Liverpool Irish Festival presents an exclusive first screening and book debut documenting The Walk of the Bronze Shoes pilgrimage and advent of the Global Irish Famine Way at a special event on Monday 13 October.
This milestone event marks three-years of dedicated research into the Liverpool Irish Famine Trail. Additionally it documents the extraordinary 2024 Walk of the Bronze Shoes pilgrimage from Strokestown, Ireland to Liverpool, UK. The documentary is produced by Overshoot Productions, directed by Ailsa ‘Ayls’ McQueen.
The evening represents a unique preview to the Liverpool Irish Festival 2025 programme. The festival is the UK’s largest Irish arts and culture-led festival, which runs 16-26 Oct 2025 under the theme “arrivals”. Through it we’ll explore migration, settlement and finding home while marking the 180th anniversary of An Gorta Mór (The Great Hunger).
Three years in the making, Reveal captures the creation of the Global Irish Famine Way. It is characterised by countless hours of research, endurance and dedication from remarkable walkers and researchers. The book features ground-breaking research from the Liverpool Irish Famine Trail’s History Research Group. Both the book and film document previously untold stories of Irish Famine refugees who found sanctuary in Liverpool.
The book has been peer-reviewed by Liverpool University Press, who serve as distributors, with copies available from them on the night. Both Reveal and a limited supply of the companion volume Revive will be available for purchase on the night.
The Bronze Shoes of Liverpool documentary is supported by the Irish Government’s Strategic Diaspora Fund, via their Consulate in the North, and was developed by a local production company in the city. It will be entered into film festivals following its launch.
These significant heritage projects have received support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Government of Ireland, the Liverpool Great Hunger Commemoration Committee and generous donors through a 2024 JustGiving campaign.
Emma Smith, Liverpool Irish Festival Artistic Director and CEO, says:
“2025 reveals some of the deepest work we have done yet. The premiere of our documentary and launch of our book represents years of dedicated research into stories that needed to be told, from the people who need to tell them. Our ongoing trail consultation and citizen research ensures vital community stories reach new audiences, especially in the diaspora, and those who want to understand this shared history”.
Joel Lee, General Manager at BOXPARK Liverpool, said:
“We’re delighted to be hosting Liverpool Irish Festival’s world premiere documentary and book launch at BOXPARK Liverpool. Being able to assist the Festival in showcasing the exemplary work that they have been carrying out is fantastic. The venue is underpinned by various communities and welcoming the Festival to share this project and highlight the link between Liverpool and Ireland’s history and culture is both exciting and really significant for the BOXPARK team and I”.
Dr Ann Hoskins, Chair of Liverpool Irish Festival, states:
“Having witnessed this Festival grow from inception, into a cornerstone of Liverpool’s cultural calendar, the launch of Reveal represents the culmination of our most ambitious heritage project to date. The anniversary of The Great Hunger gives profound context to contemporary discussions about migration, belonging and home, especially in the context of Gaza’s famine and the politicisation of food the world over”.
Cillian O’Kelly, Consul General for the North of England, adds:
“I am delighted to be able to attend and support this years’ Liverpool Irish Festival. As we mark 180-years since the Irish Famine, this documentary and book will play an essential role in documenting the experiences of Irish people who came to Liverpool during and after the famine, and ensuring that their stories continue to be told”.
The launch opens Liverpool Irish Festival’s ambitious 2025 programme, featuring 40+ events across 10 days, anticipated to attract 8,000-10,000 visits. The festival’s “arrivals” theme gives renewed significance to the 180th anniversary commemoration of The Great Hunger, connecting historical migration stories with contemporary journeys of belonging and home.
Book your free ticket for the Reveal Book and Documentary launch on Monday 13 October at BOXPARK here.
Categories: 2025 | Festivals & Events | News
