The Fudges and Bounty’s lay together harmoniously in an inferior aftermath of a chocolaty massacre as well as the sudden realisation hitting you that it’s been a whole year since you didn’t follow through on your last year’s resolutions.
Been hibernating for weeks? Snoozing on a bed of Quality Street wrappers with Elf on repeat? We hear you Statistically, January is the most depressing month of the year. But if there’s one city that can revive you and make your January better, it’s ours.
Here’s why Liverpool will make your January bearable, better… maybe even brilliant.
Let’s dance
Who says the party has to be over? In the week that the late great David Bowie would have been celebrating his birthday, ask yourself: what would David do? He’d get a gang together and dance like no-one was watching. The Late Wake Club returns to Camp and Furnace to celebrate all things Bowie with DJs, a live band, and more than a hint of stardust.
Saturday 12 January 20.00 – 01.00, Camp and Furnace
Handel’s Messiah at The Phil
It could be the history, the grandeur or the collective experience but there’s something about a visit to The Phil that raises the spirits. That’s why this annual New Year performance of Handel’s Messiah is so popular. It’s packed with energy, power and passion and you’ll leave with a spring in your step, that’ll power you through January… or at least to the Phil pub where you can plan the year over a pint.
Saturday 5 January 19.00 – 21.30, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street
Show your favourites some love
The decadence may be over but you can keep your New Year diets, because eating out is for life not just for December. Lots of places have New Year deals where you can dine like royalty for a fraction of the price plus supporting them in January is like a little thank you for being the enablers of our festive fun.
Channel your inner Van Gogh
If you’re looking to channel your creativity in 2019 head to Paint Winter! at the Shipping Forecast. No experience, materials (or talent) necessary, just take an open mind and a spare hand for a glass of wine.
Wednesday 16 January 19.30 – 22.00, Shipping Forecast, Slater Street
Fill your boots with real ale
The great thing about the St George’s Hall Winter Ales Festival is you can pretend you’re there to take in the frankly breathtaking architecture on the Great Hall, when you’re revving up to fill your boots with real ale or a treat from the indoor gin garden. Expect entertainment and some quality food from local independents too. Happy days.
St George’s Hall Winter Ales Festival, Thursday 31st January – Saturday 2nd February
Raw at the Williamson Tunnels
There’s much debate about the purpose of the Williamson Tunnels – a ground levelling exercise? Elaborate tax dodge? Employment generator? Something to contemplate while you’re raving your socks off to some of the cities best DJs. Nights at this iconic venue are usually sell-outs so grab a ticket while you can here.
Saturday 26 January 22.00 – 03.00, Williamson Tunnels
Do something Saturdays
Got a couple of cooped-up kids over 6 on your hands? If you can drag them away from the device Santa brought them head down to FACT on any Saturday afternoon and they can, well do something. FACT is a great shout for tech-loving kids and you can all join in these free workshops and get creative together.
Every Saturday 12.00 – 16.00 pm, FACT, Wood Street
Pub life
Dry January or not, when the nights are cold and the weather is rubbish nothing lifts the spirits (or the lime and soda) like a cosy night in the pub with your mates. Luckily in Liverpool we’re blessed with loads of places to hunker down and weather the winter storm. A nice pint of Wapping in the Baltic Fleet, a work out in the GinNasium at The Belvedere or a wee dram in The Roscoe Head, take your pic and ride it out.
Give peace a chance
If you’re despairing with current politics and peace feels far away head down to the Museum of Liverpool to see Double Fantasy – John & Yoko. You don’t need to be a Beatles fan, or even a John and Yoko fan to take inspiration from the words, photographs, artefacts, music and art on display. The exhibition charts how they used their talents to campaign for peace and civil rights, and the ending of oppression – philosophies and values still relevant today.
Get a blast of fresh air
Yes, the sofa will miss you, but that you-shaped dent will welcome you back when you return. We’re blessed with loads of great spots to get a good blast of fresh air. Potter round Sefton, Calderstones or Croxteth Park, head to Crosby to wish the Iron Men a Happy New Year or clamber up Everton Brow to soak in some inspiring city views.
Veganuary
Veganism is getting bigger and bigger and January is a massive month for people to try it out. Despite Veganuary being specifically for January, Liverpool’s lucky enough to make being vegan easy all-year round. Down The Hatch, Baltic Market, The Egg, Mowgli, The Old Hardware Shop are a great few places to eat at and Purple Carrot, Studio Raw, White Wolf Yoga, Root 22, Matta’s or Windmill Wholefoods are great places to stock up.
Rooftop Igloo’s
It’s physically impossible for the perils of January to be felt inside an igloo – especially one with these views. A literal force field of fun, all sparkly and reminiscent of Christmas. Take in The Three Graces like you never have before with a hot toddy in your hand and thank us later. Email bookings@liberteliverpool.
Large Quantities Of Small Plates
If you eat a lot of small plates – is that still dieting? Probably. If there’s anywhere to cure the holiday blues it’s La Finca Eivissa – Liverpool’s slice of the Balearic Islands right in the city centre. From now until 24th January you can get a whopping 50% off food. Find out how here.
Make New Friends Over Board Games
On Monday January 7th come alone or with friends and join in with other like-minded gamers. Throughout January Sugar & Dice, based in The Baltic Triangle, are opening their doors to get strangers together to hopefully become friends. The cover charge is £2 per person with £1 going to ‘Mind’ the mental health charity. It’s not essential to book but if you’d like to call them on 0151-345-6031 or email reservations@sugarandice.co.uk.
Baltic Market Pig Out
For many January is all about changes. Changing diets, friendships, careers and more but if you were already fabulous, why bother? All we’re saying is if you’re going to be squeezing into lycra and running around parks then you deserve something at the end. Head to Baltic Market, our and Liverpool’s first street food market with street food from all over the world. There’s healthy food and unhealthy food so go and treat yourself.
Footman Tours at St George’s Hall
Ever been to St George’s Hall and wished you could explore the nooks and crannies that aren’t normally open to the public? Well, now’s your chance. Visitors are invited to discover the magnificent Grade I listed building’s hidden depths and unseen places – from the old rickety wooden structures of the dark corridors above The Great Hall, down to the recently discovered lost tunnel below – in The Footman Tours. More here.
Words by Angela Barlow