YM Liverpool August 2026

BairdJulia

LIVERPOOL COMEDY festival

August

Hello and welcome to the August edition of YM Liverpool!

First up this month, I’m delighted to bring you my interview with the wonderful Julia Baird. As International Beatleweek prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary, Julia – a director of the company behind the festival and John Lennon’s sister – reflects on the event’s incredible journey and the decision she made that helped secure the Cavern’s future.

Sharing personal memories of family life with her brother, she explains why she wrote her first book and reveals how proud she is of the part John played in putting Liverpool on the world stage.

Elsewhere, we visit Persimmon’s Summerhill Park development to check out a flexible three-storey property featuring a private top-floor master suite, and preview the Liverpool Comedy Festival coming to Blackstock Market next month.

Plus, Annie S selects her standout high-street pieces from this summer’s surprise style trend, Robin Brown samples NORD’s new prix fixe menu, and Heather Marsh explores the drought-resistant plants that can help keep our gardens thriving through rising temperatures and prolonged dry spells.

Finally, Jane Clare heads to the hills of Veneto to discover what sets DOCG Prosecco apart –and recommends two supermarket bottles worth seeking out.

Enjoy!

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As International Beatleweek celebrates its 40th anniversary, Julia Baird, a director of the company behind the festival and John Lennon’s sister, reflects on its growth and the decision she made that helped secure the Cavern’s future. Sharing memories of family life with her brother, she explains why she wrote her first book and reveals how proud she is of the part John played in putting Liverpool on the world stage

words lawrence saunders

International Beatleweek marks its 40th anniversary this year and continues to grow. Since becoming involved with Cavern City Tours, which organises the festival, what has the event come to mean to you, and what do you think has been the key to its

Well, it does keep getting bigger – that is absolutely true. It is a fabulous place to be and something we all look forward to. It’s a brilliant way to celebrate the end of summer, isn’t it?

As an ex-teacher, I’m finally at the point where I no longer know all the school dates. I have to ask my grandchildren: ‘When’s half term?’, whereas it used to be embedded in me.

Beatleweek has always marked the end of summer, but when I first became involved, it was really just a one-day event. There would be music in the Cavern and in all the pubs, and then the Monday became part of the Mathew Street Festival.

When that stopped, Beatleweek expanded in its own way. It now runs from the Wednesday before until the following Tuesday. That is how it became International Beatleweek.

It really is a major international festival. What’s great is that so many people come back every year, particularly from America, but also from all over the world. It becomes their annual holiday, and it feels like one big reunion. It’s a huge music festival, all within walking distance.

You became a director of Cavern City Tours, which also owns The Cavern Club, in 2004, despite the company’s directors, Bill Heckle and Dave Jones, initially advising you against investing. What convinced you to get involved?

It’s a question I’ve often asked myself [laughs]. As John’s sister, I’d been involved with them since 1986. Back then, Bill and Dave only had the Sunday, and it was almost like a trade fair with live bands. That’s really where it all started

When I first met Bill and Dave, it was at the Beatles Shop on Mathew Street, which Steve Bailey managed. I went to see them with my son, who was

When we arrived, Dave and Bill were drinking cans of Foster’s and stamping T-shirts. It was 10 o’clock in the morning. They’d all been doing it at home the night before as well. It was a real do-ityourself operation, but in a brilliant way.

Because I had my young son with me, Dave magnanimously said: ‘Would you like to go over the road to Lubinsky’s?’ It really wasn’t right for a little boy to be up there because we could

Really important. Liverpool has always been a musical enclave, hasn’t it? It’s such a rich place for music, culture, theatre and the arts. So many of the country’s great actors did their rep at the Playhouse, sweeping the floors and doing whatever they could just to get on the stage. That’s where so many of them started.

Of course, the Beatles helped to regenerate the city, although that was never intentional, was it? They were simply a band at the time. The Beatles and football have both helped to regenerate Liverpool, and then it was topped off completely by the Capital of Culture year in 2008.

We’ve been very fortunate, but the talent was already here. People will never disassociate the Beatles from Liverpool – they think of the city straight away, don’t they? The Cavern is essential to that, but it always has to be stressed that the Beatles didn’t make the Cavern; the Cavern made the Beatles.

It began as a jazz club. Alan Sytner visited Caveau de la Huchette, a jazz club in Paris, then came back, found a warehouse and established one himself.

The Beatles were almost taken off the Cavern stage at one point because they were playing skiffle. I think Paul might have been doing ‘Long Tall Sally’. He famously sang just one line repeatedly because he couldn’t remember the words.

The Cavern was already established before the Beatles arrived, but they went on to play its stage 292 times – which is quite something.

The Cavern celebrates its 70th anniversary next year, with a major exhibition about the venue opening at the Museum of Liverpool in January. Have you been involved in planning it?

Not yet – but hopefully I will be. The Museum of Liverpool is a fantastic exhibition space. They had a John and Yoko exhibition there a few years ago, which I thought was mesmerising. Whenever I was in town, I’d go around it again. I must have seen it about five times.

Bill was telling me about the problems with the Cavern at the time, and I thought that I could sort it out.

So, we went over to Lubinsky’s and had hot chocolate with all the

When the idea of jumping in with them came up – which I did rather recklessly, I suppose – it didn’t come completely out of nowhere, because I’d already done various things with them by that point.

We went to Australia to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Beatles’ visit to Adelaide. We had a dinner to celebrate our arrival, and Bill and I got talking. He was telling me about the problems with the Cavern at the time, and I just thought, rather glibly, that I could sort

I said to Bill: ‘I might be able to do something because I’ve just sold a house’. He told me to go to bed and sleep on it.

When I got up the next morning, he was standing outside the bedroom door and said: ‘Are you serious?’ I think he’d been on the

I said: ‘You know what? I think I am’.

It was as quick as that. I’m normally quite pedantic and weigh everything up, but I just did it. I retired from teaching two years early and wrote my first book, so it was advantageous to me as well.

Given your personal connection to John and the Beatles, how important was it to ensure that the Cavern and Liverpool’s Beatles tourism remained in the hands of people who genuinely care about the band and the city’s musical heritage, rather than being driven purely by profit?

Whatever team they have there, they put on brilliant exhibitions. We’re really looking forward to this one because they’re going to make a diamond job of it.

The Cavern exhibition will be there throughout next year, so everyone who comes to International Beatleweek this month will hear about it and know it’s happening. Hopefully, many of them will make plans to come back and see it.

You’ve described John as a playful and caring older brother. Which memory best captures the person you knew, rather than the figure the world came to know?

Well, probably my fondest, closest and most loving memories of John were in Springwood (1 Blomfield Road), because my mother was still there. That was when we were a family.

After she died, we went away, as everybody now knows, and by the time we returned, we had already been moved into my mother’s sister’s house in Woolton.

Of course, being with John didn’t change, although John himself was changing because the group was becoming more and more popular and in demand.

But at Springwood, we were a family unit: me, my younger sister Jackie, John, my mother and my father. It changed, as families often do – probably more often now than they did then – but that was our strong family unit, and John was very much a part of it.

How do you balance protecting your personal memories of John with the public’s enduring desire to know more about him? Are there some things you prefer to keep private?

Some [memories] I do keep to myself, and not for any nefarious reason. It’s simply that they were just ours.

Sometimes it was just normal life, wasn’t it? I don’t necessarily think: ‘Oh, that was particularly special’. For example, John, Jackie and me all sitting with our feet up, watching Children’s Hour on television. That’s a lovely memory.

Or Paul being in our house a lot as well, especially after his mother died. That’s a memory I don’t talk about much either.

When you wrote your first book, was it less about setting the record straight and more about your concern that books and films about John were being made without consulting the family and were getting things wrong?

You’ve got it bang to rights. The whole family was devastated [with John’s death] beyond anything the public could possibly have been aware of, especially after everything that had already happened with my mother. Families go through tragic events all the time. We were just one of them, but for us, John’s death was absolutely devastating.

Five years later, I was teaching on the Wirral and had three children, two of them teenagers. They wanted to watch a Panorama documentary about John. I wasn’t keen but my daughter said: ‘Mummy, everyone in school will have seen it tomorrow’. I thought: ‘You’re right. I understand that’. So we watched it, and I cried from start to finish. It was just so wrong.

Yes, absolutely. I had gone to visit my middle aunt Anne, ‘Nanny’ to the children, on her birthday, 17 November 1980. John rang while I was there to wish her a happy birthday, and I spoke to him. He said: ‘I’ll see you soon. I’m coming home after Christmas. It’s about time I saw to my own family’.

We said: ‘Oh, thank goodness, John. That is wonderful’. We talked about where we might meet up. Nanny lived in a big house in Rock Ferry called Ardmore, so initially we were all going to meet there.

At one point, he wanted me to buy a big farm in North Wales where my sister and I could live and he could stay when he came over. These were all the ideas.

John said: ‘I’m coming home after Christmas. It’s about time I saw to my own family.’

At the end, there was a segment with Yoko and Sean, who was about 10, sitting on a sofa in New York. They were asked what they thought of it. Obviously, Yoko had been involved in the programme, and it had never occurred to me that she would attempt to make a documentary about John’s life. What did she know about it? Nothing. She said [the documentary] was a wonderful way, I’m paraphrasing, for Sean to learn about his father’s family. But the story was so wrong.

So I started scribbling the book together at night, and that became John Lennon: My Brother

In telling your own story, you have also spoken about John’s plans to return to Liverpool. Is it true that he was intending to come home shortly before he died?

You were recently at Strawberry Field for the opening of a new rose garden in honour of Sir George and Lady Judy Martin. What was it like to see them recognised in such a special way?

Lady Judy Martin – I always called her Judy –used to come up for the ‘hard-hat events’ while Strawberry Field was still being redeveloped. I’ve been involved in its regeneration from the beginning, and whenever she visited, we would walk around the site and speak to people about the building and how the project was progressing.

It was very fitting that the garden should commemorate and celebrate George and Judy, and equally fitting that it should be such a beautiful place.

What does it mean to you personally to see the part John has played in making Liverpool so famous around the world?

I’m really, really proud. I could not be more proud to have John as my brother. It’s not possible.

International Beatleweek 2026 takes place across Liverpool city centre from Wednesday 26 August to Tuesday 1 September

Justice and Vulnerability –Consult the Legal Experts

When someone enters the criminal justice system, the experience can be daunting at the best of times. For vulnerable people, it can be overwhelming. Emma Smith, head of crime at Paul Crowley & Co Solicitors, offers reassurance

Studies by NHS England suggest that up to 70% of individuals who come into contact with the police or courts have a diagnosed mental health condition. Others may be living with learning difficulties, neurodiversity, addiction, or the effects of trauma. These factors can shape how a person understands what is happening around them, how they communicate, and how they cope with the pressure of the process.

Early recognition

Recognising vulnerability early is essential. It is not simply a matter of compassion it is a matter of fairness. At Paul Crowley & Co, our criminal defence team works daily with clients whose needs require careful handling, clear communication, and strong advocacy.

Duty of care

Everyone involved in the criminal justice process has a responsibility to ensure vulnerable people are treated appropriately. That begins the moment someone is arrested or invited for interview. Police officers must consider whether a person understands their rights and can follow what is being asked of them, and whether an Appropriate Adult or medical professional should be involved. These safeguards

exist for a reason. They are meant to protect people who may not be able to protect themselves in a demanding and stressful environment.

Our role is to make sure those safeguards are not overlooked. Vulnerability is not always obvious. A client may be anxious, confused, or struggling to process information. They may not disclose a diagnosis, or they may not recognise how their condition affects their ability to participate. Some people mask their difficulties, while others minimise them. By taking the time to understand a client’s background, we can ensure their needs are properly identified and communicated to the police and the court. That early recognition can prevent misunderstandings, reduce distress, and help ensure the process remains fair.

Identifying vulnerability

Early identification can influence every stage of a case. It can affect how an interview is conducted, whether adjustments are needed, and how evidence is interpreted. A vulnerable person may need questions broken down or extra time to respond, and sometimes reassurance simply to stay grounded in the moment. In court, vulnerability may be relevant to sentencing, mitigation, or the overall understanding of a person’s behaviour.

Context matters

A person’s history, health, and cognitive ability can all shape

how an incident unfolded. We work closely with mental health services, support organisations, and medical experts where needed. This collaboration helps ensure that clients are able to participate in the process safely and fairly, and that their circumstances are fully understood by those making decisions about their future. It also helps families feel supported, knowing that their loved one is not facing the system alone.

Support throughout the process

For many families, the emotional strain is significant. They want reassurance that their loved one will not be left to navigate the system alone. Our team provides clear guidance, steady communication, and practical support from the first phone call through to the conclusion of the case. We explain each step and prepare clients for what to expect, to make sure they feel heard, not rushed.

This is not about excusing behaviour, it is about ensuring that the justice system recognises the person behind the allegation and the challenges they may be facing. Vulnerability does not erase responsibility, but it does shape understanding.

How we can help

If you or someone you care about is vulnerable and facing the criminal justice system, specialist advice can make a meaningful difference. You are welcome to contact our criminal defence team for confidential guidance.

Circa 1988 my mam asked my granda to borrow a hundred pounds. ‘A hundred pounds?!’ I exclaimed, in genuine astonishment. For a child who dealt with money in pennies, pound coins and the occasional fiver, mainly spent on Beanos, sweets and Doctor Who books, this sum was astonishing, unimaginable. These days? Not so much. A recent break in London threw this question into sharp relief, but so does any trip to the petrol pumps, the Big Tesco or any paid event that promises entertainment for children (shout out to National Museums Liverpool, thanks for everything, see you soon).

Life is full of situations that require you to part with a ton, particularly when you acquire a house, a car, children etc, for which your life will not improve one iota, it will simply remain the same. A bill here, a bus-lane fine there, literally any visit to a national cinema chain. Here’s my suggestion: ensure you spend one hundred pounds on something that significantly improves your quality of life once a month. Something that feels lavish, but costs the same amount as a week’s worth of energy bills, your monthly streaming subscriptions or the gym membership you don’t use.

NORD, then, already one of Liverpool’s best restaurants. You’ve probably heard of it: The city’s food writers have scarcely had a bad word to say about it; Jay Rayner, probably Britain’s best-known food writer,

calls it “very much a win”, while it’s one of only a handful of Liverpool restaurants currently recommended in the Michelin Guide (Chicken Bazooka, once again, was overlooked). NORD is a joint venture between GSG Hospitality, the people behind Duke Street Market, Bold Street Coffee, Salt Dog Slims et al, and chef Daniel Heffy, recently seen brandishing a pumpkin noodle starter on Great British Menu. Heffy describes the restaurant’s philosophy as “Travelled British”: Northern hospitality and produce shaped by ideas gathered during his years working in the UK and Sweden.

That hospitality is evident from the moment we arrive. There’s been a miscommunication with the booking, but we’re simply welcomed in and served a bespoke cocktail by the excellent bar manager until it’s clarified we’re not simply chancers seeking a free, succulent Chinese meal. Not that we’d be in luck – food here might be best classified as north European: some classic British food that’s just got back from a city break in Stockholm, Strasbourg or, well, Sheffield. And what a place NORD is – I’m in awe of its interior every time I go. To me it suggests expensive London hotel restaurants in the ’80s; architecture curated by Davids Lynch and Cronenberg; a brasserie directed by Stanley Kubrick and scored by Cliff Martinez – these are all, in case there’s any

I began with buttery grilled mackerel, nicely complemented, without being overwhelmed, by dill sour cream, before an intense steak tartare.

Food? The new prix fixe menu, available for lunch and early evening midweek (lunch only on Saturdays), which we’re here to review boasts beetroot with green curry; beef tartare with Parmesan butter and tallow; before mains of ricotta gnocchi, lamb rump or lemon sole. Desserts include a caramelised whey tart and a ‘Snickers’ Caprice cake.

Taking the advice of our excellent server, I began with buttery grilled mackerel, nicely complemented, without being overwhelmed, by dill sour cream, before an intense steak tartare whose richness was cut perfectly by sharp pickled cucumber. Across the table, burratini with courgette, sage and hazelnut arrived looking like a still life, while ricotta gnocchi with asparagus and fermented fennel sauce was bolder, looser and altogether more expressive. With a starter, main, dessert (we had strawberries & cream and that cheeky Snickers Caprice cake) and a glass of wine, you pay £50. Take someone with you and you arrive at your magic number: £100.

Remember my granda’s money? That was a fortune to me because it represented possibility. The ability to do something, go somewhere, have something you otherwise wouldn’t. Nearly 40 years later, a hundred quid has lost some of its power. But spend it in the right place, on the right evening, and it can still feel like a small fortune. NORD is one of those places.

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One foot in THE GRAPES

Jane Clare heads to the hills of Veneto to discover what sets DOCG Prosecco apart –and recommends two supermarket bottles worth seeking out

It’s August, which means sunny days (although I’d quite like some rain, please), holidays, barbecues, beer gardens and a new Premier League season.

If you fancy raising a glass of fizz to all that, prosecco would be a timely choice, as it has its own celebration day this month.

International Prosecco Day falls on 13 August. In my world, wine ‘celebration’ days come round as often as the number 53 bus and, let’s be honest, most of us have sipped prosecco at some point. It feels like prosecco has pulled up a chair, taken over the TV remote and made itself comfortable in our lives. Here’s the thing, though: did you know there’s one level of prosecco – and then another?

First of all, some basics. Prosecco is made from a white grape called Glera, while the pinkness in pink prosecco comes courtesy of pinot noir. Those Glera grapes are made into a wine that is fresh and floral, with pear, apple and lemon flavours.

Then the fizz magic happens. The wine is fermented for a second time with yeast and sugar in a sealed stainless steel tank. During this process, the carbon dioxide dissolves into the wine because it cannot escape from the tank.

This wine region is one of the most beautiful I have ever visited. There are steep, rugged slopes – known as hogbacks – and, over hundreds of years, the impact of people working the land has created levels upon levels of terraces, known as cigliones.

Some vineyards are so steep that people need harnesses to work the vines. To me, some of the hills looked like stepped Inca temples. The so-called ‘Prosecco Hills’ have become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Later, when we open our bottles of prosecco, that carbon dioxide rushes out as bubbles.

Now let’s think about the prosecco we see in the shops. You’ll see some labelled DOC and others DOCG. Those DOCG bottles are mainly from one region and labelled Superiore, Conegliano or Valdobbiadene – or all three. There’s also a second DOCG area called Asolo.

So, what’s the difference? Prosecco comes from the Veneto region in Italy. The land north of Venice is quite flat and fertile, and it’s relatively easy to grow Glera here. This is where simple pinot grigio also comes from.

Because the vines don’t have to struggle to grow grapes, the grapes in turn produce lighter, less concentrated wines. The majority of prosecco labelled DOC comes from here.

Ah, but if you head further north into a province called Treviso, south of the Dolomites, the soil becomes more challenging for vines. They have to work harder to grow grapes and, as they do so, benefit from the sunny aspects of the slopes and undulating landscape.

This is a wine region known as Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG. It is named after the small towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, about 25 miles apart.

This, then, is where your prosecco comes from if it has a Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG label. The soils, landscape and climate help to grow grapes with the potential to make wines of greater quality and concentration. Within the region, individual hillside sites are recognised for producing exceptional wines.

These bottles carry the name Rive, while the tiny hill of Superiore di Cartizze is regarded as the pinnacle.

In 2024, 84.9 million bottles of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore were produced, and the UK was the region’s second biggest export market, receiving 7.1 million bottles. We’re second only to Germany, whose citizens – if you didn’t know – can’t get enough of sparkling wine.

You should be able to find a DOCG Prosecco in most places where you buy your wine. Now you can shop for prosecco with a little more confidence, knowing exactly what those labels mean and the land they come from.

Spot the DOCG

I have an all-time favourite prosecco: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Conegliano Prosecco (£10). Spot the word Conegliano! Yes, it’s a DOCG wine, which means it has a good intensity of fruit because of where the grapes are grown.

Over at Aldi, you can find Specially Selected Prosecco Spumante DOCG Valdobbiadene (£7.99). Spot the word Valdobbiadene! And yes, it’s another DOCG wine.

Flexible threestorey living with a private top-floor master suite

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SPREAD ACROSS THREE FLOORS, The Souter at Persimmon’s Summerhill Park development in Maghull offers a different approach to the traditional three-bedroom family home, making clever use of its footprint to create clearly defined spaces for living, sleeping and relaxing.

On the ground floor, a front-facing living room provides a separate place to unwind, while the kitchen and dining room opens onto the rear garden through French doors. The ground floor also includes a convenient WC and handy built-in storage.

The first floor comprises two bedrooms and the family bathroom, with the rooms offering flexibility for children, guests or a home office. The top floor is reserved for the master bedroom, complete with a spacious en suite and additional storage. This separation creates a greater sense of privacy, while allowing the first-floor bedrooms to remain flexible as the household’s needs change.

Summerhill Park is a growing neighbourhood combining new housing with green spaces, pedestrian and cycle routes, and a central public park. Maghull’s shops, cafés and everyday amenities are close by, while Summerhill Primary School, Northway Primary School and Deyes High School are all within a mile of the development.

Maghull North railway station is within easy walking distance, offering direct services into Liverpool city centre, while the nearby M57 and M58 provide convenient road links across the wider North West.

For more information about The Souter or Summerhill Park, call 0151 305 7191 or visit persimmonhomes.com

The Motor Ombudsman opens new Liverpool hub at Mann Island

UK-wide automotive dispute resolution body is creating 17 jobs as it responds to a 22% rise in demand for its service

THE MOTOR OMBUDSMAN (TMO) has opened a new hub in Liverpool as part of its continued expansion beyond its London headquarters.

The new Mann Island office will help the organisation recruit from a wider talent pool and increase its capacity to meet growing demand for its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service.

TMO received 23,499 consumer cases during the first five months of 2026, representing a 22% increase on the same period last year.

The first phase of recruitment at the Liverpool hub will add 17 employees, taking the organisation’s total workforce to almost 90.

The new staff will join its case administration and adjudication teams, working alongside colleagues in Westminster to gather evidence, review disputes and issue decisions.

The Liverpool office will also support TMO’s engagement with motorists and automotive businesses across the North of England, including accredited garages,

dealerships, vehicle manufacturers and warranty providers.

Bill Fennell, chief ombudsman and managing director of The Motor Ombudsman, says: “The opening of a hub in Liverpool is a significant and exciting step forward for The Motor Ombudsman, and marks another important milestone in our continued growth.

“As demand for our ADR service continues to rise, expanding our presence beyond London gives us access to a wider pool of talent, supports the creation of new local jobs

Liverpool landlords invited to free expert advice evening

‘Key to Success’ event will cover new rental sector rules, property compliance, finance, insurance and investment

LIVERPOOL LANDLORDS are being invited to attend a free educational event designed to help them navigate the latest changes affecting the private rented sector.

Sponsored and hosted by Curlett Jones Estates, the ‘Key to Success’ event will bring together leading property professionals for an evening of expert advice, practical guidance and industry updates.

Taking place at Hope Street Hotel, the session comes several weeks after the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Bill and will cover key topics including landlord insurance, property compliance, property law, mortgages and finance, property investment, and lettings and property management.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from industry specialists, take part in an interactive Q&A session, and receive a free landlord compliance checklist to help them

in Merseyside, and strengthens the capacity and expertise we need to support consumers and businesses across the automotive sector.”

TMO is the independent and impartial Ombudsman dedicated solely to the automotive sector, and self-regulates the UK’s motor industry through its Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)-approved Codes of Practice.

Thousands of businesses, including vehicle manufacturers, warranty providers, franchised dealers and independent garages, are accredited to one or more of the Codes.

stay informed and compliant.

The event is aimed at private landlords, portfolio landlords, buy-to-let investors, first-time landlords and anyone considering investing in residential property.

Alan Jones, managing director of Curlett Jones Estates, says: “There are very few opportunities to access this level of professional advice from multiple industry experts in one place, completely free of charge.

“We want landlords to leave feeling more informed, more confident and better prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

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Hot Water’s Liverpool Comedy Festival comes to Blackstock Market

Confirmed names include Paul Smith, Adam Rowe, Crissy Rock and Ricky Tomlinson, with further acts to be announced

HOT WATER’S Liverpool Comedy Festival takes over Blackstock Market this September promising “four days of cracking comedy, live music, entertainment, food, drink and fun all under one roof”.

The festival runs from Thursday 3 September to Sunday 6 September 2026. Tickets are on sale now.

Created, funded and delivered by the team behind the Hot Water Comedy Club, the brand-new festival has one aim – “to celebrate everything that makes Liverpool one of the best comedy cities in the world”.

The programme will feature more than 70 shows across several stages and performance spaces, including touring comedians, established names, live podcasts, mixed bills, emerging talent and one-off performances.

The line-up will also include comedians from Liverpool and further afield.

Confirmed names include Tony Carroll, Jamie Hutchinson, Katie Tracey, Paul Smith, Ignacio Lopez, Adam Rowe, Rachel Fairburn, Danny McLoughlin, Phil Chapman, Ricky Tomlinson, Freddy Quinne, Crissy Rock and Mick Miller, with more to be announced.

Alongside the comedy programme, the festival will feature live music, family entertainment, street food, festival bars, whisky-tasting sessions, outdoor seating, games, rides and activities across the Blackstock Market site.

Visitors will be able to attend individual shows or spend the day at the venue, with entertainment taking place throughout.

Organisers say there are plans to develop the festival in future years, with the ambition of creating an annual event that supports comedians, performers, artists and Liverpool’s wider creative community.

Hot Water Comedy’s Paul Blair adds: “We’re incredibly proud to be launching a comedy festival that truly reflects Liverpool’s worldfamous sense of humour and comedy heritage.

“Bringing together established stars, rising talent and local comedians under one roof, it’s a genuine celebration of live comedy and everything that makes the city’s comedy scene so special.

“This is just the start. Our ambition is to grow the festival year after year into one of the UK’s biggest comedy festivals while continuing to champion local comedians and give audiences an unforgettable live experience.

“There’s simply nothing like being in a room full of laughter – live comedy in proper comedy clubs will always beat watching a screen at an arena.”

For the full Liverpool Comedy Festival programme visit: www.hotwatercomedy.co.uk

Q& A

John Davidson, director of SAL Firestopping

Built on decades of firestopping expertise, SAL Firestopping has become a key part of Liverpool’s fast-growing SAL Group. Director John Davidson (pictured, centre) discusses the company’s evolution, the value of working across specialist divisions and his ambitions for its next stage of growth

Can you tell us how SAL Firestopping began and how the business has developed into the company it is today?

SAL Firestopping was formed through the long-standing relationship between SAL Group and DAB Passive Fire Protection Specialists Ltd. For many years, DAB delivered the firestopping element of SAL’s projects, so bringing the business into the SAL Group was a natural next step. The move allowed us to build on an already successful partnership while strengthening the range of services we offer our clients.

SAL Group now includes SAL Firestopping, SAL Construction, SAL Joinery and SAL Ceilings & Partitions. How do the different divisions work together to provide a complete service for clients?

Although we have been operating as SAL Firestopping for less than a year, the benefits have been clear from day one. Working alongside SAL Ceilings & Partitions and SAL Joinery means our teams can collaborate from the beginning of a project through to completion. Having these trades under one roof has improved communication, reduced delays

and made it much easier to coordinate work on site.

The group has grown through the expansion and acquisition of specialist businesses. What has driven that growth, and how have you ensured each division maintains the same standards and values? From purchasing and project management through to health and safety and quality assurance, the business has strong foundations that allow every division to work in a consistent way. It was easy to see why SAL has grown so quickly,

and we are proud to now be part of that journey.

A large proportion of SAL’s work comes from repeat business. What is the key to developing lasting relationships with contractors, developers and clients?

We believe it comes down to doing the basics well. We focus on delivering quality work, keeping communication open and being a reliable contractor that clients can trust. Those relationships have played a major part in the growth of both SAL Firestopping and the wider group.

How does SAL maintain quality, safety and reliability while working across multiple divisions and increasingly large or complex projects?

As the business continues to grow, maintaining high standards remains our biggest priority. Every division shares the same approach to quality, safety and customer service, allowing us to take on larger and more complex projects without losing sight of what has made the business successful.

SAL is sponsoring the new ‘Building Contractor of the Year’ category at the YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards 2026. Why was it important for the group to support the award and help recognise excellence within the local construction industry? We are proud to support the wider construction industry by sponsoring the new ‘Building Contractor of the Year’ category at the YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards 2026. As a business with strong Liverpool and Knowsley roots, it is important to us to recognise the companies and people helping to raise standards across the region.

What is your long-term vision for SAL Firestopping, and what would you like the business to have achieved over the next three to five years?

Looking ahead, our goal is simple: to continue growing as part of SAL Group while investing in our people and delivering the same high level of service our clients expect. By working together across the group and continuing to improve, we are confident SAL Firestopping will play an important role in the next stage of the group’s growth.

“Having these trades under one roof has improved communication, reduced delays and made it easier to coordinate work on site.”

What achievement are you most proud of, and what have been some of the biggest challenges along the way?

Growing DAB Passive Fire Protection Specialists Ltd from a small handful of men and a couple of vans into the strong, dedicated workforce we have today makes me immensely proud. The process, however, has not been without its challenges.

A pivotal moment came in 2022 when, following a difference of opinion with my former business partner, I had no choice but to buy all the shares and take full control of DAB. At that moment, it truly could have gone either way for the company. Thanks to our loyal workforce, clients and suppliers, however, all the stress and anxiety since then has been worth it.

In the three years since the buyout, we have become one of the most respected

names in the firestopping industry and have now merged with SAL Group, one of the most respected and fastest-growing construction companies in the North West. Working alongside Gerry, Paul and the team, we are all on the same page and share the same aspiration to become the leading company in our field.

After 27 years in the industry, what gives you confidence about the future of SAL Firestopping? I have huge confidence in the future. With the support and expertise of the wider SAL Group, together with our loyal workforce, we are ready to take the business to the next level.

For more information on SAL Group, visit sal-group.co.uk, email info@sal-group.co.uk or call 0151 433 7254

Plans approved for apartments and commercial space in Mossley Hill

Architect says new mixed-use development will ‘transform a prominent but underused corner’ on Rose Lane

PLANS HAVE BEEN APPROVED for a new mixed-use development on Rose Lane in Mossley Hill.

The scheme, which will be known as Roseville Place, will replace the existing buildings at 70 and 72 Rose Lane with nine apartments and ground-floor commercial space.

Falconer Chester Hall developed the plans in partnership with Roman Summer Associates Ltd on behalf of client Terence Lynch.

The new building will include a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, with active frontages facing both Rose Lane and Pitville Avenue.

Plans also include lift access to every floor, a wheelchair-accessible apartment, secure cycle storage and electric vehicle charging points.

New dropped kerbs and tactile paving will be introduced to improve access to nearby public transport, while measures have been incorporated into the design to protect the privacy of neighbouring residents.

A spokesperson for Falconer Chester Hall says: “This approval is an important step forward for the site, and we’re excited to see the plans become a reality.

“The development will deliver new homes, support local business activity and transform a prominent but underused corner into a

building that makes a positive contribution to Rose Lane and the surrounding area.”

Bella Cucina and Gustum, which currently occupy 70 and 72 Rose Lane respectively, responded to the news on social media, confirming that both restaurants expect to remain open for the next three years while they search for new premises nearby.

Thanking customers for their continued loyalty and support, they said the redevelopment would not mark a goodbye, but rather “the beginning of a new chapter”.

PC&Co

strengthens conveyancing team

Mistoria marks five years of support for Speed of Sight

Charity

organises driving experiences for people with physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities

NORTH WEST PROPERTY GROUP Mistoria has marked five years of support for disability driving charity Speed of Sight by sponsoring its latest track day at Three Sisters Race Circuit.

The event gave 30 disabled and visually impaired participants the opportunity to experience the freedom and excitement of driving in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.

Those taking part, known by the charity as ‘Champions’, were assisted throughout the day by Speed of Sight’s team of volunteers and instructors.

The charity organises driving experiences for people with physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities, helping to make motorsport accessible to those who might otherwise never have the opportunity to get behind the wheel.

Mish Liyanage, managing director of The Mistoria Group, said: “For five years, we have supported these moments with Speed of Sight – the nerves, the drive, the excitement and the speed.

“It was inspiring to see the smiles, determination and confidence of every Champion who took to the track. We are incredibly proud to support a charity that turns ‘I can’t’ into ‘I can’.”

Mistoria operates in Liverpool through its Mistoria Estate Agents branch in Pall Mall, which provides residential sales and lettings, property management, landlord support and specialist guidance for HMOs and rental portfolios across the city.

Law firm responds to growing demand for its residential property services

PAUL CROWLEY & CO SOLICITORS has expanded its residential property team with the appointment of Robyn Frost.

Robyn will lead on client onboarding within the firm’s conveyancing department, helping to manage growing demand for its residential property services.

She joins the team after spending three years working in private client services and will now support clients through the early stages of their property transactions.

Robyn says: “Everyone at the firm has made me welcome. I am enjoying working with our clients, developing new skills and excited to learn a lot more.”

Jenna Gall, head of conveyancing at PC&Co, adds: “Robyn has settled in brilliantly and brings a fantastic attitude to the department. She is eager to learn, committed to client care and has already become a reliable part of the team.

“We are delighted to have her with us and look forward to supporting her development as she continues to grow within the conveyancing department.”

The appointment forms part of the firm’s continued investment in its residential property services. PC&Co is also recruiting across a number of departments as it continues to expand its team.

Loose skin, cellulite or stubborn fat pockets affecting your confidence?

Body concerns are incredibly common – but you don’t have to accept feeling uncomfortable or self-conscious

Perhaps you avoid sleeveless clothes because you feel unhappy with the skin on your arms. Maybe you cover your stomach on holiday, feel uncomfortable wearing a bikini or have noticed changes to your body following pregnancy or weight loss.

Cellulite, crepey skin, loose skin, stubborn pockets of fat and fluid retention can all affect how you feel about your body. Amanda Azzopardi, founder of Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics, understands how personal these concerns can be, which is why she created the Body Confidence Reset –a supportive, medically led programme tailored to each client.

Designed and delivered by Amanda alongside the clinic’s Skin and Laser Therapist, the programme combines advanced treatments to improve skin quality, enhance body contour and help clients feel firmer and more confident.

What is the Body Confidence Reset?

The Body Confidence Reset is a comprehensive non-

surgical body-tightening and contouring programme for concerns including cellulite, crepey or loose skin, stubborn fat pockets, fluid retention and changes following weight loss. Rather than relying on a single treatment, Amanda takes a whole-body approach, with every element carefully selected to improve skin quality, firmness, body contour and overall wellbeing. Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation and body measurements to understand your concerns and create a personalised treatment plan.

What the programme includes

Morpheus8 Burst

Three Morpheus8 Burst body treatments, carried out six weeks apart, to support skin tightening, firmness and contour.

Slimyonik Lymphatic Drainage

Twelve relaxing, pain-free lymphatic drainage sessions designed to help reduce fluid retention.

“Feel stronger, firmer and more confident in your body.”

Dermalux LED Light Therapy

Twelve red-light therapy sessions to stimulate collagen and support skin tightening and rejuvenation.

Targeted treatments

Depending on your needs, the programme also includes up to three Aqualyx fat-dissolving sessions (with four vials per session), three skin-booster treatments and three LaseMD Ultra sessions to tighten, tone and refine the skin.

Support throughout your journey

Monthly clinical reviews and progress tracking ensure your treatment plan continues to meet your needs. You’ll also

Book your Body Confidence Reset consultation

Pay £4,500 upfront OR Join the ongoing Clinical Transformation Membership with £2,500 upfront, followed by £399 per month for six months

Call 0151 558 0742 or email contact@amandaazzopardi.co.uk

receive a complimentary Totally Derma collagen supplement to support skin, gut health and wellbeing, plus 10% off in-clinic skincare throughout your membership.

What happens first?

Everything starts with a personal consultation. There is no judgement or pressure – just an honest conversation about your concerns and goals. Amanda will explain the programme, talk you through each treatment and help you decide whether the Body Confidence Reset is right for you.

Feel stronger, firmer and more confident in your body.

LANDLORDS

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STUDENTS & PROFESSIONALS

Let’s EAT OUT

Whether it’s a full-on al fresco feast, a garden party or a quick picnic in the park, there’s nothing like a spot of fresh air to work up an appetite

IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR when we dust off the outdoor table and chairs and pull out the picnic set. Even if you’ve only got a tiny outdoor space, or no space at all, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy al fresco dining. Whether it’s a table for one or a party with friends, just grab a jacket or a blanket, and let’s get outside!

A tea party fit for a princess, or three

The best thing about summer has to be strawberries. Serve delicious cake with berries and lashings of cream, with tea, coffee or refreshing elderflower cordial as a reward for making lovely wildflower crowns and bouquets.

Meet the neighbours

A block party is a great way to get to know your neighbours. Bring a dish and your own chair (a table could also come in handy). The SUNDSÖ tables and chairs are lightweight, colourful party companions that neatly fold away with ease when it’s time to head home.

Potluck picnic

No garden? No problem! Head on over to the park for an impromptu picnic with friends. Pack up a selection of tasty dishes, or why not invite everyone to contribute to the feast with their favourite foods? Don’t forget a cooling bag for drinks, along with plates and utensils, of course. Plastic tableware is lightweight and reusable; your go-to dining set for eating out in the park.

Everything, plus the kitchen sink

This isn’t a barbecue; it’s a chef’s paradise. The GRILLSKÄR fully-equipped outdoor kitchen features plenty of work surfaces, a

charcoal grill and even a functioning sink, not to mention loads of storage space for tools, tableware and seasonings. With everything you need to create delicious flavours outside in the fresh air, don’t be surprised if the neighbours try to snag an invitation.

Green goes with everything

A co-ordinated table setting creates the perfect setting for al fresco dining. Lift a special summer celebration with colourful dinnerware and textiles, and why not integrate some of the surrounding flora

Top picks

into the decor, for a fully immersive table arrangement? Cheers to friends, food and fresh air!

Dining out

Who wants to sit inside, when you could be eating under the stars? A cosy dining area with string lights and a few candles sets the mood for an enchanting summer evening, while comfy cushions and seating invites you and your guests to linger for hours. Keep a few throws or blankets close at hand to keep the chill at bay when the sun goes down

PELARKAKTUS Bowl

£3

GRILLSKÄR Outdoor kitchen

£950

NÄMMARÖ Table and 4 chairs

SUNDSÖ Table and 2 folding chairs

£90

Council unveils 2026 festive plans featuring waterfront attractions and ice skating

St George’s Hall and Pier Head will host two new seasonal experiences, alongside popup markets and a programme of events

LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL has revealed its plans for the city’s 2026 festive programme, including two new outdoor attractions, seasonal markets and a series of events at St George’s Hall.

Following a competitive tender process, contracts have been awarded to Underbelly and Icebox Live to deliver new Christmas attractions at St George’s Hall and Pier Head.

‘Skate St George’s’ will bring an outdoor ice rink to the city centre landmark, while ‘Liverpool Christmas Wonderland @ Pier Head’ will feature a covered ice-skating rink alongside fairground rides, games and other attractions beneath the Three Graces.

The operators are also expected to work with local community groups on creative projects and initiatives focused on social impact and sustainability, with further details due to be announced.

Seasonal pop-up markets featuring local and independent businesses will take place at a number of city centre locations, including Basnett Street and the Cunard Building, on selected dates.

The programme will also include Story Time with Santa, A Christmas Carol and Carols by Lantern Light as part of Liverpool City Halls’ wider festive schedule.

Liverpool’s Christmas Markets draw more than 500,000 visitors each year and have become one of the city’s largest seasonal attractions – boosting footfall and hotel stays, supporting local businesses and contributing to Liverpool’s visitor economy throughout the festive period.

Local businesses or traders who are interested in operating at the pop-up seasonal markets should visit: liverpool.gov.uk/leisure-andwellbeing/markets/trading-at-markets/

More Than a Mortgage

Think a mortgage broker simply finds you a competitive deal? Martin Green explains how the right adviser can guide, protect and support you throughout the entire home-buying journey

My name is Martin Green from J&M Green Mortgage Services Limited on Allerton Road. Despite more than 20 years in the industry and having helped arrange in excess of 10,000 mortgages, I never tire of being asked by a new client: ‘What are the benefits of using a mortgage broker compared to doing this myself?’

It’s a fair question, but the answer is simple. A good mortgage broker should offer far more than just access to mortgage products and advice on the mortgage. We advise, guide and protect our clients from the very first phone call, for as long as they need us.

Everyone involved in the house buying process has a commercial interest – the vendor, estate agent, in house mortgage advisers, ‘recommended solicitors’, the banks, surveyors, insurance companies and the tax man! We guide and advise our clients through every single stage of the process, protecting them from potentially overpriced properties, inflated solicitor and surveyor fees, conflicts of interest with estate agents and complex mortgage and insurance products.

We believe our role goes well beyond finding a competitive mortgage product. We live and breathe the home-buying journey alongside our clients, because we understand this isn’t just another transaction. It’s personal, emotional, and, at times, incredibly stressful, so we treat every case as if it were our own mortgage. We’ll research the property, help submit and negotiate offers where appropriate, and obtain and assess the relevant reports to help ensure our clients are buying on the best possible terms.

Our involvement certainly doesn’t end once an application has been submitted. In many ways, that’s when the real work begins. We spend countless hours liaising with estate agents, solicitors and lenders, chasing updates, resolving issues, and keeping clients informed every step of the way. Not every purchase goes according

Martin Green Director

“We believe our role goes well beyond finding a competitive mortgage product.”

to plan – there can be survey issues, down valuations, lender queries, unexpected complications – these are all part of the process, and this is when experience really counts.

We also believe our responsibility doesn’t end on completion day. Protecting our clients and their families and homes is just as important as arranging the mortgage itself. Making sure the right insurance and trusts are in place gives peace of mind that their home and lifestyle are protected if the unexpected happens. We also track all of the mortgages we’ve arranged to ensure our clients are reminded six months before their deal is coming to an end that it’s time to start the process of looking at a new deal. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the best deal and

navigating spikes in interest rates.

After more than two decades in this industry, one thing has become abundantly clear. People don’t always remember the exact interest rate they received, but they always remember how they were treated. They remember who answered the phone out of hours when they were worried, who kept them informed when nothing seemed to be happening, and who stood by them when things didn’t go to plan. To us, that’s what ‘More Than a Mortgage’ really means. It’s about sharing the journey, reducing the stress, and treating every client as we would want our own family to be treated. Because finding the right mortgage is only part of the job, being there every step of the way is what truly makes the difference.

Some like it HOT

Heather Marsh explores the drought-resistant plants that can keep our gardens thriving through rising temperatures and prolonged dry spells

WITH CLIMATE CHANGE bringing an astonishing fourth heatwave already this summer, and the Met Office confirming the driest July on record, it is imperative that we rethink the way we garden and learn how to adapt.

Like many of you, I expect, the daily chore of watering plants has become almost a firefighting exercise for me, simply to keep them alive – and, even with all the time and effort it takes, I honestly can’t say I’m winning.

I’ve long given up on the sun-baked lawn. It was no bowling green anyway and will recover with a little rain. But it’s everything else succumbing to the heat that really disheartens me.

Hydrangeas, camellias and rhododendrons are naturally thirsty plants and have now been reduced to wilting, collapsed heaps (pictured right). Peonies planted only in the spring have become scorched and stopped flowering, while potted fuchsias have also given up, along with the sweet peas, courgettes and my newly planted strawberries.

Bearing all this in mind, the recent heat has not only made me more aware of the plants that really can’t cope, but has also highlighted those that can.

Beth Chatto planted her drought-resistant ‘Gravel Garden’ more than 30 years ago as an experiment to discover which plants could survive in full sun, poor soil and without irrigation. At a time when climate change was barely recognised, she understood that changing conditions would affect the way we garden.

Her approach was key to her success and is especially relevant today, as climate change brings more frequent heatwaves and the prospect of future water shortages. Her revolutionary way of gardening was based on one simple principle: ‘right plant, right place’.

Gardening sustainably and working with nature are crucial. Instead of continually watering or feeding unsuitable plants, she selected species naturally adapted to the garden’s soil, sunlight and moisture levels.

Created in 1992 on a former car park with poor, sandy but free-draining soil, her famous drought-resistant garden became an experiment in growing attractive plants without irrigation. One of its main principles was that, once established, the plants would rely solely on natural rainfall.

Her main lessons were simple:

• Improve compacted soil enough to allow

roots and rainwater to penetrate, but avoid making it overly rich. Excess feeding encourages soft, leafy growth that is more likely to wilt in hot weather.

• Plant smaller specimens in spring or autumn – preferably autumn, given that we have now experienced two consecutive dry springs. Thoroughly soak the root balls before planting and water deeply while the plants become established. From my own experience, this really does work.

• Applying a layer of gravel mulch can also help retain moisture around the roots.

And when the heat is on, remember Beth Chatto’s golden rule: choose the right plants for the right place.

For those hot, dry spots, here are some of my favourites to consider…

Drought-resistant plants originate from many regions with low rainfall and hot summers, including the Mediterranean. Familiar favourites such as lavender, rosemary and olive trees thrive in these conditions and have naturally adapted to cope with extreme heat. Ornamental grasses are another group of plants that thrive in the heat and are highly drought-tolerant. Pampas grass, Cortaderia selloana, is one of the best known. With its distinctive, fluffy white plumes, it is easy to grow and flourishes in a hot, sun-drenched spot. The grass is native to the swelteringly hot Pampas region of South America, hence its name. With both giant and dwarf varieties available, you can choose whichever best suits your garden.

• Golden oat grass, Stipa gigantea, is a beautiful tufted grass with tall stems topped by oat-like seed heads, which are also popular with birds.

• Miscanthus ‘Malepartus’, also known as Indian summer grass, has elegant arching leaves and coppercoloured plumes. It grows happily in borders, pots or containers.

• I particularly love ponytail grass, Stipa tenuissima, for its soft, flowing and wonderfully tactile qualities, which are perfectly reflected in its name.

• Agapanthus varieties ‘Brilliant Blue’ and ‘Black Jack’ won’t disappoint. Also known as African lilies, these South African perennials have large heads of trumpetshaped flowers and striking, strap-like leaves. They are real sun worshippers and well suited to growing in pots, as they thrive when their roots are slightly restricted. Once flowering has finished, the spent blooms can be deadheaded or left in place for their attractive, architectural seed heads.

Agaves

Agaves are among the ultimate survivors of drought-stricken landscapes. Native to the arid regions of the Americas, their thick, fleshy leaves store large quantities of water, enabling them to thrive in blazing heat and poor soil.

For striking architectural impact, hardy, drought-tolerant phormiums, or New Zealand flax, are hard to beat. Lowmaintenance and available in many varieties, they make a bold addition to the garden. I have had mine growing for more than 30 years, with the added bonus of them flowering every few years.

Indigenous Māori communities historically used the plant’s tough fibres to make rope, baskets and mats.

Yuccas are another bold, architectural plant that are extremely tough and droughttolerant. Dramatic and exotic-looking, their only essential requirements are plenty of sun and well-drained soil.

They are lowmaintenance plants and, given the right conditions, a mature yucca – at least three years old –may reward you by flowering. Its metrehigh tower of creamy, bell-shaped blooms is truly spectacular and adds a real wow factor to any garden.

I grow one as an indoor houseplant because I find it such an interesting, architectural plant, although with the scorching weather we are experiencing at present, it would feel very much at home outside on the patio.

Agave americana is often known as the century plant because of the old myth that it takes 100 years to flower.

Other varieties include blue agave, Agave tequilana, which is used to make tequila, and Agave sisalana, which is grown for its strong fibres, traditionally used to make rope.

There are many colourful, drought-resistant plants that I grow myself which, once established, require very little watering. Consider planting new specimens in autumn, while the soil is still warm, so they can benefit from the winter rains. In time, they will become more drought-tolerant, allowing you to spend less time watering and more time enjoying their beauty.

Groundbreaking gardening

crocus.co.uk

The world-famous first gravel garden was created by pioneering plantswoman Beth Chatto at the Beth Chatto Gardens in Elmstead Market, Colchester, Essex. This book charts her story of bloom from ‘possibly the driest, and the most windswept, piece of soil in England’.

Drought-Resistant Planting by Beth Chatto, £18.99, bethchatto.co.uk

Gabrielle and Tom Grennan confirmed for Jamie Carragher-backed charity gala

The annual fundraising night, sponsored by global transport and logistics firm DSV, will return to Liverpool for the first time since 2024

FOOTBALL FOR CHANGE has announced the return of its annual fundraising gala this November, with this year’s event set to be the “biggest and most ambitious yet”.

Sponsored by global transport and logistics firm DSV, it will return to Liverpool for the first time since 2024 on Saturday 14 November at M&S Bank Arena.

Gabrielle and Tom Grennan will perform live at the event, while Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville will take part in a football Q&A alongside other special guests. Radio and television presenter Mark Wright will host the evening.

Founded by Jamie Carragher, Conor Coady and Trent AlexanderArnold, Football For Change was established to help tackle child poverty by creating opportunities for young people living in some of the UK’s most disadvantaged communities.

Working in partnership with the Communities Foundation, the initiative has raised more than £1.5 million to support grassroots charities and community projects that provide access to education, sport, training and life-changing opportunities in postcodes where young people are facing some of life’s toughest challenges.

Funds raised from this year’s gala will continue to support organisations making a tangible difference to young lives, helping to remove barriers to opportunity and inspire the next generation to achieve their potential.

Jamie Carragher, co-founder of Football For Change, says:

“Football has the power to inspire and bring people together, but it also has the ability to create real change. Every year we’re overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who supports Football For Change, and this year’s gala promises to be our biggest yet.

“The funds raised will help grassroots organisations continue their incredible work, giving young people opportunities they may never otherwise have had.”

Surinder Dubro, managing director, UK, contract logistics at DSV, adds: “As a global organisation, DSV understands the importance of connecting communities and creating opportunities.

“We are proud to partner with the 2026 Football For Change Gala and support a fantastic initiative that is helping transform the lives of young people facing poverty through the power of football. This aligns with our core social impact values in a way that delivers a genuine and lasting difference”.

Legacie apprenticeship programme supports more than 100 young people

Bright Futures Scheme offers paid placements combining on-site experience with higher education

LIVERPOOL-BASED property developer

Legacie has supported 107 young people through its Bright Futures Scheme, which offers paid apprenticeships combining on-site experience with higher education.

Partnering with Liverpool John Moores University, Legacie developed a programme that offers full-time apprenticeships across construction and commercial divisions. The scheme gives aspiring professionals the opportunity to gain practical site experience while studying towards a degree-level qualification at the University.

Designed to bridge the gap between education and employment, the programme equips apprentices with the technical knowledge, industry qualifications and mentorship needed to build long-term careers in the sector.

As part of its continued growth, Legacie has committed to expanding its recruitment of apprentices and graduates, investing in local talent and helping address the

construction sector’s growing skills shortage. Alongside degree study, the apprentices benefit from industry-recognised training and the chance to work on some of Liverpool’s most significant regeneration schemes.

Nora El Gendy (inset), alumni of the Bright Futures Scheme, says: “Having the opportunity to contribute to projects including The Mill and Maritime View gave me real confidence and showed me that my hard work is recognised.

“I’ve been fortunate to receive fantastic support from my mentor, Steve, and the wider team, who have encouraged me every step of the way. I’d highly recommend any

student to put themselves forward for the Bright Futures Scheme.”

John Morley, CEO of Legacie, adds: “We’re passionate about creating opportunities for local people to build rewarding careers in construction. The Bright Futures Scheme isn’t simply an apprenticeship programme – it’s an investment in the future of our business, our industry and our city.

“By combining academic learning with hands-on experience on major regeneration projects, we’re supporting the next generation of construction professionals while ensuring our workforce has the skills needed for the future.”

Smithdown favourite Tavern Co to open city centre venue

Tavern Social will bring the restaurant’s popular breakfast and brunch offering to Water Street this September

THE TEAM BEHIND THE TAVERN CO on Smithdown Road is preparing to open a new venue in Liverpool city centre.

Tavern Social will occupy the ground floor of New Zealand House on Water Street, taking over the unit previously home to Hooters.

The Tavern Co has been part of Liverpool’s independent food scene for more than 30 years and is well known for its breakfast and brunch menus, having twice been named home of the UK’s best breakfast.

Its new venue will build on the original restaurant’s offer, serving breakfast and brunch by day before becoming a lively evening space with around 200 covers, an expanded food menu, craft beers and live sport.

The opening follows investment in the Smithdown Road restaurant since it came under new ownership in 2023 and marks the group’s first expansion into the city centre.

A spokesperson for Tavern Social said: “Expanding into Liverpool city centre this summer is a massive milestone for us.

“We’ve been looking for the perfect spot to bring that unique Tavern magic closer to the heart of the city, and we can’t wait to welcome both our loyal regulars and a whole new crowd of diners.”

Tavern Social is due to open in September.

Liverpool recognised as UNICEF Child Friendly City

International status recognises progress made in giving children and young people a greater voice in decisions affecting them

LIVERPOOL HAS RECEIVED official recognition from UNICEF UK as a Child Friendly City.

The status acknowledges the work undertaken to embed children’s rights across council services, policies and communities, and to give young people more opportunities to influence decisions about the city.

It follows a recent Ofsted inspection in which Liverpool City Council’s Children’s Services were rated ‘Good’, three years after receiving an ‘Inadequate’ judgement.

The council has also announced plans to create a new Liverpool Youth Parliament, which will develop a Child Friendly City manifesto setting out ideas and initiatives young people would like to see introduced.

Key achievements highlighted by the council following recognition from UNICEF UK include the opening of 12 Family Hubs, increased investment in youth services, improvements to playgrounds and green spaces, and the introduction of free leisure passes for Liverpool residents aged eight to 17.

What’s on...

Events not to be missed over the next four weeks

Salt and Tar Weekender, Bootle 14-17 August

The outdoor music venue welcomes a series of major headline performances, including The Waterboys, The Saw Doctors and Nile Rodgers & CHIC.

7-8 Aug Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare North Playhouse

7-9 Aug Penny Lane Weekender 2026

7-29 Aug Take Me Home County Road, Royal Court

8 Aug No Art Liverpool, Otterspool Promenade 15 Aug Lewis Capaldi, Sefton Park

21-23 Aug Jamie Webster: Album Launch Residency, Jacaranda Baltic

27 Aug Gabrielle, Liverpool Cathedral

29-31 Aug Movies on the Mersey: a pop-up Drive In Cinema, Hill Dickinson Stadium

1-4 Sep Dirty Dancing, Empire

Southport Flower Show, Victoria Park 20-23 August

The UK’s largest independent flower show returns with show gardens, floral displays, shopping, food and appearances from gardening and wildlife personalities.

SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT ON THE PEOPLE WHO GO THE EXTRA MILE

The Motor Ombudsman is looking for individuals and businesses that make a real difference to motorists

Has a mechanic, garage, dealership, mobile repairer, vehicle manufacturer, car retailer or warranty provider helped you in your time of need, or exceeded your expectations?

Tell us why they deserve a Star Award.

Share your story about a Motor Ombudsman-accredited business and nominate your star today at: www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org/Awards

Every customer nomination will be entered into a prize draw where you could win £250 in shopping vouchers*

Nominations close 1st September 2026

Always choose a business signed up to a Motor Ombudsman-accredited Code of Practice to ensure you’re in safe hands.