January is brimming with incredible things to do in Liverpool and the city region. From interactive theatre competitions to artist-led workshops and inspiring exhibitions, the Liverpool city region is alive with creativity this winter and there’s no shortage of ways to start 2025 on a high note. Dive into this curated list of must-see events, workshops, and performances to make the most of what Liverpool and the region has to offer this January.
1. What Happen’s Next? 2025, Hope Street Theatre (16 – 18 January)
What Happens Next? 2025 is an interactive playwriting competition celebrating Liverpool’s emerging talent at The Hope Street Theatre from 16th-18th January 2025. Across three evenings, eight new plays will compete, with audiences and industry experts voting for the winner. The prize includes theatre space, a professional production contract, dramaturgy support, and a £1000 budget. Tickets start at £11, with supporter options available. Help champion new artists and experience the thrill of asking, What Happens Next?
2. Promising Portfolios Workshop, Walker Art Gallery (18 January)
Promising Portfolios are artist-led sessions, offering a great opportunity for 13–18-year-olds to develop their artistic skills, build their portfolio, and explore how art is used in museums and galleries. For this session participants will be experimenting with life drawing. Using a semi-clothed model you will explore ways of capturing body form, poses and movement by experimenting with different drawing materials.
3. Stronger Together – Dance for Women Only, 24 Hope Street (Various Dates)
Stronger Together is a free dance project aimed at bringing women together to build confidence, create community, and experience the power of dance in a supportive, all-female environment. Held at 24 Hope Street, the project offers women the opportunity to connect with one another through movement, fostering both personal growth and a sense of unity. The sessions encourage participants to express themselves artistically while cultivating a positive space for creativity and empowerment. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or a complete beginner, Stronger Together is about enjoying the collective energy of women coming together through the joy of dance.
4. Events & Workshops at Bluecoat (Various Dates)
The Bluecoat has a range of engaging workshops this January that cater to all ages and interests. Whether you’re looking to tap into your creative side, learn new skills, or explore unique art forms, there’s something for everyone. Baby Book Club returns in January with six weekly sessions for parents and carers of babies aged 3 to 12 months, led by artist Roger Hill. Additionally, Bluecoat’s Family Weekend invites families to enjoy a nostalgic journey back in time with traditional children’s party games, storytelling, and creative workshops.
If you’re looking to start the year off strong, the Collage Your Intentions workshop is a great way to reflect on your goals for 2025. Create a vision board before the New Moon on 29 January, a time for new beginnings and reflection.
5. Kraus & Lick at Metal (17 January)
Kraus and Lick are two dynamic, locally-based improvising trios pushing the boundaries of experimental music. Kraus features Keith Parkins, Robert Harrison, and Angela Vowles, blending jazz-inspired instruments with spontaneous creativity. Their performances embrace unpredictability, crafting a unique and ever-evolving sound that reimagines harmony and chaos. Lick, comprising Aous, Jon, and Paula, transforms everyday found sounds into unconventional music. Incorporating vocals and clay flutes, they explore the fringes of musical expression with playful innovation. Together, these trios promise an unforgettable evening of avant-garde artistry.
6. Mark Thomas: Gaffa Tapes, Playhouse Theatre (23 January)
Mark Thomas is back in his sharpest stand-up form with Gaffa Tapes, bringing his trademark anti-Tory comedy to Liverpool. Known for blending stand-up, theatre, and activism, Mark has spent nearly 40 years making waves in comedy and political discourse. With numerous awards, TV shows, and groundbreaking work in human rights, he continues to challenge authority and entertain with his fearless, provocative style. Don’t miss this iconic performer in action.
7. Pretty Vacant, The Atkinson (29 January)
The Atkinson brings to life the explosive energy of Punk and New Wave music, which transformed popular culture between 1976 and 1979, with Pretty Vacant. With a talented cast of musicians, singers, and dancers, the production showcases the raw attitude, iconic hits, and fashion that defined a generation. From its beginnings in New York City to its evolution in London and global impact, the show takes audiences on a thrilling journey through the DIY spirit and cultural revolution that reshaped the music world forever. It’s an unforgettable celebration of a defining era in music history.
8. Ancestral and Systemic Constellations: Spiritual Healing Weekend, Bidston Observatory Artistic Research Centre (24 – 26 January)
Ancestral and Systemic Constellations: Spiritual Healing Weekend offers a transformative experience in the lineage of Bert Hellinger and Ron Young. From 24th-26th January, this immersive workshop explores ancestral stories and relationship dynamics through Constellation Practice, a group healing method that transcends rational thought to reveal the deep interconnections of ancestry, environment, and myth. Hosted by Fi Fane-James, Cathy Kamau, and Stella Cairns, participants will engage in a blend of original and evolved practices.
9. Under 5s Concert: The Musical Professor, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Music Room (29 January)
Join the Musical Professors in their musical laboratory at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic where Claire Henry will work with their music-making machines to create musical experiments with players from the Orchestra.
10. Lindy In The Sky, Various Venues (31 January – 2 February)
Lindy in the Sky, the vibrant swing dance festival, hosted by Mersey Swing returns this winter. This lively event offers a weekend of high-energy workshops, social dancing, and performances, all celebrating Lindy Hop and swing culture. Featuring world-class instructors, live music, and a friendly community vibe, the festival is perfect for dancers of all levels. Whether you’re looking to hone your skills or enjoy the thrill of swing, this weekend promises fun, rhythm, and plenty of opportunities to dance the night away.
Exhibitions Ending This Month
Don’t miss your last chance to catch these incredible exhibitions ending this month. Explore the relationship between culture and technology in Cosmotechnics at FACT, or discover unique crafts at Bluecoat Display Centre’s Winter Display. Immerse yourself in Brickworks, at Tate Liverpool + RIBA North, or revel in the glamour of Bedazzled at Lady Lever Art Gallery. Finally, Proximity at Open Eye Gallery, showcases 45 years of Stephen McCoy’s powerful photography, capturing the people, places, and evolving landscapes of Merseyside with deep personal connection and creativity. Make time to visit before they’re gone!
To find even more events happening in January and beyond, in Liverpool and the city region check out our What’s On Listings.