Community Post Type: News

Liverpool Theatre Festival has today revealed the exciting line-up of shows set to be premiered at Little LTF, its festival of new works when it returns to Liverpool City Centre next month.

The second annual Little LTF will be staged at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church from Tuesday 3 May to Sunday 8 May 2022.

The festival, a sister event to the main Liverpool Theatre Festival which returns this August for a third year, was founded by award-winning Liverpool theatre producer Bill Elms and is dedicated to nurturing up-and-coming talent and showcasing new works for the first time.

Last year the inaugural Little LTF attracted 1,200 festival goers. Now 12 new productions will be premiered over six days in an intimate marquee setting at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church. 

The new productions were chosen from more than 30 entries by an experienced panel of industry professionals. Media and industry professionals will be invited to see the shows first-hand at the festival and accolades will also be given to outstanding productions in specific categories. 

The 2022 festival opens on Tuesday 3 May with Megan Hindley and Beth Amos’ murder-mystery comedy Not Drunk But Disorderly, followed on Wednesday 4 May with Grandmother, a heart-warming musical play by Asa Murphy.

It continues on Thursday 5 May with comedy Keeping Mum, written by Karl Voden, and Mark Heller’s drama Killing Mice, while on Friday 6 May festivalgoers can enjoy Paul Daley’s saucy, warm-hearted romantic comedy It Must Be Love, being brought to the stage by Pampas Plays, and get up close and personal with the star of Angie Waller and Claire Jones’ cabaret show An Evening With Nana Funk.

A busy weekend of shows opens on Saturday 7 May with Murder, Mayhem and Magic, a children’s show from Kate Allerston and A Place for Us CIC Theatre, followed by drama Around the World in 72 Days: The Story of Nellie Bly by writer Rebekah McLoughlin and presented by Crew of Patches Theatre Company, and Sh*t Faced Santa, an outrageous festive comedy by All Day Breakfast Theatre Company.

And the festival concludes on Sunday 8 May with writer and director Victoria Evaristo’s disability arts drama Just Aretha, Rebecca Casey and company’s musical theatre extravaganza Bigger Than Broadway, and powerful Hillsborough play 97+ by Tom Cain.

The selection panel was made up of LTF Festival Director Bill Elms; theatre director and producer James Baker; Francesca Peschier, Head of New Works at Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse; arts marketing professional Anthony Proctor; freelance arts consultant Sue Williams and national theatre booker David Fry. 

Producer and artistic director Bill, who recently won the title of Covid-19 Creative Response (Individual) at the Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity Awards, said: “When we launched Little LTF last year, we were overwhelmed by the response both from creatives and from our audiences who flocked to see the fantastic range of new work staged at the Bombed-Out Church.

“That has continued this year with an incredibly high standard of submissions across the board. The ambition, creativity and talent on show means the panel has had a really tough time choosing just 12 shows to premiere at next month’s festival.

“I can’t wait to see them staged for the first time and I know our audiences are going to be just as inspired and entertained by what they see.”

Genres represented in the diverse and inclusive programme include cabaret, comedy, disability arts, drama, family entertainment, LGBTQ and musical theatre. 

Shows run between 50 minutes and 75 minutes (see individual show listings on the website), and there are no intervals. The festival will adhere to any Covid-19 guidelines required at the time. 

Tickets for all the shows go on sale from 12noon on 7 April at www.liverpooltheatrefestival.com

Youngsters from Stagecoach Theatre Arts Liverpool have performed an adaptation of the story of Mickey the chimpanzee, who famously escaped from Liverpool’s Zoological Park in the 1930s.

Around 40 children aged four to six took part in the show at St Edward’s College in West Derby. The production was inspired by ‘Zebedee Zeeker World’s Best Zookeeper’, a book penned by Merseyside children’s author Andy Kenwright, who lives in Mossley Hill.

The dad of two, who is working on a five-book series of fictional escapades based on Mickey’s story, also attended the show, which saw Andy’s five-year-old son Dylan make his musical debut in the role of Zebedee.

Praising the adaptation, which was led by Stagecoach Principal Kirsty Bushell, Andy said: “When I wrote ‘Zebedee Zeeker’, I thought it would translate well to the stage, but I am blown away with what the Stagecoach team have achieved. They used my rhymes and stayed faithful to the ‘Zebedee’ characters, but I must give full credit to Kirsty and her colleagues, who came up with their own original songs and dances. This is a true Merseyside collaboration, and great for the city’s theatre scene!”

Andy’s own theatrical production of ‘Zebedee Zeeker’ has been staged at various literary events throughout the city – the biggest being for more than 1,000 people at Sefton Park Palm House as part of the celebrations for Liverpool’s 2021 ‘Year of Writing’, and in Liverpool Central Library for the handover event for the 2022 ‘Year of the Spoken Word’.

The Stagecoach adaption, however, marks the book’s first foray into musical theatre.

“Andy invited me along to a book reading and I thought it was absolutely fantastic!” said Kirsty, whose auntie works alongside Andy’s wife – nursing at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

“I immediately saw the potential in ‘Zebedee’, with the story being based on local historical facts, which I knew our parents would love. I sat down with the teachers in each of our three ‘Early Stages’ classes to work on our production and each class took charge of one of three chapters that make up the book. We are delighted with the final result, and I want to thank Andy and all our parents for supporting the show.

‘A key principle of what we do at Stagecoach is creating opportunities for children to promote their confidence, social and communication skills to express themselves and find friendships through performing arts – including singing, dancing and drama. To have material to work with like ‘Zebedee Zeeker’ is a dream!”

Both the book and the stage performance give an alternate ending to the true, tragic nature of Mickey’s demise, which saw the chimpanzee killed in a hail of bullets by a posse of zookeepers and police in Aigburth during March 1938.

He had previously escaped three times from his Mossley Hill compound prior to his fourth and final breakout, which preceded a school rampage. In Andy’s reimagined version, more suited to children, Mickey is recast as a hero who teams up with Zebedee to foil a villainous plot involving the city’s Mayor.

‘Zebedee Zeeker’, published by TAUK Publishing, is available to buy via zebedeezeeker.co.uk as well as Amazon and selected bookshops.

For more details on Stagecoach Theatre Arts Liverpool, visit  https://www.stagecoach.co.uk/liverpool

 

Established as the definitive new music discovery weekend that points the way to the future of the music industry we know today, Sound City continues to build anticipation ahead of its 15th Anniversary celebrations with full details of its Sound City+ Conference – taking place from Friday 29 April and kickstarting the festival weekend with a full programme of insights, discussions and panels pointing towards the future of the music industry.

Taking place in 2022 across 4 venues FACT Liverpool, LEAF,  Phase One & Jacaranda in Liverpool City Centre, Sound City+ is an unrivalled conference weekend full of cutting-edge discussions, insightful panels & debates and the perfect melting pot for influential industry leaders to come together to learn and discuss the future trends and paths coming to shape the wider music world. Its 2019 edition saw over 2,000 delegates converge on the city, with over 90 different speakers from over 30 countries bringing their knowledge and learnings to the conference – for a unique opportunity of global collaboration and discussion.

The first opportunity for the UK industry to collaborate for a day full of discussions and insights in 2022, this year’s programme tackles the key issues and opportunities that face the music industry in the years ahead. Curated in collaboration with the celebrated minds and champions of AIM (Association Of Independent Music), this year’s conference covers a vast array of topics and discussion points – from the perspective of artists, labels, vital industry programmes and much more. From AWAL ACADEMY bringing their AWAL Expert Sessions to the Conference for a series of talks, panels and in conversation moments, to festival partners Keychange diving into panels on gender equality and safe spaces in the music industry – every topic and talking point is covered at an event vital for those not only working in the industry but looking to make that next step in their own careers, whether that’s behind or in front of the microphone.

Highlights announced across the day include:

The AWALAcademy Expert Sessions

Responsible for some of the most innovative steps seen in the recorded music industry over the past few years, AWAL will bring their expertise to the Sound City+ Conference – co-curating a series of sessions/talks. The artist services company will be sharing their insights and expertise over a number of different programming across the day, including:

• How To Smash It On Streaming Services (hosted by Francesca Burton) With Robin Richards (Manager, Global Commercial Partnerships at AWAL) & Joel Borquaye (Editor at Spotify)
• How do I get my message across on social platforms? (hosted by Aaron Bogucki) Lisa Young In (Manager Audience Development at AWAL)
• Meet The Manager – A Conversation With Rob Swerdlow (with Stephanie Achigbu (AWAL)
• Who’s listening? How we Grow an Audience! (hosted by Aaron Bogucki) With Joe Edwards (Director, Marketing at AWAL), Francesca Burton (International Marketing Director, AWAL)  and Corbyn Asbury (Youtube)

Keychange Presents

Continuing its long-standing relationship as a lead UK festival partner with this years theme of IGNITE, INSPIRE, EMPOWER. Keychange heads to the Sound City+ Conference for some hotly anticipated discussions and panels focusing firmly on representation within the music industry and the next steps for its pioneering campaign work. This includes Lead By Example – a chance to discuss the importance of women and gender minority role models and leaders in the music industry and the experiences/paths that have created some of those prominent industry game-changers. Keychange also will be running a special workshop titled How Do We Make The Music Industry A Safer Space For All? – where members are encouraged to define and develop practices to ensure improved safe spaces and safe practices that can tangibly be actioned in the months ahead.

In Conversation With Simon Moran

A true pioneer in the live music industry, SJM Concerts Managing Director Simon Moran has been involved in the biggest live moments of the past 30 years. From festivals and huge stadium shows, to his work as a director for Academy Music Group – his influence on music in the UK and beyond is immeasurable, with a storied career featuring a who’s who of the biggest artists in the world. A unique opportunity to hear the tales, challenges and insight direct from the man himself – it’s a must-attend part of the Sound City+ Conference.

Music Video Marketing Masterclass with VEVO

In today’s digital world, impactful, attention-grabbing content is a key driver for success. The team at Vevo, the world’s leading music video network, are experts in all aspects of marketing and promotion, leading the charge with innovative, data-backed capabilities to help artist’s careers get to the next level of exposure. Their team will explain best practices, current video trends, tips and tricks for artists and more. Learn the most effective processes first hand with step-by-step walk-throughs around playlisting, editorial support and distribution to expose your music to millions of potential audiences around the globe. Gain a deeper understanding from the experts about viewership trends and promotional opportunities Vevo offers artists at every stage of their career.

Demystifying Tech: NFTs, Blockchain and Crypto – Why So Cryptic?

The Demystifying Tech session aims to throw new light on how technology is discussed at music industry conferences. There will be no sales pitch from the latest tech company trying to sell you their services. Instead, this session will aim to have an open discussion about the benefits, but also the risks involved with technology – no holding back, it’s time for the music industry to control the tech!

This session will largely focus on the current hot topic of NFT’s, and the underlying systems of Blockchain and Crypto. For a number of years now, many have hailed blockchain as the ‘saviour of tech’, but the reality is that it is struggling to gain traction, showing up mostly in relatively short-lived tech start-ups. Most recently, NFT’s have been hitting the news, with stories showing both major successes and failures. New ideas are coming up all the time on how an NFT can benefit the music industry, but what actually are NFT’s, and are they the right technology to build these new ideas on, or is it that people are just jumping on the bandwagon of the latest buzzword?

The session will be led by a specialist who will start with an overview of the technology, breaking it down to remove the smoke and mirrors for all to understand. Once the foundations have been laid, the session will become an interactive forum where questions will be answered and concerns addressed without the fear of being ‘sold’ to.

Music On Twitch

The leading live interactive entertainment service that’s broadcasting to the world, Twitch is another new revolutionary playground for music creatives to dive into. In this workshop, learn how to build your community of superfans, how Twitch can open new doors for artists and creators, how to monetise your live content and tap into new audiences among the gaming community – all led by Twitch’s own Anna Gruszka.

Young Music Boss In-Conversation With… Despa Robinson (BE83 Music Group)  and Kane Dunn (Eyes On The Pies MGMT)

Join us as we dive into the minds of the UK’s hottest music entrepreneurs whose independent music businesses have launched the careers of JaeKae, Dapz on the Map, Meekz Manny, and Bossman Birdie. In between chart topping hits, sold out arena tours and magazine covers, there is a journey of discovery, education, failure, experimenting, risk-taking, and extreme passion. We will explore the twists and turns of pursuing a sustainable career in music, what it takes to run your own music business and manage artists as well as navigating the ever-changing landscape. And finally, we will discuss the all-important question: ‘Do you have to move to London to make it in music?’

Young Music Boss is a resource hub and network building tool for young music entrepreneurs and creatives. YMB aims to prepare the next generation of music industry professionals as well as build an alliance among young music creatives, entrepreneurs and relevant music associations. At the heart of YMB is the desire to empower young professionals through our online content, events, educational tools and consultancy services.

https://www.youngmusicboss.com

With further panels and workshops including the LCR Music Board Gender Equality panel bringing together a range of figures from the region to discuss their work in improving equality across the region, ‘Music Climate Pact – How the global music industry is getting its house in order’ delving into the steps those within the industry can make in improving its environmental impact in its own practices and Tileyard Education in conversation with Faithless (Sister Bliss) – it ensures that this year’s Sound City+ Conference is one filled with extraordinary insights, knowledge waiting to be embraced across a variety of the most pressing subjects in the music industry and the perfect opportunity to connect with future partners and industry heads alike.

Full information on the Sound City+ Conference 2022 can be found here: https://plus.soundcity.uk.com/

A Heritage Trail has launched at retail and leisure destination Liverpool ONE, as part of its latest offering to visitors.

The Heritage Trail at Liverpool ONE takes visitors on a step back in time, revealing untold stories and fascinating pieces of history about the area’s past – together with a selection of anecdotes which may surprise!

The free self-guided audio Heritage Trail is part of Liverpool ONE’s commitment to its position as custodian of this important historical part of the city.

The fully accessible Heritage Trail is a unique site-specific opportunity to connect the past to the present and to explore the area’s central role in Liverpool’s evolution over the past 300 years.

It encompasses 16 locations spread across the 42-acre site, each marked by a special Heritage Trail sign.

The route starts by the pools on Thomas Steers Way close to the Hilton Hotel and ends at Chavasse Park.

Extensive research, undertaken by a team of historical experts and community groups, has taken place over a period of several months, to bring the Trail to life.

Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said: “There is so much history behind our estate which is either unknown, or has never really been told. We have long enjoyed our collaboration with National Museums Liverpool showcasing the world’s first wet dock. The Heritage Trail represents the next step of the journey making the city’s heritage accessible to everyone.  

“We pride ourselves on being far more than a retail destination and have been committed to the development of a heritage trail to bring the fascinating history of the city centre to life while strengthening connections with our neighbours including the Bluecoat and Epstein Theatre. 

“We hope this is something which will be enjoyed by both the people of Liverpool and visitors, adding into the always evolving attractions in Liverpool.   

The Trail, which takes between one hour and 90 minutes to complete, gives visitors the chance to discover some of the inspiring people, important places and key events which together have helped shape the last three centuries of Liverpool’s history from being a small port on the Lancashire coast to one of the world’s great maritime mercantile cities.

The Trail kickstarts with the story behind the world’s first commercial enclosed wet dock where visitors can hear more about how it revolutionised Liverpool’s fortunes and invites visitors to learn about the businesses which grew up around it.

It considers the role Liverpool played in the Transatlantic trade in enslaved African people as well as those who opposed slavery. It also looks at some of the landmark buildings erected through Victorian philanthropy, highlights the port’s history of immigration, and explains how this area was devastated by Second World War bombing.

The Trail will spark the curiosity by introducing stories of confectioners and sugar barons, merchant seamen and merchant princes, anatomists and artists, balloonists and businesswomen and offers an insight into what life was like for ordinary people who lived and worked here and tap into the vast cultural offer of our city.

And finally, it brings the tale of this remarkable area of the city up to date, explaining how Liverpool ONE was developed and how it has become one of the most popular shopping and leisure destinations in Europe.

Further details about The Heritage Trail at Liverpool ONE and direct links to download the Liverpool ONE MyONE app to follow the trail are available from: www.liverpool-one.com/heritage-trail 

Trail leaflets are also available from the Visitor Centre at Liverpool ONE in Wall Street. 

Iconic Liverpool-based visitor attraction Strawberry Field today unveils its Easter programme of family fun animation, with garden explorer tours, faith celebrations and a FREE Easter egg hunt – perfect for children and families alike.

The site in Woolton, which was immortalised by John Lennon in The Beatles hit ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’, will kick-start its Easter schedule on Good Friday (April 15), with an Easter egg hunt around the treasured grounds where John Lennon played as a child, packed full of clues, fun, laughter, and of course, plenty of chocolate! (Running April 16th and 17th, daily from 10am  – 3pm).

A space of tranquility and reflection, Strawberry Field will also be recognising Holy Week with a number of religious services – with Service of Shadows on Good Friday from 5.30-6.30pm and worship and celebration at the original red Strawberry Field gates on Easter Sunday.

Telling the story of John Lennon’s childhood and the writing and recording of the iconic song ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’, as well as the history of the Salvation Army, the Strawberry Field attraction is home to an interactive visitor exhibition which includes the actual ‘Imagine piano’, the original red gates, and the magical gardens where John played, climbed trees and dreamed as a child.

Sue Harvey, commercial manager, Strawberry Field, said:

“Easter is a time for bringing families together. What better place than Strawberry Field. A great exhibition, fantastic food and lots of activities across the Easter break.”

With strong hopes for April sunshine, visitors will also be able to grab a map and magnifying glass and explore the joys of spring in the Strawberry Field gardens, and if the sun has his hat on, why not grab an ice cream, a cake from the on-site Desserts by Dre or a cuppa during your visit too?!

Owned and operated by The Salvation Army, every ticket sale or donation made at the Strawberry Field attraction goes toward its Steps to Work mission – to provide sustainable employment opportunities for young people with learning difficulties and other barriers to employment, through training skills and valuable work placements.

For more information about Strawberry Field and its full Easter programme, visit the website, and on social media – Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

Want to experience all the best that Liverpool and Wirral have to offer this Spring? Look no further than the amazing River Cruise & Sightseeing Bus Tour from Mersey Ferries and City Explorer Liverpool Bus Tours, on sale from 12noon on Friday 1 April 2022.

One of Liverpool’s most popular tourist attractions, the River Cruise & Sightseeing Bus Tour offers a ‘must do’ sightseeing experience from both water and land. The experience is perfect for either those new to the city and an amazing activity for locals looking to entertain the kids over the Easter holidays.

The ticket includes a 50-minute River Explorer Cruise on the famous Mersey Ferry, plus a guided tour on Liverpool’s City Explorer open top bus.

Visitors will get to experience the very best of the city and region including its outstanding architecture, culture, and heritage – all at a great saving with the combination of both tours.

The ferry trip offers the best views of the stunning Liverpool and Wirral waterfront and includes expert recorded commentary. The bus tour provides the opportunity to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Royal Albert Dock, the Cavern Quarter, and the Chinese Arch.

“We are absolutely thrilled for the return of the River Cruise & Sightseeing Bus Tour,” commented Gary Evans, Assistant Director for Customer Delivery for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

“The experience offers visitors all the very best that our great city region has to offer from both the land and the sea, and we are really looking forward to finally welcoming visitors back.”

Ann Meek, Managing Director, City Explorer Bus Tours said:

“Everyone at City Explorer Liverpool is excited to restart selling the River Cruise & Sightseeing Bus Tour ticket again as it is a customer favourite and is absolutely the best way to see everything our wonderful city has to offer.” 

Tickets will be available for sale from 12noon on Friday 1 April 2022 at www.merseyferries.co.uk  &  www.cityexplorerliverpool.co.uk

For further details on all Mersey Ferry products, visit www.merseyferries.co.uk or follow Mersey Ferries on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

More than 3,000 eager runners will take to the streets of Liverpool this weekend for one of the region’s most established races.

The BTR Liverpool Skyline Half Marathon takes place on Sunday (27 March), and is the 29^th annual staging of the 13.1-mile race. This event also includes the seventh annual BTR Liverpool 10 Mile Road Race.

The races start together at 9am from Pier Head Liverpool on the city’s iconic waterfront. Runners are reminded the clocks go forward one hour the night before the race to mark the start of British Summertime.

Organisers BTR Liverpool continue to implement Covid-19 safety measures, including encouraging runners to take a lateral flow test beforehand. Online entries will close at midnight on Wednesday (23 March).

One of the longest established races in the North West, BTR Liverpool is already making plans for the event’s milestone 30^th anniversary next year.

This weekend officially launches the BTR race calendar for 2022, which comprises of 10 running events throughout the year including the Mersey Tunnel 10K and Liverpool Santa Dash.

The 2020 event was rebranded to the BTR Liverpool Skyline Half Marathon, celebrating the host destination’s strong tourism offer. A grandstand start and finish line area at the Pier Head is located alongside the iconic Three Graces – Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building, and Port Of Liverpool Building.

The race routes take in famous sights including city landmarks Liverpool Cathedral, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, Sefton Park, and Museum Of Liverpool.

Liverpool drumming band Batala Mersey will once again return to spur on runners as they cross the start line. Later welcoming them back as they head past Museum Of Liverpool and towards the finish line.

Both race distances boast a number of senior runners from across the region, aged between 70 and 84.

Overseas runners taking part are travelling from Australia, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Isle Of Man, Italy, Jersey, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and the United States of America.

Fifty-six-year-old Stephen Symons from Quays Running Club in Manchester has completed every Liverpool Half Marathon, this is his 29^th consecutive year. Stephen suffered a brain haemorrhage in November 2012, but still completed the next race in March 2013 accompanied by family. He has since fully recovered and continues to take part each year.

Participants include a group of 40 runners from Alive Fitness gym in Crosby. BTR Liverpool has teamed up with Alive Fitness to offer participants training advice throughout 2022. Coach and personal trainer Kevin Jones will give runners useful hints and tips to prepare for their future challenges.

BTR Liverpool is the leading independent organisation for creating, managing and delivering headline running events across Liverpool City Region. Its extensive portfolio covers various distances across different terrains, all with an ongoing commitment to sustainability.

BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell commented:

“We are full of excitement, anticipation, and real optimism as we kick-start our 2022 race calendar with one of the longest established races in the region. We’re already working on changing the format of the Liverpool Half Marathon 2023 to celebrate its milestone 30^th anniversary year – so watch this space for updates after this year’s race.

“As soon as we set off on the adventure of the BTR Liverpool Skyline Half Marathon this weekend, it’s a non-stop rollercoaster of running, fun and memory-making with like-minded people for the rest of 2022 – as long as we stay safe and look out for each other. Whether you’re running or cheering on friends taking part this Sunday, have a great day.”

Official time pacers will support runners in the half marathon. Volunteer teams assisting on the day include Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Dockside Runners, GoodGym Liverpool, Merseyside Army Cadet Force, North West Air Ambulance, and Penny Lane Striders.

Local running clubs taking part include Knowsley Harriers AC, Liverpool Running Bugs, Liverpool Running Club, Marsh Lane Harriers, Mersey Tri, and Penny Lane Striders.

The Gym at Liverpool ONE is once again supporting the event, offering runners a free one day pass valid on race day to use the changing facilities.

For the latest news visit www.btrliverpool.com

A free programme of short films, audio plays and podcasts by women from Liverpool and West Lancashire is launching to coincide with this year’s Earth Hour.

The 400 Parts Per Million Festival, produced by Theatre in the Rough, explores young women’s experience of the Climate Crisis – as women are statistically most likely to be affected by the impacts of climate change.

The participants have been working with climate activists, artists and scientists from around the world for the past six months to learn more about the issues. They have even found time to launch an original podcast series with guests including Springwatch’s Gillian Burke.

From a clown battling with a recycling bin, to an exploration of witchcraft and climate, their work is bold, funny and provocative.

It is free to access from Saturday 26 March by going to www.400.earth. This coincides with Earth Hour 2022, when millions of people across the world switch off their lights in support of nature and our planet.

Chris Fittock, Director of Theatre in the Rough, said: “Women are under-represented in both STEM and the arts. Yet, globally, they are the most likely to be affected by climate change. This project aims to empower young women to be the artistic and ecological leaders we need.”

TV presenter and conservationist Chris Packham CBE will headline a ‘Youth Summit’ with BBC journalist Ngunan Adamu at Knowsley Leisure & Culture Park on 23 and 24 May this year.

The event is part of The Good Business Festival (TGBF) and a highlight of Knowsley’s year as the Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture.

Chris and Ngunan will welcome thousands of young people from across the region to discuss their views on key issues like business and climate change. They will also hear from inspiring role models and explore the effect of business on the natural world.  Themes and topics will include the environment, food production, oceans and sustainability, human and animal welfare and much more.

Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council commented:

“We are delighted to be hosting The Good Business Festival Youth Summit as part of Borough of Culture celebrations. Young people are the heart of everything we are doing this year so the opportunity to bring them together, here in Knowsley is a great one.

“We want to not only give young people an opportunity to talk about the issues that matter to for their voices to be heard and this summit will do just that.”

The Youth Summit is part of the TGBF education programme and will include a set of special workshops for young people delivered by partners including Dot Art, Metal, UK Youth for Nature, Liverpool World Centre, Incredible Edible, Knowsley Flower Show and the British Antarctic Survey.

Organisers have linked in with primary and secondary schools and colleges across the Liverpool City Region along with Knowsley Youth Parliament and Merseyside Youth Association to maximise young people’s access and participation and give them free access to the Summit.

Wayne Hemingway MBE, Creative Director, The Good Business Festival, commented:

“The Good Business Festival’s goal is to collaborate with people of all ages and all businesses to tackle the big challenges that our society faces, from creating sustainable food to better housing, and examining how business can become a force for positive change.

“The Youth Summit is such an important part of our programme and we are delighted that the young people of the region will have their own opportunity to be part of our global movement to encourage positive change for all.”

See the Knowsley Borough of Culture website here.