Hannah Rees

Liverpool businesswoman and mother-of-four Kate Stewart has relaunched her annual school uniform appeal for disadvantaged families across Merseyside. The appeal exceeded its £6,000 target within 90 minutes and had raised £7,915, while previous efforts in 2024 provided 4,827 items. Donations and support from local businesses are being sought, with an event planned for August 30.

Thomas Boyle, 24, has opened the first Crep Recovery shop at 161–163 Queens Drive in Childwall after building a trainer-cleaning business from his bedroom. He began by cleaning shoes for friends, expanded through local second-hand footwear businesses and viral TikTok videos, and eventually left his job to run the venture full time. The business gained wider attention after Boyle cleaned the shoes of TikTok personality Spudman, helping drive further recognition and demand.

Retrospective Festival and Reminisce Festival will take place at Sherdley Park in St Helens on September 11 and 12, 2026. Retrospective’s lineup includes Boyzlife, The Fizz, T’Pau’s Carol Decker, Nadine Coyle, Heather Small, Pete Waterman and Pat Sharp, while Reminisce will feature performers and DJs spanning classic dance, trance, hardcore and clubland music. The events will also include a classical stage, throwback performances, food and drink vendors, and coverage from official radio partner In Demand Radio.

Little Budworth, a Cheshire village about 50 minutes from Liverpool, is highlighted as a destination for visitors. Its main attraction is The Hollies Farm Shop, a third-generation family business that began in 1959 as a roadside honesty box and now includes a butchery, delicatessen, gift bar and fresh-produce market. The shop won Taste Cheshire’s Local Produce Shop of the Year in 2025 and has attracted celebrity visitors including Molly-Mae Hague and Courteney Cox. Nearby attractions include The Hollies Forest Log Cabins, Reclaimed World’s Victorian-style arcade and salvage displays, country pubs, Oulton Park and Little Budworth Country Park.

L7 Village Market on Prescot Road in Fairfield has served the community for more than 15 years with over 30,000 products from European, African and Asian countries. Manager Sahan Aslan says the supermarket competes with larger retailers through specialist offerings, including restaurant-grade meat supplied to Liverpool restaurants and more than 1,000 Turkish loaves baked daily for cafés and restaurants. The family-run business has expanded into a community destination with a restaurant and barbers, while retaining customers through word-of-mouth recommendations, friendly service and hard-to-find international groceries.

Thousands of fans gathered at Liverpool’s Sefton Park for Lewis Capaldi’s headline performance as part of Cream’s In the Park Presents events. The coverage highlights the festival’s importance to Liverpool’s music calendar, Capaldi’s previous success and albums, and photographs of attendees arriving for the sold-out-style large-scale show.

A performance of Burlesque the Musical at Sunderland Empire scheduled for August 13 was cancelled because of technical difficulties, following an earlier postponement from August 6. Producers said they expected the show to resume on August 14 and would contact affected customers. The musical’s planned Woking run has also been postponed until 2027, while performances at Liverpool Empire remain scheduled for November 24 to December 5.

The Salt and Tar Music Festival returned to Bootle for a multi-night programme at a temporary Lock & Quay site while its usual home venue undergoes expansion. Billy Ocean opened the event on August 13, performing classics including “Caribbean Queen” and “Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car” for hundreds of attendees, with Helena May also performing. The gallery captures the opening-night atmosphere and crowds.

Salt and Tar Music Weekender returned to Bootle on August 13, 2026, with performances scheduled from artists including Billy Ocean, The Waterboys, the Saw Doctors, and Nile Rodgers and CHIC. The event is temporarily being held at the Lock and Quay site while expansion work continues at its usual location. Beverage prices range from £2 for tea or coffee to £32 for bottles of wine, with spirits generally priced at £9 per single measure.

Road closures and traffic restrictions will affect roads around Liverpool’s Sefton Park before, during and after Lewis Capaldi’s performance at the In the Park festival on August 15, 2026. Greenbank Lane, parts of Aigburth Drive and nearby roads will be restricted, with resident and business access maintained in some areas. Parking and shuttle-bus arrangements will operate near the park, while drivers should expect diversions and temporary restrictions from August 13 through the end of the event.

Hundreds of people queued outside Specsavers in Formby from early morning to buy glasses for the partial solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. The store reportedly sold out at about 11:15am after 200 to 300 people waited, amid widespread shortages at retailers across the UK. More than 90% of the Sun is expected to be obscured between approximately 6pm and 8pm, and experts warn that viewing it without proper protection can cause painless, permanent retinal damage.

Liverpool City Council has suspended all activities, including angling, on both Walton Hall Park lakes after an increase in duck and goose deaths, with a suspected outbreak of avian botulism. Visitors are advised not to touch dead or distressed birds, and dog walkers should keep pets away from the water and affected birds. The Animal and Plant Health Agency is testing samples to confirm the cause, while the reported risk to people is considered very low.

A new £178,000 play park at Finch Woods in Halewood was heavily vandalised with spray paint before its scheduled opening. Equipment, trees and safety surfacing were damaged, delaying access for local families and creating repair costs running into thousands of pounds. Knowsley Council, which is investing £1 million in the wider Finch Woods project, has reported the crime to Merseyside Police and is reviewing CCTV while working to make the park safe and reopen it.

A full-scale replica of Christopher Columbus’s flagship, the Nao Santa María, has arrived at Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock as part of its 2026 European tour. Built in Huelva, Spain, by the Nao Victoria Foundation, the vessel will be open to the public from August 12 to August 25, with visitors able to explore its decks and learn about maritime history and the Province of Huelva’s cultural heritage.

Clare Thoday-Parry and her three daughters, Ava, Sasha and Amber, are renovating Cassa, a new coffee shop and crafts venue at 12 Church Street in Prescot. The ground floor will serve hot drinks, smoothies, milkshakes, cakes and snacks, while upper floors will host crafting activities, future workshops, parties and events. The family hopes to create a space where people can disconnect from their phones and spend time being creative, and local businesses and residents have already welcomed the venture. Opening dates have not yet been confirmed.

A photo gallery showcases glamorous racegoers and notable outfits from Ladies Day at Haydock Park during the Rose of Lancaster Stakes. The event featured racing, Style Awards judged by a panel including presenter Gemma Cutting, and a prize package involving tickets, travel and spa vouchers. Lucy Traynor from Rainford won the Style Awards.

Eight Liverpool parks and green spaces have received national recognition through Green Flag awards. The list includes Sefton Park, Croxteth Park, Otterspool Park, Reynolds Park, Springfield Park, Everton Nature Garden, Chavasse Park and Friends of Norris Green Park. Six are managed by Liverpool City Council, Chavasse Park by Liverpool ONE, and Friends of Norris Green Park received a community award. The Liverpool Echo is asking Merseyside residents to vote for their favourite local park.

Manchester Airport is warning passengers not to pack lithium-battery devices such as vapes, power banks, tablets and power-tool batteries in hold luggage because damaged or overheated batteries can catch fire. These items must be carried in hand luggage, while liquids over 100ml and oversized sports equipment must go in checked baggage. The airport’s new CT scanners could eventually enable changes to the 100ml liquids rule, but certification from the Civil Aviation Authority is still pending. Passengers are also advised to check prohibited-item lists, keep medication and documents in hand luggage, protect fragile items, secure baggage straps and keep bags identifiable and attended before check-in.

The Works is opening a new store at Belle Vale Shopping Centre in Liverpool, creating an estimated six local jobs and selling books, stationery, gifts, crafts, toys and games. The store will offer promotional multibuy deals and goodie bags for its first 50 customers, with opening hours from 9am to 5.45pm on weekdays and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

Official bathing spots across England are ranked by the Environment Agency using five water-quality categories. Most sites are rated excellent or good, while 7%—32 locations—receive the poorest rating. No swimming spots in Merseyside are classified as poor; the article highlights local sites including Crosby, Formby, Southport and New Brighton.

Stagecoach’s open-top Coastal Breezer service has returned for the summer, connecting Seacombe Ferry Terminal with New Brighton via the Wirral waterfront until August 31. The service operates from late morning to early evening, weather permitting, with free travel for Mersey Ferry ticket holders and Eureka! annual pass holders; other fares include £1 for an adult single and £5 for a family ticket. Transport officials say the service improves affordable access to local attractions and supports businesses during the holidays.

Parnells Sports Bar on South Road in Waterloo will close on August 9 after 17 years under the same family ownership. The venue cited the impact of the pandemic and ongoing challenges facing hospitality businesses, while saying it plans to return with a fresh concept aimed at helping revive South Road's hospitality scene. Customers responded with sadness and fond memories of the bar.

The article outlines current summer baggage policies for Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2.com. All three allow some form of cabin baggage, but size and weight limits vary. Ryanair includes a small under-seat bag, with larger cabin and checked bags available for an additional charge; easyJet includes a small under-seat bag and offers paid larger cabin and hold bags; Jet2 includes 10kg of hand luggage plus a small under-seat bag and allows passengers to purchase hold baggage. Infant and child equipment allowances are also detailed, and travelers are advised to check airline websites because rules and conditions may change.

A direct Transport for Wales service connecting Liverpool with Llandudno is running during the summer holidays, making North Wales seaside destinations more accessible to families without cars. The route stops at towns including Prestatyn, Rhyl, Abergele, Colwyn Bay and Llandudno, which offer beaches, promenades, attractions and family entertainment. Highlights include Llandudno's Great Orme, tramway and pier, Prestatyn's Nova attraction, and Rhyl's regeneration project and Queen's Market. Travelers are advised to check service information before departure.

The Feelgood Festival took place at Court Hey Park in Huyton, offering free family entertainment including food stalls, live music, performances, bubble displays, competitions and funfair rides. The event was the first of two major gatherings at the park, followed by the Knowsley Flower Show the next day. Local councillor Shelley Powell highlighted the events’ role in bringing residents together and encouraging use of Knowsley’s green spaces.

The Reader has announced its Autumn 2026 programme at Calderstones Park in Liverpool, including the new Glow in the Park illuminated family event on November 5 and 6. The programme also features a seasonal supper club, retreat, Spooky Cinema, workshops, literary events and Halloween activities running from September through November.

Royal Albert Dock Liverpool is marking its 180th anniversary with Dock 180 celebrations, including a projection of photographer Mark McNulty’s work on the Merseyside Maritime Museum facade and a one-night heritage-themed dining event at Gusto Albert Dock. The dock is also asking the public to submit personal photographs and memories for a commemorative digital photobook and future projection. Entrants can win a VIP prize package including a hotel stay, attraction entry, dinner at Maray and access to the September finale; submissions close on August 27.

The article outlines passport and identification requirements that UK holidaymakers should check before flying with easyJet, Jet2 and Ryanair, while TUI is named but not substantively covered in the visible text. easyJet accepts specified passports, national identity cards and other photographic identification on some domestic routes, but requires physical passports or identity cards for international travel and imposes validity requirements for UK travellers to the EU and associated European countries. Jet2 directs passengers to destination-specific requirements and warns that most EU countries require UK passports to be less than 10 years old and valid for at least three months after the trip. Ryanair accepts only valid passports or national identity cards, not driving licences or birth certificates, and offers an app feature for uploading visa documents.

The free New Brighton Family Food and Drink Festival has returned and runs through July 26, attracting visitors with international and independent food markets, family entertainment, rides, tribute acts and pet-focused activities. Organisers expect strong attendance after more than 30,000 people visited the previous year, with the event open daily from 11am to 7pm.

The We Are Wirral festival brought two days of live music and family activities to Birkenhead Park, featuring performances by artists including Dick and Dom, Tinie Tempah, Sigala and Chesney Hawkes. Large crowds enjoyed entertainment ranging from DJ sets to fairground rides and circus attractions under sunny weather, captured in an extensive series of event photographs.

Ryan Fox secured The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale with a final‑hole birdie to finish ten under, ahead of Cameron Young. Tommy Fleetwood drew strong local support despite falling out of contention after mid‑round bogeys, while Rory McIlroy ended at one under. Thousands of spectators from around the world attended the event, with twelve images capturing key moments from the final day.

Helen Lowry marks 10 years running Opulence Mobile Bar, a business that grew from a single opportunity she pursued while seeking event experience at university. After connecting with former Liverpool Vice Mayor Gary Millar, she worked on major city events before launching her own mobile bar service, which has expanded from one bar to a fleet of 15. Her business now serves high-profile clients and celebrity events, leaving her proud of its growth and local recognition.

Crowds arrive in Merseyside for the final day of the 154th Open Championship, with fans from across the UK and abroad gathering at Royal Birkdale for the closing round.

Fans from Merseyside and around the world gathered at Royal Birkdale as the 154th Open entered its final stages, with strong local support behind Southport golfer Tommy Fleetwood. Fleetwood’s third-round performance kept him in contention despite late bogeys, while Rory McIlroy criticized Bryson DeChambeau following a penalty dispute. Ryan Fox tied the course record with a 62. Visitors and locals expressed pride in the region’s golfing heritage as anticipation built for the championship’s conclusion.

Thirty classic cars were displayed outside the Museum of Liverpool as part of an event organised by the Phoenix Classic Vehicle Association, featuring models such as the Austin Seven, Classic Mini and marques including Sunbeam, MG and Talbot.

Large crowds arrived at Royal Birkdale for the third day of The 154th Open as spectators gathered ahead of the final rounds. Lucas Herbert led the leaderboard at eight under par, with strong positions held by Bryson DeChambeau, Tommy Fleetwood, and other prominent golfers. Tee times for leading players were confirmed as thousands made their way into the venue, captured in a series of fan photographs.

Southport’s Hole In 1 Golf shop is experiencing a surge in business as thousands of visitors arrive for the 154th Open at Royal Birkdale. Owners Lisa and Glyn Richards extended opening hours to accommodate crowds, including many American customers. Lisa described the week as hectic but positive and shared her excitement at meeting Rory McIlroy, while expressing hopes that local golfer Tommy Fleetwood secures the championship.

Talacre in North Wales is highlighted as a quieter seaside destination offering four miles of sandy beach, coastal walks and the historic Point of Ayr lighthouse. Visitors can explore sand dunes, walking routes and local wildlife, while nearby venues such as The Point Bar, Lighthouse Inn and Diner, Clwyd Bakeries and Lola & Suggs provide food, drinks and events. The village also features amusements and the Talacre Beach Resort, a five‑star holiday accommodation option.

A long-vacant Grade II listed building on Fenwick Street has reopened as McSwiggin’s House of Stout, operated by Pub Invest Group. The Irish pub features two floors with bars, booths and fireplaces, alongside live music, sports and a wide whiskey selection. General manager Dean McClafferty highlights the effort to honour the site’s history while creating a welcoming venue for visitors.

Large crowds attending The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale have brought a surge of customers to pubs in Merseyside, with venues such as The Grasshopper and The Pines reporting record sales and heavy footfall. Pub owners describe a lively atmosphere with visitors from around the world and note that the increased business offers welcome relief in a difficult period for the hospitality industry. Local optimism surrounds both the economic boost and the performance of hometown golfer Tommy Fleetwood.

Spectators arrive at Royal Birkdale for the second day of the 154th Open Championship, with large crowds gathering to watch top golfers compete.

Thousands of spectators gathered at Royal Birkdale ahead of the 154th Open Championship, with leading golfers including Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Tommy Fleetwood preparing to compete as final practice sessions concluded in sunny conditions.

Ignite Padel will expand its Speke facility from 27,500 to 56,000 square feet, increasing its court capacity from 10 to 17 and making it the largest padel venue in the UK. The project includes new amenities such as an elite viewing gallery, a restaurant, expanded parking, and a wellness centre. Company leaders highlight plans to support international tournaments, local communities, job creation, and continued growth across Liverpool and Cheshire, with completion expected in August 2026.

Large numbers of visitors from the UK, the US and beyond are travelling to Royal Birkdale for the 154th Open Championship, one of golf’s four major tournaments. Spectators describe long‑distance journeys and plans to explore Liverpool and surrounding courses while top players including Tommy Fleetwood, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy prepare to compete for the Claret Jug.

The recently opened Twenty at Smithdown Place temporarily closed for planned building work, maintenance, training and operational checks. Co-founder Anna Forster is stepping back from day‑to‑day operations to focus on Mary Mary Florals, with Laura McCumiskey continuing to manage the venue. The transition process took longer than expected, extending the closure. The business apologised for frustration caused and expects to reopen later in the month.

Aintree Racecourse will screen England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina on July 15, offering £10 entry including a complimentary drink, with additional food and bar options available. Gates open at 5:30pm and the event will take place in the Red Rum Garden, with timings subject to change if the match goes to extra time.

Crowds gather across Liverpool as fans pack city centre bars to watch England face Norway in the 2026 World Cup quarter-final. Reporters capture pre-match excitement, queues outside venues, live reactions to goals and VAR decisions, and local supporters’ predictions and celebrations throughout the evening.

Jamie Webster will perform a three‑night residency at Liverpool’s Jacaranda Baltic in August 2026 to celebrate the release of his fourth album, Running Round The Sun. Fans purchasing tickets can choose from several album editions, including a special Jacaranda Edition featuring a new vinyl pressing of Weekend In Paradise. The intimate 450‑capacity shows will feature the new album performed in full. Webster and Jacaranda Records’ managing director Graham Stanley praised their longstanding collaboration and expressed excitement for the residency.

Danny Beard has been confirmed to play Paul O’Grady in Jonathan Harvey’s upcoming play Savage, which debuts in 2027. Beard described the role as a major honour and said he hopes to balance authenticity and character portrayal. After receiving the script in 2025, he met O’Grady’s husband, Andre Portasio, and formed a supportive friendship during early discussions. The production will follow O’Grady’s journey from Merseyside to London’s club scene and will tour venues including Leicester, Liverpool, Salford, Canterbury, Bath, Norwich and Birmingham.

Local celebrities attended the gala performance of Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Liverpool’s Empire Theatre, with notable figures from showbusiness appearing on the red carpet as the international production begins its run in the city.

A Wigan takeaway received praise after staff delivered missing prawn crackers to a pregnant customer along with extra treats and a supportive note. The gesture, made by employees Lesley Ann Wallace and Abby Ball, sparked widespread positive reactions on social media, with customers commending the business for its exceptional service. Staff members said they aim to pass on kindness and often include small extras to make customers happy.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical has opened at the Liverpool Empire Theatre for a six‑week run, already selling around 70,000 tickets and expected to reach 100,000. Cast members Kurt Kansley and local actor Scott Sutcliffe highlight the energy and supportiveness of Liverpool audiences, while theatre director Diane Belding notes the production’s strong ticket sales and the venue’s packed schedule through 2027. The show, based on Baz Luhrmann’s film, brings a large‑scale musical spectacle featuring more than 70 songs to one of Liverpool’s most historic theatres.

Hill Dickinson Stadium will host Magic Weekend 2026 on July 4 and 5, featuring six Super League fixtures and drawing more than 80,000 fans. Preparations at Everton’s new waterfront venue include installation of rugby posts as the stadium shifts from football to rugby. Remaining single‑day tickets are limited after weekend passes sold out. Merseyrail will operate amended and additional train services, with walking options also available via Moorfields station.

Sefton Council will close the 87‑year‑old aviary at Botanic Gardens due to ageing infrastructure and welfare concerns, with plans to rehome the birds. Green Sefton confirmed euthanasia is not an option. The Botanic Gardens Aviaries team urged supporters not to donate to unofficial petitions or fundraisers, stressing that none have been created by the group. Councillor Joanne Williams said the facility can no longer meet modern welfare standards but emphasised the priority of animal care and thanked staff and volunteers for their long‑term support.

Racing at Haydock Park will resume in August following repairs to a hole in the outer track caused by deterioration of an old mining‑related fissure. July fixtures on the 17th and 18th are cancelled, with the latter relocated to Nottingham. The Madness concert scheduled for July 18 will still take place at Haydock Park, with refunds issued for cancelled racing tickets and hospitality guests contacted directly. Course officials detailed repair work, safety assessments, and surveys undertaken to ensure the inner track can safely host racing while the outer track recovers.

The aviary at Botanic Gardens in Churchtown, a free attraction operating since 1939, will close after Sefton Council cited ageing infrastructure and an inability to meet modern animal welfare standards. Green Sefton stated the birds will be rehomed and euthanasia will not be considered. Staff expressed heartbreak at the decision, while officials emphasised welfare as the priority and thanked supporters and volunteers.

Fans gathered outside Anfield Stadium ahead of My Chemical Romance’s Black Parade tour stop in Liverpool, with attendees travelling from across the UK and abroad. Concertgoers showcased themed outfits and shared their excitement for the performance as the event drew large crowds.

Google adds animated effects to searches for My Chemical Romance as the band begins The Black Parade 2026 tour in Liverpool. The tour will continue across UK, Europe, the US, and Asia, ending in Jakarta in November. The band also launched new official fan community channels and shared rehearsal footage from Anfield Stadium.

A Barcelona fan dressed as a Mentos packet was brought onstage by Foo Fighters during their Anfield Stadium show, fulfilling his longtime dream. Marc Bautista described the moment as overwhelming as he danced and sang with Dave Grohl to Big Me, later going viral on social media. He said the band had no prior knowledge of him, and the crowd helped draw attention to his costume. Bautista, who performs in a tribute band, said he is still processing the experience.

Fans began queuing outside Anfield Stadium more than 24 hours before My Chemical Romance’s Liverpool concert, which opens their UK tour following a successful North American run. The show is expected to feature major hits from The Black Parade album. Similar early fan activity occurred at previous Anfield concerts by Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen. Anfield continues to grow as a major live music venue hosting numerous high-profile artists.