2026 | artscityliverpool 3/5

Liverpool galleries to mark Julia Carter Preston centenary

Africa Oyé 2026 full programme at Sefton Park

Liverpool Art Fair 2026 showcases record number of artists

Wirral Open Studio Tour 2026 showcases work of almost 100 artists

Where to enjoy open-air theatre in Liverpool City Region this summer

Reflections of Liverpool exhibition is a candid snapshot of the past

Review: Haydn's Creation at the Tung Auditorium ****1/2

Review: Music of the Americas at Philharmonic Hall ****1/2

Bost celebrates 100 years with new Liverpool Playhouse residency

Five concerts to enjoy at the Tung Auditorium this spring and summer

Kirkby Ski Slope inspires new Royal Court comedy

The real-life story of the infamous Kirkby Ski Slope has inspired a new comedy coming to the Liverpool Royal Court stage next summer. Liverpool playwright Kieran Lynn has written Taking the Piste which will be staged at the Roe Street theatre from June 19 to July 18, 2026. Donald Storm is head of Kirkby Council, and he’s got an eye on creating a new destination for tourists from around the world. And if he can make a few bob in the process, so much the better. Together with h

Tate Liverpool reveals Ed Ruscha display for 2026

Tate Liverpool is hosting a new exhibition of work by influential contemporary American artist Ed Ruscha at its temporary waterfront home. ARTIST ROOMS: Ed Ruscha is on show from February 12 to June 14 at Tate Liverpool + RIBA North on Mann Island. The display, centred on the driving culture of mid-century America and the emerging architecture of Los Angeles, features books, photographs, paintings, drawings and lithographs. Ruscha, who was born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1937 and

Letter to Brezhnev world premiere at Liverpool's Royal Court in 2026

A new stage version of much-loved Liverpool-based film Letter to Brezhnev will be given its world premiere at the city’s Royal Court next autumn. Frank Clarke, who wrote the screenplay for the 1985 classic, is creating a bespoke new production which will be staged at the Roe Street theatre from September 11 to October 10. Theresa and Elaine are young, beautiful and full of life. But they don’t think that will last long, because it’s 1985 and this is Kirby. Sergei and Peter ar

Jason Donovan makes Rocky Horror Liverpool return in 2026

Jason Donovan is set to return to the Liverpool stage in The Rocky Horror Show. The Aussie superstar will head the cast of Richard O’Brien’s outrageous cult musical when it comes to the Liverpool Empire next May. Donovan previously performed the part of transvestite scientist Dr Frank-n-Furter for a limited number of shows when the musical was staged at the Liverpool Playhouse last Christmas. Join two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet whose car, in a twi

Africa Oyé returns to Sefton Park in 2026 as a ticketed event

Africa Oyé will return to Sefton Park next year – but for the first time it will be as a ticketed event. Organisers say rising costs mean it has been increasingly difficult to keep running the annual festival, the UK’s biggest celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture, for free. The 2025 event was put on hold while they looked at ways to continue to run the Oyé while making it as affordable as possible for festivalgoers. The 2026 Oyé will be held in the park on t

Kraftwerk announces Liverpool date on 2026 Multimedia tour

Electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk come to Liverpool in 2026 as part of a tour of the UK and Ireland. The hugely influential German band will appear at the Liverpool Empire on Sunday, June 7 as part of their Multimedia tour. Tickets for the show - part-performance, part digital installation - are not yet on sale. The constantly upgraded 3-D concert series began in 2012 at New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) and city audiences promised an unmissable audio and technological