Event type: Festival

Family Day

A Festival-staple and must-see; we invite you to pop-by — or indeed, spend the day with us — at the Museum of Liverpool (Pier Head). There, we’ve a veritable array of activity to entertain kids (and adults) of all ages.

The Armagh Rhymers return with their (exclusive to the Festival) Liver Bird story helping to understand how the First Nations people of North America helped the Irish during The Great Hunger. The Bolger-Cunningham Dance School will give it their all in the morning, before the George Ferguson School for Irish Dance produce junior and senior dance sets, whilst Melody Makers will bring their intergenerational group to play in the space. You’ll also be able to collect a Brave Maeve Tír Na nÓg map. The day puts the Irish of Liverpool at the heart of everything; the programme, the Museum and the city.

Plus there’ll be Brave Maeve activities for all the family.

The Family Day is sponsored by Tourism Ireland and held in partnership with National Museums Liverpool. As part of the Family programme, you might also like the Samhain Céilí (Sun 25 Oct).

Tony Birtill Memorial

Tony Birtill was born in Walton, Liverpool in 1954 — a Scouser of Irish heritage who became one of the foremost authorities on the history of the Irish diaspora in the city. A fluent Irish speaker, enthusiastic teacher of the language and committed historian, his life was closely intertwined with the Irish community in Liverpool throughout his adult life.

He was a mainstay of that community and an active member of Cairde Na hÉireann, Conradh na Gaeilge, the Liverpool Easter 1916 Commemoration Committee and the Liverpool Great Hunger Commemoration Committee. His landmark book A Hidden History: The Irish Language in Liverpool revealed — among much else — that the word ‘scouse’ itself carries traces of the Irish language brought here by Famine migrants. He was also a long-standing trustee of Liverpool Irish Festival, teaching Irish language classes at the Liverpool Irish Centre every Thursday night until his death on 21 October 2021. This annual memorial, held in the week that marks the anniversary of his passing, is our way of ensuring that his contribution to Irish life in Liverpool is never forgotten.

The talk will provide the history of the Conradh na Gaeilge branch in Liverpool, from its beginnings up to the current day, obviously Tony will feature heavily in this, led by Morgan Shuttleworth.

Read tributes to him in The Irish Post.

Please note: a typographical error slipped into to the page, affecting the URL for this event. However, as it had been used to link back from other documents, we are unable to amend the link. We are sorry for the error.

Obscured View

Geraldine Moloney Judge reprises her one woman show Obscured View, five years on from performing to a sell out crowd and standing ovation.

Now the Republic of Ireland are in the play offs, hoping to qualify for the next World Cup. It’s been 10 years since Ireland played in a competitive tournament and 24 years since that memorable World Cup in Japan/South Korea (2002). Geraldine is looking forward to reliving some of those memories in the hope it will spur the Republic to qualify for this year’s World Cup. Geraldine will also reflect on Liverpool’s 20th title win and pay homage to the sad passing of Diogo Jota.

A one-woman one-act play about how a love affair for football began when our narrator saw the Ireland qualify for their first World Cup (1990). Watch as the memories of travelling to see Ireland play their second World Cup final (1994) in the USA take shape, before witnessing Roy Keane’s ejection from World Cup 2002. Remember how the horrors of Hillsborough impacted the people of Dublin, as well as Liverpool, and consider how sexism and racism flag the parochial narrow-mindedness of some fans towards others. The finale is a whistle stop tour of Liverpool’s memorable night in Istanbul, whilst the play — as a whole — reflects the ties between Liverpool and Ireland via their shared love of football.

Written and performed by local writer, actor and Irish-Scouser Geraldine Moloney Judge.

Note to bookers: Once inside the venue there is single-level access throughout, with disabled access toilets. However, there are steps into the venue, which requires a set of ramps that can be requested. Please consider this access when making your booking.

The St Brigid’s Arms exhibition tour with Q&As

The doors of The St Brigid’s Arms are open — a fictional venue created by and for women of Irish heritage living in the North of England.

Inspired by the traditional Irish pub as a place of gathering, connection and storytelling, this unique community exhibition explores experiences of migration, identity, belonging and heritage through art, music, dance and personal stories.

Join us as part of the Liverpool Irish Festival to discover the voices and experiences of Irish women across generations. Through shared memories, traditions and creative responses, the exhibition celebrates the rich untold stories of Irish women.

After exploring the exhibition, stay for a short Q&A with Lydia O’Hara and Rosarie Walsh to hear more about the project’s development, the women who helped bring it to life, the importance of preserving and sharing these stories and what’s next. Come along, make connections and become part of the conversation.

This tour runs again on Thurs 22 Oct 2026.

Beckett: Lieben 2026 – Film Screening: If I Fall, Don’t Pick Me Up

If I Fall, Don’t Pick Me Up, a film from Irish filmmaker  Declan Clarke, explores the relationship between iconic Irish author Samuel Beckett and renowned German theatre director Walter D. Asmus, and considers a legacy built on interpretation and performance: when the original actors have departed the stage, what remains?

Beckett and Asmus met in the early 1970’s and worked closely together for the last fifteen years of Beckett’s life. The film, shot entirely on 16mm film, reflects on their developing relationship through the written communications Beckett sent to Asmus – at first succinct and professional, but progressively more personal.

The true depth of their connection is more extensively relayed through the annotated theatre notes that were developed as Asmus directed Beckett’s work through the 1970s and 80s.

While Walter Asmus directed all of Beckett’s plays internationally – with the exception of ‘Play’ and ‘Catastrophe’ – their work together to bring, interpret, and present ’Waiting for Godot’ to the stage is the most enduring legacy of their working relationship.

In 1988 Asmus directed what has come to be regarded as the definitive version of Beckett’s landmark play Waiting for Godot at The Gate Theatre, Dublin.

The film was commissioned by the Embassy of Ireland in Germany as part of Zeitgeist Ireland, a joint initiative of Culture Ireland and the Embassy to bring a season of Irish culture across Germany in 2024.

Following the screening, director Walter Asmus will be joined onstage by Professor Mark Nixon for a Q+A.

The International Festival of Glass

Taking place over the August bank holiday weekend, The International Festival of Glass will bring together artists, collectors, designers, and the public to celebrate the creativity and innovation of contemporary glass art, while celebrating the history of glass in the region.

There will be opportunities to enjoy demonstrations by some of the world’s leading glass artists, get involved in hands-on workshops for all ages, and find out more about the importance of glass manufacturing for the local area.

A number of local organisations, such as Buzz Hub, are already involved and helping to develop ideas and plans alongside The World of Glass, which is acting as the main hub for activities. If anyone in the community has ideas around a glassy activity or creative opportunity, the Glass Art Society is keen to hear from you! Similarly, businesses are encouraged to reach with their ideas for potential festival offers in pubs, restaurants and shops in the local area.

Exhibitions

Three major juried exhibitions will be on display at The World of Glass from 27 August – 1 November, 2026. 

In addition, the public will have the opportunity to see selected works from organisations such as the Contemporary Glass Society and others during the Festival weekend.

British Glass Biennale

The British Glass Biennale showcases the best of British glass art happening in the UK today, and is the largest-selling show of contemporary glass art. 

International Bead + Jewellery Biennale

2026 marks the first year that this exhibition will include jewellery. It features creations that are predominantly made of glass and welcomes all glassmaking techniques.

International GAS Member Exhibition

Open to all Members and Student Members of GAS, this exhibition provides artists with the opportunity to show their work within the context of British glass and showcase their craft on an international stage. A selection of works will subsequently travel to London Glassblowing.

 

Community Glass Mosaic

A highlight of the weekend is a chance to contribute to the community mosaic project. Led by American glass artist Carrie Strope, designs are currently being developed, with input from local schools and local organisations. Everyone in the area over the Festival weekend will have the chance to help create the mosaic, laying individual pieces, which will go on to become a permanent addition to The World of Glass.

You can now pop into the museum to design a logo that will become part of the community mosaic and built by visitors during the festival weekend!

Penny Lane Weekender 2026 this August

3 DAYS | 4 VENUES | BOSS MUSIC – 7TH, 8TH, 9TH AUGUST 2026

Penny Lane continues to sustain its global legacy with a 3-day music festival this August, spotlighting local and independent artists and bands. Returning for its fourth year, exactly 60 years on from The Beatles’ iconic LP Revolver, the festival will take over venues located on or around Liverpool’s iconic Penny Lane.

Penny Lane Weekender has grown into a smash success that continues to discover fresh new music and widen opportunities for emerging musicians from both Liverpool and the rest of the UK. The 2026 lineup promises an eclectic mix of Indie, Rock, Punk, Electronica, Dance and Pop – with this year’s headliner being British-Jamaican grime and UK-drill artist Reptile B.

Lovingly conceived in 2023 by Liverpool post-punk band Pleasure Island, the grassroots community festival was created to showcase Liverpool-based acts from the local community. Initially billed as a one-off event in the upstairs area of Dovedale Towers, a pub famous for being the residence of Freddie Mercury before his Queen glory days, the event immediately blossomed into a festival in its first year, taking on a second venue and a few extra days to accommodate the demand.

In the wake of increasing financial pressures – resulting in the loss of 155 grassroots music venues across the UK from 2024-2025 (Music Venue Trust) – the role that events like Penny Lane Weekender represent are even more crucial, dedicated to platforming new music and local talent. The festival continues to honour Penny Lane’s significance in Liverpool’s musical history, as a hotspot for budding musicians and bands.

Penny Lane Weekender 2026 Announced so far!

1st Wave:

Reptile B · Mumbles · The People Assembly · Paint Me In Colour · Jamesena and the Rabbits · Cheery · Tom Collins · Maybrick · Aggressive Soccer Moms (Swe) · Ellie Moon · Oranj Son · Holy Pictures

2nd Wave:

Broken Down Golf Cart · Drew Friel · The Empty Page · Pleasure Island · Pablo El Diablo · Bedroom Toys · EELS! EELS! EELS! · Maya Yenn · Deviant Order Chalkroom · European Taxis · S. Fearon · Victor Serge · Isis Moray · Quieting · Veve

This grassroots festival gives the opportunity for Liverpool bands and independent acts from further afield to showcase their talents to the local community of Penny Lane and the surrounding areas.

Women in Translation LPL Online Book Club

 

CELEBRATING WOMEN’S STORIES, VOICES AND CONNECTION – IN EVERY LANGUAGE

Join us this August for Women in Translation month. We’re taking part in this global event to build a Liverpool City Region-based community for women who love reading, built around the richness of books from around the world. Whether it’s written in French, Ukrainian, Greek or Arabic, or reaches us through English translation, every story has a voice worth hearing. 

Across the month, we’ll be:

-Sharing books translated into English, alongside some of our own favourites translated from English into other languages

-Highlighting favourite reads recommended by our community

-Reading from women involved with texts, books and storytelling

-Celebrating authors and the richness of translated literature more broadly

Our online book club is part of an international celebration of women’s writing: a chance to connect with readers from across the world, explore what gets lost and found in translation and amplify voices that deserve a wider audience. Founded by blogger Meytal Radzinski in 2014, Women in Translation month highlights women writers and translators in a publishing world that heavily favours male authors in translated fiction.

While the book club lives online, there will be a few real-world surprises along the way – keep an eye on our channels throughout August so you don’t miss out.

JOIN IN

Liverpool City Region’s Women in Translation Festival 2026 is a partnership between Zest Event Management and Wordscape, supported by Kindred. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for reading recommendations, community favourites and those real-world surprises. You can also access suggestions at our Bookshop.org store.

However you like to read, wherever you’re reading, there’s a place for your voice here too.

 

 

 

The Refuge: Photography Exhibition

The RefugeLiverpool Arab Arts Festival 2026 – Photography exhibition(In collaboration with the Exhibition Research Lab Gallery at John Moores University)


Through the eclectic perspectives of contemporary photography artists, the group exhibition The Refuge reflects on the notion of ‘home’ in the context of today’s Arabness. Each work explores nuanced stories of displacement and longing, whiler evealing home as a paradox in transition – whether rooted in place and territory, carried through family and sociocultural heritage, or shaped by memory, movement, and lived geographies.

ARTISTS: Abdulrahman Hassona, Farah Maktari, Houari Bouchenak, Lydia Saidi, Maya-Ines Touam, Shareef Sarhan

July 16th – July 24th

Mondays & Wednesdays 11am – 5pmTuesdays & Thursdays 12pm – 5pm

VENUE: The Exhibition Research Lab Gallery, John Moores University

LAUNCHThursday 16th JulyStart – 6.00pmFinish – 8.00pm – CLICK HERE

ARTIST TALKWednesday 22 JulyThe Exhibition Research Lab Gallery, John Moores UniversityStart: 2pmEstimated finish time: 4pmPrice: FREE – Register to attend

A Journey Home: Family Screening and Workshop

Join Liverpool Arab Arts Festival for a family film screening and workshop, in association with At the Library at Plaza Community Cinema.

A screening of four short animated films centred around the theme of home, told through the perspectives of young characters. This will be followed by a creative workshop.

Films

I am from Palestine (Palestine-USA, 2023)

As Saamidah, a young Palestinian-American girl, anxiously starts her first day of school, she finds her identity in question when faced with a world map that doesn’t include her homeland.Director – Iman ZawahryProducer – Rifk Ebeid

OLIVIA (Algeria, 2024)

Olivia follows a woman uprooted from her olive land and forced into exile with her son. In an unfamiliar world, she struggles to belong while trying to protect him, until she is faced with the decision to return, leading her on a final journey.Director – Shawki Boukef

BAHR (Egypt, 2025)

While grieving the loss of his wife, a father struggles with faith in a chance to reconnect with her; the journey is portrayed as death being a beginning rather than an end, a simple line separating two worlds.Director – Belal Samra

All Aboard (Lebanon-France, 2024)

In order to follow his dream, Ray come illegally aboard the Nucleus Express at the expense of Copper, a passenger who has his ticket for the trip.Directed by: Joe Azar, Sasha Grandet, Sami Haouas, Camille Lecour, Julie Marquet, Anaïs Mascherpa, Christina Varlokost

 

Workshop

‘Map Without Borders!’ Join us for a family creative workshop exploring roots, memory, and belonging through drawing, storytelling, mapping, and traditional Karagoz-inspired shadow puppetry. No art experience needed. Everyone is welcome.

(Doors) – 1.30pm Time (Start) – 2.00pm

Suitability – all, with parental guidance.

Content warning – Themes of grief, displacement, animal threat & flashing animated images.

 

About the event partner – At the Library 

This screening is organised in partnership with At The Library, a programme of artist-led workshops, projects, commissions and happenings in Sefton Libraries, as part of one of their core projects: The Colour of Pomegranates.

The Colour of Pomegranates is a relaxed, creative wellbeing space for all women in Bootle to connect through conversation and artist-led creative activities.A social space to find solidarity, friendship and company, open to all women in Bootle. We welcome women from all cultures, backgrounds and languages to explore different artist-led activities together. To find out more information about the project and for monthly dates please visit the At TheLibrary website here (https://atthelibrary.co.uk/what-we-do/colour-of-pomegranates).  If you have any questions, access needs, or just want to chat about the programme, please email joe.goff@sefton.gov.uk

Venue:

Plaza Community Centre, 13 Crosby Road North, Waterloo, L22 0LD