James May

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Age Guidance:  14+

James May will premiere a landmark live theatre show in the United Kingdom, bringing to life the stories of the extraordinary explorers who traversed the deserts, scaled the mountains, sailed into the unknown. The live show combines theatrical techniques and James’ charismatic storytelling to create an evening of compelling intellectual entertainment. From Ice Age migrations to space travel, the stories of famous, infamous and unknown explorers will come to life in a theatric style, presented by British television presenter and award-winning journalist James May. James May is best known as a co-presenter of the motoring programs Top Gear and The Grand Tour, and as the host of the Our Man in… TV series. Few endeavors have captured the imagination and spirit of humanity as profoundly as exploration. Audiences will embark on an awe-inspiring journey through time and space. They will discover the stories of those who risked (and sometimes gave) everything, driven by insatiable curiosity and an unquenchable thirst for discovery, pushing back the boundaries of the unexplored regions of the world, and now, the universe. Live on stage, James May will unravel the breathtaking tales of humankind from the earliest wanderings of ancient hunter-gatherers to the intrepid, often obsessive explorers, among them Lief Ericson, John Cabot, James Cook’s navigator Tupaia, Stanley and Livingstone, Gertrude Bell, through to the moon walkers, space exploration and the seemingly impossible challenges of interplanetary and intergalactic travel.

The Night Sky Show

Age Guidance 8+

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult

Bringing his successful sell out and highly praised show, astronomer and author Adrian West (aka VirtualAstro) presents a glorious visual and thought-provoking experience for everyone that looks up and wonders.

Using amazing big screen visual effects, The Night Sky Show will take you on a fantastic and epic journey across the cosmos.

A show for all without any heavy-going science, science fiction and science fact are combined and presented in an entertaining, easy way.

This is not your typical astronomy lecture, dry academic science, or intellectual presentation. The show offers a captivating and inclusive experience, featuring content that often breaks away from tradition. We prioritize fun and engagement over complex scientific jargon, ensuring everyone feels informed and entertained regardless of age or interest level. Join us for an exciting journey through the wonders of the universe!

A TRULY FANTASTIC NIGHT TO REMEMBER

A spectacular theatrical experience for all.  A journey around the constellations, stars, planets and more. With entertaining tours, stories, and the endless possibilities of our future with the night sky and beyond.

Presented by Adrian West – a passionate and experienced astronomer, presenter and author. Better known as VirtualAstro, he has one of the largest independent astronomy and space accounts on social media.

If you look up and wonder, The Night Sky Show is for you.

Elis James & John Robins

Elis James, John Robins and Dave Masterman are hitting the road! How does that feel?! I’ll tell you how it feels…

SIGNIFICANT!

Yes! Britain’s youngest and most relevant podcast-first broadcasters are coming to a theatre near you, and this time they’re bringing Dave!

Expect Made Up Games, Cymru Connections, Mad Dads and three digital firebrands let loose from the shackles of Billy Balance!

An Evening with Racing Icons Mika Häkkinen & David Coulthard

 

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Age Guidance:  12+

Experience the electrifying reunion of motorsport’s most captivating teammate rivalry as stars Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard take the stage for an uncensored, no-holds-barred conversation about their careers and the 2025 season so far.

Once rivals, then teammates who both enjoyed and endured the ups and downs of intra-team battles, this illustrious duo drove McLaren to the 1998 FIA Formula 1 World Championship for Constructors with a partnership as brilliant and consistent as it was sometimes volatile. Discover how their longstanding rivalry and team partnership evolved into an enduring friendship – forged on the racetrack and strengthened through mutual respect.

Mika, the “Flying Finn,” renowned as the only driver Michael Schumacher ever admitted to fearing, recounts his journey – including joining Ayrton Senna at McLaren, surviving a life-threatening crash at the 1995 Adelaide Grand Prix, and executing his iconic 190mph overtake at the 2000 Belgian Grand Prix, once voted by fans as the greatest overtake in motorsport history. He will also reflect on his path to winning back-to-back Drivers’ Championship titles.

David Coulthard – ‘DC’ as he is known – regarded as one of Britain’s fastest and most consistent drivers in motorsport, will share insights from his 15-season career, from replacing Ayrton Senna at Williams in 1994 to securing his maiden win in 1995, racing for McLaren and Red Bull Racing, and accumulating 13 Grand Prix victories, including two wins each at both the British and Monaco Grands Prix.

Together, they’ll dissect defining moments—from controversial team orders to dramatic on-track collisions—and reflect on how they brought McLaren the World Championship for Constructors in 1998.

They will also share their thoughts on the current 2025 season that started strongly with victories for their former team, McLaren, but with a closely fought battle in prospect against Red Bull Racing, Ferrari, and Mercedes.

Fierce rivals, close friends, and racing icons – don’t miss this unique chance to see Mika and David as you’ve never seen them before. 

 

An Evening with Jimmy Anderson

Age Guidance:  12+ Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

The man for all seasons. England’s greatest ever fast bowler. The Jimmy Anderson is returning to the stage in 2025 for an unrivalled evening of never-before stories from inside the changing room.

With 188 Tests and 700+ wickets to his name, Jimmy remains one of cricket’s most legendary figures – who’s certainly aged like a fine wine. Join him as he reflects on the soaring highs: from facing international greats such as Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar and winning the Ashes four times, to the tough lows of crushing defeats and the shock of being dropped. Jimmy will detail the highlights of this time, his final resurgence under Brendon McCullum, and ending his career with his 700th wicket, all alongside his teammates and lifelong friends on the England team.

Sharing the stage alongside Tailenders co-host and musician Felix White, the duo will also unpack some of their favourite cricketing moments in their usual alternative fashion.

Together they’ll bring sharp(ish) insights, humour and wit to untold stories, recounting their greatest (and most ridiculous) moments together. With the opportunity to ask your own questions, this is a night of cricket, camaraderie, and chaos you won’t want to miss.

In The Window: Meet The Maker: Corrinne Price

The Bluecoat Display Centre and Liverpool Irish Festival’s 2025 maker is artist Corinne Price; continuing their annual In The Window partnership. This event provides visitors with the chance to speak with the artist directly, about their work, general practice, ambitions and achievements.

Centred on Corinne’s ceramics, which layer pigment into the clay itself, visitors will benefit from a guided question and answer session, being able to ask additional questions. Refreshments will also be provided on arrival.

The Future of Rail – All Aboard for Tomorrow!

What will train travel look like 200 years from now? Who will run the railways? What will we eat onboard? How fast will we go and how can we travel greener and cleaner? Join Metal Liverpool for a fun, hands-on creative workshop where you’ll imagine the future of rail travel.   Working with St. Helens based artist Claire Weetman they will explore big questions through drawing, design, and storytelling. Whether you’re a train lover, a daydreamer, or simply curious — all are welcome. No experience needed, just bring your imagination!

Harry Clarke’s windows

Harry Clarke was an exemplary illustrator and stained-glass designer and maker, whose work in the 1920s-30s continues to build his legacy. Examples can still be found across Ireland and the UK, America and Australia. Anyone enjoying a brew in Bewley’s Tea Rooms on Grafton Street (Dublin, Ireland) will be aware of his talents. Despite a short life and a fragile material, Clarke’s secular and faith-based windows offer a permanence and ways into stories still needing to be told.

Gerry Molumby (The Irish Post) leads this hour-long illustrated talk, presented in partnership with The Institute of Irish Studies at University of Liverpool.

Image credit: Nate Bergin (detail only), shared under Cultural Commons.

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Venue information to follow.

Reveal: book and documentary launch

A special preview to launch the Festival, tonight presents the exclusive first screening of our new documentary and the debut of our long-awaited book, Reveal. Three years in the making, this evening marks a milestone moment for Liverpool Irish Festival.

Documenting the 2024 Walk of the Bronze Shoes — a pilgrimage from Strokestown, Ireland to Liverpool, UK — and the creation of the Global Irish Famine Way, this book and film capture countless hours of research, endurance and dedication from our remarkable walkers and researchers.

Featuring research from the Liverpool Irish Famine Trail’s History Research Group, the project has received direct support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Consul General of the North on behalf of the Government of Ireland, the Liverpool Great Hunger Commemoration Committee and generous donors who contributed through our JustGiving campaign.

Held in partnership with Boxpark, this evening highlights the Festival’s commitment to telling the story of An Gorta Mór, 180-years on. Join us for this unique opportunity to witness history being revealed.

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The Great Hunger 2-hour tour

 

Join Liverpool Irish Festival‘s John Maguire (also of ArtsGroupie) on an expanded walking tour of several Liverpool Irish Famine Trail sites, including Clarence Dock – the entry way for over 1.8m+ Irish Famine poor – and others in the town centre.

Spectators will hear how The Great Hunger changed Liverpool’s streets, learning how locations were used for sanctuary, nourishment and safety. Along the route, sites of Irish influence will also be marked helping to show the geographic memory of these times. Walkers will also hear about the benevolence of Liverpool’s people and on-going effects on the city today.

Using a new trail app, headsets and recent Walk of the Bronze Shoes experience, your guide will really help you to walk in the shoes of Liverpool and Irish people 180-years ago.

The walks leave at 2pm. Bookers are asked to gather in the 15mins prior at the Pilotage Building (near the Museum of Liverpool). The walk will last approximately 120mins.

Bookings for these walks close at 5pm on Fri 17 Oct 2025.

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