Community Post Type: News

A star of Britain’s Got Talent will host a Gala Dinner evening of live entertainment for the family of Nelson Mandela in Liverpool later this month.

The former President’s eldest daughter Dr Makaziwe ‘Maki’ Mandela and his granddaughter Tukwini Mandela, are travelling to the city to make their mark on artwork which will form part of the city’s permanent Nelson Mandela memorial in Princes Park.

The completed memorial will include a ‘Freedom Bridge’, a pavilion and 32 cylindrical stone-works inscribed with inspirational Mandela quotes. These pedestals represent the oil drums used to grow an allotment on the rooftop of Pollsmoor Prison where Mandela was held for part of his prison sentence. During their six-day trip, the family will visit Crosby Memorials to personally inscribe one of the stone drums.

The Gala Dinner at Hilton Liverpool on Friday 22nd July, organised by local charity Mandela8, will be hosted by stand-up comedian Daliso Chaponda, who shot to fame on Britain’s Got Talent, making it to the final of the 2017 series and establishing himself a firm favourite with the judges and the British public. He has performed around the world and at the Edinburgh, Melbourne, Singapore, and Cape Town comedy festivals.

With over 300 million views of his stand up online, Daliso previously took part in Miss Liverpool, Poppy Gerrard’s online fundraiser for Mandela8 last year – “Lockdown’s Got Talent”. He is also the writer, creator, and host of his Rose d’Or nominated BBC Radio 4 show Citizen of Nowhere that has aired for two series.

The evening will also feature live musical performances from Senegalese griot, Diabel Cissokho and local artists, Ni Maxine and Dorcas Seb, all curated by Liverpool institution, Africa Oyé.

The Mandela Gala Dinner will take place at Hilton Liverpool on Friday 22nd July ay 7pm. Tickets are on sale now via mandela8.org.uk

The multi award-winning Liverpool Theatre Festival returns this Autumn for its third consecutive year – with organisers announcing the first eight live entertainment shows for 2022. 

The event was created during the Covid-19 pandemic in the first lockdown of 2020, as a way to support and inspire creatives whose work and livelihoods had come to a complete standstill overnight with theatres closing and live performance stopped. The event has since gone on to be staged annually, winning awards and receiving praise from the arts industry and audiences alike.

Liverpool Theatre Festival 2022 will take place at outdoors within the walls of the historic St Luke’s Bombed Out Church in Liverpool city centre between Wednesday 31 August and Sunday 11 September 2022.  

Liverpool Theatre Festival now also includes new works fringe event Little LTF (Liverpool Theatre Festival Of New Works), which has been staged in Spring 2021 and 2022 to give writers and performers a platform to stage new productions.

Organisers are delighted to announce the first eight shows for the Autumn event featuring comedy, drama, musicals, drag, family shows, and opera. Tickets are on sale now.

The shows confirmed are Laughterhouse Comedy; Opera Beneath The Stars; Ma Joyce’s Tales From The Parlour; Dame Fanny & The Starlets – A Family Friendly Drag Show; Drag Me To Church – Dragstravaganza; Julie Madly Deeply; and Looking For Me Friend – The Music Of Victoria Wood. 

Also confirmed is 97+ – a drama based on the 1989 Hillsborough Disaster, written by Tom Cain. The production was premiered at Little LTF – Liverpool Theatre Festival Of New Works earlier this year, and has been chosen by Festival Director Bill Elms to perform at the main event due to its outstanding new writing and powerful and emotional performance. The show received incredible reviews from critics and audiences. 

After a hugely successful inaugural year in 2020, Liverpool Theatre Festival returned in 2021 welcoming 2,700 festivalgoers across 12 days, with a programme featuring 23 performances of 16 shows. And the team behind the event are excited to start revealing plans about this year’s event.

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 lockdown guidelines in March 2020.

It was Bill’s mission 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. Its inaugural staging won praise from audiences and critics alike, as well as winning an award along the way.

Liverpool Theatre Festival is committed to supporting local artists, creatives, and theatre companies. During the two events in 2021, a total of 30 local and regional diverse theatrical productions were staged – resulting in almost 200 performers, musicians and creatives involved and working as the pandemic continued.

Producer and artistic director Bill Elms commented: “It’s just two months to go until the curtain rises on the third annual Liverpool Theatre Festival, and we are thrilled to announce the first eight shows. 

“The festival was created out of a love and need for live performance during a very difficult time – giving creatives and performers a much-needed platform to entertain audiences once again, and now, along with Little LTF, it’s gone on to become an important theatrical event in Liverpool’s cultural calendar, thanks to its growing popularity. 

“We continue to strive to offer a strong and diverse programme – and the announcement of the first productions showcases just a small taster of what we can offer festivalgoers this year. I am delighted to invite new play 97+ to be part of the main Liverpool Theatre Festival after it received such an incredible reception in Little LTF in Spring – powerful and emotional, audiences need the opportunity to see this work again.” 

Liverpool Theatre Festival 2022 is sponsored by TicketQuarter and Victor Welsh Media and Entertainment Law. Partners for this year’s event include Fostering Solutions, Bills Elms Associates, Epstein Theatre, dBS Solutions. 

Organisers are delighted to announce Liverpool-based children’s charity Kind as the festival’s official charity partner – which will include bucket collections at show performances. Liverpool Theatre Festival 2022 is dedicated to the memory of Baby Michael James who would have been celebrating his 21st Birthday this September. 

Theatregoers are invited to get involved and support the event by joining the Friends Of Liverpool Theatre Festival. 

The membership programme and loyalty scheme ensures that members have an integral role in helping the festival grow into one of the UK’s top arts festivals. Festival friends will be directly supporting the local arts scene and helping to maintain accessible, diverse, inclusive, affordable arts in Liverpool.

Full details can be found at www.liverpooltheatrefestival.com/support

A Makers Market bringing together some of the finest local independent makers, bakers and creators is returning to Royal Albert Dock Liverpool on Sunday 3rd July, 11am-4pm.

Taking place along Hartley Quay opposite the Maritime Museum, a total of 59 stalls will offer a variety of the best seasonal produce, beautiful homeware and design products, vintage clothes, delicate jewellery and much more.

Food and drink lovers will be able to savour a selection of flavoursome dishes and freshly baked goods, including pies and cakes from Pudding & Pie North West, artisan sausage rolls from Ross’s Rolls, and the finest cheese from The Cheese Wheel.

Those with a sweet tooth can take their pick from an array of treats from the likes of Desserts by Dre, Cheshire Cheesecakes and The Doughnuteers, with each of the stallholders on hand to talk about their knowledge and passion behind their products.

With a huge selection of art, design and jewellery stalls on offer, the Makers Market will be the perfect place to pick up a gift for a loved one or to treat yourself, including intricate gold jewellery from Grey Collective, football prints from Homeless Ghost Prints and even exotic oil scents sourced from the Middle East available at Azafia.

Many of the stalls are proud to offer eco-friendly goods for the sustainable shopper, such as cacti presented in up-cycled bottles from Crabby Crafts, unique driftwood designs from Indriftic and sustainable luxury home fragrances from VRJJ Candles.

Pet owners can give their four-legged friends a new look with accessories from Ernie & Theo or Goody Paws LTD, or refresh their own wardrobe from vegan friendly outdoor clothing brand, Urban Bear Co.

Live music from acoustic guitarist and singer, Byron, will provide a melodic soundtrack for visitors browsing the stalls, whilst those looking to make a day of it can enjoy an al fresco lunch or cocktail in one of the dock bars or restaurants, or soak up the culture in the galleries and museums.

See their website here.

MerseyMade, the creative hub designed to champion the region’s talented artists and artisans, is encouraging people to shop local as independent businesses across the country come together to mark Independents’ Day this weekend (2^nd – 3^rd July).

The national celebration of independent retailers is the perfect time to discover MerseyMade, one of the city’s finest hidden gems, which combines a charming shop that is brimming with artworks and creations from over 100 local businesses with a delightful café, eight artists’ studios and events space.

Visitors are being invited to explore a treasure trove of delights at the creative destination, ranging from original paintings, prints and jewellery to homeware, organic skincare, craft gins, gifts and cards. Guests can also soak up the atmosphere over a laid-back lunch or a slice of homemade cake, whilst artists and makers work on bespoke pieces in the open studios.

To coincide with the national Independents’ Day campaign, MerseyMade is also launching a new summer residency programme, which will give emerging local artists and creators an opportunity to access free studio space at the vibrant venue during July and August.

Arts graduates and creative start-ups in the Liverpool City Region are being invited to apply for the summer residency initiative, which will give six local creators a chance to work alongside established local names in the artists’ studios at MerseyMade, each for a week-long pop-up.

Among the artists currently based at MerseyMade are mixed media illustrator, Jenny Dunlop; abstract artist, Jessica Slack; graphic designer, Sophie Green; nail artist, Kristen Dunlop; and textile artists Alistair Mc Cready and Gladys and Gertie.

As well as having the chance to showcase their talent in the open studio, emerging local artists and artisans on the summer residency programme will also see their creations go on sale in the shop at MerseyMade. The initiative is open to all talented creatives who have been trading for less than two years and arts graduates looking to start selling their work.

Speaking ahead of Independents’ Day Weekend, MerseyMade Founder, Vicky Gawith, said: “Choosing to shop local is a great way to show support for the incredible independent businesses we have across our region. Skilled artists and artisans really do enrich our community and we’re extremely proud to work with over 100 small businesses to help make their unique pieces of artwork and handcrafted products available for shoppers to find in one central location.

“As well as working with established independents, we’re also committed to supporting emerging local talent, which is why we’re introducing a summer residency to give start-ups and graduates a space to create, showcase their talent and sell their work to an engaged audience.

“MerseyMade aims to provide an alternative to the high street and what makes us unique is that visitors can actually meet the incredibly talented people behind the artworks and handcrafted pieces on display. Having the chance to see creators at work in an open studio also brings a personal touch to the whole experience and of course, every MerseyMade purchase goes towards supporting local creative businesses. Independents’ Day weekend is the perfect time for anyone who is yet to discover MerseyMade to pay us a visit and to experience the unique buzz and energy that makes the place so special.”

MerseyMade, which celebrates its third anniversary at the end of this year, is located in the historic Chancery Building on the corner of Paradise Street, steps away from Liverpool ONE. A vibrant venue at the heart of the city’s thriving creative scene, MerseyMade has an event room that can be hired for business meetings and is also used regularly to host workshops designed to inspire creativity.

These include art classes, candle making, calligraphy and weaving classes, as well as popular masterclasses with renowned furniture upcycler, Gemma Longworth, best known for her appearances on Channel 4’s ‘Find It, Fix It, Flog It’.

Local independent artists and artisans looking to find out more about working with MerseyMade or those interested in applying for an artists’ studio, should visit merseymade.uk or email info@merseymade.uk. Further details on the summer residency initiative are also available online.

Hot on the heels of the launch of the Owl & The Pussy-Cat trail, Knowsley has announced details of another major event for the borough this summer.

Following confirmation that Knowsley will be hosting the Queen’s Baton Relay in July 2022, it has now been confirmed that the baton relay will actually kick start a week-long celebration of sport across Knowsley – as part its Borough of Culture events programme.

From 18 July to 23 July, the Knowsley Sporting Legends Relay will travel the length of Knowsley with support from local communities, sporting groups, local sportspeople and even the odd famous face.  And what better place to start and finish the relay than at Finch Farm in Halewood home of Everton FC’s training ground and in Kirkby where Liverpool FC recently opened their AXA Training Academy.

Getting the relay started in Halewood on Monday 18 July is Liverpool FC legend and local lad Steve McMahon. He said:

“I am absolutely thrilled to be involved in the Sporting Legends Relay. Sport, not just football, is so important to people here and really is something to be celebrated. It is part of who we are and many of my memories of growing up here are around sporting moments I shared with other children, kids from school and my family. Sport is a great connector of people, and I am so pleased that Knowsley is recognising what an important part of our culture it is.”

“The week will offer lots of fun activities and I would urge people across the borough to get involved in one of the fabulous relay activities in your area.”

Steve will be joined by Everton Ambassador Ian Snodin, who added: “It’s a great pleasure to be a part of the launch of the Sporting Legends Relay, alongside Steve.

“We all know how important sport is in so many people’s lives and to see this come together in such a show of unity is something Knowsley should be proud of.”

Over the course of a week, young and old will travel across the borough showcasing their sport and celebrating the many ways in which sport connects communities and creates shared memories for all. There will be lots of opportunities for local residents to get involved – either in sporting activities or cheering along their neighbours and friends who may be taking part.

Knowsley certainly has more than its fair share of sporting greats and some might even pop along to give an extra special feel to the celebrations.

Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council commented:

“The Sporting Legends Relay is such a brilliant event for Knowsley and really reflects what an important role sport plays in all our lives.

“This week-long celebration will be a great chance for people to come together, get outdoors and get involved. There are lots of ways people can support these events from taking part in the relay itself to trying out a new sport or joining a local club. And throughout the entire week there are lots of opportunities for individuals and families to just come along and have fun, which is great.”

The schedule for the relay will take in towns and villages from south to north of the borough with special moments along the way. Here are some highlights from the plan but all of the details are available on www.cultureknowsley.co.uk

Monday 18 July – DAY 1 – The Grand Depart – ‘Toddle Off’ 

Liverpool FC Legend Steve McMahon will set off from Everton’s Finch Farm where he will make his way to Halewood Leisure Centre for 11am. There, he will be joined hundreds of little people as he takes to the track for a mass ‘toddle’ to get the relay off to what will be the ‘cutest’ start possible. There may be a few tears and there’s bound to be dribbling – but not in the footballing sense!

From here, the relay will travel through Halewood onto the Halewood Environment Centre where runners will complete a final 1-mile relay up and down Halewood’s loop line.

Any local nurseries, pre-schools or reception classes interested in taking part – or anyone who wants to pop along with their little ones – should register their details online.

Tuesday 19 July – DAY 2 – ‘On your bike mate’

After making its way from Halewood, the relay on Day 2 will take in Holy Family Social Club in Cronton where community-based cycling scheme Pedal Away will take their turn on the Tour of Knowsley.

The baton will travel to Stadt Moers Park where everyone is invited to take part in a huge community bike ride. Whatever your ability might be, if you have two wheels then why not come along? Groups, families and individuals can all take part anytime between 5pm and 6.45pm and cycle for as long or as little as you wish. Spectators are also welcome to cheer along the riders.

Individuals, families or groups wishing to take part in the community bike ride should register their details online.

Wednesday 20 July – DAY 3 – Half-time happenings

As we reach ‘half-time’ in the relay the baton will make its way from Stadt Moers Park, onto Bowring Park Golf Club. Here, runners will take in a lap of the historic course before moving on to King George V playing fields which will have been transformed into a mini sporting village with a variety of sports and activities to try out between 3pm and 6pm.

While the community is joining in the sporting fun a small group will push on to Knowsley Leisure & Culture Park to meet the Huyton Boys – a group of local lads who in 1971 won the English School Boys FA Trophy and are now celebrating the rich footballing heritage of Knowsley in a special exhibition.

Thursday 21 July – DAY 4 – Wild about walking

A slightly slower paced Day 4 starts at Knowsley Leisure & Culture Park and moves towards Carr Lane Woods where a FREE 3-mile Heritage Walk around Prescot will begin at 11am. This will take in many of the town’s historic buildings and prominent landmarks along with a close-up view of the new Shakespeare North Playhouse, before arriving at Prescot Soccer Centre around 1pm.

Anyone interested to take part in the Heritage Walk need to register online to secure a place.

Friday 22 July – DAY 5 – Friday Fun!

As the end of the week arrives the relay will travel from Prescot Soccer Centre to Knowsley Leisure & Culture Park (KLCP) to meet a variety of sporting clubs from the borough for an afternoon full of fun.

Everyone is invited to gather at KLCP to see the vast array of sports on offer and even take part in a family bike ride at the velodrome. There will also be some impressive stunt shows, cycling workshops and other demonstrations alongside a community BBQ. This FREE event will run from 3pm until 7pm and everyone is welcome.

Anyone interested to take part in the family bike ride just needs to have their own two wheels and register online in advance.

Saturday 23 July – DAY 6 – Super Sports Day!

The relay will begin its last day at Kirkby High School and proceed onto Eddie McCardle playing fields – just adjacent to Liverpool FC’s AXA Training Ground. There, the whole community – along with more than 100 local dancers – will come together in a huge FREE Sports Day (12noon to 6pm).  With ‘It’s a Knock out’ style games, dedicated kids’zone, taster sessions from local sports clubs, and live music there will be plenty of free fun for everyone to enjoy. There will also be two amazing dance performances choreographed by Grace Goulding supported by the iconic Jeanefer Jean Charles who has previously worked on events such as the London Olympics, world cups and Commonwealth Games.

This huge celebration of sport will top off a fantastic week of free fun for everyone!

The Sporting Legends Relay has been organised as part of Knowsley’s year as the Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture with support from Pennine Events.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BOROUGH OF CULTURE

To find out more about our year as Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture, follow @cultureknowsley on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and visit www.cultureknowsley.co.uk.

 

 

The Deutsche Bank Awards for Creative Entrepreneurs (DBACE) finalists have been announced, highlighting the young change-makers driving positive social impact through creative enterprise. This year’s finalists include Birkenhead’s Convenience Gallery.

London, UK – 10 June 2022: The Deutsche Bank Awards for Creative Entrepreneurs (DBACE), in collaboration
with MeWe360, announced this year’s finalists for the annual awards programme that aims to uncover the UK’s
brightest young entrepreneurs aged 18-30 years who are driving positive social impact through creative
enterprise.

Awarded to five entrepreneurs every year, DBACE helps young visionaries bring their ideas to life. The creative
leaders announced today now have an opportunity to win a collective prize fund of £60,000, plus a £100,000
value of bespoke mentorship to develop their vision and leadership skills.

In addition to the winners, the other finalists will receive DBACE business support bursaries, benefiting from tailored guidance and industry mentoring.

DBACE 2022 Finalists:

● Sophie Slater & Susanna Wen, Birdsong, an ethical fashion brand supporting makers and protecting the
planet by creating pieces in the most socially impactful way possible.

● Chamiah Dewey, Chamiah Dewey Fashion, the UK’s first clothing brand for people with dwarfism, offering
stylish, timeless pieces, made using eco-conscious fabrics.

● Andrew Shaw & Ryan Gauge, Convenience Gallery, an arts organisation based in Birkenhead working
with contemporary artists and the local community to build innovative and challenging art projects.

● Jem Collins, Journo Resources, a social enterprise that helps underrepresented people into the
journalism industry, with free-to-access tools, resources and support.

● Louise Rose Mackleston, Northern Fortress Films, an award-winning Bradford based production
company aiming to shine a spotlight on Northern talent, giving Northern voices the chance to tell their
stories.

● Sabella Ibáñez, Alice Moxley & Jason Thompson, Pivot, a social enterprise that empowers people
experiencing homelessness to Pivot their lives through making and craftsmanship.

● Tabby Bunyan, Re_considered, a fashion brand providing custom reworking solutions to businesses and
individuals, pulling upcycling into the 21st century and bringing circularity to the fashion industry.

● Tumisha Balogun, Shian James & Alvin Owusu Fordwuo, Tag agency, a youth culture & marketing
agency that transforms young lives through the power of culture, community and storytelling.

● Mike Omoniyi, The Common Sense Network, a news media publication, research and marketing
company and community studio on a mission to make democracy healthier.

Since 1993, through DBACE, Deutsche Bank has overseen the launch and growth of over 230 creative ventures,
supporting the work of the business leaders of tomorrow and celebrating those on a mission to tackle some of
today’s most significant issues. One of the longest running creative enterprise programmes, the awards are open
UK-wide and aim to cultivate young talent, providing them with start-up capital, bespoke business support and
expert mentors.

Previous winners include Bethany Williams, founder of Bethany Williams London, a recycled and organic clothing
brand; Ryan Mario Yasin, founder of Petit Pli, a pioneering material technology company promoting slow fashion;
Anthony Daulphin, founder of Standing Ovation, which empowers youth through arts; and Ndubuisi Uchea & Hayel
Wartemberg, co-founders of Word on the Curb, a youth insight and content agency, which stands to connect
with underrepresented Millennial and Gen-Z audiences.

As the creative sector continues to face great challenges in the wake of the pandemic, and against the
backdrop of the cost of living crisis, DBACE recognises the increased need to empower young innovators. The
programme continues to nurture the potential of tomorrow’s creative entrepreneurs who aim to make positive
change in a time of great social, political and economic uncertainty. In foregrounding accessibility, the awards
also seek to allow as many young people, regardless of their background or the stage of their business, the
opportunity to progress.

The finalists will now enter into a series of pitch presentations to an illustrious judging panel of leading figures
from the creative industries and business.

The panel includes: Kevin Osborne, Founder and CEO, MeWe360; Lareena Hilton, Global Head of Brand Communications & CSR, Deutsche Bank; Jackie Davidson MBE, Founder, JD Management; and John Newbigin OBE, co-founder and Chair of Creative England; and Bola Awoniyi, Co-Founder of Black Ballad (DBACE 2019 Winner).

DBACE is Deutsche Bank’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme forming part of the bank’s
global Made for Good social enterprise pillar which supports entrepreneurial ventures that create wider social
good including microenterprises, start-ups, nonprofits and commercial businesses. The Awards are a natural
extension of the longstanding commitment Deutsche Bank has to enabling economic growth and societal
progress by creating positive impact in communities around the world.

The 2022 iteration of DBACE saw applications from across the country operating across a myriad of sectors
including visual art, design, fashion, architecture and performing arts, demonstrating the astounding calibre of
creative entrepreneurs in the UK today.