remains of love, ambition, and identity?

Rotten Apple premieres at Unity Theatre this December for a two-night run. Raw, poetic, and unflinching, the play asks a question that haunts us all: what happens when the window of youth slams shut?

Performance Dates:
• Wednesday 3rd December 2025
• Thursday 4th December 2025

Tickets available via Unity Theatre’s website.

Instagram @Watching_Windows_

“A Liverpool girl. A New York dream. And the moment glitter turns to rot.”