With tickets now on sale, the multi-award winning company is delivering another magical family experience packed with laughter, music, colourful costumes and plenty of surprises! A perfect way to extend the festive season and beat those January blues, the production promises a laugh-a-minute extravaganza that will have both adults and children in stitches!

One of Wirral’s longest-running and most cherished theatrical traditions, The Chrysanths has been entertaining generations of families for more than a century. Now, fresh from another major award win and the success of January’s Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood, the company is preparing to bring one of pantomime’s best-loved fairy tales to life on the New Brighton waterfront.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

BEST AMATEUR PANTO IN THE NORTH WEST!

The Chrysanths has plenty to celebrate after being crowned Best Amateur Panto in the North West 2025, adding another impressive accolade to its growing collection of awards. The company has also received recognition for Best Pantomime Direction, Best Dame, Best Villain and Best Choreography — highlighting the exceptional talent, creativity and dedication that go into its productions.

Despite being an amateur society, The Chrysanths consistently delivers performances of a remarkably high standard, with spectacular costumes, imaginative sets, fantastic choreography and a talented cast bringing the magic of pantomime to life. Following its 2026 production, NODA (the National Operatic and Dramatic Association) summed up the company’s work perfectly: “This is pantomime at its very best; joyful, generous and brimming with heart.”

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FEE, FI, FO, FUM… JACK AND THE BEANSTALK IS COMING!

Following the huge success of Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood earlier this year, The Chrysanths is returning to the Floral Pavilion with its 108th production — Jack and the Beanstalk! Running from Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th January 2027, this much-loved fairy tale is the perfect recipe for a classic family pantomime.

Audiences can look forward to a magical adventure inspired by the story of Jack, his extraordinary beanstalk and the fearsome giant who lives high above the clouds. Expect plenty of larger-than-life characters, hilarious comedy, catchy musical numbers, dazzling dancing and all the traditional pantomime fun that audiences know and love.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Chrysanths production without plenty of audience participation, cheeky jokes for the grown-ups and laugh-out-loud moments for the children! The company’s January productions have become a firm fixture in the local calendar, providing a wonderful way to beat the post-Christmas blues and enjoy a fantastic family outing at one of the region’s most iconic theatres.

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OVER 100 YEARS OF PANTOMIME MAGIC!

What makes The Chrysanths particularly special is its extraordinary history. Founded in 1918, the Chrysanthemums Pantomime Society is believed to be one of the oldest pantomime societies in the UK — and possibly even the world! Its remarkable story began towards the end of the First World War, when a group of amateur performers staged an out-of-season pantomime in the garden of a house on Vaughan Road in New Brighton.

Over the decades, The Chrysanths has performed at numerous venues, including New Brighton Pier, The Tivoli and the Little Theatre in Birkenhead. The company has even been invited to perform at the famous Portmeirion village in North Wales. Today, its home is New Brighton’s magnificent Floral Pavilion, where generations of families return year after year to experience the magic. With Jack and the Beanstalk marking its 108th production, the society’s incredible legacy shows no signs of slowing down.

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LOCAL TALENT, PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS!

One of the greatest strengths of The Chrysanths is its commitment to local talent. From the actors and dancers to the musicians and production team, the company is bursting with talented people from across Wirral. It’s very much a production by local people, for local people — and that community spirit shines through in every performance.

Many members have dedicated years to perfecting the unique traditions of pantomime, combining classic comedy and storytelling with fresh ideas and exciting new talent. As scriptwriter and co-producer Graham Leigh explains: “Pantomime is all we do. We don’t do musicals, we don’t do plays — pantomime is what we know.” That dedication has certainly paid off, with the society establishing itself as one of the region’s most respected amateur theatre companies.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

BOOK YOUR TICKETS FOR JANUARY 2027!

With another prestigious award under its belt and a fantastic new production on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to experience The Chrysanths! Jack and the Beanstalk promises all the ingredients of a brilliant family pantomime — magical storytelling, hilarious characters, stunning performances and plenty of audience participation.

Whether you’re a lifelong pantomime fan, looking for a fantastic family day out or searching for a memorable Christmas gift, this is one show you’ll want to put in your diary. With five performances across four days, there are plenty of opportunities to catch the magic — but booking early is recommended!

Jack And The Beanstalk by Chrysanths Panto / 7th–10th January 2027 / The Floral Pavilion, New Brighton, Wirral

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

For more info visit The Chrysanths Panto WEBSITE

Follow The Chrysanths Panto on FACEBOOK

Taking place from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th November 2026, this year’s festival, African Routes 2026: Fair Play, will bring together leading dancers, choreographers, academics, artists and community practitioners for a programme of workshops, panel discussions, masterclasses and live performances.

Hosted at The Black-E, the festival is open to everyone, with events listed as free/by donation. The vibrant programme continues African Routes’ exploration of inequality, diversity and inclusion through African dance and music, with each day built around one of three themes: Fairness, Freedom and Friendship.

CLICK HERE FOR FREE TICKETS TO THE FESTIVAL

Friday: Fairness

The festival begins on Friday 6th November with a day dedicated to Fairness, examining education, opportunity and access within dance and the wider arts.

Following an opening libation from Dr H Patten MBE and a welcome from Karen Gallagher MBE and Andrea Vaz CEO, the first panel brings together Beverley Glean MBE, Dr Sharon Watson MBE DL and Dr H Patten MBE to discuss education and access, their own career pathways and the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation.

One of Friday’s highlights will be a masterclass from internationally renowned choreographer nora chipaumire, alongside interdisciplinary artist tyronneisaacstuart. Their nhaka: art Making, the animist body, and radical Black African presences session draws on chipaumire‘s practice rooted in Shona culture and spirituality, combining physical practice, sound, gesture, language and critical discussion.

Later, Dr Leona Vaughn, Andrew Barney, Anna Louise Loy and Ithalia Johnson will present Liverpool, Reparations and Reparatory Justice, using visual art, music and movement to explore research around reparatory justice and Black health and wellbeing. The day concludes with a showcase featuring dance students from regional higher and further education institutions from 6.15 – 8pm

CLICK HERE FOR FREE TICKETS TO THE FESTIVAL

Saturday: Freedom

Saturday 7th November turns its attention to Freedom, exploring what artistic freedom means for performers, practitioners, leaders and curators.

The programme starts with an Artists Coffee Morning, followed by a masterclass from award-winning interdisciplinary performer Akeim Toussaint Buck. Drawing on African diasporic dance practices and his own Beatmotion approach, the session will use movement and voice as tools for improvisation and creative expression.

nora chipaumire returns for a Black Dance Lecture, before Akeim Toussaint Buck joins David Blake, Yusra Warsama and Nathan Powell for a discussion on Freedom through leadership and curation. The panel will consider creative decision-making, producing work and ideas of success and failure within an artistic career.

Saturday culminates in a Triple Bill performance featuring IRIE! dance theatre, the IRIE! Performance Project and Francis Angol/Movement Angol starting at 7pm.

CLICK HERE FOR FREE TICKETS TO THE FESTIVAL

Sunday: Friendship

The final day, Sunday 8th November, celebrates Friendship, community and the sheer joy of dancing together.

A morning panel entitled Friendship, the power of dancing with communities will feature Maxine Brown, Kerri Ankrah-Lucas and Wendy Okoli, looking at dance’s ability to bring people together and strengthen communities.

In the afternoon, Francis Angol and Dr H Patten MBE will come together for an In Conversation: Men in Dance session. Workshops follow, including one led by Zimbabwean-Scouse dance artist Ruvimbo Bliss Munodawafa, whose developing practice combines African diasporic movement, somatic dance and influences from her Zimbabwean roots and Liverpool identity.

The weekend then comes to a celebratory close as Maxine Brown presents the Bend Down Low Community Showcase, with the performance scheduled from 6.15pm to 8.15pm.

CLICK HERE FOR FREE TICKETS TO THE FESTIVAL

A special celebration of Liverpool-born pioneer Lilian Bader

The African Routes celebrations will also continue beyond the main festival weekend with a special film, talk and performance on Wednesday 11th November, celebrating the life and legacy of Lilian Bader, a pioneering Black British woman whose remarkable story began in Liverpool.

Born Lilian Mary Bailey in Liverpool in 1918, Bader became one of the first Black women to serve in Britain’s armed forces. After initially facing discrimination because of her Barbadian heritage, she joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) in 1941, training in the highly skilled role of instrument repairer and eventually rising to the rank of corporal.

Her achievements did not end with her wartime service. Bader later earned a history degree from the University of London, trained as a teacher and began a second career in education. She died in 2015 at the age of 97, leaving a legacy spanning military service, education and Black British history.

The special 11th November film, performance and talk offers an opportunity to celebrate that extraordinary legacy in the city where her story began.

CLICK HERE FOR FREE TICKETS TO THE FESTIVAL

African Routes: Bringing the city to life with dance and cultural celebration

African Routes 2026: Fair Play takes place Friday 6th – Sunday 8th November 2026 at The Black-E, 1 Great George Street, Liverpool, L1 5EW. Friday runs from 10.30am, Saturday from 10.30am and Sunday from 10.30am, with programmes continuing into the evening. The events are open to all and are listed as free/by donation.

Whether you’re already immersed in the world of dance, want to discover more about African and African diasporic movement, or simply enjoy experiencing different cultures and creative ideas, African Routes 2026: Fair Play promises a fascinating and welcoming weekend of movement, discussion, learning and performance in the heart of Liverpool.

African Routes 2026: Fair Play / 6th — 8th November 2026 / The Black-E, 1 Great George Street, Liverpool, L1 5EW

CLICK HERE FOR FREE TICKETS TO THE FESTIVAL

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SCHEDULE AND MORE INFO

For more information visit The Black-E’s WEBSITE

Follow The Black-E on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

It’s simple – alcohol is a depressant that can worsen anxiety, depression and sleep disorders and yet 80% of adults drink alcohol in the UK*. For some people, what begins as casual or social drinking can become a harmful coping mechanism when life stressors increase. Understanding signs of problematic use, such as increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, changes in mood, and difficulties at work or in relationships, is critical.  Heavy drinking destroys vital body organs, causes acute poisoning, and can lead to fatal accidents. In England alone latest figures recorded an estimated 21,971 alcohol-related deaths**.

World Mental Health Day is the ideal time to take stock and look at your drinking habits before they become a problem. Ruth stresses, avoid using alcohol to self-medicate, seek professional assessment if symptoms persist, and reach out to trusted family members or friends for support if you’re concerned. 

How Alcohol Affects Your Mental Health:

• Sleep Disruption: Alcohol ruins deep sleep quality, leaving you tired and less resilient to daily stress the next day. 

• The Vicious Cycle: Many people use alcohol to cope with stress, low mood, or social anxiety, but it changes brain chemistry and depletes neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine over time.

• Hangxiety: The day after drinking, the body experiences a neural rebound effect, which spikes feelings of worry, dread, and anxiety.

Tips for Cutting Back

• Monitor your intake: Know your limits and try to have several alcohol-free days each week.

• Choose alternatives: Swap alcoholic drinks for non-alcoholic options during social events to wind down safely.

• Seek support: If you rely heavily on alcohol to manage your mental health, talk to a professional rather than using it as a coping mechanism

How to get help when drinking becomes a problem

First, visit your GP.  They can check for any damage caused by alcohol, and give advice.  They will also know whether a “detox” is needed – it may be unsafe to stop suddenly without medical supervision.

Some people join self help fellowships – Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, and Soberistas etc, they are open to anyone, and are responsible for getting thousands sober each year in the UK. You could also approach your Local Authority Drug and Alcohol Team (DAAT).  These specialists can offer a range of interventions, from brief day courses to residential rehab, and they will assess you and decide what is best for you.  They are very experienced, and will try to help everyone.  

Mount Carmel Rehab is a centre of excellence for alcohol treatment established more than 40 years ago and is based in S.London. It is an independent not for profit organisation with HMRC charitable status.  Most of its clients are funded by Local Authorities with self-funding also available. 

The Alternative Indie Wedding Fair is coming to The Racquet Club Hotel & Ziba Restaurant on Sunday 1st November 2026, bringing together some of the region’s most exciting independent and alternative wedding suppliers for an afternoon of inspiration, ideas, music and fun.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS FOR JUST £5 INCLUDING A FREE GLASS OF FIZZ & FREE ALTERNATIVE WEDDING CONSULTATION

Taking place from 12pm until 4pm, the event is aimed at modern, non-traditional couples of all ages, abilities, heritages and orientations, and is also geared towards neurodiversity. Whether you’re already engaged and deep into planning or you’re thinking about taking the plunge, it’s a chance to discover just how creative your wedding can be.

The Alternative Indie Wedding Fair deliberately does things differently. There are no catwalks, VIP packages or traditional wedding-fair clichés. Instead, expect a relaxed atmosphere, a complimentary glass of Prosecco, live music and a collection of friendly independent suppliers ready to share ideas without the hard sell. Every couple who attends is entitled to a free alternative wedding planning consultation — making the £5 ticket fee unbelievable value!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS FOR JUST £5 INCLUDING A FREE GLASS OF FIZZ & FREE ALTERNATIVE WEDDING CONSULTATION

More than 20 alternative wedding suppliers are set to feature, covering everything from floristry, photography, videography and everything in between. There’ll also be suppliers specialising in décor and hire, entertainment and celebrant services, giving couples plenty of inspiration for creating a celebration that genuinely reflects who they are. Visitors can also take an optional tour of the stunning venue.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS FOR JUST £5 INCLUDING A FREE GLASS OF FIZZ & FREE ALTERNATIVE WEDDING CONSULTATION

The fair takes place inside the stylish and historic Racquet Club at 5 Chapel Street in Liverpool city centre, making it an appropriately characterful setting for an event dedicated to weddings with personality. The event is organised by award winning alternative wedding planner Beth Atton de Sá and founder of ALT Events Co. — and Beth is offering a free wedding planning consultation for couples who attend the event!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS FOR JUST £5 INCLUDING A FREE GLASS OF FIZZ & FREE ALTERNATIVE WEDDING CONSULTATION

Beth said: “I launched Alternative Events Company in October 2022 after developing a passion for creating memorable events. My philosophy is centred around doing things differently and helping couples create weddings based on their personalities, interests and the things they genuinely love. I have co-ordinated a wide range of weddings including Mersey Ferry weddings to forest, festival, music-themed and pub-crawl celebrations.”

She continued: “I have worked with over 100 couples, including creatives, musicians and DJs, as well as people looking for celebrations outside the traditional religious wedding format. Previous weddings have ranged from Pagan and folk celebrations to festival and tipi weddings. That same ethos is at the heart of the Alternative Indie Wedding Fair — giving couples access to suppliers and ideas that can help them create something personal rather than simply following tradition.”

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS FOR JUST £5 INCLUDING A FREE GLASS OF FIZZ & FREE ALTERNATIVE WEDDING CONSULTATION

For couples who don’t fancy doing things the conventional way, the fair could provide inspiration for virtually every part of the day. Maybe you want an unusual venue. Perhaps you’re looking for a celebrant who understands your vision, a photographer with a distinctive style, alternative bridal wear or entertainment your guests will actually remember. Or maybe you don’t have a clue what you want yet — only that you don’t want the same wedding as everyone else.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS FOR JUST £5 INCLUDING A FREE GLASS OF FIZZ & FREE ALTERNATIVE WEDDING CONSULTATION

You can meet suppliers face-to-face, bounce ideas around and discover possibilities you might never have considered. On the day, feel free to pick Beth’s brains and gain some inspiration from someone who has co-ordinated countless alternative weddings! Bring your partner, your friends or your family, grab a drink and have a browse. There’s even a separate space available for quieter conversations and discussions if things get a little busy.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS FOR JUST £5 INCLUDING A FREE GLASS OF FIZZ & FREE ALTERNATIVE WEDDING CONSULTATION

The Alternative Indie Wedding Fair Liverpool takes place on Sunday 1st November 2026 from 12pm–4pm at The Racquet Club Hotel & Ziba Restaurant, 5 Chapel Street, Liverpool, L3 9AG. Tickets are allocated in hourly arrival slots and are limited to 80 people per session, although guests are welcome to stay longer than their allocated hour. Each ticket includes a glass of Prosecco, with live music running throughout the event and more than 20 alternative suppliers to discover.

The Alternative Wedding Fair / Sunday 1st November 2026, 12pm-4pm / The Racquet Club, 5 Chapel Street, Liverpool, L3 9AG

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS FOR JUST £5 INCLUDING A FREE GLASS OF FIZZ & FREE ALTERNATIVE WEDDING CONSULTATION

For more info about Alt Events Co or for a free chat with Beth about your wedding visit the WEBSITE

Follow Alt Events Co on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

Photography courtesy of @gingerbeardweddings

Daniel Fisher-Jones and Alice Critchley launched Wild Pantry in October 2025 with a mission to improve people’s gut health through naturally fermented foods and drinks. Less than a year later, the couple are aiming for a six-figure turnover, moving into a larger industrial unit in Ormskirk and are preparing to take their award-winning products nationwide.

TO FIND OUT MORE AND ORDER ONLINE VISIT THE WEBSITE

But behind their remarkable success is a deeply personal story that began when Daniel was diagnosed with a precancerous gut condition. After experiencing years of reflux and indigestion, Daniel received a diagnosis in early 2025 that prompted him to explore natural ways of supporting his digestive health alongside conventional medical advice. Their research led them to the world of fermentation, which has since proved life-changing.

The couple attended a festival in South Wales and learned how to ferment foods and drinks themselves. Alice started making lightly sparkling water kefir and sauerkraut at home, and within weeks they both noticed improvements. Daniel began feeling better and having less reflux, while Alice experienced relief from bloating that had troubled her for years. Daniel also reports that he was eventually able to stop taking his medication.

TO FIND OUT MORE AND ORDER ONLINE VISIT THE WEBSITE

Daniel explains: “This was never meant to be a business. It started with us making ferments at home for ourselves, then sharing them with family and friends. When they started coming back asking for more and telling us about the difference they were feeling, something clicked. We realised that what had helped us could help other people too. That’s really where Wild Pantry began. What’s happened since, especially in our first year, has gone far beyond anything we could have imagined.”

TO FIND OUT MORE AND ORDER ONLINE VISIT THE WEBSITE

What began as a personal mission has quickly developed into one of Liverpool’s exciting emerging food and drink businesses. Wild Pantry specialises in small-batch water kefir and fermented foods, made using organic ingredients and traditional fermentation techniques. Its products are raw and unpasteurised, retaining the live cultures produced during fermentation. The couple’s aim is to make gut-friendly food and drink accessible, enjoyable and, most importantly, delicious.

TO FIND OUT MORE AND ORDER ONLINE VISIT THE WEBSITE

Their range includes refreshing, lightly sparkling water kefir in flavours such as Elderflower Champagne, Ginger and Turmeric, Strawberry and Kiwi, Winter Berry, Mojito and Piña Colada. They also produce an innovative selection of fermented foods, including Fermented Salsa, ImmuniKraut and their bestselling PowerKraut, made with beetroot, red onion, garlic, turmeric and black pepper.

PowerKraut has proved particularly popular with customers. Perfect served on sourdough bread, it is also a versatile accompaniment to salads, sandwiches and a variety of everyday meals. Since launching in August 2025, Wild Pantry has sold an impressive 11,000 units and with delivery available throughout the UK, the meteoric rise is set to continue.

TO FIND OUT MORE AND ORDER ONLINE VISIT THE WEBSITE

Alice says: “For me, one of the loveliest parts has been getting to know the people who buy our ferments. We’ll meet someone at a market, they’ll come back a few weeks later for another jar or bottle, and then they’ll tell us how they’ve made Wild Pantry part of their everyday routine. We now have people who have been coming back to us since our very first markets.”

She continues: “To go from making everything in our home kitchen to having our own production space and seeing our products on the shelves of independent shops across the North West feels quite surreal. But it’s those conversations with people that still mean the most to me.”

TO FIND OUT MORE AND ORDER ONLINE VISIT THE WEBSITE

Wild Pantry’s remarkable first year has also been recognised with a string of prestigious industry awards and nominations. The couple enjoyed double success at the Nature Made Food & Drink Awards 2026, receiving Master of Outstanding Flavour awards for both their Fermented Salsa and Elderflower Champagne water kefir.

Their bestselling PowerKraut has also received a coveted Great Taste Award for 2026, an achievement that marks an important milestone for the young business. The Great Taste Awards are widely recognised within the food and drink industry, with products judged on their flavour and quality. For Daniel and Alice, the recognition is particularly significant because it demonstrates that their products can appeal to customers on taste alone, as well as to those interested in supporting their gut health.

TO FIND OUT MORE AND ORDER ONLINE VISIT THE WEBSITE

Their success hasn’t stopped there. Wild Pantry was named a finalist for North West Food & Drink Startup of the Year at the UK StartUp Awards and is now preparing for two more major award ceremonies. The business is a finalist in the Best Start-up category at the MIB Awards, taking place in October, and has also been shortlisted for the Sustainability Award at The Guide Liverpool Heroes Awards in November.

TO FIND OUT MORE AND ORDER ONLINE VISIT THE WEBSITE

At the heart of Wild Pantry is Daniel and Alice’s passion for introducing more people to fermented foods and the role they can play in a balanced diet. Fermentation has been used to preserve food for thousands of years, but interest in fermented products has grown alongside increasing awareness of the gut microbiome and its relationship with wider health.

Their products have attracted support from gut health experts and nutritionists, while customers have shared positive experiences through numerous five-star reviews. Customers have reported improvements in issues including bloating, fatigue and acid reflux, although individual experiences vary and fermented foods should not be considered a treatment or cure for medical conditions.

TO FIND OUT MORE AND ORDER ONLINE VISIT THE WEBSITE

With demand continuing to grow, Daniel and Alice are already looking beyond Merseyside as they prepare for the next stage of their business journey. Having established a growing network of stockists across the North West, their ambition is to expand nationally, introduce Wild Pantry to new customers and build a team capable of supporting the company’s growth.

In less than a year, Daniel and Alice have transformed a personal health journey into an award-winning business, sold thousands of products and established Wild Pantry as a growing name in the North West’s independent food and drink scene. With two more awards ceremonies on the horizon and plans for national expansion already taking shape, the couple’s first anniversary looks set to be just the beginning.

Daniel Fisher-Jones & Alice Critchley / Wild Pantry

TO FIND OUT MORE AND ORDER ONLINE VISIT THE WEBSITE

Follow Wild Pantry on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

The Wirral author is set to delight young readers with the release of his latest children’s novel, The Spirit of Adventure, a thrilling tale of ghosts, time travel and medieval mystery. The new book, officially released on 28th November 2026 but available to order now, is the latest instalment in Keeley’s long-running Spirits series, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2024.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE BOOK

This time, Victorian ghost Edward Fitzberranger receives an invitation to visit his medieval ancestor, Sir Francis, at Fitzberranger Castle. Accompanied by his friends Ruby and Jayden, Edward embarks on an extraordinary adventure that takes the trio back in time. But what begins as a visit soon turns into a dangerous quest when the travellers discover that Sir Francis has been ordered by King John to retrieve a mystical relic from an ancient, abandoned church.

As they journey through a spooky forest and across a river, they encounter magical guardians and the mysterious powers of the spirit world. With questions surrounding the true purpose of Sir Francis’s mission, the friends must overcome a series of challenges if they are ever to return to the present day. Combining fantasy, suspense and historical adventure, the novel’s medieval setting and exploration of contemporary themes also make it suitable for classroom reading.

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Keeley, who lives in Wirral, has been writing stories and plays since childhood. His literary career began with the publication of The Alien in the Garage and Other Stories in 2011, and he has since published 18 children’s books. His Spirits series began with Childish Spirits in 2014 and has continued to introduce young readers to supernatural adventures, mysteries and time-travelling escapades.

Over the years, his writing has received considerable recognition. High Spirits won the young adult category of the 2018 Georgina Hawtrey-Woore Award, while The Spirit of London was highly commended for the 2016 Independent Author Book Award. His work has also been longlisted for the Bath Children’s Novel Award and the International Rubery Book Award, while his books have received a nomination for the People’s Book Prize.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE BOOK

Keeley’s talents extend beyond children’s fiction. In 2022, he published his first adult novel, a murder mystery entitled Death at Friar’s Inn. He has also written for BBC Radio 4 Extra, contributed to anthologies and explored writing for the stage. Alongside his writing career, Keeley is passionate about encouraging children to read and develop their own storytelling skills. He regularly delivers author workshops in schools and libraries, drawing on his experience as a writer and his academic background, which includes a master’s degree in Creative Writing from Lancaster University.

His work with young people has also earned recognition, with his author workshops nominated for the Fearless Freelancer Award at the 2024 Northern Cultural Education Awards. A patron of the Children’s Media Foundation, Keeley has previously served as a judge for the IGGY and Litro Young Writers’ Prize and was Children’s Writer in Residence at the Stay at Home Literary Festival during lockdown.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE BOOK

Rob says: “My Spirits series consists of novels that are fun, full of adventure and also encourage learning about various subjects and history through time-travel. The feedback and reviews have been fantastic and have won awards, so I’m very excited to be releasing this 7th novel in the series. Official release date is 28th November but it’s available to pre-order and you can catch me selling copies at Liverpool Book Festival on Sunday 15th November at BoxPark.”

With The Spirit of Adventure, he continues a series that has entertained young readers for more than a decade, combining historical settings with supernatural storytelling. The new novel promises an imaginative journey into the Middle Ages, filled with mysterious encounters, unexpected dangers and the enduring appeal of friendship and adventure. The Spirit of Adventure is being published by Troubador Publishing, released on 28th November 2026 and is already available to order now via the publisher.

Rob Keeley / The Spirit Of Adventure

CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE BOOK

For more information on Rob Keeley, his books and workshops, visit his WEBSITE

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PETER’S NOVEL VALEDICTION RECORDS

Long before reality television became a global phenomenon, there was Seven Up! The groundbreaking documentary first aired in 1964, introducing viewers to a group of seven-year-old British children from different social backgrounds. Every seven years, cameras returned to discover where life had taken them. Among those original children was Liverpool’s Peter Davies.

More than six decades later, the story has finally reached its conclusion with 70 Up. The final instalment aired on ITV in September 2026, bringing to an end an extraordinary television project that evolved from an examination of Britain’s class system into something much bigger: a study of what it means to live a human life. For Peter, however, this wasn’t simply television. This was his life.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PETER’S NOVEL VALEDICTION RECORDS

And behind the remarkable television story is another, perhaps less familiar one — about a man who has increasingly found purpose through creativity. Peter’s relationship with Up has been complicated. Having cameras periodically return to examine your relationships, career, successes, disappointments and personal life is an experience very few people can understand.

“My involvement in the series goes back to the age of 6 – it’s been part of my whole life, so it’s difficult to imagine it not being there,” Peter said. “When I was younger, especially a young adult, the downside of it was the degree of intrusion into my life. I’m not an extrovert, so that was difficult to deal with at times.”

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PETER’S NOVEL VALEDICTION RECORDS

That relationship became particularly difficult after Peter criticised Margaret Thatcher’s government and subsequently found himself facing fierce criticism from sections of the tabloid press. “I was quite shocked at how vitriolic these papers could be, and I decided that I didn’t want that again, and withdrew from the series for a few years.”

Eventually, Peter returned — but this time on his own terms. Instead of simply being someone whose life was being documented, Peter could use the extraordinary platform to showcase the things he was creating. “When I returned, it was on condition that ITV focus on my creative projects, and that was when …Up began to have a better impact on my life.”

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PETER’S NOVEL VALEDICTION RECORDS

The conclusion of 70 Up has understandably left Peter with conflicting emotions. “Mixed feelings,” he said. “I won’t miss that intrusion, or the worry about how I’m going to come across to so many viewers, but of course I do recognise the significance of the series – it’s often been called the greatest documentary series of all time – and the private screening of it was for all of us quite an emotional occasion.”

The final programme proved emotional for viewers too, with the conclusion prompting widespread reflection on a series that allowed audiences to watch real people grow, change, love, lose and age across more than six decades. For Peter, the ending is still sinking in. “The last half hour of the final episode was very moving, and I’m still processing how I feel about that,” he said. “I will also miss members of the film crew, who have become friends over the years.”

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PETER’S NOVEL VALEDICTION RECORDS

But while one enormous chapter has closed, Peter’s creative story is very much continuing. For much of his adult life, creativity had to coexist with the realities of earning a living. Peter has written, recorded and performed music throughout adulthood, while also pursuing a professional career that included teaching and working as a Crown Prosecutor. Like countless musicians, however, he discovered that passion doesn’t necessarily pay the mortgage.

“As many people who’ve done the same will agree, unless you’re one of a tiny handful, it’s almost impossible to make enough money from that to pay your bills and bring up kids,” he explained. “So I always had ‘day jobs’, which meant less time for the music.”

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Peter doesn’t speak bitterly about those years. Far from it. “I don’t resent that, it’s just how it is, and the jobs I did were OK, and I made some great friends. But reaching a stage of life where those day jobs could finally disappear created something precious: Time. The reality now is that I’ve been able to give up the day jobs and focus on various projects. Basically, I’ve been able to do more!”

And he certainly has. Alongside continuing to make music, Peter has written his debut novel and co-written a stage musical. Interestingly, he doesn’t claim creativity provides some magical route to permanent happiness. Instead, he makes a more meaningful distinction. “That hasn’t necessarily made me happier all the time, but it has made me feel more fulfilled, which in turn has a positive impact on my mental health,” he says.

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Perhaps the most fascinating connection between Peter’s creative work and his extraordinary television experience can be found in his debut novel, Valediction Records. His recent debut novel, the book centres on former members of a late-70s band whose lives remain haunted decades later by the collapse of the group. Former bandmates Stephen, Philip and Martin carry guilt, resentment, addiction and illness into later life, until events force them to confront the unfinished business of their past.

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On the surface, it’s a story about musicians. Underneath, it’s about something universal: Time. And that’s where an unexpected connection with 7 Up emerges. Peter hadn’t deliberately set out to replicate anything about the documentary series when writing his novel. In fact, he hadn’t even recognised the connection himself. “It was never intentionally based on that experience!” he says.

“Only when I was later interviewed by Tania Ruiz of La Vida Liverpool and I was asked that very perceptive question did I realise that 7 Up had without any doubt subconsciously impacted upon my thinking when I was drafting the story,” he explains. Suddenly, the similarities were obvious. Just as viewers of Up encounter the same people at radically different stages of their lives, Valediction Records looks backwards and forwards across decades, examining how the people we once were continue to inhabit the people we eventually become.

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It’s a remarkable case of life quietly finding its way into art. “7 Up started as an examination of social class in Britain but became much more,” Peter explained. “It became a story of what it means to lead a human life. I think that all novelists aspire to write about that. I have heard other writers talking about how their novel/poem/song/play in some mysterious way takes on a life of its own, and goes off in an unexpected direction. I love that idea.”

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Valediction Records has attracted enthusiastic responses since publication, with reviewers praising both its music-filled world and emotional themes. Screenwriter Ray Connolly described it as having a “filmic quality”, while playwright and journalist Zoe Lewis called it a “heart-warming tale of rock and roll, love and hope”. But for Peter, perhaps the greatest reward is simply discovering that his story means something to readers.

“I have had a lot of nice reviews and positive feedback – that vindication is what every writer seeks, the money is a secondary concern. The story of a post-punk band operating in the late seventies/early eighties has understandably struck a chord — apologies for the unintended pun! — with readers who remember that period and with anyone who has ever played in a band. The broader issues within that story — time passing, regret, love, redemption — are the ones we all face,” Peter said. “I would hope that anyone could read Valediction Records and recognise something of themselves in there.”

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Long before Peter became a published novelist, there was music. His musical journey can be traced back to late-1970s London and the explosion of punk. After playing in several bands, Peter began looking for his own musical identity. His admiration for Elvis Costello led him towards Gram Parsons and, gradually, into Americana and alternative country.

That journey eventually produced The Good Intentions, centred around Peter and his wife Gabrielle Monk. The Liverpool Americana outfit has toured in Britain and America, appeared on Bob Harris’s BBC Radio 2 country programme and won Best Americana Band at the British Country Music Awards in 2011. The Good Intentions have now been together for around 20 years, with various musicians joining Peter and Gabi for recordings and live performances.

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Peter’s creativity has also found another outlet — theatre. Together with fellow Merseyside songwriter Jimmy Rae, Peter co-wrote Under The Mersey Moon, a country music stage production telling the story of struggling songwriter Danny Rogers and a journey that takes him from Liverpool towards Nashville — only for him to discover something rather different from the success he originally sought.

It’s another project in which music becomes the vehicle for a bigger story about life, dreams, family and finding your place in the world. Following sell-out productions at New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion, the show is heading to Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre from 11th–13th November 2026, featuring 13 original songs performed by a live five-piece band and local cast.

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There is something wonderfully circular about Peter Davies’ story. At seven years old, somebody else pointed a camera at him and began telling his story. More than 60 years later, Peter is telling stories himself. Through songs. Through theatre. And now through fiction.

Perhaps Valediction Records and 7 Up were always destined to have something in common. Both begin with individual lives but ultimately ask much bigger questions. What happens to our dreams? How much of the person we once were survives inside us? What do we regret? Who do we love? And what do we do with the time we have left? For Peter, the answer increasingly seems to be: create something.

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The cameras that have periodically returned throughout almost his entire life have finally stopped rolling. The landmark television experiment has reached its conclusion. But at 70, Liverpool’s original reality television star isn’t looking backwards. There are songs waiting to be recorded, stories waiting to be written and stages waiting to be filled. After a lifetime spent having his life documented, Peter Davies is now firmly in control of the next chapter.

Peter Davies / 70 UP

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BEYOND Hospitality, the Official Hospitality Provider for UEFA EURO 2028, has opened sales across all nine tournament stadiums, giving fans the chance to secure ticket-inclusive packages well ahead of kick-off.

The tournament is set to be a huge summer for football, with 24 national teams playing 51 matches across Cardiff, Dublin, Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and London. And for those hoping to make more of the occasion than simply securing a seat in the stands, there are plenty of ways to upgrade the matchday experience.

The packages combine official match tickets with extras ranging from food and drink to premium seating, private spaces and pre-match entertainment. At the top end, fans can book a private Skybox, complete with adjacent seating and dedicated service. There will also be premium restaurant-style lounges, as well as more relaxed shared spaces designed for groups of friends and supporters.

For those who want to soak up the atmosphere with fellow fans, the Supporters Club will offer a team-themed shared space, while the Club package promises a more informal and lively hospitality experience.

With packages spanning different styles and experiences, BEYOND Hospitality is expecting interest from fans looking to turn a big match into a special occasion – whether that’s following their national team, celebrating with friends or making a weekend of it in one of the host cities.

Demand could be particularly strong given the tournament is taking place on home soil for millions of UK and Irish football fans.

Jaime Byrom, Executive Chairman of BEYOND Hospitality, said: “UEFA EURO 2028 will be a major celebration of European football, bringing Europe’s best national teams and their supporters to four host nations and some of the most iconic football cities in the UK and Ireland.”

He added: “We are excited to welcome returning guests, new fans and those looking to experience this tournament on home soil.”

EURO 2028 will begin at the National Stadium of Wales in Cardiff on 9 June 2028, before travelling across the four host nations throughout the summer.

London will be at the centre of some of the biggest action, with Wembley Stadium hosting both semi-finals and the final.

Unlike some tickets and experiences that become more expensive as demand increases, the official hospitality packages will be sold at fixed prices, which could make planning a big EURO 2028 trip well in advance a little easier. Existing stadium box holders were given access to a pre-sale, but hospitality packages are now available to the wider public through BEYOND Hospitality.

So, whether you’re dreaming of watching your team from a private box or simply fancy adding a few extras to one of the biggest football occasions of 2028, the countdown has officially begun.

Founded in Liverpool in 2018, BlackFest was created to shine a light on Black and minority creatives and provide artists with opportunities to develop and showcase their work. Its annual combined-arts festival brings performances, exhibitions, workshops and conversations into both established cultural venues and community spaces. This year, BlackFest is also extending its reach beyond Liverpool, with events taking place in London, Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham.

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BlackFest 2026 Programme

The programme begins with the BlackFest Festival Launch at Granby Market, Liverpool, on 5th September, 10am–3pm, featuring live performances and DJ Tahja. Independent Film follows at Upcycle LDN Hub in Brixton, London, on 21st September, 6pm–late, with Avidity by Dove Ross-Williams, February Light by Aninwa Buachie and Kwame Dawes, and Killer Collective by Daniel Hippolyte and Leon Lopez.

Liverpool’s Shakespeare North Playhouse then hosts three Theatre – New Works evenings. On 24th September, 7–10pm, the programme features MD Productions, Janoma, Loisha and Mariam Abood, with new writing and performances exploring race, gender, queerness, relationships and friendships.

On 25th September, 7–10pm, Daniel Hippolyte, Jason Johnston Lynch, Sarah Levine and John Cotham present short performances from Black writers and comedians. On 26th September, 7–10pm, Chase Johnston Lynch, Friends, Chelsey, Sarah Gaia Tree and Mariam Jama present experimental performance pieces exploring grief, relationships, dystopias and Black history.

On 25th September, 8–10pm, 1990s pop act Cleopatra perform at The Tung Auditorium in Liverpool, with stunning vocalist Hayli Kincade opening the show. KingFast performs at The Tung Auditorium on 30th September, 1–3pm, bringing his mix of looped guitar, soulful pop and live songwriting to the festival. The Belfast-born singer and guitarist is based in Liverpool. Also on 30th September, 6–9pm, BlackFest launches its Visual Arts programme at Granby Winter Garden in Liverpool, featuring Ayobami, Nina Edge, Faith Bebbington, Alena and Jazz Gittens.

Visual artist Ayobami leads a workshop at Granby Winter Garden on 7th October, 11am–2pm, exploring multidisciplinary approaches incorporating floral and abstract work, acrylic blends and expressive ink hatching. Yammmree + DJ Nay Maxwell takes over Liverpool’s Palm House on 11th October, 1–4pm, for a family-friendly afternoon of stalls, arts and crafts.

Later that day, Awakened ft. Kelechi Okafor runs at the Palm House from 6pm until late, bringing together writing, performance, culture and conversation. On 14th October, 11am–2pm, Alena Kudera hosts a Visual Arts Workshop at Granby Winter Garden examining textile sustainability, identity and the stories carried by everyday materials.

BlackFest travels to Manchester for Proclamation: Spoken Word Poetry, at Contact Theatre in October, 7–10pm, featuring Liverpool Citizen of Honour poet Levi Tafari alongside Aichai, Mariam, Loisha, Sarah Levine, Mariam Abood, Clif, Clio, Alexis and Malcolm.

Artist, designer, maker, grower, writer, speaker and teacher Nina Edge leads another Visual Arts Workshop at Granby Winter Garden on 21th October, 11am–2pm. The festival heads south-west for Bristol Rhythms Night at Jam Jar, Bristol, on 28th October, 5.30pm–late. Billed as “From Liverpool to Bristol with Love”, the line-up features Bluboy, Mina, Rafaela, Moyah, Remee, KingFast and Malik Al Nasir.

Finally, BlackFest 2026 Ultimate Black Arts Celebration takes place at Centrala in Digbeth, Birmingham, on 30th October, 6–11pm, bringing fashion, music and poetry together with Tayameaca Hughes and Ayan Aden.

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An exciting highlight is Cleopatra at Tung Auditorium on 25th September! Comprised of sisters Cleopatra, Zainam, and Yonah Higgins, Cleopatra burst onto the music scene in the late 1990s as trailblazers in the British pop industry. Hailing from Manchester, the talented siblings quickly captivated audiences with their infectious energy, soulful harmonies, and dynamic performances, earning them a special place in music history as the first black British girl group to achieve mainstream success.

In 1998, Cleopatra entered the music scene with their debut single, “Cleopatra’s Theme.” The song, characterised by its catchy hooks and infectious beats, became an instant hit, catapulting the group into the spotlight and garnering widespread acclaim. “Cleopatra’s Theme” soared up the charts, reaching the top 5 in the UK Singles Chart and earning the trio a coveted BRIT Award nomination for Best British Newcomer.

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Among the highlights will be Awakened featuring Kelechi Okafor, taking place at Liverpool’s Palm House on 11th October from 6pm until late. The British-Nigerian writer, actor, podcaster and political commentator has been a prominent voice in the public conversation surrounding Jason Arday. The BlackFest event will bring literature, culture and conversation together, giving audiences an opportunity to engage with some of the wider questions raised by his story.

Okafor’s appearance reflects the broader ethos behind this year’s programme: using art not simply as entertainment but as a starting point for difficult and necessary conversations about race, representation, belonging and power. The evening will be opened by stunning vocalist Hayli Kincade, with a choir chaired by Dr Rebecca Loy.

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At a time when its organisers believe anti-racist cultural work has become increasingly urgent, the festival aims not only to celebrate Black creativity but to create conversations between artists, communities and cultural institutions and challenge a status quo that can leave marginalised communities under-represented.

Creative Director Jubeda Khatun says: “The rise in racism — particularly the hostility increasingly visible and amplified through social media — makes it more important than ever to create spaces in which Black and minority artists can be seen, heard and supported. For BlackFest, that means arts and culture can be both a celebration and a means of confronting prejudice.”

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Jubeda Khatun says: “While BlackFest has grown since its launch eight years ago, our underlying purpose remains consistent: addressing a crucial gap in the cultural life of Liverpool and beyond. Our approach deliberately crosses boundaries between major venues and grassroots spaces. A theatre, concert hall or established arts organisation can sit within the same programme as a market, community garden or independent creative space.”

She continues: “That model is intended to do more than provide a stage. BlackFest seeks to develop artists, build relationships between cultural institutions and communities and encourage active conversations and collaborations capable of challenging established ways of working. Expanding into London, Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham in 2026 takes that ambition beyond Liverpool while retaining the community-led principles on which the festival was founded.”

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Against a backdrop of heightened concern about racism both online and offline, this year’s celebration marking 100 years of Black History Month makes the festival’s message particularly pointed: Black creativity should not merely be accommodated within Britain’s cultural landscape, but valued, protected, invested in and heard.

BlackFest 2026 / Various Venues / 5th September — 30th October

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