Schubert Piano Trio No.1 in B-flat major, D898Schubert Piano Trio No.2 in E-flat major, D929Imogen Cooper pianoHenning Kraggerud violinAdrian Brendel cello‘Three distinguished players carving out an oasis of warm but focused performances … the ensemble was magical.’ – The StradWhen you bring together the great British pianist Imogen Cooper, inspirational Norwegian violinist Henning Kraggerud and cellist Adrian Brendel, you might call the result a classical supergroup. But with these three, it’s only ever about the joy of making music, and chamber music doesn’t get more lyrical or poetic than Schubert’s two gloriously tuneful piano trios.
Event type: Performance
NICE! Stories and Rhymes with Michael Rosen
Poetry legend Michael Rosen celebrates his 80th birthday with a brand-new live show!
Michael looks back at a lifetime in poetry, performing beloved classics including Hot Food, No Breathing and Chocolate Cake, along with never-before-heard poems from his new collection Peas On Your Knees.
NICE! Is a show for all ages, from the young to the young at heart.
Michael Rosen: Getting Through It
Getting Through It is a powerful, deeply personal yet universally relatable, double bill of monologues and poetry.
In the first part, The Death of Eddie, Michael explores his experience after losing his 18-year-old son to meningitis, recalling the strange and contradictory mix of emotions felt after the unexpected loss. This story, memorably captured in Michael’s children’s book The Sad Book, is told in vivid and poetic detail.
In the second part, Many Kinds of Love, Michael recounts his 48-day period in intensive care, after contracting COVID-19 early in the pandemic, and having to face his own mortality. Both stories are told with Michael’s signature positivity, humour and poetry. Together, the two pieces are a testimony to the spirit of recovery.
Andy Zaltzman: The Zaltgeist
Following a sell-out 2024/2025 tour host of The Bugle, New’s Quiz, Test Match Special and Taskmaster champion Andy Zaltzman, extends his hit tour into 2026 (with extra material added due to phenomenal world chaos).
One of the UK’s leading satirical comedians, Andy assesses the state of Planet Earth and its most famous and controversial species – the human race. Attempting to concoct vaguely plausible answers to perennial questions such as What?, Who?, Where?, and above all Why?
GROOL – RITUAL SHOW
Grool exists as a result of a lack of governance. Blending industrial, alt rock, and trip-hop, they sound like queer body horror and taste like the name.
Grool has developed a cult name in the Liverpool alternative music scene since its formation in 2022. Composed of members of other local bands, Grool is the culmination of the darkest depths of the members music taste.
On the 26th November they present a rare in the round performance they have called their “Ritual Set”. It is a dark and contemplative set that deals with the complexity of queer identity.
“Transition is like rebirth”
All profits go to Protect Scouse Dolls
FFO: Nine Inch Nails, Sneaker Pimps , Bjork, Maruja, Massive Attack, Place To Bury Strangers, Model Actriz, Sonic Youth, Gilla Band
Tickets on sale now.
Spoken Word Poetry
Head along and enjoy poets and wordsmiths bringing their views and experiences to life, featuring Dionne Simpson, Sabiya and Janoma Omena. The experimental The Spoken Word Poetry Night has always been such a well-loved segment of the festival from audiences and artists alike.
BlackFest have shortlisted the talented and passionate artists to develop their work over a series of professionally facilitated workshops and rehearsals. The comedy veers from breaking intergenerational curses to dark and witty humour, covering themes of abuse, race, culture and identity.
The Alternative Black Cabaret Comedy Showcase
The Alternative Black Cabaret Comedy Showcase is hosted by Che Burnley, hailing from Oldham and an honorary Scouser. In the last few years Che has established his own showcase show in Edinburgh and Liverpool, provided tour support for Reginald D Hunter, written his own solo shows and still found time to gig across the country.
Join the festival comedy showcase for Che and some excellent supporting acts from Liverpool and beyond.
BlackFest October Scratch Night Take Over
Join the BlackFest October Scratch Night Take Over as artists Shak, Chelsey, Resila and BluBoy bring exciting experimental new works using their disciplines and theatre to bring their stories to life.
Some of the artists use their writing and directing skills, some their own performance and poetry skills and some a combination of singing performing and writing. They are also creating open mic slots after the artists have performed, you can sign up before the event at andi.herring@blackfest.co.uk.
Head along and enjoy a highly varied set of work from ambitious creatives.
The Poems of Poe
Head along and join Norton Priory for this evocative and immersive Halloween season performance with a difference.
The poems and works of literary legend and gothic American writer Edgar Allen Poe are brought to life by VML theatre in the atmospheric setting of the Norton Priory Undercroft.
The company will perform a selection of excerpts from Poe’s most well known and classic poems and stories such as The Pit and The Pendulum, The Raven, The Tell Tale Heart and Masque of the Red Death.
The performance starts at 7pm with an interval of 20 minutes. Refreshments will be available during this time.
Martha Tilston
With a pure silken voice and lyrics that inspire and captivate, Martha Tilston has gained a large and loyal following. She has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, released several critically acclaimed albums, gained a nomination for BBC best newcomer, appeared as a guest vocalist for Zero 7, toured internationally and worked with some of the world’s most inspiring performers. The past few years have seen Martha venture into the world of film making. She recently released her first feature film, The Tape, which is garnering much praise and excitement.
With her long-time collaborators and musicians Matt Tweed and Matt Kelly, she entwines raw vocals, sparkling melodies and thought-provoking lyrics with filmic movements and earthy baselines. To see them live is to connect with longed-for parts of ourselves…