Community Post Type: News

Liverpool’s annual international celebration of jazz is set to be the biggest yet in 2026.

Liverpool is set to be transformed into the jazz capital of the UK this February as Liverpool International Jazz Festival takes over the city once again. This festival, now in its 13th year, will be the biggest yet — with no less than 14 events showcasing both international and local talent in a week-long programme.

The festival’s main events featuring international stars are taking place at The Capstone Theatre from Thursday 26th February until Sunday 1st March, whilst the Fringe Festival is running from 21st February at various venues across the city.

Audiences seeking out the best value and experience can purchase a Festival Bundle Ticket that covers 12 events for just £72. This package includes entry to every event apart from the Improvised Art Jazz and Jazz & Cake events and is available until 13th February.

The festival kicks off with an incredible FREE afternoon event at The Baltic Market courtesy of Parrjazz om Saturday 21st February. The showcase will feature Jack Taylor Ensemble an all female five-piece who play jaunty, jazz-age tunes and DJs Copious Notes & Jabjazz.

The second free event on the line-up is a private viewing of Liverpool photographer William Ellis’ fine jazz musician captures on Thursday 26th February. Visitors can enjoy striking images of the likes of Clark Terry, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Tony Bennett and many more.

Also on the 26th February, Grammy award-winning musicians Tim Garland (saxophone) and Geoffrey Keezer (piano) perform songs from their brand-new duet album, Mezzo. Both seasoned players have globe-trotted with some of the most famous players in music and show their crystalline lyrical maturity as well as incendiary virtuosity in a set that features one new and rare instrument after which the album is named.

The Thursday line-up closes with Improvised Art Jazz at Hobo Pub, in The Baltic Triangle, featuring Weirdo jazz-spectrum DJ and Ensemble ft. Jack Lewis (Guitar), Nick Branton (Reeds) and Joel Howley (Drums). Improvising music triggered by the Hobo Pub art installations, Art Films and audience postcard suggestions.

A free lunchtime concert will take place on Friday 27th February with Liverpool Hope University Big Band under the direction of Dr Tom Sykes. The varied programme will see talented students from local secondary schools performing joint items with the Big Band.

The Capstone Theatre will welcome David Helbock on the 27th – a prominent figure in Austrian jazz, captivates audiences worldwide with his projects at festivals across all continents. His virtuosity and creativity have earned him numerous awards, including several prizes at the world’s largest jazz piano solo competition in Montreux. In his latest project, Helbock has teamed up with the versatile electric bassist and cellist Julia Hofer from Vienna as his duo partner.

The Friday will be rounded off with Mutant Jazz at Quarry on Hardman Street from 9pm until late, featuring the Chinese dub jazz psych fusion of Tian Qiyi amongst many others.

On Saturday 28th February, the festival teams up with Milap to present a unique collaboration between two of the brightest stars on the contemporary jazz scene. MOBO award winning Zoe Rahman is a vibrant and highly individual pianist and composer. Her style is deeply rooted in jazz yet it reflects her classical background, British-Bengali heritage and her very broad musical taste.

Meanwhile, Arun Ghosh is an award-winning clarinettist and composer, and a charismatic performer. His lyrical and sonorous musical style draws together jazz, folk and South Asian influences.

A fascinating Fringe concept follows this collabroation, as Jazz & Cake collide at Commune on Constance Street. Featuring In-house vinyl Jazz DJ, Frank Griffith Ensemble session ft. Frank Griffith (Sax/Clarinet), Viktor Nordberg (Drums) and Dan Barreto (Bass) — all whilst enjoying vegan friendly cakes.

Drawing inspiration from the heavy fusion of Chick Corea and Allan Holdsworth, the psychedelic bluesy swagger of Jimi Hendrix, and the fearless multi-media explorations of Cecil Taylor, Little Black Book – performing on 28th Feb – brings together three bravura players in an uplifting celebration to the Capstone Theatre on the Saturday evening. Diversity is at the heart of Robert Mitchell’s remarkable career.

His recent tenure as Artist in Residence at Morley College provided the setting for a new venture that builds on all his previous legacy while sounding quite unlike any of it. Laurie Lowe on drums and Zayn Mohammed on guitar bring the exact combination of power, accuracy and unbounded imagination to make the project come alive.

The Saturday evening’s Fringe event sees Secret Jazz Explosion with Jam, coming to Quarry, featuring grassroots jazz ensemble Finite Experience, Vinyl DJs, featured artists Elmss and Blueprint, MC Motormouf hosting and massive live jam led by Finite Experience.

The final day of the festival on Sunday 1st March welcomes award winning guitarist Martin Taylor MBE. Martin has established a unique musical career as an internationally acclaimed musician, and his inimitable style has seen him recognised as the world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz guitar playing.

As well as being a true guitar innovator, he is also a master concert performer, dazzling audiences with his solo shows, which combine virtuosity, emotion, humour, with a strong stage presence. He has also collaborated with the likes of George Harrison, Dionne Warwick and Jamie Cullum.

The festival will then host one of the best saxophonists of his generation at The Capstone Theatre on Sunday night – Marius Neset. Marius made an astonishingly powerful impression when he first emerged onto the European jazz scene as a young saxophonist of protean gifts more than a decade ago, with The Telegraph stating: “Marius Neset is a marvel. He makes his instrument dance like a gazelle and soar like an eagle.”

The LIJF Fringe Festival’s huge Closing Party will then take place at Quarry until lat, featuring Mutant Jazz DJs, Lydia Reece (Jazz/Soul composer and singer), La Jiba (Hi-Energy contemporary Jazz grooves), long format live jam session with Piraya Quintet and MC Motormouf hosting.

Creative Director of the festival, Neil Campbell said: “In 1919, Liverpool became the first city to welcome jazz onto UK shores and in 2026 it’s thriving more than ever thanks to this incredible extravaganza. The city will be able to experience top drawer local and international acts over multiple events for a fantastic price.“

The festival was founded in 2013 by Liverpool Hope University, and the Creative Campus continues to host this eclectic event each year. Whether you are a jazz enthusiast or newcomer, the diverse programme promises something for everyone.

Liverpool international Jazz Festival takes place from Friday 21st February til Sunday 1st March 2026 at The Capstone Theatre and across Liverpool venues.

Full details of LIJF 2026 events and box office links can be found at https://capstone.hope.ac.uk/jazzfestival/

South Liverpool-based Shared Reading charity The Reader launches its Winter Season line-up with a Burns Night Cèilidh, Booker Prize-winning ‘deep read’ and February half-term family fun.

The Reader starts the UK’s first National Year of Reading 2026 with a two-month celebration of poetry, prose and talks at its home in the iconic grade-II listed Mansion House at the heart of Calderstones Park, Allerton.

A stellar line-up of literary events spanning winter wellbeing workshops, deep reads and author talks, plus family-friendly February half term activities and workshops kicks off with a lively Burns Night Cèilidh on Saturday 25 January, 7pm – 11pm.

This annual evening of dancing, poetry and a hearty Scottish stew

is traditionally held in memory of one of Scotland’s renowned storytellers, Robert Burns. The Mansion House sees the return of popular Liverpool band The Saltcutters, known for their rip-roaring traditional fiddle music from across Ireland and the UK.

Other highlights include the start of a new four-week Deep Read featuring 2024’s best-selling Booker Prize-winning novel Orbital by Samantha Harvey – following a day in the life of six astronauts on the International Space Station – every Wednesday from 21 January – 11 February at 2pm.

Looking for a new hobby for the New Year? Thursday 22 January sees the launch of a new monthly Sip & Stitch Social for anyone interesting in learning to crochet or knit or connect with fellow stitchers. This is the perfect casual space to learn, share tips, and unwind over a glass of wine. Absolute beginners welcome.

Any couples looking to tie-the-knot at the beautiful historic Mansion House are invited to meet The Reader’s team of dedicated events planners, talented onsite chefs and selected suppliers at the charity’s next Wedding Open Day, Sunday 1 February, 11am – 3pm.

Celebrating Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) season is the charity’s first Blind Date with a Book on Thursday 12 February, 6.30pm. A £10 entry ticket includes a glass of fizz on arrival, snacks, nibbles, time to mingle with fellow book lovers and £5 towards any book purchase on the night.

Early booking is highly recommended for The Reader’s popular February half-term Storybarn Holiday Club, Monday 16 February – Friday 20 February. Each session is designed to be fun, playful and engaging, adapted to suit a range of ages between 5-10 years old.

A busy February half term of family-friendly events in Calderstones Park kicks off with a musical production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, especially for children under-10, by Liverpool’s Bookworm Players on Monday 16 February, 11am and 2pm.

Young bookworms are invited to a Meet the Author event with Chanté Timothy (Daddy Do My Hair; Hey You!) on Friday 20 February, 1pm – 3pm for a Q&A followed by a STEM-inspired workshop making slime based on her bright and bold full-colour graphic novel series Supa Nova.

Families can also join two cosy evenings of Bookshop Bedtime Stories after-hours in The Reader Bookshop on Friday 30 January and Friday 27 February, 5.30pm –6.30pm. There’ll be lots of comfy blankets and cushions to snuggle into and everyone will help to build their very own story together. Best suited for children aged 4–9-years-old. All children will receive a free babycino.

The charity’s literary programme also includes a second Winter Wellbeing Workshop on Saturday 21 February, 1pm – 3.30pm is inspired by Hamnet, Maggie O’Farrell’s historical fiction following the cinema release of a new film adaptation starring Golden Globe-winner Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal.

On the same weekend The Reader’s Founder, Dr Jane Davis will explore the work of medieval English poet Chaucer in this February’s Masterclass on Sunday 22 February, 10am – 4pm.

And an ‘In Conversation’ for adults will take place with New York Times best-selling illustrator David Roberts to discuss his latest work We Are Your Children: A History of LGBTQ+ Activism in The Reader Bookshop on Thursday 26 February, 6.30pm –8pm.

Jamie Barton, Literary Activity and Bookshop Manager at The Reader Bookshop said: “2026 is set to be the National Year of Reading, and we are starting it off with some brilliant reads like Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell and Orbital by Samantha Harvey.

“For this programme we’re drawing inspiration from The Reader’s 2026 Bookshelf which we are excited to share soon. If you’re looking for an opportunity to try something brand-new and enriching in 2026, it’s the perfect time to get involved in Shared Reading!”

The National Year of Reading sets out to encourage a love of books and reading to children from an early age. The number of children and young people in the UK now reading a book for pleasure has dropped to its lowest level in 20 years. The National Literacy Trust has revealed just one in three eight to 18-year‑olds enjoy reading in their spare time – a 36% reduction in two decades.

For The Reader’s full winter season 2026 visit here: https://thereader.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows?i=8&tags=winter2026

Do you remember The Beatles’ first gig? The sound of Merseybeat on your transistor radio? The fashions, the protests, the hope, the heartbreak? Whether you lived through the 1960s in Liverpool or are simply curious about one of the most exciting decades in the city’s history, join us at the Museum of Liverpool for a special Reminiscence Session celebrating the spirit of the ‘60s.

This free, informal drop-in event is a chance to share memories, spark conversations, and connect with others over a shared past—or a shared fascination with it.

Liverpool Memories is part of an ongoing programme at the Museum of Liverpool designed to bring people together through memory, conversation and community. In this relaxed and welcoming session, they’ll explore the incredible changes that swept through Liverpool and the wider world during the 1960s—a time of music, youth culture, social upheaval and new beginnings.

For more information, visit here

Held: 23 January – 28 August

Following critically acclaimed seasons in London and Edinburgh, Paul Merton and Suki Webster, two of the UK’s leading improvisers, present an evening of wonderfully unscripted cutting-edge comedy.

Expect a show full of fast, fabulously funny improvised games, scenes, stories and laugh out loud surrealism as these two masters of Comedy Improvisation join forces with their very special guests to create cascades of laughter and joyful silliness.

Age 14+

For tickets, visit here

Held: 28 February, The Atkinson, Southport

Nawal Gebreel, a textile designer and member of Bluecoat’s Creative Community, will share her passion for embroidered textiles and her remarkable journey in creating a collection inspired by Afghanistan.

She will take us through her experiences visiting the Afghan border, introducing us to the incredible people she met and the stories behind their craftsmanship. Afghanistan is a truly unique country, home to diverse ethnic groups who have preserved their culture through textiles and traditional crafts. These communities find deep meaning in their traditions, expressing their connection to nature and everyday life through intricate designs – especially in carpets and embroidery.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to see and handle pieces from Nawal’s collection, gaining a tactile sense of these extraordinary textiles and artefacts.

£10 (booking required)

For tickets, visit here

Held: 7 February

Nick Mohammed is Mr. Swallow: Show Pony! Taskmaster loser & Ted Lasso star Nick Mohammed returns as his critically acclaimed alter-ego Mr. Swallow with a brand new show: Show Pony.

Mr. Swallow has recently been seen making everyone laugh in Amazon Prime’s hit show Last One Laughing, as well as appearing on numerous episodes of Channel 4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. He made his BBC debut at the 2024 BAFTA Film Awards with – frankly – terrifying results, a lot of which is discussed in Show Pony for therapeutic reasons.

Show Pony has been described by Mr. Swallow as “payback for everyone who didn’t come to the last tour” and “my most personal/libelous show to date” and will cover everything from not having his own sitcom to not having his own sitcom… and everything in between (critical race theory). As per – expect magic, music and a whole load of brand new mistakes… balanced seamlessly with a story about Tim Henman.

For tickets, visit here

Held: 9 April

Steve des Landes has been Artist in Residence at the Williamson since early 2025. This major solo exhibition will include new artwork created in the gallery, alongside more than forty paintings from his recent practice. Together they will present an insight into his bold and singular representations of the human condition.

This exhibition will focus on des Landes representations of figures in the landscape. The people in his paintings are unsentimental; and the artist’s narratives evolve to give an insight into the complex emotional lives of his characters. His paintings are energetic and restless, inviting a constantly evolving dialogue between the painting, artist and viewer.

Des Landes’ personal artistic vision holds a deep connection with the landscape of the Liverpool City Region. His recent move to a studio at the Williamson is part of a continuing journey of engaging with the artistic landscape of the area, which began when he joined the Liverpool Artist’s Workshops in the late 1980s. The latter cemented his position as an artist with a deep personal psychology and social angle to his work, which continues to be present in his paintings.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a programme of events including open studios.

Steve des Landes is represented by David Messum Fine Art.

Held: 15 January – 23 May

For more details, visit here

Collective Encounters has announced a new series of Creative Training and Development events between January and March 2026, aimed at artists, activists, academics, or anyone using creative participatory methods as a tool for social change.

All events take place online via Zoom.

Creativity for Evaluation – Training

Thursday 29 January, 10am – 1pm

Tickets: £18 / £30 / £40

Bursaries available for those with limited funds

Gain practical ideas for creative methods that put the communities you work with at the heart of your evaluation process. Suitable for artists, participatory practitioners and project managers.

Trauma Informed Practice for Participatory Artists

Thursday 5 February, 10am – 1pm

Tickets: £18 (sold out) / £35 / £55

Bursary places are now fully booked

Enhance your creative practice with a social justice approach to understanding trauma. This event is aimed at artists working in communities, theatre-makers and activists interested in using the arts as a tool for positive change.

Making Theatre from Lived Experience – Masterclass

Thursday 12 March, 10am – 1pm

Tickets: £18 / £30 / £40

Bursaries available for those with limited funds

Explore practical and ethical approaches to making theatre from lived experience in community settings. This masterclass will introduce approaches used by the Collective Encounters team in our participatory projects.

Arts for Social Change Showcase

Thursday 26 March, 7:30 – 9:30pm

Tickets: £5

An evening of quick-fire presentations by people passionate about using the arts for social change. Express an interest in presenting by filling in this short Google Form.

For all events, book here

The first two international acts have been revealed for this June’s Africa Oyé Festival in Liverpool’s Sefton Park.

Retuning as a ticketed event for the first time in 2026, Africa Oyé is the UK’s biggest celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture.

Making his Liverpool debut at this year’s festival is multiple award-winning Nigerian musician, Patoranking.

A visionary in the African music industry and a cultural ambassador for Afrobeats, Patoranking blends the genre with reggae and dancehall to create a unique sound that resonates worldwide. He is a an MTV Africa Music Awards winner and earned recognition in Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 class of 2020.

Patoranking’s career achieved prominence when he released his hit single “My Woman My Everything” in 2016, which played a pivotal role in the global recognition of Afrobeats. With a series of successful releases under his label Amari Musiq including tracks such as “Babylon” “Abule” and “Kolo Kolo” and collaborations with the likes of Major Lazer, Wizkid, and Davido, his music has collectively amassed nearly a billion streams on YouTube alone.

Joining him on the line-up is an exciting band who sadly missed out on their scheduled Sefton Park performance in 2024 due to ill-timed power cuts at Manchester Airport.

Fulu Miziki roughly translates as “music from garbage” which is in a literal sense is an accurate description of the thrillingly chaotic Eco-Friendly-Afro-futuristic-Punk-Assemble collective of artists who ‘come straight from a future where humans have reconciled with mother earth and with themselves’.

This multidisciplinary collective of artists is based in the heart of Africa, in the Congolese capital city Kinshasa. For several years now, its members have spent an amount of time conceptualising an orchestra made from objects ‘found in the trash’, constantly changing instruments, and always in search of new sounds. Making their own instruments, performance costumes, and masks is essential to the approach of Fulu Miziki’s musical core ideology.

Their unique sound supports a pan-African message of artistic liberation, peace and an uncompromising look at the ecological situation of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the whole world. For Fulu everything can be ‘recovered and re-enchanted’.

Paul Duhaney, Artistic Director Africa Oyé spoke about the decision: “Patroranking is a giant of Afrobeats and an artist we’re delighted to be able to bring to Liverpool this summer. As well as being a fantastic performer, his commitment to promoting the abundance of positivity coming out of Africa and champoining of young talent from the continent also chimes perfectly with our ethos as a festival.

And with Fulu Miziki, it was a no brainer to book them for this summer after forces outside of their control meant they missed out at our last festival before the fallow year. They’re a sight to behold on stage and I can promise Liverpool that they’ll be worth the wait!”

The Africa Oyé festival began back in 1992 as a series of gigs in Liverpool city centre, originally coming out of the monthly “Club Corinto” nights which were produced by the Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign. 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.

The UK’s biggest celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture makes its return to Liverpool on 20th and 21st June 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 organisers of the ‘jewel in Liverpool’s festival crown’ are committed to making it as affordable as possible for its audience, with Liverpool City Region dwellers currently able to buy tickets for just £11 – an Earlybird price freeze for locals.

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.

This 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.

Festival tickets are on sale now via TicketQuarter and africaoye.com.