25 Reasons Liverpool Will Make You Smile
1. Liverpool Cathedral Abseil
Where: Liverpool Cathedral
Liverpool Cathedral is one of the most breathtaking buildings in our beautiful city – and we most certainly have a lot of them. So, if you’re feeling bold and brave, you should embark on a 120 foot abseil from the Corona gallery.
Individuals, businesses and charities are invited to undertake the indoor abseil for their chosen charities, and the event will take place on 22nd January 2016 between 9am to 2pm.
2. Liverpool Winter Ales Festival
Where: St George’s Hall
If you are looking for the perfect way to banish those January blues, you have to head to the Liverpool Organic Brewery’s Winter Ales Festival at St George’s Hall. The festival will take place from Thursday 18th February to Saturday 20th February 2016, and will offer 200+ real ales and ciders, continental beers and lagers, as well as Liverpool gin.
Enjoy a wide selection of delicious drinks that will only complement a great atmosphere, live music and tasty food. To attend the event, you must purchase a ticket to ensure entry into the beer festival for a purchased session. The price also includes a souvenir half pint glass and a full colour programme. Under 18s will not be permitted into the beer festival.
3. The Hoff at Bongo’s Bingo
Where: Bongo’s Bingo at Camp and Furnace
The whole of the city seems to have fallen head over heels in love with Bongo’s Bingo at Camp and Furnace – and it’s about to become a whole lot better because The Hoff will be making a special guest appearance on 23rd January.
4. Chinese New Year
When: From Monday 8th February (event dates TBC)
Where: Chinatown
2016 is the Year of the Monkey and on 8th February 2016 people across the world will be saying Kung Hey Fat Choi! (Happy New Year) to their loved ones for Chinese New Year, which is also known as the Spring Festival. Chinese New Year is tied into the lunar cycle, and ends on the 15th day of the lunar month.
Liverpool Chinese community groups and Liverpool City Council have arranged a number of fantastic events to celebrate, offering an incredible weekend of arts and cultural events across the city. Just some of the Chinese New Year celebrations include the street market on Great George Street, a firecracker display, lantern-making workshops, street animations and a tai chi demonstration.
5. MCM Comic Con
Where: Exhibition Centre Liverpool
If you love movies, comic books, sci-fi, video games, anime or cosplay, you just have to book tickets to MCM Comic Con, if you haven’t already! MCM Comic Con, one of the largest shows in the UK, is coming to Liverpool this March at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool, as fans can explore the Comic Village of artists and writers, participate in eSports competitions and can meet film and TV stars.
6. Crabbie’s Grand National Festival
When: Aintree Racecourse
The Crabbie’s Grand National is the biggest event on the racing calendar, with 600 million people tuning in to watch 40 horses and jockeys race to the post. Whether you are watching it at home or dressing up to view the horses in action at Aintree Racecourse, you can guarantee the three-day event will be offer an action-packed few days, with the whole city talking about who will win the national, what they’ll wear on Ladies’ Day and the best fashion looks in the stands.
7. Cream Classics at Liverpool Cathedral
Where: Liverpool Cathedral
Cream classics are on their way to Liverpool Cathedral – and will be unlike anything you’ve ever heard before. That’s because they will be performed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in the magnificent building. Three cultural institutions will come together to offer a night that demands to be experienced, as some of the finest dance classics in electronic music will be transformed into classic arrangements and complemented by an exquisite backdrop.
So, for a night of enthralling music from a 60 piece orchestra, visit Liverpool Cathedral on 15th or 16th April to experience the carefully selected songs come to life – a tribute to the closure of Cream’s spiritual home, Nation.
8. Liverpool Food & Drink Spring Festival
Where: Sefton Park
You will want to visit Sefton Park on 23rd and 24th April, because that’s when the Liverpool Food & Drink Spring Festival is taking place. Enjoy street food in the woods or watch a grow-your-own demonstration.
You will be spoilt for options at the festival, as there will be themed food zones dedicated to everything from chocolate, fresh fish and street food. We had you at chocolate, right?
Not only can you fill your bellies with delectable food and drink from the city’s finest restaurants, bars and producers, but you can also take the children to the petting farm, enchanted garden or to view live puppet theatre.
9. Liverpool Sound City
Where: Bramley Moore Dock
As everyone knows, Liverpool isn’t shy of big events – and Liverpool Sound City has to be one of the biggest and best on the calendar. Taking place every year, Liverpool Sound City is the largest international music, digital and film festival in the UK, and has been known to feature some ground-breaking artists, with previous years showcasing the talent of Ed Sheeran, The Maccabees and Florence and the Machine.
The Coral has been announced as the headline act at Liverpool Sound City 2016, and there will also be performances by The Dandy Warhols, Circa Waves, Sleaford Mods, Young Fathers and Band of Skulls. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this exciting event.
10. Liverpool Light Night
Where: Across the city
Liverpool Light Night takes place annually in May, offering the ultimate arts and culture festival in the city. The late-night events will be held at various locations across the city, including art exhibitions, music performances, installations and so much more.
11. Africa Oyé 2016
Where: Sefton Park
Africa Oyé is filled with fantastic music, an electric atmosphere and non-stop dancing every year, and the festival will once again be hitting Sefton Park this June. The event offers a free celebration of African music and culture, so expect to get up on your feet and dance with the crowd.
12. Cunard Building’s Centenary
When: June 2016
Where: Liverpool Waterfront
There are some Liverpool events that will stand out in your mind – and who can forget the Three Queens re-enacting the first transatlantic passage to celebrate Cunard’s 175th Anniversary. As many people will know, the Cunard Building served as the shipping company’s headquarters from 1917 until the 1960s – and so it is a beautiful monument to the city’s maritime history. To mark the centenary of the building, Cunard’s flagship liner, Queen Elizabeth will return to Liverpool as a salute to the iconic building.
13. Summer Arts Market
Where: St George’s Hall
Over 100 artists, designers and crafters will showcase their items at St George’s Hall this June, offering unusual items the public are unlikely to find on the high street. You can explore thousands of fantastic products, including everything from homeware and jewellery to paintings and textiles. You can also enjoy a bite to eat from local food vendors and can take the little ones along to a craft workshop.
14. Liverpool Biennial 2016
Where: Public spaces and galleries across the city
Liverpool Biennial is set to return for another fantastic year of contemporary art from around the world. The public can enjoy the 14-week free festival in various public spaces and galleries across the city, as well as online.
The event is organised as a story, which is narrated in several episodes. The fictional worlds will be sited in museums, galleries, pubs, stations, hotels, unused spaces, shops, supermarkets and parking lots. Children can also work with artists and the Liverpool Biennial team for the very first time, allowing them to develop amazing projects, exhibitions and publications designed for young audiences.
15. Brazilica 2016
Where: Across Liverpool city centre
The UK’s first Brazilian festival will once again return to stages and streets across Liverpool city centre. 2,000 members of the Liverpool Samba School will get together to celebrate their love of Brazilian musical, creating an exhilarating carnival that’s now in its eighth year. The Liverpool Carnival Company has also promised that Brazilica Festival 2016 will be bigger and better than ever before – so don’t miss it!
16. Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF) 2016
source: www.festivalsforall.com
Where: Sefton Park
We’re more than happy to float the city’s boat, which is why we regularly highlight some of Liverpool’s impressive achievements, such as our extensive maritime history and exceptional music.
We are a city that’s made up of various backgrounds, and so the Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF) just fills our hearts with pride. Acts from across the globe will take to the stage at Sefton park to offer three days of incredible music for all ages. It’s no surprise LIMF won the Best Festival for Emerging Talent award at the UK Festival Awards and Conference 2015.
The free festival takes place every August bank holiday weekend, and LIMF 2016 will focus on the theme of ‘redefinition’. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate a weekend!
17. International Beatleweek 2016
Where: Across Liverpool city centre
From one brilliant music event to the next! We’re delighted International Beatleweek will be back, providing another week of exciting performances of The Beatles’ songs. Locals and tourists will head to Liverpool city centre to experience the magic of the Fab Four’s music. Venues such as the Cavern Club and The Grapes will feature live music performances that will have everyone singing the band’s classics, such as ‘She Loves You’ and ‘Hey Jude’.
18. Liverpool Food and Drink Festival
Where: Sefton Park
If you happen to miss the Liverpool Food and Drink Spring Festival in April, not to worry, you’ll have another shot to experience fantastic local delights in September. Sefton Park will become a haven for exceptional food and drink, with local chefs and producers creating delicious dishes and snacks that will have your mouth watering just off their aroma. Think street food, beer, burgers, wine and live entertainment. Oh, and there’s also a chocolate garden. See you there!
19. Liverpool Irish Festival 2016
Where: Venues across Liverpool
The Liverpool Irish Festival 2016 celebrates the history and culture linking Liverpool and Ireland. To honour the city’s link to the Emerald Isle, the 10 day festival will take place across various venues, including concert halls, galleries, theatres, clubs, pubs, community venues and public spaces. The aim of the event is to highlight Liverpool and Ireland’s shared heritage. There will be a range of events taking place that feature food and drink, music, performance and poetry, plus so much more.
20. British Musical Fireworks Championship
Where: Victoria Park, Southport
The British Musical Fireworks Championships isn’t your average firework display. The three night spectacular offers the finest pyrotechnic battles you’re ever likely to see. Pyrotechnic companies will battle it out using fireworks and music to be crowned the winner. Industry experts will judge the firework displays on the fireworks’ synchronisation to the music, the displays’ mood and flow, the variety and effects on offer, the selection of music, the firework choreography and the overall design.
21. John Lennon’s 75th Birthday Celebrations
Where: Across the city
John Lennon would have turned 75 years old on Sunday 9th October 2015. As a tribute to the singer-songwriter, Liverpool will honour his landmark birthday with a series of events.
The public will be invited to witness John Lennon’s last piano at The Beatles Story, which the exhibition centre has recently acquired. Visitors can also view the photo collection ‘John Lennon: The New York Years 1971 – 1980’, taken by taken by Bob Gruen, the New York photographer who snapped the iconic shot of Lennon in his New York City t-shirt.
Also, in partnership with Can Cook Studio and John Lennon’s sister, Julia Baird, The Beatles Story has launched a ‘Imagine No Food Poverty’ chocolate brownie. Each brownie sold at the exhibition centre will help to pay for a fresh meal for a family living in food poverty.
The Cavern Club is also a must for those looking to celebrate the Fab Four member’s birthday, as The Beatles played here 292 times at the start of their career. The Magical Mystery Tour is also a great way to celebrate the life and legacy of John Lennon, as you can view the locations from the band’s most memorable hits, such as ‘Penny Lane’ and ‘Strawberry Field, as well as the place where John and Paul met for the first time.
22. Winter Arts Market at St George’s Hall
When: TBC
Where: St George’s Hall
Christmas is all about a spot of shopping, right? So where better to do just that than at the Winter Arts Market at St George’s Hall. You can step inside the Grade I listed building to buy all sorts of items from over 200 artists, designers and crafters. Did we mention there’s also live music, food and drink stalls and a vintage fair? Yeah, you will want to be there.
23. Liverpool One Ice Festival
When: TBC
Where: Liverpool One
Liverpool One is full of festive fun come the Christmas season, and in 2015 they erected the tallest Christmas tree in the UK. The retail and leisure district never fails to impress during the Yuletide holiday, offering everything from an ice rink, ice bar, fairground rides and food and drink stalls at Chavasse Park. Now that’s definitely a reason to smile in 2016!
24. Christmas Markets
When: TBC
Where: Liverpool city centre
The Liverpool Christmas markets were pretty great in 2015, right? We fell in love with the wide selection of food, bars and festive items that were spread out the high street in December. While they have yet to be confirmed, each and every scouser looks forward to their return every year. If you didn’t have a chance to see the Liverpool Christmas Markets 2015, check out our ultimate guide.
25. Radio City Christmas Live 2016
Where: Echo Arena Liverpool
If last year’s Radio City Christmas Live is anything to go by, you will be in for a right treat in 2016. Last December, the likes of Rita Ora, Little Mix and Olly Murs took to the stage to offer a night of dancing, singing and some festive fun. The event just seems to improve year on year, so we expect the line-up to be better than ever before.
For more information on what’s happening in the month of January, click here.
What events are you most looking forward to? Have we missed anything? Let us know by dropping us a comment below. We’d love to hear from you.
