Fabric District apartments
Easy fitness tweaks
Jon Atkinson on wine
Boojum review
Circa Waves
Frontman Kieran Shudall on how life-saving operation inspired indie powerhouse’s new
Hello and welcome to the first YM Liverpool of 2025!
Kicking things off is my chat with Circa Waves lead singer and rhythm guitarist Kieran Shudall. Before heading out on the Liverpool indie band’s biggest UK headline tour yet, Kieran sat down with me to discuss how a serious health scare inspired him to write their highly anticipated sixth album, Death & Love Pt.1.
Property-wise, we highlight a brand new Build to Rent development located in the heart of Liverpool’s vibrant Fabric District. Milliners Yard has been tailored specifically for modern city living, offering residents exclusive access to a stunning rooftop garden and an array of additional amenities.
Elsewhere, IKEA has the perfect collection of home accessories to help you ring in the Lunar New Year and the John Lewis team shares its easy fitness tweaks for a happier 2025.
Plus our fashion editor Annie S picks out her favourite athleisure pieces, Jon Atkinson is back with some alternative selections to set you off on your new year wine journey and Heather Marsh explains how, when temperatures plummet, our green spaces can help banish those winter blues.
Enjoy!
Editor Lawrence Saunders editor@ymliverpool.com
Design Marten Sealby
ADVERTISING Sales 0151 316 0210 sales@ymliverpool.com
DISTRIBUTION Enquiries 0151 316 0210
When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it.
LAWRENCE SAUNDERS Editor
In 2023, Circa Waves frontman Kieran Shudall received a call from doctors telling him that the main artery in his heart was severely blocked. Two days later, he was on an operating table, watching a wire being inserted into his heart to fix it. Before embarking on the Liverpool indie band’s biggest UK headline tour to date, Kieran sat down with YM to discuss his near-death experience and how it inspired him to go back to the start for their highly anticipated sixth album, Death & Love Pt.1
words lawrence saunders
What kind of music did you grow up listening to?
I have a brother who’s four years older than me. He went travelling to Australia and came back with a MiniDisc player and a stack of discs, including Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged in New York and some Alice In Chains. So, I started listening to that kind of music. Of course, I was listening to The Beatles all the time, since, being from Liverpool, it was always playing around the house. My mum and dad were really into folk music too, so I grew up listening to Joni Mitchell and Carole King – I still love all that stuff.
At what age did you start writing your own songs?
I started writing songs when I got my first guitar – I was either 12 or 13 years old. There were lads in the guitar lessons who were learning songs and I was always like, ‘Well, I’ll just make a song up because that’s more fun!’. I don’t know why my first feeling was to want to make my own stuff – maybe my ego thinking I could write a better song than The Beatles [laughs]. As soon as I learned two chords, I was off.
How did you go from there to forming Circa Waves in 2013?
I’d been in bands with mates for about eight years – Aspen Grove and Fly With Vampires. I loved it. It was a great education in playing live. We must have played The Zanzibar around 50 times! On the side, I started learning how to produce music with Logic Pro and recorded a few tracks. I posted one of them on a couple of blogs, because blogs were still a big thing in 2013, and a girl named Jen Long picked it up and sent it to Radio 1, where she worked. Zane Lowe played the demo twice on one show. I didn’t have a band; it was just me, but I started getting calls from record labels, so I had to pretend it was a full band! I was doing work experience
at Sentric Music in town, and a couple of the lads knew some other lads… so I just said, “Do you want to join this band?” I got pretty lucky, to be honest.
Circa Waves’ new album, Death & Love, Pt. 1, was heavily influenced by a major health scare you experienced in 2023. Can you share what happened?
I used to run a lot, and I started getting this mad squeezing pain in my chest, which I thought was very weird. I went to the doctors, and they diagnosed me with pericarditis – an inflammation of the heart. Despite that, I kept touring for months, but the pain just wouldn’t go away. Eventually, I went for a proper scan, and two days later, the hospital called and said, ‘You need to come in immediately – one of your arteries is fully blocked, and you could die any minute’. Within 48 hours, I was undergoing a coronary angioplasty at the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital in Broadgreen. They used a balloon-eluted stent to widen the blocked artery. I think it was just 10 days after the operation that I flew to Australia to start a tour… straight back to it!
You can meander through life and think you’re invincible and that sickness is for other people. You think that young people getting ill is just something you see in the papers, then all of a sudden you’re it. You never think it’ll happen to you. But after the operation, I had a new lease of life and needed to find a new way to live. It’s about picking yourself back up and evaluating all the love that you’ve got.
Lying in a hospital bed, perhaps contemplating life and death, many musicians might have been inclined to write songs far less uplifting than most of those on
I remember being in the hospital, thinking about making a new record, and I just wanted to make an album that would remind me of going out as a kid.
Death & Love. You’ve mentioned that you wanted to create a record that captured the spirit of the music you loved as a kid and the energy of big nights out at clubs like Le Bateau and The Krazyhouse. Do you feel you’ve achieved that vision?
Absolutely, yeah, I’ve listened to it a bunch of times after we finished recording it and it takes me back to when I first started going out, and the first time I heard the likes of the Arctic Monkeys, The Walkmen and The National. Those were the bands that made me want to play guitar. I really hope that another 16-year-old listens to this album and goes ‘F**k, I wanna start a band’.
I wanted [Death & Love] to be a cathartic release – getting rid of all of that worry and heartache I had about what might have happened to me. There are lyrics on the album which are sadder, but they’re disguised in an indie dancefloor tune.
Over the years, I’ve come to see Circa Waves as the festival band you want to go and see with your mates to have a good time. I don’t think we’ll be studied like Bob Dylan or Leonard Cohen! I’ve made my peace with that.
There needs to be bands like us. You can’t have 100 Radioheads –that would be too much! I hope that people see us as that band that they can switch off to the world and let loose to.
There is one track on the album which does directly address your health scare. ‘Blue Damselfly’ reflects your fear of leaving your wife and son behind. Was it difficult to write and perform such a personal song?
I wrote that in the hospital, and yes, it was emotional. My wife and I can’t listen to it – it feels too sad. I’m not sure if we’ll play it on the tour. It chokes me up even thinking about the idea of leaving my wife and son and saying, ‘I know you’ll be alright because you’re both so strong’. It would be hard to perform the song live, but maybe one day. I was lucky enough to see Paul McCartney in Manchester recently and you could see he was getting emotional during certain songs about George and John. If he’s got the strength to sing those songs then maybe I should try and give it a go one day!
What was the recording process like? Was it slightly surreal being in the studio so soon after what had happened?
I wrote the songs quite quickly. If I’m writing good songs, then the process doesn’t take long. Death & Love is in two parts, and we’ve actually just finished the second part. This is our sixth album now and we don’t mess around – we’re quite frugal. The good thing about going through something highly emotional is that you’ve got a lot of ammunition for songs. Melody and emotion are so intertwined. When something really heavy happens to you, you can write good melodies.
I do demos that are fully finished songs. When we go into the studio, the lads record their respective parts. I’m a bit of a control freak and tend to get obsessed with things like the sound of a snare drum or a particular guitar line. I focus on every little detail, which can annoy the band sometimes, but I can’t help it!
Do you have a favourite track from the new album?
I had a new lease of life and needed to find a new way to live. It’s about picking yourself back up and evaluating all the love that you’ve got.
‘Hold It Steady’ is one of my favourite ones. It’s got an almost 80’s-ish guitar sound, which I like. It’s something we haven’t done so I hope it surprises people.
The tour kicks off next month and is your biggest headline UK tour to date, with stops at some iconic venues like the Barrowlands in Glasgow and Brixton Academy, before wrapping up at the Olympia here in Liverpool. Are you excited to be back on the road?
We don’t get to tour loads now, being an ‘older band’ – we do festival season then a tour every couple of years. So it’s the highlight of my
year playing these gigs. We also get to play golf everyday before each show! I’m obsessed with golf, which is like the least rock and roll thing ever [laughs]. But actually a lot of musicians love the sport. I’ve been speaking to Liam from Courteeners and Tom Grennan – they both love playing. It’s like the opposite of a gig – it’s calm and you’re in a lovely field… there’s no chaos. My release used to be going out on a weekend and getting pissed, which you don’t really get to do as much when you’ve got kids anyway, but now golf is that for me. It’s a really much better version of that release and lets your brain be free. There’s an app called GolfNow that lets you see what courses and tee times are available in whatever city you’re in. We’re on a bus, of course, so we’ve got the bags in there and we can just wake up at whatever time, play four hours of golf, go soundcheck and then play the gig… it’s boss! I can’t wait [laughs].
We’ve just had our second kid as well, it’s very busy at home right now, so the tour is a bit of a holiday! It is getting harder to leave my son, though, because he’s older and will say, ‘Daddy, please don’t go!’. Trying to keep in touch with him over FaceTime is difficult. But I’m home a lot between tours and I get to spend a lot of time with him, which is something other people who work really full-on might not get to do.
After all the heart stuff, there was a big part of me that was just like, ‘I’m made up to still be here and be able to do anything’. I’m just quite happy now, generally!
Death & Love Pt.1 is out on 31 January. Circa Waves play the Liverpool Olympia on 1 March
Domestic abuse –Consult the legal experts
At Paul Crowley & Co solicitors, we are committed to helping end domestic abuse for good. If you are a victim of domestic abuse, our dedicated team of family law experts is here to help
In November 2023, the Office for National Statistics disclosed domestic abuse statistics for England and Wales. The data, spanning from March 2022 to 2023, showed that over 2.1 million adults experienced abuse, with police recording over 850,000 incidents. However prosecutions saw a minor decline, settling to just above 51,000.
These crimes can affect not only the victim’s physical and emotional wellbeing, but also that of their family, friends and livelihood too.
What is domestic abuse?
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (DAA), which came into force in January 2022, gives a legal definition of domestic abuse. Section 1 requires that the people involved are over 16 and “personally connected”, for example, former partners or relatives.
There are different types of behaviour which now constitute domestic violence:
• Physical or sexual abuse
• Violent and threatening behaviour
• Psychological or emotional abuse
• Controlling behaviour – acts which threaten, humiliate or intimidate in order to harm, punish or frighten the victim
• Coercive control – acts designed to make a person subordinate and dependent by isolating them from support, regulating their behaviour and depriving them of independence
• Economic abuse – any behaviour which substantially affects your ability to gain and use money or obtain goods
What can I do as a victim of domestic abuse?
If you are experiencing domestic abuse and are in immediate danger, always call 999 for assistance. You should contact the police and report the abuse as a crime.
At Paul Crowley & Co we can apply for an order on your behalf under the Family Law Act 1996:
• Non-Molestation order: This is an order which prevents your abuser from coming within a specified distance of you and your property or communicating with you in any way
• Occupation order: This is an order which enforces your right to live in the family home and lets you control who comes into your property
If the perpetrator of the abuse breaks the rules set out in a non-molestation order, it can lead to their arrest and a custodial sentence being imposed.
What is a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO)?
Introduced by the DAA 2021 legislation, domestic violence protection notices are served by the police on the perpetrator and then approved by the magistrates’ court. They give the victim immediate protection after an incident.
The restrictions in the notice appear as a domestic violence protection order which can apply for 14-28 days, and can require the abuser to leave and stay
away from the victim’s home and surrounding area.
Why choose Paul Crowley & Co solicitors:
Here at Paul Crowley & Co, we understand that domestic abuse is a very sensitive topic, and we will not pressure you into taking any action that you aren’t comfortable with. Our solicitors are here to listen without judgement to your story and find out the best way of proceeding safely.
Although our main goal is to achieve justice for victims, we cover other cases too. For example, if you believe you have been falsely accused of being a perpetrator of domestic violence, our team will hear you out and help you achieve justice.
Paul Crowley & Co… on your side If you’ve been a victim of domestic abuse or violence and want to know more about your legal options, Paul Crowley & Co solicitors are here to help. Contact one of our friendly team of family law solicitors
Edwina Harkin Head of Family, Paul Crowley & Co
By Will
Belfast-founded Mexican restaurant chain Boojum opened its latest branch here on Bold Street just before Christmas to great fanfare, making a fine addition to Liverpool’s wellstuffed mecca of culinary options.
If you’ve never been to Boojum before, you’ll find the instructions printed on the wall in large, easy-to-read letters – very helpful if, like me, your dining companion is tired of explaining them. First, you choose a base: rice or beans to form the foundation of your meal. Then, select a filling – options include chicken, barbacoa (a kind of molten hot beef), or pork. Next, pick your salsa, followed by cheeses, sour cream, and a variety of extras too numerous to list. If you have a friend who, like me, is a fussy eater, this is the place to bring them.
After giving our order, it was impossible not to be impressed by the efficiency and near-military precision with which each meal was prepared, wrapped, and placed in front of us within minutes. Equally impressive was the staff’s patience as they refrained from leaping over the counter to throttle the customer
The chicken was moist and flavorful, while the beef – tender and delicious – packed a fiery kick, like a mule on Bonfire night.
ahead of me, who insisted on asking about every single ingredient in painstaking detail –a minor miracle in itself.
Having made plans for after the meal –and knowing that burritos have an irritating habit of becoming part of your outfit – we each opted for a bowl. I chose a combination of cilantro lime rice, chicken, barbacoa, and mixed peppers and onions. Though I was initially apprehensive watching each ingredient being scooped from the colourful, soup-like trays (triggering unwelcome flashbacks to school dinners), everything tasted amazing. The rice had a tangy brightness that teased the palate without overstaying its welcome. The chicken was moist and flavorful, while the beef – tender and delicious – packed a fiery kick, like a mule on Bonfire night.
My partner went for Mexican rice, chicken, chorizo, mixed vegetables, pickled onions, mild salsa, and cheese. Despite some overlap with my choices, her meal took on an entirely different character. The sharpness of the pickled onions gave it a bold edge, while the mild salsa balanced everything out, preventing the flavours from becoming too overpowering.
For those who prefer a more authentic burrito, you won’t be disappointed. Even from across the room, we could spot the vast, generously stuffed packages, swaddled in foil like handheld, edible babies. Their owners’ euphoria remained unshaken, even as the burritos were gloriously doused in rich, delicious guacamole.
Hiding in the corner of the restaurant, watching the freezing world pass by, we concluded that Boojum is definitely here to stay. Our bowls were more than satisfying, leaving us wishing for other restaurants bold enough to offer deconstructed versions of their signature dishes. Where’s the spaghetti and meatballs in a bowl? The roast dinner in a bowl? They could call it Bowl-ed Street.
As for the name ‘Boojum’, what does it even mean? Depending on who you ask, it’s either named after the strange creature from Lewis Carroll’s The Hunting of the Snark, or it refers to a type of tree native to Mexico – which, admittedly, makes more sense. Personally, I prefer the former explanation, as the restaurant perfectly captures the quirky, whimsical spirit of the mythical creature. After all, the Snark is famously known for “softly and suddenly vanishing people away, never to be met with again.” If that happens to a loved one, don’t worry – they’re probably just back at Boojum.
Carr | Mexican | ££ | 31 Bold Street, L1 4DN
Truenature short padded winter jacket
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Belden beanie
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Faux-shearling oversize jacket
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Sports leggings in SoftMove H&M
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Elevate your athleisure look for 2025 with Annie S’s stylish selections
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t highrise legging 25
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Totebag
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New town ‘Liverpool North’ could
be created with 10,000
Ambitious proposal aims to expand regeneration of city’s northern fringe through to Bootle
town centre
homes
PLANS TO REDEVELOP one of Britain’s most deprived areas and build more than 10,000 new homes have been set out by Liverpool City Council.
A submission for New Town status has been sent to the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government. ‘Liverpool North’ would span 5km between Bootle and Liverpool and include Everton, Anfield and Kirkdale.
The bold proposal would see the transformation of a number of brownfield sites, which would also lay the foundations for economic growth and sustainability, encompassing Everton FC’s new £500m stadium at Bramley Moore Dock and the £20m Bootle New Strand development project.
New Town status is a designation given to certain areas in the UK that are undergoing significant redevelopment. These areas are often characterised by a mix of old and new housing, commercial spaces and infrastructure.
The council is planning to accelerate housing development in the Liverpool North area through several key projects. These include:
• Goodison Legacy: Working with Everton FC and Everton in the
Community, the council is developing plans for the area around Goodison Park, including a new strategic walking and cycling route that will unlock key housing sites (“The Toffee Trail”).
• County Road: Proposals for County Road are also being developed, with a focus on linking Goodison to the new Bramley Moore Stadium.
• Anfield: The council is working with housing associations, commercial partners and Liverpool FC to bring forward housing and mixed-use development in the Anfield area, including a “Red Walk” connection.
• Greatie Market: A £5m investment in Great Homer Street Market is expected to stimulate increased housing development around the site. Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram says: “This will be about much more than bricks and mortar; it’s about giving people pride in their place, creating opportunities, and showing how ambition and collaboration can deliver real change. Together, we’re not just building houses—we’re building hope, ambition, and a brighter future.”
Liverpool ONE reports busiest Christmas and start to the year since 2019
Retail and entertainment destination announced a year-on-year footfall increase of 10% in December
LIVERPOOL ONE has reported its busiest festive shopping season since 2019, with January shaping up to be one of its most successful starts to the year in six years.
The retail and entertainment destination has announced double-digit footfall growth of 10% as well as a strong uplift of 7% in overall sales during December, while national figures saw a decrease in footfall, according to the latest British Retail Consortium (BRC) statistics.
Overall, Liverpool ONE saw a 3% annual increase in footfall during 2024, a positive growth consistently maintained since the pandemic and, considerably ahead of national and regional figures.
The so-called ‘Golden Quarter’ (October, November, December) saw growth in footfall, outperforming the national picture, according to BRC figures.
Black Friday week welcomed double-digit growth of 14% in visitor numbers, whilst in-store sales saw a whopping 28% annual increase during this period, with a growing
trend of shoppers buying instore and kick-starting the start of Christmas shopping in the city.
In addition to the strong performance in the run up to Christmas during December, the period between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day – known as ‘Twixmas’ – showed an impressive 26% year-on-year increase, a period which is growing as a firm favourite among visitors.
Friday 27 December ranked in the top five busiest Fridays of the year at Liverpool ONE.
Retail bosses say the major growth is a clear result of significant consumer confidence in Liverpool ONE, with more visitors enjoying Liverpool ONE more often, plus the appetite of shoppers wanting to spend at Christmas time and the growing popularity of the ‘Twixmas’ period.
Initial figures show overall sales growth of 7% during December, with categories such as beauty, menswear, toys and games and gifting all performing strongly.
The strength of retail performance sits alongside strong sales growth, across leisure and entertainment, demonstrating the effective mix of retail and leisure at Liverpool ONE.
Now, Liverpool ONE is experiencing its strongest start to the year in six years, with the first week of 2025 showing double-digit growth since 2024, which was already a record year.
Major new openings are planned for 2025, with brands such as Uniqlo and Sephora set to open their doors in the coming months, part of what is set to be the busiest year of openings since 2008.
Widnes
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breath A fresh air
Welcome the Lunar New Year in style with IKEA’s new FÖSSTA collection of home accessories
YEAR OF THE SNAKE Lunar New Year is the ideal time to bring a breath of spring freshness into your home. Update your living room or bedroom with cushions and throws or why not take the spirit of new year with you with these accessories.
LIGHT THE WAY TO GOOD LUCK
When darkness falls these lanterns spring to life, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for your celebrations.
Decoration/ LED lanterns
£3/£6
A TASTE OF THE SONG DYNASTY
Your food tastes great, so it’s only fair that it looks great too. Set the perfect stage for your delicious dishes and beverages, and prepare a feast that is not only a joy to eat, but a joy to behold. LED lighting chain with
Pot
The Fabric of Modern Living
Topping out celebrated at Regenda’s £90m Grove Street development
Situated close to Liverpool Women’s Hospital, the 300-home scheme is one of the UK’s largest social housing projects
THE REGENDA GROUP has marked the ‘topping out’ of Phase 1 of its flagship £90 million Grove Street development, celebrating a major milestone at one of the UK’s largest social housing projects.
at the heart of the building’s structure.
creating opportunities, enriching lives, and investing in the future of communities.
The event, held on 6 December, commemorated the completion of the development’s steel frame and welcomed a diverse group of attendees, including Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram and Councillor Nathalie Nicholas, alongside Homes England, future residents of Grove Street, local schoolchildren from St Anne’s Catholic Primary School, community leaders and project partners.
MILLINERS YARD
A highlight of the event was the ceremonial signing of a steel beam, which will be encased
Situated close to Liverpool Women’s Hospital, the Grove Street regeneration project will deliver more than 300 new homes – 119 one-bedroom apartments, 153 two-bedroom apartments, nine three-bedroom apartments, seven three-bedroom houses and 16 five-bedroom houses.
“Grove Street is a shining example of regeneration that goes beyond buildings, and we’re excited to see the transformative impact it will have.”
Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram adds: “The Grove Street development is a perfect example of how our
Stephanie Harrison, executive director of operations and customer service at Regenda Group, says: “Reaching the topping out stage at Grove Street is a proud moment for everyone involved. This development embodies the very best of what Regenda stands for – not just building homes but
studios
Students will have the chance to utilise an extensive range of state-of-the-art audio plug-ins
CREATIVE MEDIA INSTITUTE SAE has announced a new partnership with BEATSURFING to enhance its production studios and spaces.
MILLINERSYARD.CO.UK
or to arrange a viewing please email lettings@millinersyard.co.uk Join the community @millinersyard_liverpool
Students across all campuses, including SAE Liverpool on Pall Mall, will have the chance to utilise BEATSURFING’s wide range of state-of-the-art plug-ins in main studios and production rooms.
Liverpool, L3 8JA
BEATSURFING’s plug-ins have been used by a number of producers, including Burbansu and Swede of 808 Mafia.
Various masterclasses and workshops with the BEATSURFING team are also to be hosted, with its expert team offering insights and advice on tech, production, navigating the industry and more.
SAE Liverpool offers hands-on degree courses in film production, content creation, audio production, games development, VFX, and animation.
The institution has partnerships with organisations like Liverpool Sound City and the Liverpool Film Office which allow its students the opportunity to network and collaborate with industry professionals.
fitness tweaks
Easy for a happier 2025
FROM OUTDOOR ICE BATHS and indoor bikes to daily stretches and a weekly rest, there are plenty of easy, realistic and (most importantly) healthy exercise habits to put in motion at the start of the year – or at any point during it, for that matter.
These seven simple habits are far more effective (and far less brutal) than the quick-win, short-lived faddy approaches people peddle at the start of a calendar year; they’re designed for those of us who want to feel strong – or simply get in the zone – throughout 2025.
Shall we get started? The wonders of wellbeing await…
n TOUCH YOUR TOES
Keep your joints supple and your muscles loose with this easy-tofollow daily stretch plan. (You can also visit the NHS website for a beginner’s guide). Repeat each stretch three times for 15-30 seconds, and remember that – no matter your fitness level – each day will feel different, so only do what feels comfortable for you.
1. Knees to chest – Lay on your back – legs outstretched – bend one knee and bring it to your chest. Hold it there with your hands, then release and repeat with the other knee.
2. Shoulder stretch – Sitting or standing, draw your right arm across your body at chest level, holding it just above the elbow with your left hand. Draw your arm closer to your body until you feel a gentle stretch in your right shoulder. Hold, release and switch.
3. Forward bend – Standing with your arms above your head, slowly sweep your hands down on either side, folding your body in half to reach down towards your ankles. Hold for 10 seconds.
n FILL (AND EMPTY) YOUR GLASS
Hydration is one of the pillars of health, and we all know we need to drink plenty of water – but how much is enough? A recent study, which set out to discover if the 1945 claim that we require eight glasses a day was correct, found out the rule wasn’t so hard and fast; it turns out a number of factors determine your hydration needs, including your levels of body fat, where you live, your age and your gender. Before you nudge your refillable bottle to the back of the cupboard, however, the NHS still suggests we drink 6-8 glasses of water, tea or coffee per day as a rule of thumb. Why? Because dehydration can lower our energy, concentration and immunity. In short, for better health, don’t extend dry January to your water intake.
n WEAR TRAINERS (AND MOVE MORE)
You can skip shoes for Pilates, barre and yoga, you can even go barefoot for lunges, squats and swings, but trainers are still nonnegotiable for most cardio activities.
The best sports trainers are designed with performance in mind, whether for track, field or the pickleball court, and the most supportive of them will enhance high-impact workouts. The right pair of trainers will have textured undersoles (for grip), stabilising heel cups (for balance) and biomechanical arch support (for comfort) – all bound together with the flair and air of nonchalance we want to feel when working out.
n LIGHTEN YOUR MOOD
In the depths of winter it can be easy to live a mole-like existence, barely leaving the house. This matters, people, because natural light helps control our circadian rhythms: the key to our bodies’ natural sleep/wake cycle, which impacts our wider wellbeing.
So, when the days are short and the weather foul, we need a little extra help: enter the SAD lamp. Using a Wake up to Daylight Table Lamp, which mimics sunrise in the morning and sunset at bedtime, can help reset your body clock to improve your sleep, crank up your energy levels and maximise your good mood.
n BE A CREATURE OF GOOD HABIT
If exercise for exercise’s sake doesn’t float your boat, make fitness more functional: think running to a friend’s house or lifting heavy shopping (yours, your family’s, your neighbours’...). The real question is: how to make your chosen exercise a habit that sticks?
Repeat yourself – Research shows that repeated actions are more likely to become something you do automatically, so persevere; one study shows that it takes an average of 66 days for a new healthy behaviour to become a habit. Once it’s part of your daily routine though, there’ll be no stopping you.
Stack your habits – Behavioural scientists say that the best way to form new, healthy habits is to tie them in to existing ones. Most of us are wedded to our morning routine, so why not lift dumbbells (or tinned tomatoes) while the kettle boils, or wear a wrist weight while you brush your teeth?
n THINK ‘FRILUFTSLIV’
Pronounced free-loofts-liv (literally ‘open-air living’), friluftsliv was made popular in the 1850s by Norwegian poet Henrik Ibsen, who waxed lyrical about the benefits of spending time outdoors for our mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing.
A somewhat grounding practise, friluftsliv can include anything from forest runs and wild, chilly dips in your lunch break to taking a (preferably snowy) stroll into work. Research suggests that a 40-minute stroll can significantly improve how you feel about your body. The study highlights the psychological benefits of getting outdoors – “shifting attention away from an aesthetic view of the body, and towards greater appreciation of its functionality”, says Professor Viren Swami.
Simply channel the Scandi saying, ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes,’ and tool up accordingly.
n REST UP
Any pro athlete will tell you that resting is vital to every successful programme; allowing your body to repair and reset helps to avoid future injuries. Science says that rest can also help to improve memory, boost concentration, mood and metabolism, too. Not bad for ostensibly doing ‘nothing’.
If you struggle to simply stop, try weaving in meditation or calming music (classical is proven to help unwind a highly strung mind).
Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 750DAB Wake up to Daylight Table Lamp £229
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Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw Stainless
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Sedulo Group celebrates breaking £20m
revenue milestone
Growth areas for business advisory firm included tax incentives, financial planning and debt funding
National accountancy and business advisory firm Sedulo Group, which has offices in Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester and London, has announced its year-end results to 31 October 2024.
The consolidated revenues of the group were £20.6 million, 37% ahead of the previous year’s figure of circa £15m. The EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) for the same period was £2.9m, a 45% increase on the previous year’s result. The current run rate of the company is closer to £23m of fees.
The main growth areas for the firm were within tax incentives, financial planning, debt funding and deal advisory services.
In 2024, the group’s headcount increased from 175 to 215, with the deal advisory side growing significantly after Logan Rowan’s recruitment earlier in the year; as a result, the transaction services team had a record year.
During the year, Sedulo acquired an R&D specialist and opened its fifth office in Birmingham, whilst introducing a capital allowance and energy tax relief offering to the tax incentives scheme.
The group was recently voted the 48th
best mid-sized business in the UK to work for, and its run rate means it is one of the Top 50 largest accountancy practices in the UK.
Paul Cheetham-Karcz (pictured above), founder of Sedulo, says: “The year-end results are a great achievement and in line with a strategy towards a £30m business in the next couple of years. They are testament to the dedication and commitment of the team we have built here, which is the secret behind our success.
“There is a real opportunity in our market space to be the largest founderled, independently owned, boutique
advisory firm in the UK. We intend to own that space.
“The recent recruits have senior national expertise in some of the largest consultancy firms. Bringing them into our organisation and deploying them in our local territories gives us a real advantage over our competitors. It really is highlevel, world-class teams delivering holistic business advisory services locally to our client base.
“We look forward to the next 12 months, which should see us edge towards £25m in revenue whilst investigating the opening of a further strategic office.”
‘Try’ January... again
Jon Atkinson is back with some alternative picks to kickstart your 2025 wine journey
SO, HERE WE ARE AGAIN – a new year and its accompanying resolutions, at least for some folk. For a fair number of people, that means ‘Dry January’! My own feelings on this self-inflicted penance are (very) well established, but if you’ve just started out on that ‘pilgrimage’, then good luck to you!
Personally, I like to encourage people to be a little more adventurous in their wine drinking instead, and that is the focus of this article.
An alternative compromise, which we in the trade are always keen to promote, is to drink less but better. Let’s say you normally spend £30 a week on four bottles of wine –
for January (or longer, if you like), spend that £30 on just two bottles of wine and see just how much more bang for your buck you get!
Variety is the spice of life, as they say, and I believe that applies to wine as much as anything else.
So, will it be ‘dry’ or ‘try’ January? I know which way I’m going!
Pekado Mortal Valdeorras Godello 2022 Pekado Mortal was established by Gallegos Martin Padin and Pablo Ibanez, who honed their winemaking skills across Spain before returning to Galicia to join forces. Although their project showcases a variety of winegrowing regions, Galicia remains at its heart. Inevitably, their first wine, produced over 10 years ago, was an Albariño. However, other up-and-coming D.O.s followed, including this wonderful example of the indigenous Godello variety from Valdeorras. The Pekado Mortal Godello is grown in two individual plots with vines 60 and 80 years old, respectively. These are vinified separately, with both parcels spending eight to 12 months on the lees in stainless steel tanks before being blended together. Starbright and pale straw in color, with silver and pale gold tints, this wine has a fresh yet subtle, delicately floral nose with hints of almond paste and stone fruit. Dry, yet quite soft and voluptuous, it offers a real mineral edge running through, complemented by citrus notes and green apple pith. The finish is long and tangy. £19.95
Mi Tractor Azul Almansa Garnacha Tintorera 2022 ‘My Blue Tractor’ is a pair of single-varietal Spanish reds hailing from Toro in the northwest and Almansa in the southeast. The idea behind them came from Nicola Thornton, originally from Sheffield, who has spent the last 25 years living in Toro. Garnacha Tintorera is related to Grenache Noir, the grape best known for Châteauneuf-du-Pape, among other wines, but it is a strain found within a sub-genre known as teinturier. These are black grapes that have red-coloured flesh, as opposed to the usual green-tinged white. Medium-deep ruby red with a ruby rim. A rich, quite perfumed yet complex nose with notes of liquorice, tobacco, coffee, and garrigue. Quite lush on the palate, with generous red fruit character, gentle chalky-textured tannins, and a surprisingly long, gently spicy finish. Could be enjoyed at a cooler temperature… £11.95
Esprit de Crès Ricards IGP Pays d’Oc Marsanne-Roussanne 2023 This estate was established in 1960, although the highly regarded Terrasses du Larzac sub-Appellation of the Languedoc, in which it is situated, did not become AOC until 2014. It is a region that Jean-Claude Mas had long admired, and when the opportunity to acquire land here arose in 2010, he didn’t hesitate. The AOC here is for red wines only, which is why this delightful blend is categorized as IGP, but it’s delicious nonetheless! These two varieties are synonymous with the Rhône Valley, where they are usually paired together in wines such as Hermitage Blanc. This will set you back significantly less than a bottle of that and give you an indication of what the fuss is about at the same time! Brilliant straw lemon with silver-green tints. A fresh, slightly saline nose with subtle peach, lemongrass, and kiwi fruit aromas. Fresh and dry in the mouth, somewhere between crisp and soft, with a nicely rounded mouthfeel, citrus, and stone fruit, with a lick of minerality on the finish—lovely!
Valle Secreto ‘Private’ Cachapoal Cabernet Franc 2018 A boutique estate of some 38ha in the upper reaches of the Cachapoal Valley, Valle Secreto was established as a joint venture between two wine-loving families with a background in the food industry. As you would expect from a small operation, almost everything that happens in the vineyard is done by hand. Although not certified as organic, they work in accordance with those principles, aided by the wonderfully consistent climate, which largely negates the need for artificial fertilisation or pesticides. Head winemaker Alejandra Vallejo runs a tight ship, incorporating innovative elements such as fermenting and ageing some wine in concrete eggs, alongside her more conventional practices. Near-opaque ruby red with a crimson-orange rim and medium-plus viscosity. Rich, yet still classic Cab Franc leafiness, accompanied by blackcurrant and cranberry fruit, with just a hint of iodine. Mediumfull bodied with tangy acidity, ripe, gently grippy tannins, and a wealth of red and black fruit, finishing long and surprisingly intense. £20.95
DEVELOPMENT
Brand-new apartments tailored for modern living in flourishing Fabric District
Price on application
EFFORTLESS LIVING meets vibrant surroundings at Milliners Yard, a brand new Build to Rent development located in the heart of Liverpool’s burgeoning Fabric District.
This collection of studio, one and two-bedroom apartments has been thoughtfully designed and tailored specifically for modern city living with residents enjoying exclusive access to a stunning rooftop garden and a fully equipped on-site gym.
Further benefits include a dedicated residents’ lounge with versatile spaces for relaxation and work, special events, a concierge service, underground car parking (complete with electric and disabled spaces) and bike storage.
Meanwhile, the development’s Discount Market Rent (DMR) homes offer an affordable housing option without compromising on design or amenities. Full details of essential worker and eligibility criteria is available upon request.
Each apartment has been finished to a very high standard and boasts an open-plan kitchen, living and dining space which provides the perfect setting for gatherings, equipped with integrated Beko appliances, including fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washing machine/dryer.
Built on the site of the former TJ Hughes store on Stafford Street, the very best of Liverpool’s thriving cultural scene are within easy reach. For trips further afield, Lime Street station is a mere 10-minute walk from the development.
For more information or to arrange a viewing, call 03001246768, email lettings@millinersyard.co.uk or visit millinersyard.co.uk
Coleen launches new supplement range with Applied Nutrition
The I’m a Celeb runner-up unveiled her new products at an exclusive brunch event
I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! runner-up, wife of football legend Wayne, and busy mum of four boys, Coleen Rooney, has announced the launch of ‘Coleen Rooney health and wellness range – by Applied Nutrition’ – her new supplement range in partnership with Liverpool-based global nutrition brand, Applied Nutrition plc.
The TV personality unveiled her new products at an exclusive brunch event held at White City House in West London. Coleen was joined on-stage by presenter and podcast host, Rochelle Humes to discuss the range in front of a packed audience of celebrities and beauty and wellness influencers, including Denise Van Outen, Christine Lampard, influencer Mama Still Got It and TOWIE’s Jess Wright.
Coleen was also reunited with her former I’m a Celeb campmates, GK Barry, Barry McGuigan, Oti Mabusi, Dean McCullough, who also DJed at the event, and Maura Higgins, who came to show their support.
The range consists of five products all specially designed to support a healthier lifestyle, including:
Collagen – a supplement with Marine Collagen Peptides to promote thicker and healthier hair, and glowing skin.
Debloat – designed to provide the gut with all-natural ingredients that work to relieve gas production and reduce discomfort quickly and effectively.
Hydration – an easily absorbable hydration product with added vitamins and minerals.
Immunity – an immunity booster with added herbal and botanical extracts to support the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Sleep – a supplement that includes ingredients that directly impact the quality, depth and duration of sleep.
Coleen says: ‘I’ve had so many lovely messages about my skin since leaving the jungle and how I managed to stay looking so fresh despite some of the most horrendous challenges!
“I’m so excited to finally be able to share the range I have been working on with Applied Nutrition and hope that everyone finds it as beneficial as I have when you combine the right supplements and highquality ingredients to manage your hair, skin, sleep and overall wellness as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”
Steven Granite, chief operating officer, Applied Nutrition, adds: ’We are thrilled to partner with Coleen to create this range of fantastic products that will really help support people on their wellness journeys.
“Coleen’s own passion for health and leading a balanced lifestyle make her the perfect fit for our brand and together we aim to highlight the importance of nutrition and show how our products can fit seamlessly into even the busiest of schedules.”
Coleen Rooney’s Applied Nutrition range has launched online at www.appliednutrition.uk and is also available to buy on Amazon UK.
Chicken, chorizo, crispy kale & butterbean traybake
RECIPE of the month
A wedge of lemon on each plate, ready to squeeze over, makes a tasty addition, as does a generous spoonful of strained Greek yogurt or better still, tzatziki.
Everyone needs an easy traybake in their repertoire and Katie Bishop’s all-in-one recipe is a family favourite. You can swap baby potatoes for beans, the chicken for fish and smoked lardons for chorizo – it’s a perfect fridge-raid option. Just tweak the cooking times accordingly. For something more substantial, add crusty bread or rice on the side. Some extra seasonal greens or a crisp salad also make tasty additions if you want to increase your veg quota
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METHOD
INGREDIENTS
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika, plus extra to serve
• 1 tbsp clear honey
• 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
• 500g No.1 Free Range Corn Fed Chicken Thigh Fillets, halved
• 125g Cooks’ Ingredients Cooking Chorizo, cut into thick rounds
• 1 red onion, sliced into 16 thin wedges
• 1 large red pepper, deseeded, cut into strips
• 400g can butter beans
• 100g Essential Kale, washed
1 Preheat the oven to 220ºC, gas mark 7. Place the olive oil, paprika, honey, oregano (if using) and plenty of seasoning into a large bowl and mix well.
2 Add the chicken, chorizo, onion, red pepper and butter beans (including their liquid) and fold together to coat in the paprika oil.
THOUSANDS OF RECIPES CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.WAITROSE.COM/RECIPES
3 Scatter the damp kale over the base of a medium roasting tin (about 25x40cm), top with the chicken and chorizo mixture and spread out evenly to cover as much of the kale as possible.
4 Roast for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, there is no pink meat and the juices run clear. Toss everything together, spread out again, sprinkle with a little extra paprika and serve immediately.
COOK’S TIP
Using a bridging loan to buy and refurbish property
Like a lot of big cities in the UK, Liverpool has a vibrant property market and whilst it has a rich and diverse housing stock, ranging from historic terraces and Victorian townhouses to modern city centre apartments and innovative redevelopment, many of these older properties have fallen into disrepair.
At Breeze Capital, we’re passionate about helping property developers breathe new life into these buildings, transforming them into vibrant homes and spaces for the local community.
We provide funding solutions for the purchase and refurbishment of residential property. By offering flexible finance, property developers and landlords can use less of their own cash in each acquisition, allowing their own funds to go further and enabling them to tackle multiple projects simultaneously.
Whether it’s converting unused offices into modern apartments or revitalising run-down terrace properties, our property loans make it possible for developers to build a significant property portfolio.
What sets Breeze Capital apart?
We lend our own money, which means developers have direct access to decision-makers. Our team is available seven days
a week, ensuring quick, straightforward answers which is essential if for example you are buying property at auction. With a streamlined and transparent process, we make property finance simple and quick.
Liverpool’s property landscape is changing, and we’re proud to play a part in creating more city centre housing while preserving the charm and character of our built environment.
If you’re a developer looking to bring your next project to life, contact Breeze Capital today.
A touch of
When temperatures plummet, nature can help banish those winter blues and make us smile when we need to most, says Heather Marsh
JANUARY IS SUCH A STARK MONTH and not, if I’m honest, one I’d choose to start a new year with. Dark, cold, and wet – all signs that remind us we are very much in the depths of winter. The first full moon of the year is the aptly named Wolf Moon – cold and chilling, it looks down on our earth below and makes me pine for brighter days ahead. Any cold snap like the most recent one we’ve just had reminds us that we are now very much in the depths of winter. But, before we sink into despair, nature can still prove itself a seasonless tonic for our wellbeing if we only
give it a chance. So, on the days when Jack Frost has been about and the sky is blue and the air crisp, try to take full advantage wrap yourself up and get yourself out there.
Even if it’s only while you scrape the car windscreen or gingerly walk the children to school, spare a moment to admire all the newly created frozen beauty around you. Stepping out into that crisp white stillness brings instant peace and tranquillity.
This frozen landscape is nature’s winter wonderland, fleeting but truly spectacular. Rather than endure this time of year as some
say they do, why not embrace it? I guarantee you’ll feel better for it and with so much to see and relish why not take some photos too? There’s nothing nicer than curling up later by the fire and admiring nature’s frozen delights that you’ve been lucky enough to witness.
On a Cold and Frosty Morning
Everything in the garden gets a makeover when the frost comes. I always try to leave my ornamental grasses as long as possible before cutting them back, so if you’ve not raised them to the ground already, you’ll find
pampas, miscanthus and sedge take on a new lease of life and look stunningly beautiful with their white frostings.
Just about everywhere you look, every plant, tree and shrub look better for that ‘touch of frost’. Seed heads like teasels, alliums and sea holly appear as if sprayed with glitter as they sparkle and shimmer in the early morning light. The birds also love these and are a valued source of food for them right now, but more about that later.
Hydrangeas and buddleia’s flower heads, perennials like rudbeckia and helenium, and even the odd rose that has escaped pruning, all get the frosty treatment. Meanwhile, frostcovered rosehips look good enough to eat and are actually perfectly edible and packed with vitamin C.
While the effect of frost might bring a pleasing aesthetic element to our green spaces, sharp frosts can do a lot of damage in the garden. Prolonged cold snaps, when temperatures drop below zero as we have seen recently, are the ones to look out for. A hoar frost, fuzzy ice which forms when water vapour in the air comes into contact with an object that is below freezing, can also be particularly damaging.
However, what matters most is the toughness of the plant and if they are considered half-hardy and therefore
susceptible to frost. Even mulching with a thick blanket of autumn leaves to protect my tender perennials, I still lost some of my real favourites recently. African daisies (osteospermums), which I’d only just established and had flowered all summer long, were frozen out overnight – leaving that tell-tale mound of blackened dead stems. Others like agapanthus, cordyline, fuchsias and dahlias are all ones to protect if you want to see them bloom again next summer. I grow some of these and other tender plants in pots and promptly move them indoors as soon as the temperature drops. The ultimate protection of ‘overwintering’, which many dedicated gardeners practice, is to lift tender plants that you really value. Transporting them to a sheltered sunny spot with a thick covering of mulch, or moving them to a greenhouse or conservatory, even a porch will help protect them. As climate change takes its toll, we are likely to see more of this kind of extreme weather and will just have to try and do our best to deal with the consequences. However, we can only do so much and must realise that whatever precautions we might take, sometimes frost damage is just unavoidable. That’s life, and certainly gardening for you, full of challenges which thankfully don’t outweigh the rewards.
UNTIL NEXT TIME, HAPPY
Spare a thought for the birds
Leaving extra food out for garden birds is crucial at this time of year. Food is harder to come by for our feathered friends as it’s much more difficult for them to dig in frozen ground for worms and grubs. Smaller types like the blackbird, blue-tit and robin are most vulnerable and need to feed at an accelerated rate in winter in order to survive. With that in mind, here’s a simple, inexpensive recipe for garden bird fat balls.
This is great fun to do with kids and also teaches them at an early age about caring for our wildlife, encouraging children to watch and then identify the birds they see feeding and educating them about the amazing natural world that’s right here on our own doorstep.
INGREDIENTS
Suet or lard
Shop-bought Wild bird seed, sunflower seeds, raisins, sultanas, grated cheese, chopped dates, assorted unsalted nuts or uncooked oats shop bought wild bird seed is specially prepared and available at most garden centres and large supermarkets
METHOD
1. Mix one-part dry ingredients with two parts melted suet or lard.
2. Using your hands, squeeze the mixture together and then roll it into balls.
3. Leave to set in the fridge.
4. Once hard, place into wire bird feeders.
believe in being at the
Maslow Capital commits £93.5m to fund Legacie’s ‘transformational’ Gateway development
Leeds Street scheme will feature 656 apartments, complemented by green spaces, ‘garden spa’ with swimming pool and residents’ lounge
LIVERPOOL PROPERTY DEVELOPER
Legacie has secured a £93.5 million funding deal with Maslow Capital to bring forward The Gateway, a major new residential scheme in the heart of Liverpool.
The Gateway is one of the largest ever private investments into the city’s residential market and will see the construction of 656 homes on Leeds Street in the burgeoning Pumpfields district.
In addition to delivering much-needed housing, the development will bring in more than £1m per year in council tax receipts and feature extensive green spaces accessible to the public, commercial units on the ground floor, and a wide array of amenities for residents, including a ‘garden spa’ with a swimming pool, fully fitted gymnasium, residents’ lounge, cinema, podcast booths, and private dining areas.
John Morley, CEO of Legacie, says: “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Maslow Capital to deliver The Gateway. This is the largest funding deal in the history of our partnership with RWinvest, and it marks a significant milestone for us.
“It not only reinforces Legacie’s commitment to providing high-quality residential spaces but also responds to the growing demand for well-located housing in the city. The project is set to transform a brownfield site into a dynamic urban community, with green spaces, modern amenities, and a sustainable design that aligns with Liverpool’s regeneration ambitions.”
James Henry, director of origination at Maslow Capital, adds: “Maslow Capital has a well-established track record of supporting high-quality living sector assets in the North West, and our £93.5 million financing to develop an additional 656 residential units is another significant contribution to the supply of housing in the region.
“We are delighted to be working with Legacie on this exciting scheme. Having previously supported Legacie across multiple projects in the region, the Maslow Capital team looks forward to continuing this relationship and seeing this scheme come to life throughout the construction period.”
Michael Gledhill, director at international sales agent RWinvest, which has already sold 90% of the scheme, adds: “We’re excited to see this game-changing development take shape in Liverpool. The Gateway is not only one of the largest private investments
into the city’s residential market, but it will also create hundreds of jobs during the construction process and in the longterm with residents contributing to the local economy.
“The regeneration of Pumpfields will bring long-term benefits to the area, from increased local services and amenities to the positive impact of council tax contributions from
new residents. It would be great if Liverpool City Council’s planning and regeneration departments continue to be supportive and efficient, helping to ensure that such an ambitious project runs smoothly and quickly. This is truly a transformational development for the city.”
Hill Dickinson advised Legacie in respect of the funding deal.
Ambitious entrepreneurs revive closed city centre bar and restaurant
New owners of Clockworks in Wolstenholme Square want to create ‘one of best steakhouses in Liverpool’
A TRIO OF AMBITIOUS young entrepreneurs from Liverpool have reopened the city centre bar Clockworks, unveiling their vision to transform it into one of the city’s most sophisticated venues.
The 21-year-olds – Rhys Keeley, Jack Ruttledge, and Ethan Cowling – have extensive experience across various industries. Rhys and Jack run LVP Luxury Apartments, an apart-hotel business, as well as Parydise Properties, a nationwide property management company. Ethan brings expertise from his construction and social media businesses.
Clockworks reopened in number 11 Wolstenholme Square in late December after an extensive refurbishment and the trio plan to relaunch the restaurant by the end of February, aiming to make it one of the best steakhouses in Liverpool.
Rhys says: “We want to revitalise a lost gem and create a classy venue offering great experiences for dining, drinks, music, and good times.
“This is about more than business—it’s about restoring a historic part of Liverpool and giving the community something to be proud of.”
The bar now opens daily from 12pm, offering high-quality wines, signature cocktails, and specialty coffees. The food menu, set to launch soon, will feature a focus on premium steak cuts, including both wagyu and Black Angus, sourced from trusted local suppliers.
Set in a refurbished 18th Century merchant house where Parr Street opens out into Wolstenholme Square, the interior of Clockworks celebrates its industrial heritage with original features like exposed iron pipes and brickwork.
Rhys adds: “Our goal is to provide exceptional quality and service.
“We want to build a community of steak enthusiasts who appreciate refined dining and a premium experience.”
What’s on...
Events not to be missed over the next four weeks
Pretty Vacant – The Story of Punk and New Wave, The Atkinson 29 January
This riotous new show, narrated by former Coronation Street star Kevin Kennedy, takes audiences on a nostalgic journey from the beginnings of punk in the 1970s, to later movements in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Featuring hits from the Sex Pistols, The Clash, Blondie, Ramones and many more.
25 Jan Nina Conti: Whose Face Is It Anyway?, Liverpool Playhouse
25-26 Jan Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, M&S Bank Arena
31 Jan – Chris McCausland: 1 Feb Yonks!, Philharmonic Hall
6 Feb Ben Elton: Authentic Stupidity, Floral Pavilion
8 Feb Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge 2024 Showcase Final, Leaf On Bold Street
14 Feb The Wombats: Album Launch Show, Jacaranda Baltic
Katherine Ryan: Battleaxe, Liverpool Empire
2 February
Something of a spiritual successor to the late Joan Rivers, due to her fondness for caustic put-downs and willingness to venture into dangerous territory in pursuit of a joke, Katherine Ryan makes a hugely welcome return to the stage.
CREATIVE MEDIA AND MUSIC EDUCATION
