AWARD FINALISTS
Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet
Two unmissable blockbuster immersive experiences recieved their UK premieres in Liverpool. Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet ran at Exhibition Centre Liverpool in the summers of 2024 and 2025, seen by over 100,000 people. Cutting-edge technology breathed new life into more than 700 of both legendary painter’s artworks, taking visitors on a spectacular and unforgettable audio-visual journey through a captivating and colourful world.
Borealis at Royal Albert Dock Liverpool
Royal Albert Dock Liverpool is the most-visited free tourist destination outside of London. In March 2025, the dock staged its most ambitious free installation yet, Borealis. This large-scale spectacle recreated the magic of the Northern Lights, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from across the UK. By combining cutting-edge technology with a heritage backdrop, Borealis boosted the visitor economy, created unforgettable shared moments, and reinforced the dock’s role in cultural placemaking.
International Beatleweek Festival
International Beatleweek is the world’s leading celebration of The Beatles, drawing fans and bands from more than 35 countries to Liverpool each year. Standout 2025 highlights included the reunion of actors Mark and Paul McGann in a powerful new show, a community mini-festival at Port Sunlight, and three sell-out concerts at Liverpool Philharmonic, including the Bootleg Beatles’ orchestral Liverpool debut.
Liverpool Biennial
Liverpool Biennial - the UK’s largest free festival of contemporary visual art - has been transforming the city through art for over two decades. A dynamic programme of free exhibitions, performances, community and learning activities, and fringe events unfolds over 14 weeks, shining a light on the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
Liverpool Book Festival
La Vida Liverpool's inaugural Liverpool Book Festival took place at Invisible Wind Factory & Make CIC on Sunday 7th September and featured over 60 different authors selling their books directly, celebrity special guests, Q&As, live music, free workshops, street food, artisan stalls and more!
Liverpool Irish Festival
Liverpool Irish Festival 2024 brought Irish heritage alive across Liverpool, reaching 50,000+ people through 49 events and 6 exhibits. The theme — "departures" — explored Liverpool as a gateway to the world. Their deep research into The Great Hunger produced extraordinary creative responses, including a 220km commemorative hike. Work revealed local stories of heroism and compassion, and a memorial that drew six-times more visitors than previous years.
Salt and Tar Music Weekend
The Salt and Tar Weekend Music Festival took place from 7th to 10th August 2025 in Bootle, offering an exciting programme of live music. With standout performances from iconic acts such as Billy Ocean and Sugababes, the festival delivered an unforgettable mix of legendary artists and emerging talent, all set within the unique surroundings of Bootle’s Salt and Tar venue.
Southport Flower Show
Southport Flower Show is the largest independent flower show in the UK, Southport's largest event and the 4th largest paid-for event in the Liverpool City Region. It attracts over 50,000 visitors each year, contributing over £5M to the local economy. The show is more than just flowers, with entertaiment, music, childrens activitis, over 400 traders and celebrity guests - it's an all-round family event.
Southport Food & Drink Festival
Enjoy a perfect day out in Victoria Park, Southport for family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and enjoy the huge range of amazing Food & Drink from across the North West. The event is free entry and visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs/ blankets/ footballs - stay for an hour or stay all day. There are over 50 street foods, 50 local producers, 15 bars and 10 exhibitors plus loads of free children’s activities and top quality local bands and singers.
Writing on the Wall
Writing on the Wall (WoW) is Liverpool’s longest-running writing and literature festival, as well as one of the longest-running literary festivals in the UK. Founded on principles of social justice and equality, WoW champions diverse voices through award-winning projects, publications, and its flagship festival, WoWFEST. Each May, WoWFEST brings world-class authors, activists, and artists together with local talent, creating unique opportunities for emerging voices to shine alongside international names.