Conradh na Gaeilge Learpholl, in partnership with the Liverpool Irish Festival, are pleased to present the annual Tony Birtill Lecture.
On 21 Oct 2021, Liverpool (and Ireland) lost a great Irish Language supporter; Tony Birtill. He made an invaluable contribution to the conservation, promotion and teaching of the Irish language on Merseyside for over 30 years. A Gaeilgeoir (fluent Irish speaker) and walking enthusiast, Tony was also a keen historian and language activist. His widely acclaimed book Liverpool – A Hidden History gives a very incisive insight into the lives and living conditions of Irish emigrants living in Liverpool in the aftermath of the Great Famine (1845-1852).
This year’s memorial lecture is in two parts and will be delivered by local historian Greg Quiery and Dr. Eoghan Ahern from the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Irish Studies. Greg’s talk will be about the establishment of the Great Hunger commemoration memorial in the gardens of St Luke’s Bombed Out Church in 1998 and Dr. Ahern’s talk will be about the impact of the Famine on the Irish language. Join us to hear to Greg Quiery and Dr. Ahern deliver two most interesting talks.
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5:30pm
Join us for the reveal of our Autumn | Winter season at Unity!
5:00pm Pre event drinks in our Bar
5:30-7: Season Launch Event
7-8: Post Event Drinks/Networking event
What can the humble potato teach us about food cultures and communities? Many staples of the British diet originate from Latin America, from potatoes, corn and tomatoes to chocolate and strawberries. Join a team of foodies – including scientists, archaeologists, chefs, musicians and curators – for tastings, conversations and demonstrations that delve into the origins and importance of these delicious crops. During this lively session, led by Luma Creations in collaboration with the World Museum, they’ll discuss how these foods have been integrated into our diets and what they mean to people, both now and in the past.
Curious about how computers solve problems? Want to know how algorithms work? Keen to talk about the impact of AI?
Drop in for a chat with researchers from the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University and find out about their research across data science. They’ll explain how data science is used for a multitude of things, from identifying art forgeries all the way to astrophysics.
This is also a chance to explore the fundamentals of sorting algorithms, which are essential for designing computer programmes. Discover how sorting data plays a key role in computation.
How do we perceive truth and authenticity in the age of AI?
From viral deep fakes to AI-altered videos designed to manipulate public opinion, digital authenticity is increasingly uncertain. Join multimedia artist Rachel Maclean and FACT’s Director Nicola Triscott as they discuss how artists are opening up new perspectives on the risks and opportunities that AI poses to our perception of what is true and what is fabricated.
Is digital gaming affecting what you eat?
Brands are everywhere on videogame livestreaming platforms, most often targeting young people with ads for food high in fat, sugar and salt. Rebecca Evans (University of Liverpool) will show how this marketing affects eating habits, calling for more research to help shape public health policy. Rebecca will invite you to share your experiences, asking what we should do to protect gamers from junk-food marketing. You can share your thoughts via audience votes and take part in a brand
Drop in and discover the out-of-this-world science that’s happening across the city. Meet space scientists from the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University to delve into fascinating subjects including microgravity, astrophysics and planetary defence. This is your chance to find out about the technologies that are deepening our understanding of the universe and changing our life on Earth.
Queer Book Club is an inclusive reading group open to anyone from St Helens to come together to read and discuss LGBTQIA+ literature.
Founded in Autumn 2023 by a group of local queer artists, producers and book-lovers, Queer Book Club is a space to share a love of queer novels, memoirs and writing.
This month we’re reading… Sense of Self, by James Lefebure is a queer body horror and relatable tale of the desire to be accepted, sometimes by any means necessary. Caleb has always felt like an outsider, but when a stranger pulls him back from the edge and welcomes him into a warm, accepting community, Caleb dares to hope. As he descends into a faith soaked in mystery and flesh, Caleb must confront the question that has haunted him all his life: Is being loved worth losing yourself completely? This will also be a very special book club as the author of his months book, James Lefebure will be joining us at The Book Stop while we read and discuss the book.
Queer Book Club is drop-in, meaning you don’t have to have been before to take part, but we encourage you to read the book ahead of the session.
Access
We want to make Queer Book Club as accessible to as many people as possible and therefore we will hold two pre-bought copies of the book. Either contact Britney via arthur.britney@heartofglass.org.uk or call in to The Book Stop to borrow a copy. Additionally, as a QBC reader, you also receive 20% off your copy of the chosen book this month at The Book Stop in St Helens by quoting “Queer Book Club” at the till.
Safer Spaces
These events will use Heart of Glass’ Safer Spaces Agreement to create a space that aims to be as welcoming and respectful as possible.
This event offers an opportunity to listen out loud to their audio artwork, which was co-commissioned for BEDROCK by Liverpool Biennial and At The Library. This will be a relaxed, informal gathering with refreshments and an opportunity to share with the artists and discuss the themes of their artwork.
Location: Crosby Library
Time: Saturday 13 September 2025, 11am – 1pm
Access: Captioning will be provided for the audio. The event registration form invites guests to share any access requirements. Additionally, if you’d like to speak to our access lead before the event, please get in touch with access@biennial.com.
For this special event, Vid together Studio/Lab at FACT and other experts in the field, will share insights into the world of podcast-making. We’ll explore what is involved in the process – behind the scenes from beginning to end – and will invite attendees to share their experiences too.
‘Art Against the World’ podcast is a co-production with the University of Liverpool. This event is delivered in partnership with Studio/Lab at FACT Liverpool. Location: Studio/Lab, FACT
Time: Sunday 14 September 2025, 5 – 7pm
Access: The event registration form invites guests to share any access requirements. Additionally, if you’d like to speak to our access lead before the event, please get in touch with access@biennial.com.
