Got a new sense of optimism now January is out the way? Here’s where to go and what to see to make the most of it this February.
The snow has melted, we’re squeezing a few more precious minutes of sunlight out of every day and finally people have stopped talking about dry January. Short but sweet February is upon us and the city is coming to life:
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is always pretty special in Liverpool but this year marks the 20th anniversary of the city’s twinning with Shanghai – so it’s going off with a bang. The main celebrations take place on the 8-10th with lion dances, street theatre and a spectacular projection and pyrotechnic show at the Chinese arch. But in the run up keep your eyes peeled for Chinese zodiac inspired street art and some of your favourite buildings turning red to mark the anniversary. More info here.
Global Scouse Day
The city’s famous pride has taken us down many paths and this month it has led to a ‘Global Scouse Day’, a dedicated day to the wonders of scouse. The idea behind the big day on Thursday 28th February is to celebrate our culture and embrace our heritage, any excuse for a pan of scouse is good enough to deem anything national day worthy if you ask us. So you’re asking yourself, how can I get involved? Taking part is simple, cook some scouse yourself or head somewhere where it is on the menu. More here.
Beer Festival in the Metropolitan Cathedral Crypt
When Lutyens set about his audacious plans for the ‘cathedral that never was’ he probably didn’t envisage the crypt becoming a regular hub for real ale. But this cavernous space has become an annual pilgrimage for beer aficionados from far and wide. Expect hundreds of ales to choose from, some hearty pies to soak it all up and some great entertainment – just steer clear of the 8 percenters if you want to make it through the session. Tickets here.
Cream Classical at the Anglican Cathedral
If getting your rave on in is more your pace, head to the other end of Hope Street where Cream will be staging their annual classical re-imagining of some house bangers. The 50-piece Kaleidoscope Orchestra will raise the gothic roof with a soundtrack curated by K-Klass and a spectacular light show promises to take the atmosphere in this incredible venue to new heights. Tickets are flying so grab one while you can here.
Carry on Veganuary with a Frost Burger
Veganuary may be over but we’ll be celebrating it long into the year at Frost Burgers. Vegans and carnivores alike have been flocking to this plant-based street food joint since it opened last year. Juicy patties, molten cheese, awesome fries and vats of sriracha mayo, whether you’re a convert to plant-power or just fancy a meat-free Monday this is the real deal.
58 Wood St, Liverpool L1 4AQ
City of Light at Sefton Park
Sefton Park has a habit of looking pretty spectacular but from the 20-24 February the lake is going to be transformed into a glowing city of light. Every evening the Lantern Company (the guys behind the Secret Garden at Croxteth Hall and the Halloween lantern parades) will bring the park to life with a beautiful floating city, live music and poetry. You can also get involved in a lantern workshop or follow an illuminated animal trail. More info here.
Leaf Pudding Club
Why have one pudding when you can have five? If like us you’re always more torn than Natalie Imbruglia when it comes to dessert choice the Leaf Pudding Club is the stuff of dreams. This month’s is on Valentine’s Day so it’s a great shout for a treat for someone special or just bring your mates and get gooey-eyed for your one true love: pudding. Tickets here.
Plant Swap
Hey plant people! Get your botanical babies ready for the third plant swap on 10th February, and chase away your winter blues with a green get-together. Bring along your plant cuttings, baby plants or just a plant you think another plant parent will appreciate more and clear some sill-space to take home new plants. As usual there’ll be local artists selling their botanical-themed beauties and you can grab a cuppa or some brunch in Leaf while you’re there.
Queen night at 24 Kitchen Street
If you’ve not got somebody to love or you just want to break free then head to Queen night at 24 Kitchen Street. We think Freddie would approve of being celebrated at one of the Baltic’s coolest venues and as well a set list crammed with the band’s biggest hits you can expect some 80s classics thrown into the mix. Tickets here.
Celebrate national pizza day
So we know everything now has its own celebration day, and we know it’s mainly PR spin, but surely pizza deserves a slice of the action? And when you’re blessed with the amount of quality pizza joints that we have, any excuse. Grab a slice on the go from American Pizza Slice, hit the Baltic Market for some Little Furnace wood-fired action, check out the charcoal dough at Crust or if you’re feeling brave (and hungry) try the Calzone challenge at Amalia.
Baltic Triangle Farmers Market
The best Sunday of the month is back at Baltic Market with plans for a farmers market on 24th February 11am-3pm. Some of the best local producers in one room for an afternoon of sheer indulgence. Fresh bagels, cheese, bread, local honey, dog treats, pies and so much more. Maybe bring elasticated pants. Empty your cupboards and prepare to fill them with some amazing local produce. More here.
Valentine’s Day
Whether you’re stocking up on giant teddies and petal-filled balloons or you think it’s a load of marketing nonsense, V-Day isn’t far away and there’s lots of stuff happening around the 14th that we think you’ll love. Whether it’s outdoor cinemas at The Bombed Out Church or secret supper clubs – read our guide here.
Broken Symmetries at Fact
February is your last chance to catch the premier of this international exhibition at Fact. Broken Symmetries features artists who are trying to understand the world by looking at the shifting realities of modern science. It’s probably not one to tackle with a hangover but as always with exhibitions at Fact, it’s thought provoking, different, and some of the installations are visually spectacular. More here.
(c) Rob Battersby
Film Night At The Museum
Come join The British Music Experience after hours this February for Film Night at the Museum where they will be showing the cult classic The Lost Boys. In this ’80s hybrid of horror and teen flick movie, Lucy (Dianne Wiest) and her sons, Michael (Jason Patric) and Sam (Corey Haim), move to Santa Carla to live with Lucy’s lovable but grumpy father (Barnard Hughes). Featuring an iconic ’80s soundtrack including Echo and The Bunnymen, INXS, and Roger Daltrey. Tickets here.
