By Ade Blackburn
This month includes a host of inspiring festivals and autumn events to explore.
1. Black History Month
Black History Month returns with a range of events and activities across Merseyside. The festival includes Museum of Liverpool workshops devoted to Inspirational Black Scousers and a commemoration of the L8 uprising in 1981.
A highlight of this year’s BHM is Everyman Theatre’s My White Best Friend – North. Northern artists were invited to write personal letters exploring issues around race. The letters will be read by actors live for the first time on the night.
1-31 October, various venues and online.
2. Stick Man
Touching and funny, Freckle Productions’ delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is heading to Liverpool’s Playhouse Theatre.
This award-winning production, from the team behind Zog and Tiddler and other Terrific Tales, features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.
Liverpool Playhouse, 26-27 October, various times.
3. Liverpool Irish Festival
Join Liverpool Irish Festival for ten days of arts and cultural activities celebrating Liverpool’s links with Ireland.
Expect music and song, food and film, talks, theatre and much more. There will be a chance to join in with ceílís and comedy nights, traditional music seisiuns and poetry events.
The festival also features a new piece of music theatre by renowned composer Maz O’Connor, exploring Irish folklore and superstitions.
Head along for a packed festival of family fun.
21-31 October, various venues and online.
4. Homotopia Festival
The UK’s longest running LGBTQIA arts and culture festival, Homotopia Festival, is back. After months of being stuck at home, this year’s festival theme is Coming Out. And for those who aren’t ready to Come Out, they’ve got some fabulous digital content on offer too.
A festival highlight is international cabaret and drag artist Peter Groom’s ‘Dietrich: Live in Liverpool’ – a glittering, poignant and uplifting audience with icon, Marlene Dietrich, in the stunning St George’s Hall.
This year’s festival also features a new exhibition by celebrated artist Christian Asare and Homotopia’s Artist in Residence for 2021 is actor and writer Jade Anouka.
28 October – 14 November, various venues and online.
5. Gustavo The Shy Ghost
The Storybarn are featuring the vibrant and light-hearted book Gustavo The Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago, this October Half Term.
Head along and meet Gustavo a multi-talented ghost with a big heart and a love a music! The only thing is he is a bit shy and has gone missing. Help find Gustavo and give him the courage to put on his very first concert.
They will create shadow puppets, learn about the day of the dead, read stories and have a spooktacular time!
The Storybarn, 22-31 October, various times.
For more events check out our What’s On section.