2025

Wall display of red and blue boxing headguards arranged in rows, with colourful boxing event posters above them. The posters feature names of fighters and promotional details, while the headguards are branded with logos such as 'Ergo' and 'Sting'.

2025 was a year when Liverpool truly came alive, a city pulsating with music, sport, culture, and creativity. From the roar of crowds at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend and Liverpool FC’s historic victory parade to world-class sporting events, immersive art installations, and groundbreaking climate initiatives, the city showcased its energy and innovation at every turn.

Festivals, exhibitions, and community projects brought people together, celebrating heritage, talent, and imagination. Across every neighbourhood, Liverpool’s identity shone brightly, proving that culture wasn’t just an event – it was a way of life, a force connecting people, inspiring change, and leaving unforgettable memories.

A large group of people posing together in a bright, modern studio with white walls and an exposed ceiling featuring lights and beams. The group consists of around 40 individuals standing and kneeling in rows, wearing a variety of casual and stylish outfits. Some people are making peace signs or raising their arms in celebratory gestures. The floor is light-colored, and there is a black rectangular object placed near the front center. The overall setting appears to be a group photo for an event or gathering.

LIMF Academy

Music development continued to flourish in 2025 through our flagship and award-winning LIMF Academy, which celebrated its 10th anniversary with a decade-long impact report. Supporting over 200 artists with workshops, mentoring, and live performance opportunities, the programme continues to nurture new talent. Previous alumni like Jalen Ngonda, Olivia Dean, Ni Maxine, KOJ, Michael Aldag, and Jazmine Johnson, have all gone on to achieve major success on the world stage and international acclaim. The Academy’s success highlights Liverpool’s ability to cultivate the next generation of global music stars.

A tall historic church tower illuminated with vibrant, colorful light projections at night. The projections feature intricate patterns, geometric shapes, and bright hues of blue, yellow, red, and orange, creating a striking visual display. The tower is flanked by two dark, gothic-style walls with pointed arches and windows, adding contrast to the vivid artwork. The sky above is dark, emphasizing the brilliance of the projected lights. The scene suggests a festive or cultural event taking place in an architectural setting.

Lunar New Year

Liverpool welcomed the Year of the Snake with vibrant citywide celebrations. On 2 February, Chinatown came alive with dragon, lion, and unicorn parades, firecrackers, Tai Chi, street theatre, live music, food stalls, and a spectacular finale from Bring the Fire. The event also marked 25 years of the city’s iconic Chinese Arch.

Festivities began on 25 January with a colourful parade featuring stilt walkers, Beijing opera costumes, and young performers from the Shanghai Children’s Palace Orchestras. Liverpool ONE unveiled a striking willow snake sculpture by artist Sarah Gallagher, while landmarks glowed red and thousands of lanterns lit the streets.

Family workshops, immersive projections at the Bombed Out Church, and a wildflower art installation added creativity and community spirit – making this Lunar New Year truly unforgettable.

Black and white photo of a live musical performance featuring a singer holding a microphone at center stage, wearing a strapless top and necklace. Behind the singer, musicians are seated with music stands and instruments, including a saxophone and a keyboard on the left. A drum set is visible in the background.

LIMF Academy Orchestrated

On Saturday 15 February, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall came alive with the extraordinary talent of LIMF Orchestrated. Where the LIMF Academy joined forces with the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Session Orchestra for a dazzling evening, featuring standout performances from SSJ, Bethane, Jazmine Johnson and Immi Dash. The event celebrated the city’s brightest young music creators, blending cross-genre originals and inventive covers in a one-of-a-kind showcase. Under the expert direction of conductor Katie Chatburn, the collaboration captivated the audience, highlighting the vibrant energy and creativity of Liverpool’s next generation of musicians.

A lively indoor sports event featuring a large pink inflatable arch with the text 'Vitality Netball Superleague' printed on it. Several netball players in bright yellow uniforms are running out from behind the arch, wearing white sneakers and numbered dresses. In the foreground, a large bear mascot dressed in a dark blue 'Thunder Bear' shirt is leading the way energetically. Bright sparkling pyrotechnics shoot up on both sides of the arch, adding excitement to the scene. The background includes seating areas and event signage, creating a festive atmosphere.

Netball

In May, netball returned to Liverpool at M&S Bank Arena, with Manchester Thunder clashing against Birmingham Panthers in a thrilling showcase of athletic skill. Fans of all ages packed the arena, creating an atmosphere rivalling Liverpool’s top footballing events and proving the city’s place as a hub for major sporting spectacles.

A large outdoor music festival scene at dusk featuring a main stage with a 'BBC Radio 1' banner on top. The stage has bright screens displaying colorful visuals and a performer. Fireworks explode dramatically in the sky above, creating vibrant streaks of light against the dark blue evening backdrop. A dense crowd of attendees fills the foreground, many holding up smartphones to capture the moment. The atmosphere is lively and celebratory, with event structures and flags visible in the background.

BBC Radio One Big Weekend

From Friday 23 to Sunday 25 May, BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend landed with a bang. The first wave of artist announcements had fans buzzing across Merseyside, delivered live on the Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Greg James. Sam Fender headlined, filling the air with his stadium-sized anthems, while Myles Smith, indie darlings Wet Leg, chart-toppers Blossoms, and Lola Young – fresh from her debut UK number one with Messy – kept the excitement soaring.

Across four stages, some 100 artists performed, blending global superstars with the freshest new names in music. Over 100,000 festival-goers flocked to Sefton Park, proving once again why Liverpool holds its UNESCO City of Music title. Yet the magic of Big Weekend wasn’t just the music – it was the city itself. From packed trains to the bustling streets of Lark Lane and the rising talent on the BBC Introducing stage, Liverpool pulsed with life. Big Weekend didn’t just visit – it became Liverpool loud, proud, and unforgettable.

Three people standing with their backs to the camera, wearing matching purple T-shirts with the words 'PURPLE PATCH' printed on them. They are posing under a vibrant purple archway labeled 'PURPLE PATCH', surrounded by large purple bins stacked decoratively on both sides. The setting appears to be an outdoor event on a sunny day, with colorful props such as painted tires and signage in the background. The overall scene is bright and playful, emphasizing the purple theme.

Purple Patch

At BBC Big Weekend, the city’s famous purple bins took centre stage in the Purple Patch space, letting festival-goers relax, charge their phones, and learn about recycling with fun interactive installations.

Created by local social enterprise Make CIC, the space featured a DJ deck and charging points made from repurposed purple bins, seating from reclaimed tyres, and artwork crafted entirely from recycled materials. Visitors could also test their recycling knowledge with quizzes and pick up tips for sustainable living.

The initiative formed part of the council’s ongoing campaign to cut waste, lower CO2 emissions, and encourage smarter recycling across the city – all celebrated amidst the music and energy of BBC Big Weekend.

A large crowd gathered in a city street celebrating a sports victory parade. People are waving red and white checkered flags and holding up smartphones to capture the moment. A red open-top bus decorated with the words 'CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE' and the Liverpool FC logo carries the team dressed in red kits. The background features historic buildings, including the iconic Royal Liver Building, partially obscured by smoke and confetti in the air. The atmosphere is festive and energetic, with fans cheering and celebrating.

Liverpool Football Parade

Liverpool’s sporting celebrations reached fever pitch in May, when the city erupted for the Liverpool Football Club victory parade on Bank Holiday Monday, 26 May. After Arne Slot’s men clinched their 20th English league title with a stunning triumph over Tottenham Hotspur, the streets were awash in red. Hundreds of thousands lined the 15km route from Allerton Maze to Blundell Street, cheering, singing, and celebrating a moment that will live forever in the city’s memory.

A close-up view of a boxing training session inside a gym. The focus is on a person wearing a white boxing glove, positioned in a defensive stance, facing an opponent or trainer who is partially visible and wearing red gloves. The background shows gym equipment and posters on the wall, creating an authentic boxing environment with dim lighting that emphasizes the action in the foreground.

World Boxing Championships – Unsung Heroes – Me v Me

In September, Liverpool hosted the inaugural World Boxing Championships from the 4th to the 14th, drawing elite men and women from around the globe and complementing the sporting spectacle with a vibrant cultural programme. At the heart of this was Unsung Heroes, a free exhibition at St George’s Hall’s Stable Gallery, which celebrated 20 local grassroots champions including coaches, volunteers and mentors through powerful photography and film.

Community creativity flourished too, with Ciara Lyons’ six-week residency at Rotunda ABC, which explored heritage and wellbeing. Wired Aerial Theatre worked with schools on Me Vs Me, a special aerial theatre piece focussing on mental health, and young fans were invited to attend the championships at M&S Bank Arena. Liverpool showed that sport and culture weren’t separate – they were forces that connected, inspired, and transformed communities.

A person wearing a bright pink patterned jacket is interacting with a large, futuristic light installation. The installation features a glowing, spherical structure with intricate geometric patterns at its center, surrounded by mirrored panels that create a tunnel-like effect with reflections and sparkling lights. The scene is outdoors, with some greenery visible at the top, and the overall atmosphere is immersive and high-tech, suggesting an art or light festival.

Geist – British Science Festival

From 10 – 14 September, Liverpool ONE hosted Geist, a mesmerizing interactive installation by This is Loop (Harriet Lumby and Alan Hayes), presented by the British Science Festival and Culture Liverpool. The piece celebrated the elusive neutrino, the ‘ghost particle’ of physics, with a suspended illuminated orb that flickered and glimmered as visitors moved around it. Incorporating real data from the UK’s STFC, the installation turned complex particle physics into a playful, immersive experience, letting audiences explore the unseen universe through light, reflection, and interaction.

Three performers on stage are leaning forward in a synchronized pose, each holding long, dark strands that resemble ropes or fabric. They are dressed in loose, flowing garments in earthy tones, and the lighting casts dramatic shadows, highlighting their muscular arms and movement. In the background, traditional drums are visible, suggesting a cultural or musical performance. The overall scene conveys a sense of rhythm and dynamic motion in a theatrical or dance setting.

Black History Month

October’s Black History Month celebrated resilience, pride, and achievement, with a programme of performances, exhibitions, and community events reflecting the national theme Standing Firm in Power and Pride. New commissions like African Routes, Untold Stories of an African Queen, and More Than Words sat alongside favourites such as WoWFest and BlackFest, demonstrating that Black history, culture, and creativity thrived year-round in Liverpool.

An event taking place in a large hall with green curtains and wooden flooring. Attendees are seated in rows of green chairs facing a stage with a large screen displaying the words 'OF PEOPLE AND PLACE' over an aerial view of a landscape. The stage features a podium and a decorative white star in the centre. The walls are adorned with banners, framed artwork, and school emblems. The room is well-lit, and the audience appears engaged in the presentation.

Of People and Place

Liverpool showcased its power to tell stories on Thursday 9 October through the evocative documentary ‘Of People and Place’.

Commissioned by Hat Trick Productions Managing Director Jimmy Mulville, a Walton native, the film shone a spotlight on the community’s creativity, resilience, and spirit, presenting a side of Walton rarely seen on screen.

Through the eyes of its residents, the documentary explored grassroots initiatives and the transformative power of art, emphasizing that the community was far more than the headlines of the 2024 riots. It celebrated local spirit and positioned art and culture as inspiring alternatives for young people to express themselves.

The premiere unfolded at Alsop High School on the evening of with Culture Liverpool supporting the red-carpet event. Attendees included the very residents featured in the film, Jimmy Mulville, Producer Jaynie Miller, Director Carl Hunter, and pupils from local schools, all coming together to celebrate the heart of Walton.

A vibrant indoor installation titled 'FACE VALUE' featuring a large illuminated sign in bold letters above a retro-style backdrop with geometric patterns and neon accents. The setup includes a red carpet and bright spotlights casting hexagonal light shapes on the floor. Several people are standing and posing near the display, which incorporates colourful elements like a circular design and glowing shapes. The overall atmosphere suggests an interactive art exhibit or themed event with a modern, playful aesthetic.

River of Light

River of Light – the much-loved, free light festival that annually transforms Liverpool’s iconic waterfront into a breathtaking outdoor art gallery – unveiled its 2025 line-up with a brand-new theme.

Across ten dazzling nights, from Friday 24 October to Sunday 2 November, ten spectacular large-scale artworks illuminated the city for the eighth edition of the festival, celebrating The Science of Light. Each installation drew inspiration from science, technology and the natural world, blending creativity with discovery.

Created in collaboration with Liverpool’s exceptional science and innovation community, the artworks captured visitors’ imaginations in bold and unexpected ways as they journeyed along the 3km waterfront route. From the historic Royal Albert Dock Liverpool to the iconic Pier Head, Exchange Flags and Liverpool ONE, the city shimmered with colour, movement and meaning.

Standout moments from the programme included Blueprint, Cycle, Dandelion, Embrace, Face Value, Neuron, Optik, Pendulum, Spica and Within Water, each leaving a lasting impression long after the lights faded.

A promotional graphic for a rugby event featuring the text 'RUGBY LEAGUE ASHES' in bold white letters at the top. The background shows a stadium under bright lights with a gradient colour scheme of deep blue and pink. Two rugby players are positioned on either side of the image, wearing contrasting jerseys - one in red and white, the other in green and gold - suggesting opposing teams. The design conveys a sense of competition and excitement for the sporting event.

Rugby

In November, Rugby League fans were treated to the long-awaited return of the Ashes after 22 years. England faced Australia across Wembley, Everton Stadium at Bramley Moore Dock, and Headingley, combining heritage with cutting-edge stadium excitement for three thrilling Saturday afternoons of high-stakes rugby.

A nighttime cityscape featuring Liverpool’s iconic waterfront buildings. The Royal Liver Building is prominently visible on the left, illuminated against the dark sky. To the right, a large projection on the façade of another historic building displays vibrant rainbow-coloured stripes and the text 'LIVERPOOL UEFA EURO 2028 HOST CITY' along with a silhouette of the Liver Building. In the foreground, a statue on a pedestal stands in a landscaped area with trees and streetlights. The overall scene conveys celebration and pride for Liverpool hosting UEFA Euro 2028.

UEFA

Liverpool City Region marked the official launch of UEFA EURO 2028 on Wednesday 12 November, joining cities across the UK and Ireland in starting the countdown to the tournament. At 20.28, the city’s official tournament logo was illuminated across Liverpool, including the Cunard Building, the Royal Albert Dock and digital screens throughout the city.

Everton Football Club confirmed it would host five EURO 2028 matches at its new Stadium on the waterfront – signalling the start of a new era of football excitement in the city.

A dimly lit event space with a spotlight projecting the words 'EXPEDITION.TWO' in bold, modern typography onto a curved wall. Silhouettes of seated audience members are visible in the foreground, facing the illuminated text. A microphone stand is positioned near the wall, suggesting a presentation or performance setting. The overall atmosphere is dramatic and minimalistic, with strong contrasts between light and shadow.

Expedition Two

Liverpool had become the UN’s first Accelerator City for Climate Action, pioneering ways to decarbonise live music, film, and TV across the city. By 2025, city leaders were sharing progress at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, via a remote presentation, before welcoming global industry figures back for Expedition Two at ACC Liverpool on 28 November. The event showcased a year of pilot projects, successful prototypes, and practical, city-wide climate solutions for the creative industries, proving that sustainability and innovation could go hand in hand.

A person wearing a vibrant, artistic costume made of bright orange and yellow fabric with a green hat. The outfit features large, textured elements and thick, burgundy yarn-like strands adorned with multiple pom-poms, creating a bold and sculptural look. The background shows an outdoor urban setting with people gathered, some blurred, and buildings in the distance. The overall scene suggests a cultural or artistic event, possibly a parade or festival.

Cultural Strategy

December saw Liverpool launch its refreshed cultural strategy, Culture Makes Liverpool: Cultural Strategy 2025-2030, pledging five years of investment in creativity, communities and ambition. With a focus on strengthening communities, celebrating Liverpool’s identity, supporting creative talent, and growing the city’s economy, the strategy married bold vision with local engagement. Collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability were its guiding principles, ensuring that culture was both a force for joy and a driver of tangible impact.

A festive Christmas scene inside a library. A person dressed in a traditional Santa Claus costume sits on a green chair next to a decorated Christmas tree. Behind Santa is a tall banner with the text 'Merry Christmas From Spellow with love…' and an image of a blue star ornament. The background features shelves filled with colorful books labelled 'Story Books'. Several people are seated on the floor and chairs, some holding children, creating a warm and community-oriented holiday atmosphere.

Christmas on County Road

December saw the city embrace festive cheer with Christmas on County Road. From community markets and art workshops to a century-old Nativity scene at Spellow Library, Liverpool celebrated the season with lights, laughter, and family fun.

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