Kylie, Sir Cliff Richard and an interstellar music performance – they’re just some of the exciting events in Liverpool you can enjoy this month, only a stone’s throw away from The Shankly Hotel. Whether you’re a theatre buff, a music fan or just in the mood for some exciting family entertainment, October is jam-packed with things to do and see across Merseyside.
Our Pick of the Best Events in Liverpool This Month…
Catch Daniel O’Donnell Performing at the Philharmonic
When: Monday 1 October
Where: Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
One of the UK’s best loved artists is back touring the country and he’s playing just a single night at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall. Catch Daniel O’Donnell and his recently revamped band performing songs from his 38 studio albums in a show that’s sure to be filled with life-affirming music, song and laughter. Tickets from £35.
Back by popular demand: Bongo’s Bingo Liverpool
When: Various dates throughout October
Where: Camp and Furnace
They’re back! The notorious founders of the bawdiest events in Liverpool have returned home triumphant after a UK tour and they’ve announced nine dates in Merseyside. Get ready for an eyeful of the fabulous Sweaty Betty, highly unsuitable family-fun and prizes you wouldn’t give your grandson at the fabulous Bongo’s Bingo. Tickets are currently sold out for all dates bar the Halloween special but keep a close-eye on the website as they sometimes release more.
Jump on the Loco-Motion with Kylie at the Echo Area
When: Wednesday 3 October
Where: Echo Arena
The iconic Kylie Minogue is stopping off in Liverpool for her autumn tour and is sure to get all of Merseyside Spinning Around with some of her biggest and best hits. Tickets from £55.
By the Waters of Liverpool at the Empire Theatre
When: Wednesday 3 October – Saturday 13 October
Where: Liverpool Empire Theatre
Catch this stage adaptation of the best-selling book by Helen Forrester in its UK premiere at the Liverpool Empire. Following on from the success of Forrester’s Twopence To Cross The Mersey, By The Waters of Liverpool follows Helen at the age of 20 looking for love in the arms of a tall, strong seaman on the banks of the Mersey. But war looms on the horizon and the future of the girl’s beloved Liverpool hangs in the brink. A moving account of Helen Forrester’s teenage years and the devastating effect the Second World War had on her hometown.
A previous visit from the giants. Source: Sean Wheeler Photography
The Giants Return with ‘Liverpool’s Dream’
When: Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 October
Where: Various locations
The star highlight of events in Liverpool this month, French theatre group Royal de Luxe are bringing their larger-than-life puppets back to Liverpool for a final time in October. The four-day extravaganza will see the Little Boy Giant, the Big Giant and the fabulous dog giant, Xolo, walking about the city in a celebratory long weekend as they act out a storyline titled ‘Liverpool’s Dream’.
Catch them at various locations, including in the Wirral for the first time, as they explore the city once more. For a full schedule, including some of the best restaurants and bars along the Giant’s routes, read our guide to the giants in Liverpool.
Why not stay at The Shankly Hotel during their visit? Located in the centre of the city, our hotel is perfect placed to catch all the action close-by.
Journey to Justice Exhibition at the International Slavery Museum
When: from 5 October
Where: International Slavery Museum
Explore how the US civil rights movement helped move people in the UK and the rest of the world to fight for their own rights in a new exhibition opening at the International Slavery Museum this month. Charting the extraordinary stories of lesser-known women, men and children involved in struggles for freedom in the UK and US, this moving installation shows how great social and political change can be led by ‘people like us’.
Grab some vinyl at The Independent Record Fair
When: Sunday 7 October
Where: Constellations
Head down to the Baltic for an afternoon of LP buying, music and good food at the Melodic Distraction Independent Record Fair. Anyone from seasoned diggers to new-found enthusiasts are welcome at this congregation of private sellers, local record labels and at least one internationally renowned headline label. Pick up merchandise, streetwear bands and a Sunday roast served up by Constellations as well, and enjoy music from Melodic Distractions DJs. The event is free but a £2 donation is suggest.
Blast Off! with a family concert at the Philharmonic
When: Tuesday 9 October
Where: Philharmonic Music Room
Get the kids excited about classical music with these two rocket-powered performances in the Philharmonic Music Room. Help astronaut Claire Henry and musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra charge up a rocket so it can blast off into the stratosphere to a soundtrack of interstellar music. Tickets are £11 for adults and £7 for children.
Jane Austen’s Persuasion at the Playhouse
When: Tuesday 9 – Saturday 13 October
Where: Liverpool Playhouse
Enjoy Jane Austen’s most romantic comedy, Persuasion, adapted for the stage at the Playhouse for a short run only. Telling the tale of Anne Elliot and her devastatingly journey through love, this is a masterclass of storytelling awash with love, loss and longing.
At Last: The Etta James Story at the Philharmonic
When: Tuesday 9 October
Where: Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Relive the story of soul legend Etta James’ turbulent life with a knock-out stage performance from the sensational Vika Bull and some of Australia’s funkiest musicians. With stirring renditions of the soul-singers most iconic hits such as ‘Something’s Got a Hold on Me’ and ‘At Last’, this electrifying stage show charts the tumultuous career of James, from her Grammy Awards to her addiction struggles. Tickets from £28.50.
Catch the iconic Sir Cliff Richard on his UK tour
When: Wednesday 10 October
Where Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
It’s time to say Congratulations to Britain’s ultimate pop star who’s celebrating 60 years in the music industry. Heading to Liverpool for one night only to entertain fans with some of his biggest hits as part of the 58-18=60 Tour, catch Sir Cliff Richard at the Philharmonic Hall with special guests for a night of Devil Woman, Living Doll and Ocean Deep. Tickets from £70.
The Baltic Triangle Vegan Market. Source: Baltic Market Facebook page
Baltic Triangle Vegan Market
When: Sunday 14 October
Where: Baltic Market
Indulge in some vegan peanut butter, pizzas, burgers and beers at this plant-based extravaganza in the Baltic Market this month. Catch all your favorite Merseyside specialist stalls plus plenty of amazing street food vendors from 11am until 3pm. A must-visit for vegans looking to enjoy some animal-friendly events in Liverpool this October.
The Unreturning at The Everyman
When: Tuesday 16 October – Saturday 20 October
Where: The Everyman
Catch this new play, directed by Neil Bettles, which explores the effects of war on young lives. Set in a British Northern Coastal town, The Unreturning tells the interwoven stories of three young men coming home from war set at different times over the last 100 years. Tickets from £10.
Liverpool’s Irish Festival 2018
When: 18 – 28 October
Where: Various venues
Celebrate Liverpool’s emerald roots this October as the annual Irish Festival kicks into action across the city. This year’s festival explore ‘the Seventh County’ and its deep connections to Ireland with events in Liverpool including discussions, poetry, art, comedy and much more.
Highlights include comedian Deborah Frances-White recording her hugely successful podcast The Guilt Feminist at Liverpool Playhouse, an Irish craft beer festival at the Handyman on Smithdown Road and a exhibition at OUTPUT Gallery which invited artists to show their response to this year’s #YesTogether / Repeal the Eighth Campaign.
Celebrate 50 Years of children’s books with Quentin Blake’s stunning illustrations
When: From 19 October
Where: Lady Level Art Gallery
Take a look at more than 40 works from everyone’s favourite children’s illustrator at the Lady Lever Art Gallery’s new exhibition on Quentin Blake. Celebrating the professional relationship between the famous artist and children’s author John Yeoman, this showcase includes original drawings from their most recent project together, as well as a further 10 projects they have worked on from picture books and short novels to adaptations of classic folk tales.
Readings, workshops and books at Liverpool Literary Festival 2018
When: 19-21 October
Where: Various locations across the University of Liverpool
The written word is taking centre stage at Liverpool’s Literary Festival, with inspiring discussions on everything from fake news to graphic novels, life-writing and poetry. Events in Liverpool include discussions on killing favourite characters off, a talk with music journalist Paul Du Noyer, an intimate ‘date’ with Tony Robinson and a panel of new authors including MAN Booker prize nominee 2018 Sally Rooney.
Rock of Ages at the Empire Theatre
When: Tuesday 23 October – Saturday 27 October
Where: Liverpool Empire Theatre
Head-bangers get ready – the smash hit musical Rock of Ages is back in town with over 25 classic rock anthems interwoven into a hilarious musical comedy that had audiences around the globe laughing.
Million Dollar Men Show
When: Saturday 20 October
Where: Arthouse Hotel
It’s raining men and you’re all going to be shouting Hallelujah by the end of the night! Catch Merseyside’s alternative to Magic Mike at the Arthouse Hotel this October as the Millionaire Dollar Men bare all for your entertainment at one of the sauciest events in Liverpool. Enjoy gorgeous men and great dancing plus special talents such as fire-breathing and breakdancing in this action-packed night out. For just £20 per person, you and your friends can enjoy the full show with a complementary drink on arrival.
Why not make a night of it and stay at in one of the Arthouse Hotel’s luxurious suites, perfect group accommodation for a girl’s midweek treat?
Get creepy at The Monster Halloween Ball. Source: The Lantern Company Facebook page
Get Spooky at the Palm House’s Monster Halloween Ball
When: 24 -26 October
Where: Palm House Sefton Park
Head down to the Palm House for three days of fiendish family fun with The Lantern Company, as the spooky and spectacular are brought to life during workshops, parades and devilish dance-offs. Take your little beasts down for all-day creative events, including monster mask making and lantern crafting before venturing out (if you dare) at dusk for a Mini Monsters Party where weird and wonderful puppet guests will be lighting up the dance-floor. One of the must-do family Halloween events in Liverpool this month. Tickets start from £7.50.
The Biennial’s Liverpool Mountain at the docks
When: from 23 October
Where: Tate Liverpool
Catch the gravity-defying sculpture by Ugo Rondinone outside the Tate Liverpool as the artist’s first UK public artwork crash lands on the docks for Liverpool Biennial 2018. Famed for their eye-catching colours, and Instagram-friendly aesthetic, the Liverpool mountain is sure to be an exciting addition to the waterfront this autumn.
Seven Magic Mountains, Las Vegas, 2016 by Ugo Rondinone – a similar structure to what the Liverpool Mountain will look like. Source: Twitter | @Biennial
Mamma Mia! An ABBA tribute night at the O2
When: Saturday 27 October
Where O2 Academy, Liverpool
Get ready for a soul-shaking, move-making night at Liverpool’s O2 Academy as the sensational ABBA’s Disco Wonderland tour hits Merseyside. Disco classic alongside ABBA’s greatest hits – what more could a Dancing Queen want from a night? It’s time to be thankful for the music, and enjoy the dodgy 70s décor. Tickets from £7.00.
Sing-a-long to Dusty Springfield’s greatest hits at an exclusive afternoon tea
When: Sunday 28 October
Where: White Star Grand Hall, 30 James Street Hotel
Get ready to sing your heart out to Britain’s Queen of Soul – 30 James Street are hosting an afternoon tea celebrating everything Dusty Springfield and you’ll be Wishin’ and Hopin’ to come along!
Celebrate the Son of a Preacher Man singer’s greatest hits during an exclusive afternoon tea of indulgent finger sandwiches, sweet treats and fizz as spectacular tribute act, Emily Clark, takes you on a journey through Dusty’s solo career. Enjoy classic hits such as I Only Want To Be With You and You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me as you soak in the historic interiors of the iconic 30 James Street. Tickets are just £29.95.
Watch Hocus Pocus with the Coven at Love Thy Neighbour
When: Wednesday 31 October
Where: Love Thy Neighbour, Bold St
Join the coven in Love Thy Neighbour’s secret basement cinema for a special screening of the Halloween favourite Hocus Pocus. Celebrating 25 years of the iconic film, you’ll be able to indulge in cauldron brew and cinnamon popcorn as you catch the Sanderson sisters back in action once again. Tickets are £7.50.
Enjoy a Stay at The Shankly Hotel
When: October
Where: The Shankly Hotel
Why not book an autumn stay in Liverpool this October with one of The Shankly Hotel’s exclusive autumn offers? Chose one of three seasonal packages and indulge in a luxurious overnight stay at our Shankly suites, with sumptuous inclusive treats.
Enjoy some rest and relaxation with the Autumn Revive for just £159 per couple and be treated to an overnight stay plus spa session at Morgan’s Spa, with included spa treatment and breakfast the next morning at The Bastion Bar and Restaurant.
For a night to spoil your loved one, why not book our Autumn Relax package, and take them for a romantic overnight stay at The Shankly, with chilled prosecco ready in your room on arrival and breakfast included at The Bastion Bar and Restaurant? All for just £99 per couple.
Or enjoy a short city break, with an overnight stay, two-course evening meal and breakfast the next morning with our Autumn Escape offer, for just £138 per couple.*
We hope you’ve enjoyed our pick of the best events in Liverpool this month. We can’t wait to welcome you to The Shankly Hotel and our incredible city. For more information or to book, call our team today on 0151 909 3648 or visit our booking page now.
*Subject to availability. All Shankly Hotel Offers are for Sunday – Thursday stays, excluding bank holidays and all Liverpool home games. A £30 supplement applies to Friday nights.
