Mersey Swing Smackdown 2026

The Smackdown, now in it’s 12th year, is a one day dance extravaganza right here in Liverpool! Featuring a day of workshops, an evening of social dancing and performances and one hell of an after party. 

Although we specialise in Jazz and Swing dancing here at Mersey Swing, the Smackdown is a chance for us to explore what the rest of the dance world has to offer. In the past, we’ve had Locking, Afro Beat, Flamenco, Tap, Breaking and so much more. So click on our website to see what this year’s event has in store.

 

 

Peter’s Field: A Folk Chronicle of Peterloo

Peter’s Field is an epic musical chronicle that tells the story of one of the most important days in working class history.  

On 16 August 1819, 60,000 people gathered in the centre of Manchester. Many had walked miles to be there from all across Lancashire. They went to hear the famous radical speaker Henry ‘Orator’ Hunt who called for working people to have the vote. They were unarmed and peaceful. Local magistrates sent in the yeomanry cavalry and 15th Hussars to disperse the crowd and arrest Hunt. At least 18 people were killed and hundreds injured in the murderous scenes that followed. Women were deliberately targeted. It became known as the Peterloo Massacre. 

The magistrates and military were completely exonerated, and it would be 100 years until working people had the vote.   

Peter’s Field is born from years of research and comprises 19 original songs written by Sean Cooney, performed with Rowan Rheingans and Sam Carter, alongside a compelling spoken narrative derived from hundreds of eyewitness accounts. 

The show comes to the Music Room on Sunday 15th March with two performances – 3pm and 8pm.

Murder Mystery: ‘Til Death Do Us Part

From the creators of The Atkinson’s sell out Murder Mystery ‘Murder Under The Spotlight’ comes another DBY Interactive crime solving show. And this summer we are going back to the 80s! 

  

Is there a more perfect way to celebrate love than to witness the union of cupids dream couple? 

 

Its the summer of 1985 and you are invited to the wedding of the year! The holy matrimony of  Andrew Sassin and Maria Fox. Witness on as they declare their undying love for one another, swearing to live together in sickness and in health, and forgetting the past… but sometimes it is the past that cannot forget you. 

 

Dust off your shoulder pads and back comb them perms because you need to look drop dead gorgeous for this explosive wedding reception.  

 

Show type and themes: 1980s, comedy, wedding theme, crime solving, murder mystery. 

 

Guests are encouraged to dress in 1980s / wedding reception attire.  

 

Due to some references this performance is suitable for ages 12+ 

Mike Hughes- Jazz Vibes

The Williamson is excited to welcome local musician Mike Hughes for a night of Jazz & Guitar.

He is a versatile instrumentalist, specializing in vibraphone and percussion, known as a top curator of the Wirral jazz scene. He is a regular sideman for the best jazz players in the UK and is an established soloist in his own right.

Come along to hear some extraordinary vibraphone music. He will be accompanied by the wonderful jazz guitarist Paul McRae.

 

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The Williamson café will be open for light bites and refreshments.

Northwestern

Northwestern is a dynamic duo whose engaging performances and stellar recorded work reflect the considerable skills of both artists.

 

Chris Howarth is an eloquent singer-songwriter in the classic vein whose compositions have drawn substantive praise, for example, from Sonoro  “ a core of compassionate optimism underscores the song-writing…. damn great, a fascinating meditation.”

Adrian Hough is a bottleneck guitarist who is renowned for his sympathetic accompaniment and emotive expression, about whom, Guitarist magazine stated that his “sublime slide-work is as stunning as it is varied.”

 

Together these two fine artists deliver a set of primarily original songs with interpretations of classics to appreciative audiences, wherever they play.

“Super cool sounds from Northwestern this evening, a duo that works effortlessly together, crafting great songs and delivering them impeccably! Clever and inventive songwriting, delivered superbly, this is a duo at the top of their game, so come check them out.”

[January ’26  The Salty Dog.]

 

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Liverpool Shanty Choir, ‘The Surplus Badge’ and The Long Haul

Join Artist A & Artist B and Liverpool Shanty Choir for a live performance of their shanty songs and release of a limited edition 7” single with screen printed sleeve artwork.

Artist A & Artist B will introduce their practice and discuss ‘The Long Haul’, their new commission for Liverpool Independent’s Biennial exhibited in the Williamson’s Maritime Gallery and screen their film, The Surplus Badge, commissioned in 2023 for the British Textiles Biennial.

 

Book Now

Yoga & Sound: Wellness Experience

Yoga with Live Sitar Music An immersive experience by Milap at The Williamson

Join us for a deeply restorative yoga session with the gentle, meditative sounds of live sitar music.

Led by yoga practitioner Sian Griffin   with music by sitarist   Jonathan Mayer   this 90-minute

experience invites you to slow down, tune in, and connect.

Each session blends pranayama (breathwork), asana (movement), and a guided deep relaxation, ending with a live sound bath using sitar and crystal singing bowls.

The practice is designed to be accessible for all levels, with both dynamic and gentle options available. Let the music move through you, grounding the body, quieting the mind, and opening the heart.

 

Click Here to Book Now

 

Kaboodle Choir, supported by Kab’Ukes

Kaboodle Community Choir were formed in 2007. Their performances at the gallery are always entertaining, and they’ll be performing a broad range of popular songs.

They are supported by Kab’Ukes, a small band of Ukelele players, who are all members of the choir. They’ll be performing their own fun and energetic set in the middle of the show.

The Williamson Cafe will be open for refreshments.

Peter Rainsford Presents

Peter Rainsford Presents – a Miscellany of Music and Creativity.

Peter is founder and director of Tafelmusik music school in Oxton. Each month he brings a varied repertoire of music and performers to the Williamson.

As well as a musical talk from Peter and songs from singer/songwriter Paula, this month’s special guest is local pianist Keith Peris.

Keith is appearing again by popular demand.

  His program will include works by Beethoven and Tchaikovsky.

 

Paula will be singing some of her thoughtful songs and peter will be presenting one of his popular ‘Musical Appreciation ‘ talks.

 

Tafelmusik website

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