Up Next is back!
This year Up Next will be returning to its bread and butter with a single weekend of non-stop performance of new work and events.
Up Next Festival’s identity and energy thrives on a wide variety of work from a wide variety of artists. Work in previous festivals has ranged from side-splittingly funny cabaret acts to heart-felt testimonial pieces, to groundbreaking interactive light installation pieces that took the audience on an apocalyptic journey. There is no limit to the work or specification to Up Next, that’s what makes it so unique and special. Work can be from any art form or any stage of development, so come and enjoy us for an unforgettable weekend of new work.
The line-up of artists: Dean Horrocks, Leebo Luby, Violet Arts, third floor theatre, Gemma Bond, Alice Mason, Claire Beerjeraz, Cordelia Stevenson, S J Horay, Liam D Gillies, Joe Ward Munrow, The Clockwork Collective, Charles Sandford, Fiona Scott, Chris Tomlinson, Robert Farquar & Kalli Tant, Sarah Jane Pringle, Jade Franks, Ladderman, Bilal Zafar Ranjha & Abhijeet Singh, Hindley & Amos, Headstrung Puppets
All theatre shows are available to book now. Scroll for full event listings…
Booking Tickets:
- Single Tickets: Individual tickets for all events are £6. See individual line-up here or scroll below
- Festival Pass: After selling out each year, our limited-edition Festival Pass returns for this year’s weekender. The Festival Pass is just £60 for all shows and gives you access to all events.
Show Schedule
Thu 6 March
- 16:00-17:00: Masc On by Dean Horrocks, Bicycle Face by Violet Arts, Man With A Porpoise by Leebo Luby
- 19:00-20:00: non (In French) by third floor theatre, Told By A Witch by Gemma Bond
- 20:30-21:30: Renaissance by Cordelia Stevenson, Saint Jason by S J Horay,
- Rooted by Claire Beerjeraz, Algo Aggro by Alice Mason
Headstrung Puppets will be wondering the spaces on Thurs eve with their latest puppet creation Crab!
Fri 7 March
- 13:00 – 14:00: An Absurdist Play Set On A Boat (reading) by Liam D Gillies
- 16:30 – 17:30: Scheme and The Phantom by Joe Ward Munrow
- 18:00 – 19:00: The Last Chance to Celebrate the Creator by The Clockwork Collective, The Raven by Charles Sandford
- 19:30 – 20:10: Flamenco or Bust! by Fiona Scott
- 20:30 – 21:30: Stella by Chris Tomlinson, Robert Farquar & Kalli Tant
Sat 8 March
- 12:00 – 13:30: Lennie, Ronnie and Me (reading) by Sarah Jane Pringle
- 16:00 – 17:00: Eat the Rich (but maybe not me mates x) by Jade Franks
- 17:30 – 18:30: A Work In Progress by Ladderman
- 19:15 – 20:00: Siren Blues by Decolonial Dogs
- 20:30 – 21:30: Not Drunk But Disorderly by Hindly & Amos
Headstrung Puppets will be wondering the spaces on Sat afternoon with their latest puppet creation Crab!
Panel Discussions
- Fri 7 March, 15:00-16:15: Meet Our Local Theatres – (Nathan Powell & Tommo Fowler from Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, Lane Paul Stewart and Siobhan Noble from Shakespeare North Playhouse, Eli Randle from Unity Theatre and Jess Bolger from The Royal Court).
- Sat 8 March, 14:00-15:30: Theatre Company Q&A – A chance to hear from local successful companies and artists about how they make, develop and tour work and ask questions, with Rowena Gander, Ugly Bucket, Dora Colquhoun and Teatro Pomodoro
Up Next Festival has been made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors and supporters and Garrick Charitable Trust.
After the huge success of the first Dark Reign metal festival in June, Future Yard are delighted to welcome back the 2025 edition on Saturday 3rd May.
Heart Of A Coward are celebrated stalwarts of the British metal scene, and they headline this year’s event alongside deathcore outfit Osiah from Sunderland. Joining them are Raised By Owls, Lokust, Draconian Reign, Dekaytah, Exhumation, Asleep At The Helm and Absolence, with more still to be announced.
More than just a festival, Dark Reign is a celebration of the enduring spirit of the music community in Merseyside. Immerse yourself in an all-day celebration of music, surrounded by energy and passion, with international artists from across the metal scene alongside the resurgent local metal music community.
The Bluecoat has a long relationship with deaf and disability arts organisation DaDa, which has been based in the building since 2008. As part of DaDa’s 40th birthday year, this archive exhibition charts the various festivals, events and exhibitions hosted at the arts centre.
Access: Venue access information can be found here: https://www.thebluecoat.org.uk/plan-your-visit/accesibility
Cost: FREE
About DDFI40:
DaDaFest International returns 8th-31st March 2025 to celebrate DaDa’s 40th Anniversary and this time they are coming with ‘RAGE: A Quiet Riot’.
DDFI40 will showcase work by disabled artists that captures all shapes and sides of rage. From the internal quiet frustrations and righteous rage, to overt injustice and activism, DDFI40 will explore disability rights, disability arts, access, ableism and ‘Rage’ in an explosion of creativity.
Bloom is returning to Liverpool in 2025. This one-day, future-focused event is designed as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and strategic development, where attendees can immerse themselves in a wealth of ideas and practical insights, forge new connections, and leave with inspiration to take part in real, progressive action.
The event will have a focus on the theme of collaboration and will explore how we can make alliances and work together for the greater success of the creative and digital sectors. Bloom 2025 will bring together businesses across ‘the North’ to connect and explore how those working in the creative and digital industries contribute to and drive the creative economy.
Bloom is a space to learn, share, and act, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas are planted, nurtured, and set to grow.
The greatest tribute night to the music that was never just a phase…
TEENAGE NOSTALGIA featuring all your biggest emo songs in existence with A LIVE BAND & LIVE DJs spinning all the angst your teenage dirtbag heart desires all night long! LIVE Performers, confetti & much more!
Put on your eyeliner, lace up your high-tops and get ready to rock to all your favourite nostalgic emo anthems!
This event is 14+ – Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Please note this is a standing event!
Disclaimer: The Emo Festival and its events are not affiliated with the artists listed. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Please note that in-line with normal consumer standards for ticket purchases, tickets for The Emo Festival are non-refundable, unless they move the event or cancel it – any issues please don’t hesitate to contact their support team!
A new celebration of creativity, The Weird and Wonderful Festival is the playground for the avant-garde, the pioneers, and the innovators of the arts.
From mesmerizing short films to enthralling theatrical performances, captivating puppetry, and powerful spoken word – this festival is an homage to the arts that push boundaries and challenge norms. Are you ready to explore the edges of creativity?
