Liverpool is being transformed into a magical winter wonderland this Christmas. Prepare to be amazed by sparkling lights, street theatre, enchanting window displays, music, arts and entertainment. And then there’s the small matter of Liverpool being taken over by penguins.
As the festive season approaches we are pulling out all the stops to become the Capital of Christmas. As in 2008, Liverpool City Council, Wild in Art, our cultural partners and the Business Improvement District are working together to create a programme of events and activities for all the family. Please take the opportunity to stroll around the new-look Liverpool, sampling the best in retail therapy and give yourself time to enjoy the festivities which will be a wonderful mix of art and entertainment.
The Christmas fun will begin on the evening of the 19 November with the arrival of an enchanting Snow Queen and on the 22 November, Liverpool will transform into an Antarctic winter wonderland as a flock of more than 200 specially decorated penguins take roost.
With so much to see and do, make Liverpool yours this Christmas. Come along and join in the winter’s trail…
For further information pick up a leaflet from the 08 Place on Whitechapel and other city outlets or call 0151 233 2008.
EVENT LISTINGS
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Title:
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Kid's Club |
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Date/Time
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Every Saturday, 10.30 am |
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Description:
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Creative activities, fun and games are followed by a children’s film at 11am. Pick up a Kids Club programme on your next visit. Kids Club Members: £3, Non-members: £4. Accompanying adults free, Kids Club Membership £4 a year.
FACT
www.fact.co.uk
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Title:
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Animatronic Yeti in His Ice Kingdom |
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Date/Time:
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November - December |
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Description:
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During November and December visit St Johns giant singing Animatronic Yeti in his ice kingdom with eskimos and penguins in St Johns Food Court.
St Johns Shopping Centre
www.stjohns-shopping.co.uk
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Title:
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Go Penguins Winters Trail |
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Date/Time:
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November - December |
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Description:
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St Johns has sponsored one of the Go Penguins displayed in colonies across the city centre. St Johns Penguin has been painted by 7 year old Millie Manning and will be displayed in the food court throughout November and December.
St Johns Shopping Centre
www.stjohns-shopping.co.uk
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Title:
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Story Time at Christmas |
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Date/Time:
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November - December |
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Description:
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A number of free story times for children are taking place in Liverpool libraries across the city this festive season. Come along, sit back and enjoy listening to wonderful tales, all themed around Penguins.
Liverpool City Council
www.liverpool.gov.uk/libraries or 0151 233 5864
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Title:
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Animated Polar Bear & Penguin Scene |
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Date/Time:
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1 November - 31 December |
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Description:
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Find the spirit of Christmas in Queen Square. A penguin has travelled all the way from the South Pole, joined by animated polar bears and a special polar-lambanana.
City Central BID
www.citycentralbid.com
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Title:
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Mixed Up North |
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Date/Time:
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3 November - 7 November |
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Description:
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A fiercely funny and moving new play about the staging of a play within the racial communities of Burnley.
Everyman Theatre
www.everymanplayhouse.com
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Title:
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Liverpool Loves Lewis's |
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Date/Time:
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7 November - 24 December |
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Description:
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Join the festive fun with an adventure around Liverpool’s famous landmarks at the biggest grotto in the city.
Lewis’s
www.lewissliverpool.co.uk
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Title:
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Spike Millingan's Adolf Hitler: My Part In His Downfall |
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Date/Time:
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9 November - 14 November |
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Description:
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Spike Milligan’s celebrated war memoirs are joyously brought to the stage, fusing comedy, song and dance.
Liverpool Playhouse
www.everymanplayhouse.com
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Title:
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Comedy Nights |
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Date/Time:
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17, 19 & 20 November |
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Description:
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Three nights of comedy as Daniel Kitson, Stewart Lee, and Roger McGough each take centre stage with their insightful philosophies and bittersweet perceptions.
Liverpool Playhouse
www.everymanplayhouse.com
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Title:
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Liverpool One Wheel |
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Date/Time:
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18 November - 31 January |
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Description:
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Come along to Chavasse Park and enjoy an exhilarating ride on a 50m Observation Wheel.
Liverpool ONE
www.liverpool-one.com
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Title:
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Visit Santa at The Liverpool One Ice Palace |
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Date/Time:
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18 November - 24 December |
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Description:
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This year visit Santa in the beautiful Ice Palace which is sure to wow all, not just the children! To book visit www.liverpool-one.com (£1.50 booking fee applies) or call 0844 4060 880 (charged at local call rates).
Liverpool ONE
www.liverpool-one.com
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Title:
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Christmas Ice Rink |
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Date/Time:
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19 November - Early January |
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Description:
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Open daily, come and enjoy the unique under-cover ice rink in Williamson Square at £5 per hour including skate hire. Why not also enjoy a carousel ride or two.
City Central BID
www.citycentralbid.com
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Title:
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A Winter's Trail |
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Date/Time:
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19 November |
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Description:
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An enchanting Snow Queen with magical powers of illumination will take to the streets on her beautiful sleigh. The Nativity Scene and Christmas tree are unveiled and Yeti & The Ice Explorer and other arctic street performers make an appearance too.
Liverpool City Council
www.gopenguins.co.uk
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Title:
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The Wonderful World of Penguins |
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Date/Time:
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21 November & 5, 12, 27 & 28 December (1pm - 4pm) |
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Description:
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Celebrating the arrival of the giant penguins in Liverpool this Christmas, come and join in our fun filled craft sessions.
Merseyside Maritime Museum
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
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Title:
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Yule Lads |
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Date/Time:
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21 November, 11am - 3pm |
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Description:
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Gifts left in shoes, milk disappearing from the fridge, mysterious figures whisking into the shadows. This can only mean one thing, it’s Christmas time in Iceland and the Yule Lads are back in town.
Unity Theatre
www.unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk
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Title:
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Revealing of Peng-a-tron |
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Date/Time:
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22 November - 10 January |
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Description:
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For seven weeks a colony of creative penguins will form a trail around St George’s Hall.
St George’s Hall
www.stgeorgesliverpool.co.uk
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Title:
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Scrooge |
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Date/Time:
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23 November - 28 November |
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Description:
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Tommy Steele stars in the title role of this record-breaking musical. Dickens’ classic comes to life in the heart-warming family story with a fantastic musical score.
Liverpool Empire Theatre
www.liverpoolempire.org.uk
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Title:
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Disney on Ice Presents Princess Wishes |
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Date/Time:
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25 November - 29 November |
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Description:
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With Tinker Bell as their guide, guests will see the inspiring stories of Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Mulan, Jasmine, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White and witness their wishes being granted and their dreams coming true.
Echo Arena Liverpool
www.echoarena.com
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Title:
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A Winter's Trail |
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Date/Time:
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26 November |
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Description:
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The magic spreads as music and laughter fill the streets. Listen to brass bands play traditional yuletide tunes and join in the fun as Lost Elves, Gliding Angels and other Christmas characters bring a touch of mischief this evening.
Liverpool City Council
www.gopenguins.co.uk
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Title:
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Dick Whittington The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto |
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Date/Time:
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28 November - 23 January |
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Description:
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Shake, rattle and roll in the aisles with Dick and his cat as they set off for the city paved with gold.
Everyman Theatre
www.everymanplayhouse.com
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 |
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Title:
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Winter Arts Market |
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Date/Time:
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28 November, 10am - 5pm |
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Description:
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Find original Christmas gifts at prices to suit all pockets. Join us for this festive feast of local creativity bursting with jewellery, painting, handmade toiletries, photography, vintage clothes and more!
St George’s Hall
www.stgeorgesliverpool.co.uk
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Title:
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Building Merseyside |
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Date/Time:
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28 November - 3 January |
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Description:
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A group show of local artists celebrating and exploring the rich architectural heritage of the region in a contemporary context.
St George’s Hall
www.stgeorgesliverpool.co.uk
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Title:
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John Bishop |
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Date/Time:
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29 November & 21 December |
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Description:
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The multi award-winning comedian and star of TV performs his exciting and hilarious show that will have you begging for more!
Liverpool Empire Theatre
www.liverpoolempire.org.uk
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Title:
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Friends of St George's Hall |
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Date/Time:
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29 November |
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Description:
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A not to be missed event, this Christmas fair will host a variety of stalls, a tombola and raffle.
St George’s Hall
www.stgeorgesliverpool.co.uk
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Title:
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Never Forget |
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Date/Time:
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1 December - 5 December |
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Description:
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Direct from the West End comes the funny, touching and uplifting new musical with the songs of Take That. Experience the feelgood sensation for yourself this Christmas.
Liverpool Empire Theatre
www.liverpoolempire.org.uk
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Title:
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Father Christmas & His Real Reindeer |
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Date/Time:
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3, 10 & 17 December, 5pm - 7pm |
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Description:
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Fill your children with festive cheer with a visit to Father Christmas and his reindeer in Clayton Square.
City Central BID
www.citycentralbid.com
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Title:
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A Winter's Trail |
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Date/Time:
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3, 10 & 17 December |
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Description:
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With Christmas just around the corner get swept along in the merriment of the season as a life sized polar bear & his Eskimo friend, Elf Riding Reindeer, Ice Dragon & Fairy and a host of other street performers visit the city to add a sprinkle of festive cheer.
Liverpool City Council
www.gopenguins.co.uk
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Title:
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The 39 Steps |
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Date/Time:
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3 December - 16 January |
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Description:
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John Buchan’s classic spy thriller brilliantly and hilariously recreated for the stage. ‘A joyous version of the Hitchcock classic’ - Sunday Times.
Liverpool Playhouse
www.everymanplayhouse.com
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Title:
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Cairngorm Reindeers |
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Date/Time:
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3, 10 & 17 December, 5pm – 7pm |
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Description:
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Meet real Cairngorm Reindeer outside Rapid and St Johns Clayton Square.
St Johns Shopping Centre
www.stjohns-shopping.co.uk
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Title:
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Liverpool Christmas Market |
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Date/Time:
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5 December - 21 December |
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Description:
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The Christmas market arrives in Whitechapel, Lord Street and Paradise Street. Find festive treats from German sausage to mulled wine or pick up special gifts for Christmas.
City Central BID
www.citycentralbid.com
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Title:
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Yusuf (Formerley Cat Stevens) |
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Date/Time:
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5 December |
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Description:
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After a break of 33 years, the legendary singer / songwriter is expected to offer audiences a taste of his timeless hits, like ‘Wild World’, ‘Father & Son’ and ‘First Cut Is The Deepest’, as well as music from his highly acclaimed new albums.
Echo Arena Liverpool
www.echoarena.com
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Title:
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Victorian Christmas |
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Date/Time:
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5 December, 11am - 4pm |
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Description:
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Celebrate a Victorian style Christmas with a variety of festive themed activities including family art workshops and storytelling.
Sudley House
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
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Title:
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UB40 - Plus Special Guest Eddy Grant |
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Date/Time:
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6 December |
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Description:
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UB40’s live concerts have earned them a reputation as one of the best live bands in the world, and are a key rationale behind the 70 million records sold during their esteemed musical career.
Echo Arena Liverpool
www.echoarena.com
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Title:
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Edwardian Christmas |
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Date/Time:
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6 December, 11am - 4pm |
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Description:
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Come and join in the festive activities inspired by the An Edwardian Family Album exhibition.
Lady Lever Art Gallery
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
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Title:
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The Illegal Eagles |
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Date/Time:
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6 December |
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Description:
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Featuring all the classic Eagles songs delivered in full Eagles sound and vision, direct from the USA. If you missed the Eagles recent stadium tour dates - don’t worry, it’s all here in ‘the fast lane’!
Liverpool Empire Theatre
www.liverpoolempire.org.uk
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Title:
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Liverpool Film Night |
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Date/Time:
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10 December |
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Description:
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Join us for the very best in filmmaking talent from Merseyside. An exciting and diverse mix of shorts films with a filmmaker Q & A led by a special guest speaker, giving an insight in to the filmmaking process. Screen 2, 6.30pm. £4 / £3, members & concessions.
FACT
www.fact.co.uk
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Title:
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Peter Pan |
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Date/Time:
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11 December - 3 January |
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Description:
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Henry Winkler, Les Dennis and Natasha Hamilton star in the North West’s biggest pantomime, sponsored by Robinsons. Join Peter, Wendy and the lost boys on their journey to save Tinkerbell from the villainous Captain Hook, Smee and their crew of dastardly pirates.
Liverpool Empire Theatre
www.liverpoolempire.org.uk
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Title:
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Christmas Crafts |
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Date/Time:
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12, 19, 22 & 23 December |
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Description:
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Make beautiful Christmas gifts for all the family. This workshop is suitable for all ages including adults. 1pm - 4pm. Pre-booking is essential, please call 0151 478 4999 0151 478 4999 for further details.
National Conservation Centre
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
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Title:
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Festive Fun |
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Date/Time:
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12, 21, 22, 23 & 24 December |
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Description:
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Get into the festive mood and join us for a variety of Christmas activities including creating winter wonderlands inspired by A Winter’s Trail. Daily from 1 - 4pm.
Walker Art Gallery
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
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Title:
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Family Workshop: Selection Box |
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Date/Time:
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13 December |
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Description:
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Bring your handheld games along to FACT, or take your pick from our selection box, in this free cross-generational ‘game off’. For children aged 5 - 12 and their parents / guardians. Drop-in to The Box between 12pm - 4pm.
FACT
www.fact.co.uk
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Title:
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Tenantspin Live Event: Two Can Play That Game |
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Date/Time:
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13 December |
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Description:
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Tenantspin host an alternative twist on the TV game show Family Fortunes. Free event for children aged 5 - 12 and their parents / guardians. Drop-in to The Box between 4pm - 5pm.
FACT
laura.yates@fact.co.uk
or 0151 707 4407
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Title:
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The Bill Shankly Story |
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Date/Time:
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14 December |
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Description:
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A unique insight into the life of the Anfield legend featuring Kop heroes live on stage.
Liverpool Empire Theatre
www.liverpoolempire.org.uk
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Title:
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Russell Howard - Big Rooms & Belly Laughs |
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Date/Time:
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16 December |
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Description:
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Following his twice extended Dingledodies tour and success on Mock The Week (BBC Two’s highest rating comedy show), Russell Howard will be gracing the Echo Arena stage for the first time in a new theatre-format seating layout.
Echo Arena Liverpool
www.echoarena.com
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Title:
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Christmas Stories |
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Date/Time:
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Weekends in December and weekdays from 16 December |
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Description:
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Catch one of our exciting Christmas tales, including the interactive, Rudolph Goes On Holiday and A Christmas Carol. 2.15pm weekends and weekdays.
World Museum Liverpool
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
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Title:
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Space Invaders: Art & The Computer Game Environment |
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Date/Time:
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17 December - 21 February |
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Description:
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FACT launches a season of computer gaming in time for Christmas! This free interactive exhibition explores the boundaries between video game and real space, bringing together artists and games designers. Takes place in Galleries 1 & 2, Media Lounge & Public Spaces.
FACT
www.fact.co.uk
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Title:
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Carols at the Phil: The Spirit of Christmas |
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Date/Time:
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17 December - 23 December |
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Description:
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Join us for our annual celebration of all things festive, a mouth watering spread of Yuletide music old and new. And of course, the whole family can join in with the carols! Accompanied by RLPO.
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
www.liverpoolphil.com
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Title:
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Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs |
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Date/Time:
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19 December - 10 January, evenings and matinees throughout the run |
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Description:
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Staring Pete Price, Pauline Daniels, Roy Brandon and a host of other stars. A traditional family pantomime they welcome back Pete Price (Radio City 96.7) as Muddles the Court Jester, acclaimed actress Pauline Daniels as the Wicked Queen and Merseyside’s favourite dame Roy Brandon as Nurse Glucose. An extra surprise will be Ken Dodd as the recorded image and voice of the Magic Mirror. £15 (£13 conc) generous group reductions.
Call the box office on 0151 666 0000
Floral Pavilion www.floralpavilion.com
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Title:
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Family Concert - Frosty & The Snowman Fly Together! |
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Date/Time:
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19 - 20 December, 11.30am & 2.30pm |
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Description:
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A one-hour fun event for all the family including Frosty The Snowman, Walking in The Air, A Mary Poppins Singalong, Sleigh Ride, with a visit from Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman, followed by the screening of the film The Snowman. Accompanied by RLPO.
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
www.liverpoolphil.com
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Title:
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Organ Recital with Christmas Carols |
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Date/Time:
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21 December, 12.45pm - 1.30pm |
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Description:
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A classical selection of Christmas carols will be accompanied by the great organ.
St George’s Hall
www.stgeorgesliverpool.co.uk
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Title:
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Ken Dodd |
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Date/Time:
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27 December - 28 December |
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Description:
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Like a fine wine Doddy simply gets better with age. Join him and his guests for his hilarious Christmas show. Your festive celebrations just aren’t complete without a marathon of jokes, fun, songs and happiness courtesy of Knotty Ash’s finest.
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
www.liverpoolphil.com
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Title:
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New Year’s Eve: Swing into the New Year |
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Date/Time:
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31 December |
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Description:
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See in the New Year with a swing as bandleader extraordinaire John Wilson transforms the RLPO into the ultimate big-band.
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
www.liverpoolphil.com
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Title:
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The Wizard of Oz: The Film with Live Music |
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Date/Time:
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2 January - 3 January |
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Description:
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First performed in the UK by the Phil two years ago, and back by popular demand, you’ll never forget hearing those glorious songs performed live, with the classic movie, by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
www.liverpoolphil.com
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 |
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Title:
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Holiday On Ice Presents Spirit |
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Date/Time:
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28 January - 31 January |
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Description:
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An exhilarating fusion of fire, air, earth and water is the theme of the sensational new Holiday on Ice production, presented by the world’s most visited ice show and five times winner of ‘Best Event for Groups’.
Echo Arena Liverpool
www.echoarena.com
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