Launch held for Liverpool Santa Dash 2016

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: BTR Liverpool

The official launch has been held for the 2016 Liverpool Santa Dash, which will be held by BTR Liverpool.

The Santa Dash sees thousands of people racing in Santa costumes, both red and blue mirroring the city's top football clubs, to raise funds for the event's official charities: Radio City's Cash For Kids, Everton In The Community and Zoe's Place Baby Hospice.

Each year, the number of Liverpool Santa Dash entrants increases, to the extent that it has entered a friendly rivalry with the Las Vegas Santa Dash to continuously set a new world record for the largest number of Santas in one place, and so in its 13th year, organisers are hoping to set a brand new landmark with the 2016 race.

On-hand for the launch event were the Thomas Brothers: Ryan, a longtime cast member of Coronation Street; Scott, who has been on the Emmerdale team for years, and Adam, who you may remember from Love Island. Other guests at the launch included Philip Olivier and Kurtis Stacey.

So, get into the Christmas spirit, channel your inner Santa, and come along to raise funds for many good causes this Xmas season!

The Liverpool Santa Dash will take place on Sunday December 4, beginning at the Pier Head at 09.30 and finishing at Liverpool Town Hall.

For information on how you can register to participate, including details of how to obtain your Santa suit, visit http://www.btrliverpool.com/santa-dash-enter.

Brabners pledges support to Crisis for 2016

L-R: Hayley Watson, Rebecca
Benbow, Lucie Osborne, Laura Kent,
Rupert Jackson, Amanda Morris,
Alis Fray (Crisis), Jayne Croft
and Lorraine Turner

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Brabners

Commercial law firm Brabners has nominated Crisis, the national charity for single homeless people, as its chosen charity for 2016.

The charity works to end homelessness by delivering life-changing services and campaigning for change.

Visit our Business sub-page for full article by clicking here

Race is on for Liverpool to retain world Santa title

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: BTR Liverpool

Medicash announced as title sponsor 2015

The race is on for Liverpool to retain the title as the world’s biggest festive fun run when it hosts the event on Sunday December 6!

BTR Liverpool, organisers of the increasingly popular Medicash Santa Dash Liverpool, was officially presented with the Santaz trophy today by the organiser of the Great Santa Run in Las Vegas.

Liverpool won the World Santa Challenge last December on its 10th anniversary when 8,500 Santas took part in the festive spectacular, making it both the UK’s and the world’s biggest festive fun run. The city took the title from Las Vegas which has held the honours since 2011.

Linda Smith, Associate Executive Director of Las Vegas charity Opportunity Village, made the trip to Liverpool especially to present the trophy to the BTR Liverpool team, with whom she has built a strong partnership in recent years.

The official launch revealed Medicash as the title sponsor for this year’s event, which will be known as The Medicash Santa Dash Liverpool 2015.

The presentation took place in the city’s Goodness Gracious roof garden at Oh Me Oh My, Water Street, under the gaze of the iconic Liver Birds.

Guests including Santa enjoyed mince pies from The Albion Bakehouse and spiced tea from Oh Me Oh Me, making it a real festive launch in August!

Linda presented the Santaz trophy to BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell, who started the Liverpool Santa Dash in 2004 with 2,000 participants. In 2007, the event was expanded to also include a fun run just for children with the 1K Mini Dash. And in 2010, blue Santa suits were introduced due to public demand.

The Medicash Santa Dash Liverpool continues to grow in popularity and is now seen as the official start to Christmas in the city, taking place on the first Sunday of December each year.

The 5K fun run starts at Pier Head Liverpool on the city’s world UNESCO World Heritage Site waterfront in front of the Three Graces. The route takes Santas through the city centre, before finishing outside Liverpool Town Hall.

The Medicash Santa Dash Liverpool 2015 is on Sunday December 6, and already 800 red, blue and mini Santas have signed up.

BTR Liverpool is the leading independent organisation for creating, managing and delivering headline race events in Liverpool City Region. Its growing portfolio includes the Vitality Liverpool Half Marathon and Tour Of Merseyside.

BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell commented: “It’s an absolute honour to receive the Santaz world title trophy on behalf of the 8,500 blue, red and mini Santas who took part in last year’s event. We feel very privileged Linda has made the journey from Opportunity Village to hand over the trophy – well it has been in Las Vegas since 2011 so it’s about time it came back to Liverpool.

“The Liverpool Santa Dash is a real spectacle. Nothing matches the sight of seeing thousands of Santas gathering at the Pier Head on race day. Then later seeing them spend the day enjoying the city, still wearing their Santa suits and proudly displaying their medal.

“So join us for the 11th annual event with our new title sponsor Medicash. Let’s smash last year’s total and keep the Santaz trophy and title in Liverpool – where it belongs!”

Last year’s event attracted Santas from across the country, travelling to the city specifically to enjoy the festive fun run. There was also an international flavour with overseas participants from America (Pennsylvania, New York), Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Slovakia, South Africa and Switzerland all sharing the experience.

Linda Smith, Associate Executive Director of Las Vegas charity Opportunity Village, added: “I am absolutely delighted to be back in Liverpool to present BTR with the Santaz trophy. I’ve experienced the Liverpool Santa Dash for myself and it’s a very special event, the sights really are unbelievable and people go to so much effort on the day. Liverpool really deserves the title this time – but we’re not beaten. The challenge is on to win it back for Las Vegas.”

Title sponsors Medicash become established in Liverpool over 140 years ago. The organisation has a corporate and individual membership of over 170,000, making it one of the oldest and most established healthcare cash plan providers in the UK.

Andy Abernethy, Medicash Marketing Manager, said: “We are delighted to become the title sponsor for The Medicash Santa Dash Liverpool 2015. This is a terrific opportunity for Medicash and we are looking forward to working with BTR Liverpool to raise the profile of one of the city’s most enjoyable and established events on a local, national and international platform.

“We are committed to promoting health and wellbeing, and this event is the perfect introduction to fitness, running and improving your lifestyle. So join us to walk, jog or run in The Medicash Liverpool Santa Dash 2015 – it’s going to be a fantastic day.”

The official charity partners for The Medicash Santa Dash Liverpool 2015 are Claire House Children’s Hospice, Radio City’s Cash For Kids, Everton in the Community, Jospice, and the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation – who are the five BTR Footsteps Fundraisers charities.

The BTR Footsteps Fundraisers initiative is a fundraising partnership which brings the charities together to benefit financially through BTR’s key race events over a 12-month period by encouraging participants to fundraise and support them.

Fundraisers can collect a sponsor form from the BTR Liverpool office at 23 Hatton Garden, Liverpool, L3 2FE, or they can set up their own online fundraising page at www.everydayhero.co.uk/event/supportbtrfootsteps, where all funds raised will be split equally between the five charities.

Next in the BTR race calendar is the 26-mile Whistle Stop Tour Of Wirral (September 11-13), which also incorporates the BTR Wirral Half Marathon on September 13.

BTR recently won the title of Event Of The Year at the Wirral Tourism Awards 2015 for the Wirral Half Marathon/10K.

Les Dennis hosts variety show to celebrate 40th birthday for KIND

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: KIND

To celebrate their 40th birthday, local charity KIND will present a very special Variety Show at the Echo Arena’s sister venue The Auditorium on Saturday October 10.

The variety show will be hosted by ITV1 Coronation Street actor, presenter and comedian Les Dennis, and will feature an array of local, home grown talent.

Les Dennis commented: “KIND is an amazing charity that I have supported for many, many years. I hope you will join me on the night to help mark this wonderful achievement.”

KIND is a Liverpool-based charity that works tirelessly year after year changing the lives of tens of thousands of disadvantaged children and their families from across Liverpool and Greater Merseyside; with numerous education opportunities that offer learning and skill developments, as well as their dedicated Christmas appeal each festive season and year-round practical help and support.

Acts already confirmed to be taking part in the variety show include Tom Spence, a stunningly talented up-and-coming vocalist who performs fresh from supporting Russell Watson on his last UK tour; the fabulous Rock 'n' Roll of Mike Byrne and The Sunrockers; and the close harmonies and the emotive songs of acoustic quartet Harbour Moon, with more acts to be announced shortly.

Show your support and celebrate with KIND whilst enjoying a fun filled and highly enjoyable evening with variety entertainment at its finest in what promises to be a spectacular night not to be missed!

The KIND 40th birthday variety show will be held at The Auditorium @ Echo Arena Liverpool on Saturday October 10 at 19.30. Tickets cost £10 and are available in person from the KIND Office at 19 Back Canning Street, Liverpool, L8 7PB, by calling 0151 708 8273 or by emailing info@kind.org.uk, or via the Echo Arena by calling the Box Office on 0844 8000 400 or online at www.echoarena.com. Tickets purchased via the Echo Arena will be subject to booking and handling fees.

Celebrate Pride this weekend!

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Pride

St George's Hall to be illuminated in a glorious coloured rainbow of lights

Liverpool Pride returns this weekend for its sixth consecutive year with a full weekend of flamboyant and vibrant activity taking place across the city celebrating the LGBT community.

One of the host venues, St George’s Hall, has just announced that they will be showing their support to Gay Pride by illuminating the columns on the front of the Grade II listed building; lighting up the hall in a spectacular rainbow of colour to represent the colours of the Pride flag. This will take place on the evenings of Friday July 31 and Saturday August 1.

Alan Smith, manager of St George’s Hall, commented: “St George’s Hall is delighted to support Pride for its celebrations. The East Portico columns at the top of the Plateau will be lit up in a brilliant spectacle of Rainbow lights on Friday and Saturday evening which will be a grand way to start the weekend, and the family-friendly event in St John’s Gardens brings further celebration and light into the heart of the city and reaffirms the halls commitments to be truly multicultural, inclusive, and embracing all of the community.”

As ever, the Liverpool Pride March will kick off the celebrations on Saturday August 1 which will then be followed by a free events programme held in the prestigious backdrop of the St George’s Quarter and within St John’s Gardens.

Those marching are asked to gather at the muster point at Liverpool’s iconic St. George’s Plateau from 10.30, with the march starting at 12.00.

There will be extended muster time activity hosted by celebrated Drag Queen, The Vivienne and Paul St German, which includes performances from LIPA, Royal Court Community Choir, Empire Youth Theatre performing songs from Legally Blonde, Encore Productions and poems by Liverpool poet Gerry Potter.

There will be speeches from Liverpool’s Lord Mayor Tony Concepcion, Natalie Bennett MP (leader of Green Party), Labour MP Stephen Twigg, Councillor Gary Millar and other LGBT patrons and activists.

They will also be announcing the winner of the school competitions to design a t-shirt (judged by Stone Wall Chief Exec Ruth Hunt) and the poetry competition (judged by CEO of Diversity Role Models Suran Dickson).

The Liverpool Pride March will then commence through the streets of Liverpool which this year for the first time ever will go through the Stanley Street Gay Quarter.

Once back at the plateau, there will be further speeches and performances as well as a special Balloon Release. This will launch a full afternoon of events scheduled in St John’s Gardens.

St Johns Gardens and St Georges Quarter will remain an alcohol-free zone.

Bring your picnic baskets and pitch a spot and relax on the comfy pink bean bags in St John’s Gardens to enjoy pink lemonade and afternoon tea with The Pride Pink Picnic. Food and soft drinks will also be available for purchase.

Check out the Community Zone which includes an Education Area sponsored by After Adoption, a Kids Game Area, and Market.

The Education Area offers a varied programme throughout the day for all ages which includes: a video from the Michael Causer Foundation which outlines why the Foundation was set up; DWF present facts and advice for same-sex couples wanting to start a family; Diversity Role Models present workshops which give an insight in to life in the school classroom; Sahir House present some of their latest work; Purple Tie Promotions present a Trans panel discussion about life before and after the ban was lifted on LGBT serving members of the Armed Forces; various Q+A sessions including Liverpool Trans and LGSM; Kreative Kaos will present an exciting performance of children’s story The Pirate Princess; Story time corner with readings of LGBT children’s books throughout the day.

Acoustic Music will be provided in the education area with a host of local artists performing throughout the day, including Out on Stage contestants Eleanor Nelly and Joseph Lofthouse.

Kids of all ages will be entertained for hours in the Kids Game Area which will include giant versions of Jenga, Connect Four, Coyts, Pick up Sticks, Snakes and Ladders, hula hooping, skipping, limbo, table tennis, space hoppers, nought and crosses and parachutes.

There will also be a market which will include a wealth of stalls to stock up on souvenirs, gifts and mementos as well and food and drink stalls and information stalls including various LGBT services plus stalls which offer links to local and national groups for teens to get information and resources for teachers and education providers to use in their classrooms.

The Incredible Moving Picturehouse will also be driving into the city for a special programme of movies supported by Unison North West LGBT Group and Thinking Film. Four LGBT feature films will be screened: Hairspray, Pride, Soft Lad and Dressed as a Girl, running from 14.00 to 22.30; tickets are £6.00 per screening and are now on sale.

Dance the night away at The Ball and Chain Fundraiser, a special event at city centre venue Amanzi on Water Street from 19:30. The event which is being organised in partnership with Soul Inspired Events will include a host of Liverpool’s hottest and freshest talent including the 2015 Out On Stage finalists Skylights and Jess Kemp plus this year’s winner Shamona plus performances from Jes Stretton, Court Royal and Amique.

Tickets for the fundraiser can be purchased in advance for £10 via email to tickets@liverpoolpride.co.uk or in person at The Lisbon on Victoria Street, or can be purchased on the door at Amanzi for £12.

Stanley Street Quarter will also be hosting a wide range of entertainment and events throughout the weekend. Please visit www.stanleystqtr.co.uk for more details.

GYRO Youth Space, a service for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans* Young People aged 13-25 will also be celebrating Pride with a selection of games, music, trans*zone, art, photo booth and food from 1pm-5pm at YPAS Bolton Street, Liverpool, L3 5LX.

The programme continues on Sunday August 2 with Breaking Our Chains: Health and Creativity at the Bluecoat from 14.00 which offers an afternoon of health, healing and creativity featuring: Big Luv Sista Choir and Circle, First steps in Pride & Confidence building from The Armistead Project; creative activities with POM POM and FREE hand and arm massage from Kiehl's of Liverpool One alongside Wishes & Prayers bunting making with Liverpool Pride.

The weekend then comes to a poignant close with the Michael Causer Foundation Vigil taking place at 17.00 at Temple Square, with the date of Liverpool Pride always coinciding with the anniversary of when murdered gay teenager Michael Causer tragically lost his life. Michael died on August 2 2008, and the festival was specifically created in his memory as a way to celebrate his life and empower the LGBT communities. This year’s Liverpool Pride takes place a week before what would have also been Michael’s 26th birthday. The Michael Causer Vigil will be held on Sunday August 2 at 17.00 at Temple Square, off Dale Street.

Liverpool Pride 2015 is being supported by main sponsors Homes For Everyone and Liverpool City Council. Supporters also include After Adoption, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, Hugh Baird College, Unison North West LGBT, and Barefoot Wine.

Anyone wishing to participate in the march should pre-register at www.liverpoolpride.co.uk/liverpool-pride-march-registration.

Keep up to date with Pride Liverpool announcements by visiting www.liverpoolpride.co.uk, where people can also register to volunteer or find out about sponsorship opportunities.

March with Pride this weekend

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Pride

New March route to include Stanley Street Quarter; Muster activity hosted by drag queen The Vivienne

Liverpool Pride returns to the city this weekend for its sixth consecutive year, and as ever it commences with the colourful and vibrant Liverpool Pride March through the streets of Liverpool city centre on Saturday August 1.

With this year’s theme set as Love is No Crime, stand tall and celebrate the LGBT community by taking part in the March, which for the first time ever will this year go through the Stanley Street Gay Quarter.

Anyone wishing to participate in the march should pre-register at www.liverpoolpride.co.uk/liverpool-pride-march-registration.

Those marching are asked to gather at the muster point at Liverpool’s iconic St. George’s Plateau from 10.30, with the March starting at 12.00.

There will be extended muster time activity leading up to the increasingly popular and poignant march, with a programed schedule of speakers and entertainment hosted by The Vivienne and Paul St German, this includes performances from LIPA, Royal Court Community Choir and Empire Youth Theatre and poems by Liverpool poet Gerry Potter.

There will be speeches from Liverpool’s Lord Mayor Tony Concepcion, Natalie Bennett MP (leader of Green Party), and Labour MP Angela Eagle, Councillor Gary Millar as well as other LGBT patrons and activists.

They will also be announcing the winner of the school competitions to design a t-shirt (judged by Stone Wall Chief Exec Ruth Hunt) and the poetry competition (judged by CEO of Diversity Role Models Suran Dickson).

The Muster at St George's Hall is an important part of the Pride day, where participants, spectators and organisers all join together to appreciate what Liverpool Pride represents and the importance of continuing this outstanding event each year.

After leaving St George’s Plateau, the March route will proceed along Lime Street before taking in Queen Square Bus Station and Whitechapel, then making its way on to Lord Street to the Victoria Monument, right on to Castle Street, right on to Dale Street, left on to North John Street, right on to Victoria Street before turning left up Stanley Street and continue along Dale Street, over the Churchill Way Flyover before arriving back at St George’s Plateau.

Once back at the Plateau, there will be further speeches and performances as well as a special Balloon Release.

This will launch a full afternoon of events scheduled in the St George’s Quarter and within St John’s Gardens.

The programme will include The Pink Picnic; An Education and Community Zone; A Market Area; Food and Drink Stalls; Picturehouse Travelling Cinema; Acoustic Music; Workshops; Family Zone and Speakers Corner with special guest in attendance.

Please note that St Johns Gardens and St George's Quarter will remain an alcohol-free zone.

The date of Liverpool Pride always coincides with the anniversary of when murdered gay teenager Michael Causer tragically lost his life.

Michael died on August 2 2008, and the festival was specifically created in his memory as a way to celebrate his life and empower the LGBT communities.

This year’s Liverpool Pride takes place a week before what would have also been Michael’s 26th birthday.

The Michael Causer Vigil will be held on Sunday August 2 at 17.00 at Temple Square, off Dale Street.

Liverpool Pride 2015 is being supported by main sponsors Homes For Everyone and Liverpool City Council.

Supporters also include After Adoption, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, Hugh Baird College, Unison North West LGBT, and Barefoot Wine.

Keep up to date with Pride Liverpool announcements by visiting www.liverpoolpride.co.uk, where people can also register to volunteer or find out about sponsorship opportunities.

Going, going, gone - Nurse chops locks for charity

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Community Health

A local nurse has cut off nearly a foot of hair to raise money for the national charity, the Sepsis Trust.

Steph O’Connor from Birkdale is a Nurse Practitioner at Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust. In November last year, she lost her father to Sepsis; he arrived home from work with back ache and feeling shivery. Sadly, he passed away a few hours later from a cardiac arrest due to multi-organ failure caused by streptococcal septicaemia.

The Sepsis Trust is a national charity which supports patients and their families, including those bereaved by Sepsis with information and support networks. The charity works to raise awareness of sepsis and also to provide education to health professionals on early recognition and management.

Severe Sepsis is a life-threatening condition and is one of the biggest killers and claims 37,000 lives every year in the UK. Many people can have ‘mild’ Sepsis which can make them feel ill, but doesn’t require treatment in hospital. Mild Sepsis can result from chest infections, urine infections and other minor illnesses.

Steph explained: “As a healthcare professional, I know the impact Sepsis can have on people’s lives. I am aware of the signs and symptoms and how rapid intervention can save lives. I am hoping to raise money for the charity and also to raise awareness of Sepsis.”

Steph continued: “I decided to take the chop to raise money for the charity. My dad was always threatening to cut off my hair; it’s my pride and joy, but I know it will eventually grow back. I am donating my hair to the Little Princess Trust who make wigs for children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment. I am so happy that two wonderful causes will be benefitting.”

Steph’s initial fundraising target was £150; her husband Martin said he would run in the next Liverpool Marathon if Steph doubled her target. She took on the challenge and has so far raised just over £600, and donations are still coming in.

If you would like to show your support, please donate at www.justgiving.com/mrs-sock.

St George saves the day

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Pride

A free Pride programme to be held in the St George's Quarter

Liverpool Pride organisers are delighted to announce that there will be a free events programme on Saturday August 1 and will be held in the prestigious backdrop of the St George’s Quarter and within St John’s Gardens.

The programme will include the Pride Muster and March; The Pink Picnic; An Education and Community Zone; A Market Area; Food and Drink Stalls; Picturehouse Travelling Cinema; Acoustic Music; Workshops; Family Zone and Speakers Corner with special guest in attendance.  St Johns Gardens and St Georges Quarter will remain an alcohol free zone.

Liverpool Pride will commence with an extended muster time on St George’s Plateau from 10.30 with a programme of entertainment and speakers on St Georges Plateau including popular Liverpool Poet Gerry Potter. This will lead up to the increasingly popular and poignant Liverpool Pride March starting from St George’s Hall, which remains a highlight of the day. This year, the March route will loop around the city beginning and ending at St George’s Plateau and for the first time ever will pass through Liverpool’s Stanley Street Quarter

When the March has returned, bring your picnic baskets and pitch a spot in St John’s Gardens to enjoy pink lemonade and afternoon tea with The Pride Pink Picnic and enjoy a family fun day, packed with an array of activities on offer. Food and soft drinks will also be available for purchase.

The Education Zone will offer LGBT talks, workshops and activities for all ages, and attendees already confirmed include After Adoption; Association of Teachers and Lecturers; Broken Rainbow; Brook; CARE Fertility; Chalice Media Group; Diversity Role Models; DWF LLP Law Firm; Educate and Celebrate; Homotopia; LGSM; Liverpool Bi Group; Liverpool Trans; Mermaids; Michael Causer Foundation; New Beginnings; Purple Tie Promotions; Sahir House and The Whitechapel Centre.

Highlights of events taking place in the education zone include a video from the Michael Causer Foundation which outlines why the Foundation was set up, DWF present facts and advice for same-sex couples wanting to start a family, Diversity Role Models present workshops which give an insight in to life in the school classroom, Kreative Kaos will present an exciting performance of children’s story The Pirate Princess and there will be various Q+A sessions including Liverpool Trans and LGSM.

Children and parents alike will be able to take advantage of Story Time Corner with books available to enjoy which focus on gender identity and different family set-ups, as well as a host of Celebrity Guest readers throughout the day including professional comedian Bethany Black who recently featured in the hugely successful and popular multi-channel shows Banana, Cucumber and Tofu where she was the first trans actress to play a lead role, plus rising soulful R&B artist Jes Stretton who returns after performing on Liverpool Pride’s main stage in 2014.

Music will be provided in the education zone with a host of local artists performing throughout the day, including Out on Stage contestants Eleanor Nelly and Joseph Lofthouse entertaining the crowds with a fantastic selection of acoustic tracks.

The Incredible Moving Picturehouse will also be driving into the city for a special programme of movies supported by Unison North West LGBT Group and Thinking Film. They will be screening four LGBT feature films: Hairspray, Pride, Soft Lad and Dressed as a Girl, running from 14.00-22.30; tickets are £6.00 per screening and are now on sale.

There will also be a market which will include a wealth of stalls to stock up on souvenirs, gifts and mementos as well and food and drink stalls and information stalls including various LGBT services plus stalls which offer links to local and national groups for teens to get information and resources for teachers and education providers to use in their classrooms.

After previously announcing a downsize in scale to this year’s festival, organisers have been working tirelessly to put together as full a programme as possible and are delighted to have secured the remarkable setting of St John’s Garden to hold this year’s day time events.

Joan Burnett, Trustee of Liverpool Pride Charity, commented: "We want to thank Liverpool City Council and Homes4Everyone and our other supporters for their unwavering belief in Liverpool Pride; they have made our day possible!

“St John's Gardens is a beautiful setting for the day, so near the Stanley Street Quarter and having been the site of a Pansy Project intervention before now. We hope to both entertain and educate in equal measure and our emphasis will be on young people and their experiences. We'll have great speakers on stage, a vibrant market area and plenty for everyone to do and see! Whilst we do remind everyone that this is an alcohol free zone, we encourage you to join us for the perfect summer picnic and enjoy Liverpool Pride to the max.”

Alan Smith, Manager of St George’s Hall, added: “St George’s Hall is delighted to support Pride for their March and celebrations in St John’s Gardens. The family friendly event in St John’s gardens brings further celebration and light into the heart of the city and reaffirms the halls commitments to be truly multicultural, inclusive, and embracing all of the community.”

Liverpool Pride 2015 is being supported by main sponsors Homes For Everyone and Liverpool City Council. Supporters also include After Adoption, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, Hugh Baird College, Unison North West LGBT, and Barefoot Wine.

Keep up to date with Pride Liverpool announcements by visiting www.liverpoolpride.co.uk, where people can also register to volunteer or find out about sponsorship opportunities.

The Incredible Moving Picturehouse rolling into town to debut at Liverpool Pride

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Pride

Liverpool Pride is proud to announce the Incredible Moving Picturehouse is driving into the city on Saturday August 1 as part of the official Pride programme. The transforming cinema lorry will manoeuvre into Liverpool for its premiere visit, parking for the day on St George's Plateau (St George's Hall) where the March muster takes place, for a special programme of movies supported by Unison North West LGBT Group.

Roll up, roll up! Picturehouse puts the show on the road – literally. The UK’s only HGV-based mobile cinema screen, equipped with DCI digital projection, temperature control and 100 comfortable seats. The impressive 36 and a half tonnes of truck extends out to 55ft long, 22ft wide and 15ft tall and sits on 18 wheels.

The Incredible Moving Picturehouse can be seen transforming from an unassuming lorry to a spectacular one-of-a-kind mobile cinema by clicking here.

The truck will screen four LGBT feature films: Hairspray, Pride, Soft Lad and Dressed as a Girl, running from 14.00-22.30, tickets are £6 per screening and are now on sale. There will also be some very special guests in attendance.

Setting the tempo to start the day is cult film Hairspray (1988 - Cert 12) at 14.00. The musical with a civil rights heart stars household favourites Divine, Rikki Lake and Debbie Harry. The punchy film is about pleasantly plump teenager, Tracy Turnblad, who goes from TV dance contestant to teen hero when she takes on her rivals and their dodgy attitudes. Teaching 1962 Baltimore a thing or two about integration.

At 16.00 is the inspirational true story, Pride (2014 – Cert 15), a film based on true events tells the touching story about U.K. gay activists who worked to help miners during their lengthy strike of the National Union of Mineworkers in the summer of 1984. With very special guests, LGSM co-founder Mike Jackson and fellow original member Gethin Roberts, the real people whose stories are told in the script, will be travelling from South Wales to introduce the film as well as doing a Q&A in the education area.

Next is the Liverpool Premiere of a new LGBT film set and made in Liverpool Soft Lad (2015 – Cert 15) at 18:30. A film about a young man involved in a love affair that changes his life forever, whilst his lover wrestles his demons on a journey that will force him to come to terms with his sexuality, leaving lives destroyed in the wake. Love, lust, sexuality and betrayal all play arts in this coming of age story. Special guest, Leon Lopez, in his directorial debut, will be introducing the film and taking a Q&A afterwards with cast members including Suzanne Collins.

Finally at 20:30, closing the Travelling Cinema is the new motion picture, Dressed as a Girl (2014 - Cert 18). Filmmaker Colin Rothbart pulls off the wigs, wipes off the mascara to unveil the real people behind the much hyped and talked about East London's alternative drag scene. Filmed over five years, the film covers not only the rise and fall of this hugely popular gay club scene but also offers some personal, emotionally honest portraits of six individuals at the heart it. The movie will also be shown with short film Don't Forget the Drag Queens by Jonathan Larkin and Ben Youdan, shot in Liverpool!

Soft Lad and Dressed As A Girl are part of Peccadillo's POUT Summer Tour, Peccadillo Pictures is an award-winning* UK film distributor of Art House, Gay & Lesbian and World Cinema titles with an impressive collection of films from across the world. Launched in 2000, Peccadillo nurtures new and upcoming talent alongside established directors. In addition, Peccadillo Pictures also distributes short films and rereleases of classic titles.

Keep up to date with Liverpool Pride announcements by visiting www.liverpoolpride.co.uk, you can also register to volunteer or find out about sponsorship and funding opportunities.

Liverpool Pride announce a special fundraising event

Jes Stretton

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Pride

Liverpool Pride are pleased to announce news of a special fundraising event at city centre venue Amanzi on Water Street on Saturday August 1, the evening of Liverpool’s official Pride event.

In keeping with this year’s publicly voted winning theme Love Is No Crime, The Liverpool Pride Ball and Chain Fundraiser is an evening of live entertainment in sparkling surroundings. Tickets are just £10 in advance and includes a welcome drink on arrival, and tickets are on sale now.

The event, which is being organised in partnership with Soul Inspired Events, will include a host of Liverpool’s hottest and freshest talent including the 2015 Out On Stage finalists Skylights and Jess Kemp, plus this year’s winner Shamona. Out On Stage is a live music competition, now in its third year, that took place earlier this year organised by the Michael Causer Foundation, the winner secured a place to play at Liverpool Pride among other festivals.

Other acts performing on the night will be rising soulful/R&B artist Jes Stretton from Manchester, Liverpool funk pop band Court Royal (who have been championed by BBC Radio Merseyside’s Dave Monks), Supercub (who has just released his self-penned debut single Dancing Inside) and singer, writer and performer Amique who is a regular favourite at Parr Street’s Soul4Soul night. More acts are still to be announced.

Liverpool Pride recently announced a down-size in this year’s event due to lack of funding with the Pride March and Michael Causer Vigil remaining the key events of the Pride weekend.

Joan Burnett, a trustee at Liverpool Pride, commented: “We would love as many people as possible to come along and support us at Amanzi. We have a great night of entertainment planned and all will go towards ensuring we can continue to hold a Liverpool Pride in the future. We are encouraging all to come along in their Love Is No Crime outfits for our Ball and Chain fundraiser, get your tickets fast as the venue is limited in capacity and only 250 tickets will go on advance sale.

Keep up to date with Pride Liverpool announcements by visiting www.liverpoolpride.co.uk, where people can also register to volunteer or find out about sponsorship opportunities.

Liverpool Pride needs you!

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Pride

Liverpool Pride calling for support from local community and businesses via new initiatives

Since previously announcing a downsize in scale to this year’s festival, Liverpool Pride is now launching new campaigns for the local and business communities to gain financial support to sustain future Pride events in the city.

At a time when the UK is celebrating the USA’s decision on legalisation of gay marriage by turning their social media images rainbow colours, the organisers of Liverpool Pride charity has faced difficulties in attracting additional sponsors to help fund the format that attenders have come to expect in recent years.

In response to this, businesses are encouraged to sign up to become a Friend of Liverpool Pride where they are able to make a donation to the charity, helping to sustain ongoing work and to secure funding for 2016 and beyond.

By making an annual pledge of £250 towards the charity, Friends of Liverpool Pride businesses will be listed on the Liverpool Pride website on a dedicated page, which will include links to their own web pages, as well as social media support to Liverpool Pride’s 28,000 combined Twitter and Facebook followers.

Liverpool Pride also invite local businesses to get involved in a fundraising day they are launching, called Dress to Impress. This year’s theme is Love is No Crime and on Friday July 31 the charity are encouraging businesses and their staff to raise money by dressing in their most wild and wonderful interpretations of the theme as well as the trademark rainbow colours. Companies can then share their flamboyant and colourful outfits by posting their selfies on Facebook and Twitter using #loveisnocrime. This will help launch the Liverpool Pride programme of events on Saturday August 1 and Sunday August 2.

The Liverpool public will also be able to show their support by making donations from as little as £2.50 to the charity via a donation button on the Liverpool Pride website at www.liverpoolpride.co.uk.

Despite the changes to this year’s Pride, the event will go ahead for the sixth consecutive year on Saturday August 1, with event highlight the Pride March and the Michael Causer Vigil remaining the key focus of the event.

A programme of activities will also take place across the city, including market, education and community zone, workshops, guest speakers, acoustic music, a mobile cinema, and a family zone, with locations including Stanley Street Quarter.

The date of Liverpool Pride always coincides with the anniversary of when murdered gay teenager Michael Causer tragically lost his life. Michael died on August 2 2008, and the festival was specifically created in his memory as a way to celebrate his life and empower the LGBT communities. This year’s Liverpool Pride takes place a week before what would have also been Michael’s 26th birthday.

Liverpool Pride 2015 is being supported by main sponsors Homes For Everyone and Liverpool City Council. Supporters also include After Adoption, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, Hugh Baird College, Unison North West LGBT, and Barefoot Wine.

The dedicated team at Liverpool Pride, which is run entirely by volunteers, work tirelessly to deliver an event which will make LGBT community and city of Liverpool proud and are calling out to local businesses and the community to get behind them and show their support.

Businesses interested in becoming a Friend of Liverpool Pride should get in touch via the Liverpool Pride website.

Those interested in holding a Dress to Impress day should contact Michael Carey at michael.carey@liverpoolpride.co.uk to discuss any details and to arrange funds to be paid to the charity.

Keep up-to-date with Pride Liverpool announcements by visiting www.liverpoolpride.co.uk where people can also register to volunteer or find out about sponsorship opportunities.

Sunflowers launch #survivorselfie campaign

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Sunflowers

Sunflowers Cancer Care launches #survivorselfie campaign for National Cancer Survivors Day – June 7 2015

The Merseyside Cancer Care Charity, Liverpool Sunflowers is celebrating National Cancer Survivors on Sunday June 7 by launching a new type of social media campaign across Merseyside featuring #survivorselfies.

“Not another selfie campaign” we hear you cry!

But this is an awareness campaign with a twist ...

The charity is encouraging cancer survivors across Merseyside to post a #survivorselfie celebrating their having beating cancer, with the aim of promoting a simple message of hope about cancer and letting more people know about the free support available to anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis through Liverpool Sunflowers.

National Cancer Survivors Day, now in its 28th year, is a celebration for all those who have beaten cancer, an inspiration for those who have recently been diagnosed, and chance to build a strong local community in support of the fight against it.

It’s also a reminder that a cancer diagnosis is no longer the automatic death sentence that it once was.

With research and treatments improving all the time, many people diagnosed with cancer now make a full recovery, and go on to live long and healthy lives.

Emma Squibb, Chief Executive of Liverpool Sunflowers, explains more: “There’s no doubt been a huge amount of money raised for charity through social media recently. For example, last year Cancer Research UK made over £8m with the #nomakeupselfie, and who can forget the ALS #icebucket challenge which raised a huge amount of money and awareness for the illness globally?

“But although a lot of money and awareness has been raised for a lot of good causes, it’s true that the smaller charities which do vital work in our communities, don’t usually benefit from this sort of exposure.

“At Liverpool Sunflowers we are a small, locally based charity which offers support to anyone in Liverpool affected by a diagnosis of cancer. We’ve been operating for over 30 years, but like all small charities, have struggled increasingly since the economic downturn and recent public funding cuts.

“So this year, during National Cancer Survivors Day we want all local cancer survivors to join with us in posting their #survivorselfie on Twitter to @LivSunflowers or onto the Liverpool Sunflowers Facebook page to help raise awareness for this simple message of hope.

“We also want to encourage members of the local community to consider making a small donation to show their support for local people living with cancer, because even very small donations make a huge difference to small charities like ours."

To make an online donation, you can visit www.liverpoolsunflowers.com or text SUNF10 (free of cost) to 70070 with the amount you wish to donate e.g. ‘SUNF10 £1'.

Every penny of donations received will be directly invested into the provision of support services for local people living with cancer and their families here in Liverpool.

Examples of how your money could make a difference include:

• £2 pays for 3 days of milk to provide free tea and coffee to people using the drop in centre, where they can access support advice and a listening ear
• £15 buys an extra thick exercise mat so a cancer patient can take part in free Yoga or Pilates classes
• £25 buys enough oils for therapists to deliver massage or reflexology sessions to 100 cancer patients
• £100 pays for six cancer patients to receive and hour of counselling
• £500 funds a cancer support group for a year

Lorna Wilson, a cancer survivor from Wirral who is taking part in the campaign, said: “When I was first told that I had cancer, I felt devastated. I couldn't help but panic, not only for my own future, but also for my then-one year old baby boy.

“Here in Liverpool, I think we are incredibly lucky to have a service like Liverpool Sunflower which plays a vitally important role in supporting people like me to face cancer with hope.

"Whilst hospitals provide fantastic medical care to cancer patients, often something that is missing is the emotional and practical support to help people deal with the diagnosis, treatment and recovery process – and the friendly team of volunteers at Liverpool Sunflower really do meet this need.

“That’s why I’m backing their #surviorselfie campaign and encouraging all my family and friends to do the same.

“Thankfully almost two years down the road I can say I am now in remission. Whilst there are still days when the effects of cancer are very much a part of my life, I know I am one of the lucky ones and I am so grateful.”

Liverpool Sunflowers Cancer Care provides a range of services which are free to access for anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis in Merseyside, including patients, survivors, and family members.

This includes guidance and advisory services, one-to-one counselling, alternative therapies that compliment NHS treatments, activity classes such as art therapy, pilates and yoga, and group support sessions delivered in a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental environment.

It also operates a successful drop-in centre, offering practical advice and a listening over a cup of tea.

Based at the Sunflowers Centre at 21 Aigburth Road, this drop-in is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 10.00-16.00, with no appointment needed.

For more information, visit www.liverpoolsunflowers.com.

Charity Challenge for Brabners in aid of Alder Hey

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Brabners

Brabners sets an epic Charity Challenge in aid of Alder Hey Children’s Charity

Brabners has announced its plans to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Charity with a marathon paddle, cycle and hike across the Lake District.

Lawyers from Brabners have organised their intensive Charity Challenge which will see them take on rival teams made up of clients and contacts in the full day event in aid of the firm’s nominated charity for 2015, Alder Hey Children’s Charity.

The Charity Challenge starts with canoeing on Derwentwater Lake before cycling over 30 miles to Buttermere and back via the Honister Pass (1,167 ft) and the Whinlatter Pass (1,043 ft) and finishes by scaling the Coledale Horseshoe on foot, all inside 12 hours. There is a shorter route which involves canoeing, cycling over 20 miles and ends with a 5 mile hill walk.

The Charity Challenge has raised a mammoth £73,000 for various charities since it began in 2005.

The event takes place on Saturday June 13 and is supported by Leisure Lake Bikes.

If you would like to enter a team, visit www.brabners.com/events/brabners-charity-challenge-2015.

Liverpool FC Foundation & Liverpool Sunflowers to launch new Men’s Health Course

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Sunflowers

Liverpool FC Foundation Men's Health programme is partnering with local cancer support charity, Liverpool Sunflowers to launch a new venue for its Men’s Health course.

Starting on Wednesday May 13, this new course will offer weekly men’s health sessions running between 18.00-19.00 at the Liverpool Sunflowers Drop in Centre on Aigburth Road.

Run by a qualified health and fitness instructor, each session of this popular course will support men to set realistic and achievable goals towards living a healthier lifestyle.

All of the sessions are free of cost, and men of all ages (18+) and all abilities are welcome to attend.

Christine Mounsey from Liverpool FC Foundation commented: “Funded by Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group, Our Men's Health programme was first developed in 2005 to help tackle poor health in the local community. Now every year around 7,000 men from our communities benefit from the programme, and we’re delighted to be able to extend it to another new venue and part of the city in order to support even more men to take part.”

Emma Squibb, Chief Executive of Liverpool Sunflowers added: “This course isn’t just for football lovers either; it’s all about helping men to be more active and achieve a healthier lifestyle, covering a wide range of health issues including poor diet, obesity, heart disease, low physical activity levels and cancer prevention, as well as men’s mental health and wellbeing. “The sessions easily adapt to meet everyone's different levels of fitness and ability, so join us for what promises to be a great course from May 13.”

To find out more about this free Men’s Health programme or to sign up to attend, please contact Christine Mounsey from Liverpool FC Foundation Men's Health programme on 07999 857272 or email her at christine.mounsey@liverpoolfc.com.

The Men’s Health programme is just one of a range of free, weekly activity groups and classes on offer at Liverpool Sunflowers Centre to help people improve their physical health and emotional wellbeing, as well as groups and services specifically designed to support those living with a cancer diagnosis.

Other free activity groups currently on offer at Liverpool Sunflowers Centre include:

New! Weekly Jewellery Making Class – Wednesday afternoons (13.00)
Weekly Yoga Class – Tuesday mornings (11.00)
Weekly Art Therapy Class – Wednesday mornings (10.30)
Weekly Crafts Class – Tuesday afternoons between (14.00)
Weekly Tai Chi Class – Thursday mornings (11.00-12.00)

For more information on any of these classes, call Emma Squibb at Liverpool Sunflowers on 0151 726 8934 or just drop in for a session.

For more information about Liverpool Sunflowers, visit www.liverpoolsunflowers.com.

For more information about LFC Foundation, visit foundation.liverpoolfc.com.

Brabners supports Liverpool Law School students in their annual Charity Law Moot Competition

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Brabners

Students from the University of Liverpool met last night at the Liverpool offices of Brabners to participate in the fourth annual Charity Law Moot Competition.

A moot is a legal debate, based on a factual situation, where two teams of counsel, representing appellant and respondent, attempt to persuade the judges of the strength of their case by reference to legal authority. The moot problem is a pre-drafted factual situation in which a point or points of law are in dispute.

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New Chief Executive appointed to Sunflowers

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Sunflowers

Liverpool Sunflowers Cancer Care has appointed a new Chief Executive to help develop and expand its work supporting people with a cancer diagnosis in Merseyside.

Emma Squibb will take up the role as the charity’s new Chief Executive in mid April, and will be succeeding Joan Elmer who is retiring from her post after providing more than ten years of service to Liverpool Sunflowers.

The charity provides a unique range of free support services for anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis in Merseyside.

Emma is set to bring a wealth of fresh experience to the role, having previously worked for Liverpool Charity & Voluntary Services (LCVS), and more recently for Cancer Research UK, where her efforts in engaging local health and social care services on cancer care resulted in the Cancer Research UK Centre in Liverpool being awarded Freedom of the City in 2012, and also saw her named as Best Communicator by Cancer Research UK in 2013.

Commenting on her appointment, Emma said: “I've had the pleasure of working with Joan Elmer on various cancer related projects in Merseyside over the last six years, so I’m well aware of the great service which is provided by Liverpool Sunflowers.

“The latest statistics tell us that 1 in 2 of us will develop cancer at some point in our lifetime. I know some people find this a scary statistic, but it's because we're all living longer.

“The good news is that it's also the case that cancer survival rates have doubled in the last 40 years, and today more and more people are surviving cancer, going back to a normal life, which for many includes going back to work.

“Services like Liverpool Sunflowers, which helps people to cope with a cancer diagnosis and supports them through the treatment and recovery process, are absolutely vital to this process.

“I'm really looking forwards to working with the staff, trustees and volunteers there. There's a lot of change going on in cancer services in Liverpool at the moment, and I'm delighted to be part of the team which will continue to take Liverpool Sunflowers forwards."

The charity’s outgoing Chief Executive Joan Elmer added: “Liverpool Sunflowers is a cause that is very close to my heart, not least because I am a breast cancer survivor myself. The decision to move on has not been an easy one, but I know that the time is right to do so, and I feel very confident in the knowledge that I am leaving the charity’s future in such capable hands.

“Emma already has vast experience of developing cancer services in Merseyside, and I know that under her leadership, the service will continue to grow from strength to strength in its provision of support to those facing a cancer diagnosis within our local communities.”

For more information about the charity, visit www.liverpoolsunflowers.com.

New Yoga Class at Sunflowers Centre

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Sunflowers

Merseyside cancer support charity Liverpool Sunflowers is launching a new yoga class, starting on Tuesday April 21.

Run by a qualified instructor, this new weekly yoga session will be held at 11.00-12.00 at the Sunflowers Centre on Aigburth Road, and is suitable for all abilities including complete beginners.

The class is just one of a range of free, weekly activity groups, and classes which are on offer at Liverpool Sunflowers to help improve both the physical health and emotional wellbeing of those affected by a cancer diagnosis, including cancers patients, survivors, carers or relatives.

Joan Elmer, Chief Executive of Liverpool Sunflowers, explained: “At Liverpool Sunflowers, we offer a number of different weekly activity groups that are free to access for those living with a cancer diagnosis, their partners, family members, friends and supporters.

“We find that taking part in regular, gentle physical activity such as a yoga class can be really beneficial for those currently undergoing cancer treatment or in various stages of recovery, as it strengthens the body, encourages relaxation, and promotes a positive state of mind – all of which are vitally important in the fight against cancer.

Other free activity groups currently on offer at Liverpool Sunflowers Centre include the following:

Weekly Art Therapy Class – Runs Wednesday mornings (10.30–12.30)
Weekly Crafts Class – Runs Tuesday afternoons between (14.00–16.00)
Weekly Tai Chi Class – Runs Thursday mornings (11.00-12.00)

For more information or to attend a class, please call Joan Elmer or Emma Squibb at Liverpool Sunflowers on 0151 726 8934, or you can just turn up on the day.

For further details about Sunflowers, visit www.liverpoolsunflowers.com.

Baines and Garbutt deliver Easter cheer

Leighton Baines and Luke Garbutt
at Alder Hey Hospital.

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Everton Football Club

Last week, Leighton Baines and Luke Garbutt brought smiles to the faces of children at Alder Hey hospital when they dropped by to deliver some early Easter cheer.

The left-backs paid a surprise visit to the wards of the West Derby hospital to meet the young patients and their families, and to hand out dozens of chocolate eggs!

The Blues duo were only too pleased to take time out after training on Wednesday to lift the spirits of those currently being treated at Alder Hey.

Baines commented: “Us visiting with chocolate eggs can feel pretty insignificant in comparison to what the kids are going through, what they’re in here for and the period of time they’ve been here, but then you speak to some of the parents; they really appreciate you just coming in and breaking the day up.

“Some of the kids I recognised from when we visited at Christmas and they haven’t been home since, so every day is the same and it’s really tough for them.

“You see unbelievable strength and character here: you look at what some of the kids are going through, it’s so tough and yet they’re still smiling. Hopefully, we’ve brightened the day up, even if it’s just for a short period of time.”

Alder Hey Children’s Charity has launched a £30 million appeal to raise much needed funds that will be spent directly on initiatives in the hospital to benefit patients.

In September 2015, Alder Hey will open a new hospital next door to its current site, and the charitable appeal allows the hospital to incorporate a higher specification of equipment, fund art and play activities and support research. In short, it will transform a national children’s hospital into one of the best in the world.

Baines added: “It’s very important for us to have a great link with Alder Hey. You can’t underestimate it when children are involved. So many children look up to footballers and, as a player, you can forget that. You’re just a normal person, and you can forget the affect you can have on a young kid who loves Everton. So, it’s important to recognise that, and the club do recognise their responsibility. We’ve got a great relationship with the hospital, as we visit throughout the year, and hopefully we make a small difference.”

To support Alder Hey Children’s Charity, you can make a donation by calling 0333 222 3888. Alternatively, you can visit www.alderheycharity.com/donate, or drop by the Fundraising Office at Alder Hey hospital.

Liverpool Pride returns for 2015

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Pride

Public vote "Love Is No Crime" as the chosen theme

The organisers of Liverpool Pride are delighted to announce that one of the city’s most popular events will return on Saturday August 1 2015.

Established in 2010, Liverpool Pride returns for its sixth consecutive year and continues to be one of the city’s most visual and flamboyant events of the Summer.

The date always coincides with the anniversary of when murdered gay teenager Michael Causer tragically lost his life. Michael died on August 2 2008, and the festival was specifically created in his memory as a way to celebrate his life and empower the LGBT communities. This year’s Liverpool Pride takes place a week before what would have also been Michael’s 26th birthday.

Each year, the Liverpool Pride team invite the public to vote for the year’s chosen theme, and previous years these have included Superheroes, Nautical But Nice and Glam Fairytales. The theme with the most votes for 2015 is Love Is No Crime, and festival-goers are encouraged to go along dressed in their most wild and wonderful interpretations of the theme.

The iconic backdrop of the Pier Head, part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, will be transformed into a colourful festival site bursting with activities for all.

The Pier Head is the prime festival site, and will feature ticketed zones such as the main stage, and new additions including a dance tent and a 100-seater cinema lorry. There will also be free community zones with entertainment, family activities and speakers. Liverpool Pride will remain a family-friendly event with all ages encouraged to attend.

The increasingly popular and poignant Liverpool Pride March remains a major part of the day’s activity. The march will make its way through the streets of the city centre in celebratory style.

Organisers are again encouraging as many groups, organisations and individuals to participate as possible. The march will also feature guest speakers representing the LGBT communities.

Lucy Day, Chair of Liverpool Pride Charity, commented: “It is with great excitement that we can announce the date and theme for Liverpool Pride 2015. The event returns for its sixth consecutive year, and it continues to grow in popularity year-on-year, which is extremely encouraging as a way to remember and celebrate Michael’s life.

“We are delighted with this year’s theme being Love Is No Crime. We have come a long way from the underground era of love, but unfortunately we do live in an age where being LGBT is still illegal in some countries, and this is important to remember. We want to empower our festivalgoers to interpret the theme to create their costumes in a fun and imaginative way.

“We look forward to seeing friends who have become familiar festival faces over the years, but also to welcoming new visitors who will be experiencing the very diverse Liverpool Pride for the very first time.”

The full line-up of headline acts performing on the Pier Head stage will be announced in the coming months, along with a programme of film and fringe events, and ticket information.

The Out On Stage competition will also continue this year, organised by The Michael Causer Foundation. The unprecedented music prize includes the chance for Liverpool’s best unsigned music stars to perform in front of tens of thousands this summer with a headline slot on Liverpool Pride's main stage, amongst others.

To keep up-to-date with Liverpool Pride announcements, visit www.liverpoolpride.co.uk, where people can also register to volunteer or find out about sponsorship opportunities. You can also follow Liverpool Pride on Twitter @LiverpoolPride and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/liverpoolpride.

Liverpool Empire celebrates Earth Hour for third year running

Image Source: Wikipedia

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Empire Theatre

The Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) is helping to build a brighter future by supporting the WWF’s Earth Hour, a spectacular and symbolic lights out event that focuses the world’s attention on our planet, and the need to protect it.

On Saturday March 28, at 20.30, ATG will be joining forces with thousands of businesses globally as they show their support.

Earth Hour’s unique display of darkness has become a global phenomenon with hundreds of millions of individuals coming together each year.

In 2014, a record-breaking 162 countries and 7,000 towns and cities joined the world’s biggest celebration for our planet.

Last year, in the UK, over 9 million people took part, sending out a united message of support.

Over 200 of the country’s most iconic landmarks, including Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, St Paul’s and Wembley Stadium, joined forces with more than 1,000 businesses, such as Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels and the Ambassador Theatre Group, to ensure hundreds of buildings switched off.

To celebrate Earth Hour 2015, ATG will be:

• Switching off all external non-essential lights at its 38 UK venues and its US venue, The Lyric Theatre, in New York, at 20.30 on Saturday March 28 for the hour
• Encouraging its customers and employees to sign up by promoting the event through various regional activities

To celebrate Earth Hour 2015, the Liverpool Empire will be:

• Switching off all external and non-essential lights at 20:30 for one hour.

Immediately  after the curtain has come down on Act 1 of Jesus Christ Superstar there will be a couple of minutes of complete darkness in the auditorium. During this time, audience members will spell out 'Earth' using boards painted with luminous paint. To achieve this, selected audience members will raise a painted board above their head. A photographer and videographer will then capture this moment to commemorate Earth Hour 2015.

Rosemary Squire, ATG’s Joint CEO, commented: “We are proud to take part in Earth Hour, and our employees are excited to be involved with such a great and inspiring event. Everyone can make a difference to help protect our planet and we all have a key role to play.”

Shareen Brown, spokesperson for WWF-UK, added: “We’re thrilled that ATG will be taking part in Earth Hour this year and hope that they’ll inspire many others to get involved. By taking one simple step to switch off, you’ll be joining millions of people from around the world in this special celebration.”

Earth Hour is more than an hour: from crowd-funding to campaigns to protect The Great Barrier Reef or The Amazon, Earth Hour is having a real and lasting impact beyond the hour. Last year in the UK, 85% of adults that participated in Earth Hour (NfP Synergy 2014) said that taking part inspired them to do more to protect the planet. It’s a brilliant reminder that together we can make change happen and a chance to think about the small things we can do every day to help create a brighter future.

Anyone can sign up for WWF’s Earth Hour 2015. For more information and to sign up, visit www.wwf.org.uk/earthhour.