Event type: Festival

Democracy: Rights on the Line

When is a Nazi salute not a Nazi salute? When performed – twice – by Elon Musk, Trump’s loyal Mitläufer (hanger-on). Orwellian dystopia unfolds: protesters jailed, activists punished, and the BBC bowing to right-wing pressure – all just in the UK. In the US, Green Card holders are detained for lawful protest, scientists deported over critical phone comments, and Venezuelans falsely branded as criminals. Meanwhile, Trump flirts with Putin, excusing an invasion his own supporters recently condemned.

And then there’s Gaza. ‘Never again,’ we said, but only one side meant it. As the Israeli State commits genocide in broad daylight, democratic leaders barely raise a whisper in protest.

Yet, as Dr. Martin Luther King said, ‘Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.’ WoWFEST’s panel, featuring Chris Nineham, Niheer Dasandi, and Roger Hill, discusses democracy under attack—and how we can fight back.

More guests to be announced!

Chris Nineham is a founder and vice-chair of the Stop the War Coalition. Arrested in 2025 during a pro-Palestinian march, he pleaded not guilty to Public Order Act charges. He helped organise the historic 2003 anti-war protests, the 2001 Genoa G8 protests, and the European and World Social Forums. A regular media commentator, he writes for Stop the War, Counterfire, and others.

Niheer Dasandi, author of Is Democracy Failing (2018), is Professor of Global Politics and Sustainable Development. His research focuses on human rights, development, climate change, and foreign policy. He co-chairs the Lancet Countdown’s Public and Political Engagement Working Group. Niheer’s has published a range of books, and his work appears in leading journals.

Roger Hill hosted the UK’s longest-running alternative music show on BBC Radio Merseyside for nearly 40 years. A key figure in Youth Theatre, he has worked at Liverpool Everyman and beyond, now focusing on Live Art and storytelling.

Liverpool and the Un-Making of Britain

Join the team for an insightful conversation as Sam Wetherell discusses his critically acclaimed work Liverpool and the Unmaking of Britain, a profound exploration of the city’s role in shaping the narrative of modern Britain. Sam will be interviewed by Janaya Pickett in the magnificent Concert Room of St George’s Hall, Liverpool, as part of the Writing on the Wall Festival 2025.

Expect an engaging dialogue that delves deep into themes of history, identity, and the radical rethinking of Britain’s story, all set against the backdrop of one of the most storied cities in the UK. This event promises to be a thought-provoking evening for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Liverpool’s past and its far-reaching impact on the present.

This is an unmissable event for lovers of history, literature, and the evolution of British identity. Book your tickets now and join us for a conversation that will challenge and inspire.

John Rees: The Fiery Spirits

Writing on the Wall are delighted to welcome back historian John Rees to present his compelling work of narrative history, The Fiery Spirits: Popular Protest, Parliament and the English Revolution.

As WoW proudly celebrates 25 years of radical storytelling, John uncovers the hidden stories of influential MPs and their allies who envisioned a kingdom without a crown. The so-called ‘fiery spirits’ who brought a desperate nation to the brink in the Civil Wars include the future regicide Henry Marten, the firebrand William Strode, the formidable colonel Alexander Rigby and Sir Peter Wentworth, descendant of a long line of anti-monarchists.

More than a book of political intrigue, The Fiery Spirits is a testament to the power of the people. Its reflections on mass demonstration resonate deeply today as four independent candidates sit at Westminster as a direct result of solidarity with the Palestinian people.

John Rees is an influential historian, broadcaster, campaigner. His books include Timelines: A Political History of the Modern World, The Leveller Revolution and A People’s History of London, co-authored with his partner Lindsey German. He also produces documentaries and presents current affairs programmes for the Islam Channel. Currently, he is a Visiting Research Fellow at Goldsmiths, University of London. He is a National Officer of the Stop the War Coalition, which opposes the British establishment’s disastrous addiction to war, and a founding member of the organisation Counterfire.

The Resilience of Refaat: Honouring a Voice of Gaza

In December 2023, the world lost a singular voice. Refaat Alareer, poet, editor, teacher, and mentor, was killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, along with six members of his family. His final poem, If I Must Die, written just weeks before his death, echoed across borders and languages, giving voice to the grief and resistance of a people under siege.

Refaat Alareer was a Palestinian writer, poet, and professor of English literature at the Islamic University of Gaza. A passionate educator and mentor, he was a co-founder of We Are Not Numbers, a platform amplifying young Palestinian voices. His poetry and essays captured the struggles and resilience of life in Gaza, making him a vital literary figure. Through his teaching, writing, and activism, he shaped a new generation of Palestinian storytellers.

But Refaat’s legacy did not end there. A towering figure in Palestinian literature, he helped shape a new generation of writers and thinkers, not only through his words, but through his presence, his mentorship, and his belief in the power of storytelling.

Join them for a special evening of remembrance, reflection, and resistance, as they celebrate the life and work of Refaat Alareer and the community he built around him.

With readings from his poetry and prose, and reflections from three people who knew him personally: Yousef Aljamal, Gaza-based writer, translator, and editor of If I Must Die: Poetry and Prose, a tribute to his former teacher, Ahmed Nehad, writer, translator, and fellow lecturer at the Islamic University in Gaza, who Refaat mentored for many years, and Basma Ghalayini, translator and editor of Palestine +100 and Palestine -1, two ground-breaking science fiction anthologies imagining past and future Palestine’s.

This event, in partnership with Comma Press, is part of Liverpool’s growing cultural response to the ongoing crisis in Palestine, rooted in solidarity, shaped by stories, and driven by the belief that voices like Refaat’s must continue to be heard.

Liverpool Biennial 2025: Bedrock

The 13th edition of Liverpool Biennial, titled ‘BEDROCK’, will take place 7 June – 14 September 2025, curated by Marie-Anne McQuay.

The theme draws on Liverpool’s distinctive geography and the beliefs which underpin the city. It is inspired by the sandstone which spans the city region and is found in its distinctive architecture. ‘BEDROCK’ also acts as a metaphor for the social foundations of Liverpool and the people, places and values that ground all of us. 30 artists and collectives will respond to the theme of the 13th edition.

Liverpool Biennial is the UK’s largest free festival of contemporary visual art. Taking place in historic buildings, unexpected spaces and art galleries, the Biennial has been transforming the city through art for over two decades. A dynamic programme of free exhibitions, performances, screenings, community and learning activities and fringe events unfolds over 14 weeks, shining a light on the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

‘BEDROCK’ draws on Liverpool’s distinctive geography and the beliefs which underpin the city. It is inspired by the sandstone which spans the city region and is found in its distinctive architecture. ‘BEDROCK’ also acts as a metaphor for the unique social foundations of Liverpool, haunted by empire, and the people, places and values that ground us.

Taking over historic buildings, unexpected spaces and art galleries, Liverpool Biennial – the UK’s largest free festival of contemporary visual art – has been transforming the city through art for over two decades. A dynamic programme of free exhibitions, performances, community and learning activities, and fringe events unfolds over 14 weeks, shining a light on the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

New venues and sites announced today (25 March 2025) for the 13th edition include 20 Jordan Street located in the city’s Baltic Triangle, Pine Court, the heritage site of Pine Court Housing Association in the heart of Chinatown, and The Black-E, Liverpool’s pioneering arts and community centre, which join venues such as Bluecoat, FACT Liverpool, Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool Central Library, Open Eye Gallery, Tate Liverpool + RIBA North and Walker Art Gallery.

A series of outdoor works are set to be installed at sites across the city including Liverpool ONE, Mann Island, St John’s Gardens and the grounds of The Oratory at Liverpool Cathedral.

Click here to register for Liverpool Biennial 2025 Previews – Registration is open until 30 May.

The participating artists for Liverpool Biennial 2025 are:

Alice Rekab (Ireland/Sierra Leone); Amber Akaunu (UK/Nigeria); Amy Claire Mills (Australia); Ana Navas (Venezuela/Ecuador/Netherlands); Anna Gonzalez Noguchi (Spain/Japan/UK); Antonio Jose Guzman & Iva Jankovic (Netherlands/Panama/Serbia); Cevdet Erek (Turkey); ChihChung Chang 張致中(Taiwan/Netherlands); Christine Sun Kim (USA); DARCH (India/Somaliland/Wales); Dawit L. Petros (Eritrea/Canada/USA); Elizabeth Price (UK); Fred Wilson (USA); Hadassa Ngamba (Democratic Republic of the Congo/Belgium); Imayna Caceres (Peru/Austria); Isabel Nolan (Ireland); Jennifer Tee (Netherlands); Kara Chin (UK/Singapore); Karen Tam 譚嘉文(Canada); Katarzyna Perlak (Poland/UK); Leasho Johnson (USA/Jamaica); Linda Lamignan (Nigeria/Norway); Maria Loizidou (Cyprus); Mounira Al Solh (Lebanon); Nandan Ghiya (India); Nour Bishouty (Lebanon/Jordan/Palestine/Canada); Odur Ronald (Uganda); Petros Moris (Greece); Sheila Hicks (France/USA); Widline Cadet (Haiti/USA).

Liverpool Biennial 2025 Programme

Outdoor Works

Celebrating Liverpool’s iconic architecture and public spaces, a series of newly commissioned outdoor artworks will be installed at sites across the city centre.

Alice Rekab presents a multi-city billboard project in Liverpool and Edinburgh, in partnership with EAF25 (Edinburgh Art Festival). In Liverpool, the work is co-created with students from The City of Liverpool College through a series of workshops. Displayed throughout Liverpool ONE, these collaborative works explore experiences of race, migration and belonging. Meanwhile at Bluecoat, the artist presents a multi-layered gallery installation titled ‘Bunchlann/Buncharriag’ (Irish Gaelic for ‘Origin Family’ or ‘Bedrock’).

Anna Gonzalez-Noguchi presents a modular sculpture at Mann Island, inspired by the historical import of ‘foreign’ plants into Liverpool. The three towers, constructed out of metal and reflective materials, incorporate seating, spinning elements and tubular structures engraved with records of the city’s botanical collections.

Isabel Nolan presents a steel and concrete sculpture in St John’s Gardens, supported by Art Fund. The design is inspired by a drawing of a stained-glass window held in the St Nicholas Pro-Cathedral archive and the leadwork in the windows of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral’s Lutyens Crypt. Painting and textiles by the artist are also shown at the Walker Art Gallery.

A selection from Petros Moris’ ‘ALONE’ series of mosaic sculptures referencing an abandoned playground and his parent’s own mosaic studio, will be exhibited in the grounds of The Oratory at Liverpool Cathedral, as well as at Bluecoat and Walker Art Gallery.

Further works will be exhibited across the city on streets, shop fronts, hoardings and other unexpected places:

Anna Gonzalez-Noguchi – Eurochemist, Berry Street

ChihChung Chang 張致中 – Chinatown

Kara Chin – Berry Street

Odur Ronald – SEVENSTORE, Jamaica Street

Liverpool Independents Biennial 2025

Independents Biennial 2025 will return to Liverpool City Region with 22 new artistic commissions, 64 artists and new work appearing across Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley, Wirral and St Helens.

The artist-led festival, which runs concurrently to Liverpool Biennial, is created to showcase the vibrant art and art scene of the city-region.

The Independents Biennial has been showcasing the work of grassroots artists since 1999 and has been known by various names including Tracey, Biennial Fringe and Liverpool Independents. It is managed by Art in Liverpool but programmed at venues and locations across the city-region by artists, artist groups, art studios and artist networks.

In 2025, art will be exhibited at over 120 locations, some of which are traditional art spaces, others which are empty or unused high street or retail units. This year’s venues include Bidston Observatory, Hilbre Island, Dibbinsdale Nature Reserve, Bluecoat, The Atkinson, Huyton Village, The World of Glass, Crown Building Studios, Liverpool ONE, Mersey Ferries, Hamilton Square, Victoria Road in New Brighton and Fort Perch Rock.

The artists who are commissioned as part of Independents Biennial live and work in one of Liverpool city-region’s boroughs.

Those commissioned artists are Claire Beerjeraz, CBS Gallery, Rebecca Chesney, Jon Davies & the Sound Art Network, Alan Dunn, Ellis Eyo Thompson, Amy Flynn, Freddy Franke & Rat Shack, George Grace Gibson & Gee Collins, Ellie Hoskins, Anna Jane Houghton & Abbie Bradshaw, Noel Jones & 24 Hope Street, Brigitte Jurack, Dongni Laing, Georgina Tyson & The Royal Standard, Sufea Mohamad Noor, Daniel O’Dempsey, Tom Stockley & Ruaíri Valentine, The Drawing Paper (Show), Stephanie Trujillo, Jacques Verkade & Callan Waldron Hall, and Les Weston.

Outer Waves Festival

Liverpool’s new alternative music and arts festival, OUTER WAVES, debuts on 24th-25th May 2025.

Set to take over venues across the North Docks, including Invisible Wind Factory and Make Liverpool, the festival promises a bold programme of experimental music, boundary-pushing visual art, and innovative collaborations—filling a long-missing gap in the city’s cultural landscape.

Liverpool Fire Arts Festival

Liverpool Fire Arts Festival brings together world-class fire performers, breathtaking shows, and hands-on experiences that will leave you spellbound. There’s performances at Wiff Waff (Friday), the Bombed Out Church (Saturday), and The Black-E (Sunday), alongside hands-on workshops including beginner fire dancing, family circus activities, skill-building sessions with UK experts, and exclusive masterclasses with international trainer Peter Duncan.

SHOWS

Friday

Fire Jam and Fire Open Stage Show and at Wiff Waff.
More info.

Saturday

Two Fire Gala Shows at the Bombed Out Church.
More info.

Sunday

Circus Olympics and Circus Open Stage Show at the Black-E.
More info.

WORKSHOPS

There will be a whole host of workshops across the three days. There will be events for everyone to take part in:

Friday

Try fire dancing for the first time with our special Fire Experience Session at Wiff Waff.

Saturday

Bring your kids and join Free Family circus workshops at the Black-E.

Saturday and Sunday

Learn new skills during Workshops led by experienced teachers from all over the UK and let yourself flow and play in the Practice Space at the Black-E

Join the specialist masterclasses by international circus trainer Peter Duncan at the Black-E

LOCATIONS

Wiff Waff

Our festival opens at Wiff Waff, 3 Kings Dock St, Liverpool L1 8JU. Located in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle, here is the location of the Fire Experience, Fire Jam and Fire Open Stage on the Friday evening.

The Black-E

The main festival space is at The Black-e, 1 Great George St, Liverpool L1 5EW. Here you will have access to workshops, masterclasses and a practice space. It is also the location of the circus olympics and open stage on Sunday.

The Bombed-Out Church

Located just a few minutes walk from the Black-e, the Bombed Out Church, Leece St, Liverpool L1 2TR, is the location for our magical fire gala shows on Saturday evening.

Liverpool Fire Arts Festival @ The Bom...

The highlight of the weekend! The Fire Gala Shows!

Local and international fire performers will transform the iconic Liverpool landmark, the Bombed Out Church, with a phenomenal spectacle that will show fire arts in the city like never seen before. Joined by award winning immersive AV company, Focal Studios, expect to be wowed by the incredible fusion of fire and light projections.

18:30 EARLY FIRE GALA

We wanted everyone to be able to enjoy the Fire Gala Show. Half price tickets for families or those who may be on a limited budget. Expect the same incredible show but without the projections.

21:00 LATE FIRE GALA

As the sun starts to set the fire gala starts to heat up. Not only will the fire be more visible after dark but you can enjoy amazing projections and image mapping from award winning Focal Studios.

What is Liverpool fire arts festival? What’s it all about?

In 2015, Bring the Fire Project created Liverpool’s first ever Fire Arts Festival that took the city by storm. A decade on, we are ready to do it all over again, only blazing bigger & brighter.

Created by the local flow and circus community to connect, learn and have fun together. Liverpool Fire Arts Festival 2025 is a not-for-profit event, done entirely from the love for fire arts and the development of the scene in the city.

What’s happening at the Liverpool Fire Arts Festival?

SHOWS 🎪🎭

Friday

Fire Jam and Fire Open Stage Show and at Wiff Waff

Saturday

Two Fire Gala Shows at the Bombed Out Church

Sunday

Circus Olympics and Circus Open Stage Show at the Black-E

WORKSHOPS 🤹

There will be a whole host of workshops across the three days. There will be events for everyone to take part in:

Friday

Try fire dancing for the first time with our special Fire Experience Session at Wiff Waff

Saturday

Bring your kids and join Free Family circus workshops at the Black-E

Saturday and Sunday

Learn new skills during Workshops led by experienced teachers from all over the UK and let yourself flow and play in the Practice Space at the Black-E

Join the specialist masterclasses by international circus trainer Peter Duncan at the Black-E (tickets here)

LOCATIONS:

Wiff Waff

Our festival opens at Wiff Waff, 3 Kings Dock St, Liverpool L1 8JU. Located in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle, here is the location of the Fire Experience, Fire Jam and Fire Open Stage on the Friday evening.

The Black-E

The main festival space is at The Black-e, 1 Great George St, Liverpool L1 5EW. Here you will have access to workshops, masterclasses and a practice space. It is also the location of the circus olympics and open stage on Sunday.

The Bombed-Out Church

Located just a few minutes walk from the Black-e, the Bombed Out Church, Leece St, Liverpool L1 2TR, is the location for our magical fire gala shows on Saturday evening.

Liverpool Fire Arts Festival @ The Bla...

The heart of Liverpool Fire Arts Festival. Take part in workshops, practice and meet up with friends, chill out in the cafe or get your festival merch.

Come for the whole weekend, Saturday, Sunday, or just for the Circus Olympics and Open Stage show or masterclasses.

SATURDAY – 10:00-18:00

10:00 & 11:00 FREE FAMILY CIRCUS WORKSHOPS

Discover the magic of circus and try something completely new. Families can come and learn new skills and have fun together. We have something for everyone. Suitable for children aged 7+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

11:00-18:00 WORKSHOPS / PRACTICE SPACE

Come and learn from some of the best flow artists from around the UK. Featuring workshops on object manipulation (including poi, hoop, levi stick, clubs to name a few), performing and clowning, dance and movement. Let yourself flow and play in the practice space.

14:00 MASTERCLASSES WITH PETER DUNCAN

In our chamber theatre space learn from experienced circus trainer Peter Ducan. He has been active in Social Circus groups since the early 1990’s . Peter runs mentoring projects, train the trainers courses for Circus groups (most recently in Derry) for Circusworks (UK network) and European masterclasses (recently in Galway and Tallinn). These masterclasses are not to be missed.

Don’t forget to visit the Bombed Out Church where our spectacular Fire Gala shows will be taking place in the evening.

SUNDAY – 10:00-16:30

10:30 MASTERCLASSES WITH PETER DUNCAN

In our chamber theatre space learn from experienced circus trainer Peter Ducan. He has been active in Social Circus groups since the early 1990’s . Peter runs mentoring projects, train the trainers courses for Circus groups (most recently in Derry) for Circusworks (UK network) and European masterclasses (recently in Galway and Tallinn). These masterclasses are not to be missed.

10:30-13:30 WORKSHOPS / PRACTICE SPACE

Come and learn from some of the best flow artists from around the UK. Featuring workshops on object manipulation (including poi, hoop, levi stick, clubs to name a few), performing and clowning, dance and movement. Let yourself flow and play in the practice space.

14:30 CIRCUS OLYMPICS AND OPEN STAGE SHOW

Watch the playful circus themed competitions inspired by juggling, hula hooping and acrobatics. A little bit of choas and a whole lot of fun. You and your children will love it. Followed by a Circus Open Stage featuring clowing, aerialists, handbalancers, lights and glitter.

What is Liverpool fire arts festival? What’s it all about?

In 2015, Bring the Fire Project created Liverpool’s first ever Fire Arts Festival that took the city by storm. A decade on, we are ready to do it all over again, only blazing bigger & brighter.

Created by the local flow and circus community to connect, learn and have fun together. Liverpool Fire Arts Festival 2025 is a not-for-profit event, done entirely from the love for fire arts and the development of the scene in the city.

What’s happening at the Liverpool Fire Arts Festival?

SHOWS 🎪🎭

Friday:

Fire Jam and Fire Open Stage Show and at Wiff Waff

Saturday

Two Fire Gala Shows at the Bombed Out Church

Sunday:

Circus Olympics and Circus Open Stage Show at the Black-E

WORKSHOPS 🤹

There will be a whole host of workshops across the three days. There will be events for everyone to take part in:

Friday:

Try fire dancing for the first time with our special Fire Experience Session at Wiff Waff

Saturday:

Bring your kids and join Free Family circus workshops at the Black-E

Saturday and Sunday:

Learn new skills during Workshops led by experienced teachers from all over the UK and let yourself flow and play in the Practice Space at the Black-E

Join the specialist masterclasses by international circus trainer Peter Duncan at the Black-E (tickets here)

LOCATIONS:

Wiff Waff

Our festival opens at Wiff Waff, 3 Kings Dock St, Liverpool L1 8JU. Located in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle, here is the location of the Fire Experience, Fire Jam and Fire Open Stage on the Friday evening.

The Black-E

The main festival space is at The Black-e, 1 Great George St, Liverpool L1 5EW. Here you will have access to workshops, masterclasses and a practice space. It is also the location of the circus olympics and open stage on Sunday.

The Bombed-Out Church

Located just a few minutes walk from the Black-e, the Bombed Out Church, Leece St, Liverpool L1 2TR, is the location for our magical fire gala shows on Saturday evening.