Liverpool Art Fair has just opened its doors for 2025, and I popped in on the first day (Friday 11 July) to check it out. Held in the iconic Royal Liver Building, it’s packed full of affordable, original art by local creatives — and once again proves that art isn’t just for galleries or collectors. It’s for all of us.
Now in its 11th year, the fair runs from 11 July to 25 August, and features work from almost 200 artists based within a 35-mile radius of the city. What I love most is how relaxed and welcoming the whole thing feels. Whether you’re a regular art buyer or just fancy a browse, it’s a really inviting space — no pressure, just loads of amazing work to explore.
Since it launched in 2012, Liverpool Art Fair has become a real highlight of the city’s cultural calendar. It’s organised by local arts champions dot-art, and they’ve done a great job of keeping things accessible — not just in terms of location and vibe, but price too. Every piece is priced between £20 and £2,000, with a whole section dedicated to work under £200.
Curated with Care
The artists were chosen by a great panel of judges this year, including Joe Brooks from National Museums Liverpool, artist Claire Weetman, and returning panelists Sarah Lovell and Faith Bebbington. The result is a brilliant mix — from bold paintings and sculpture to delicate prints and more experimental stuff too. There really is something for everyone.
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A Few of My Favourites
One of my absolute favourite pieces was Helen McNicholas’ ‘Alphabetti Spaghetti on Toast’. It instantly made me smile. There’s something so playful and nostalgic about it, but the detail is incredible too — it really looks good enough to eat. It’s such a brilliant example of how art can be both skilful and lighthearted at the same time.
Another highlight for me was Alan Murray’s ‘War Ain’t Over’, a surreal, colourful take on Renshaw Street. It features The Beatles gliding along on Voi scooters, a floating pig, Yoko Ono and all kinds of Liverpool references tucked into the scene.
I also really loved Victoria Small’s ‘Room for One More’ — a beautifully observed painting of people browsing an art gallery wall, completely absorbed in the moment. There’s something warm and familiar about it. I liked the way it captures that quiet joy of looking at art — of being lost in thought, taking your time, noticing the little details. It almost felt like a painting within a painting, and I found myself doing the same thing as the people in the artwork: slowly taking it all in.
Open Every Day, With Creative Workshops Too
For the first time, the fair is now open seven days a week, from 11am to 5pm, which makes it super easy to drop in whenever suits. And if you fancy getting hands-on, there’ll be a series of creative workshops happening over the summer, delivered by Cass Art. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for those — always fun to have a go yourself.
More Than Just an Art Fair
One of the best things about Liverpool Art Fair is the way it supports local artists. It’s not just about selling work (though of course that’s important) — it’s about building careers, creating community, and celebrating the creative energy that makes this city so special.
The setting couldn’t be better either. The Royal Liver Building is such a landmark, and it adds a bit of magic to the experience. There’s something about seeing contemporary art in a space with so much history — it just works.
I left feeling inspired. If you’ve never been before, I’d really recommend it. And if you have? You’ll already know it’s well worth a return visit.
Liverpool Art Fair 2025
Royal Liver Building, Pier Head, Liverpool
Until 25 August 2025
Open daily, 11am – 5pm
Free Entry
liverpoolartfair.com