Category: Liverpool

As Liverpool City Region prepares for a landmark period of international events, the conversation around accessibility is evolving quickly.
For visitor economy businesses, this is not just about keeping pace, it is about understanding what comes next, learning from those shaping the agenda, and applying that insight in a practical, commercial way.
The Accessibility for All Forum 2026 brings together an exceptional line up of speakers, each offering a distinct perspective on accessibility, from national strategy and major events, through to lived experience and day to day delivery.
Here is who you will hear from, and why their insight matters to your business.
 
ADE ADEPITAN MBE
ADE ADEPITAN MBE
Host, Paralympian, Broadcaster and Accessibility Advocate
Ade Adepitan is one of the UK’s most recognisable voices on accessibility, inclusion, and social impact.
A Paralympic medallist and award-winning broadcaster, Ade has built a career telling powerful stories around the world, while championing better access and opportunity for disabled people. His work spans sport, global issues, and major live events, bringing both credibility and a compelling human perspective to the conversation.
As host of the forum, Ade will guide the day and set the tone, challenging businesses to rethink accessibility not as a requirement, but as a fundamental part of delivering great experiences. His ability to connect lived experience with real world application makes him a powerful voice for any organisation looking to improve.
 
 
 
 
DAVID CLARKE OBE
DAVID CLARKE OBE
Chief Executive, British Paralympic Association
David Clarke brings a national and international perspective that few can match.
As CEO of the British Paralympic Association, he sits at the centre of one of the most influential sporting movements in the world. His work focuses on elite performance, but also on how sport drives wider change, influencing policy, participation, and public perception.
David’s insight is particularly valuable for businesses preparing for major events. He understands how accessibility impacts not only the experience itself, but a destination’s reputation, its ability to attract events, and the long-term legacy it creates.
For visitor economy businesses, this is an opportunity to understand how your offer contributes to the bigger picture.
 
 
 
 
AMY TRUESDALE MBE
AMY TRUESDALE MBE
Paralympic Gold Medallist, Para Taekwondo
Amy Truesdale is one of the UK’s leading Paralympic athletes and a multiple world champion.
Her experience competing at the highest level, across different countries and venues, gives her a unique perspective on accessibility in practice. She understands what works, what feels genuinely inclusive, and where the experience can fall short.
Amy brings honesty and clarity to the conversation, helping businesses move beyond assumptions and understand what good accessibility really looks like from the perspective of the visitor.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
CLARE BRIEGAL MBE
CLARE BRIEGAL MBE
Chair of Sport Liverpool, LCR Destination Partnership Board Member
Clare Briegal plays a key role in shaping the future of sport and events in Liverpool City Region.
With a career that includes leading global sporting organisations, Clare brings strategic insight alongside a clear understanding of local priorities. She sits at the intersection of ambition and delivery, helping translate regional goals into practical action.
For businesses, Clare’s contribution is vital. She connects the broader vision for Liverpool City Region with the steps needed on the ground, helping organisations understand how they can play their part in creating a more accessible destination.
 
 
 
 
ROSS CALLADINE
ROSS CALLADINE
Accessibility and Inclusion Lead, VisitEngland
Ross Calladine plays a leading role in advancing accessible tourism nationally.
As Accessibility and Inclusion Lead at VisitEngland, he develops and leads initiatives that help destinations and businesses grow their accessible tourism offer. His work includes creating best in class toolkits, frameworks, and development models that drive measurable improvements.
Ross also convenes England’s Inclusive Tourism Action Group and has served as the UK Government’s Disability and Access Ambassador for Tourism from 2022 to 2026.
His insight helps businesses understand where the sector is heading, what visitors expect, and how to unlock the full potential of this high value market.
 
 
 
 
RIO BOOTHE
RIO BOOTHE
Para Athlete, Content Creator and Accessibility Advocate
Rio Boothe represents a new generation of voices shaping the accessibility conversation.
As a para-athlete and content creator, he uses his platform to challenge perceptions, raise awareness, and highlight the realities of travelling and experiencing places as a disabled person.
Rio brings a direct, honest perspective that resonates strongly with businesses. He understands how digital presence, communication, and first impressions influence decisions, and how quickly trust can be gained or lost.
 
 
 
 
NIAMH PARRINGTON
NIAMH PARRINGTON
Visitor Services Manager, Eureka! Science + Discovery
Niamh Parrington leads visitor experience at one of the region’s most recognised accessible attractions.
Eureka! Science + Discovery has earned national recognition for its inclusive approach, winning awards for accessible and inclusive tourism. Niamh’s work focuses on delivering that experience day to day, ensuring accessibility is built into every part of the visitor journey.
Her insight is practical, grounded, and immediately applicable for businesses looking to improve what they offer on the ground.
 
 
 
 
CHRISTOPHER MASSAM
CHRISTOPHER MASSAM
Accessibility Lead, Everton Football Club
Christopher Massam is responsible for accessibility strategy and delivery at one of the region’s most high-profile venues.
His work at Everton Football Club focuses on creating inclusive environments for both matchdays and wider events, ensuring accessibility is considered from design through to delivery.
With major venues playing a key role in the visitor economy, Christopher offers valuable insight into how accessibility can be embedded at scale, and how it supports both experience and business growth.
 
 
 
 
TERRI BALON
TERRI BALON
Area Campaigns Officer, RNIB
Terri Balon brings extensive experience in improving accessibility for blind and partially sighted people.
Working across regions, she collaborates with local authorities, organisations, and partners to remove barriers and create more inclusive environments. Her work is rooted in lived experience and practical change, focusing on what makes a real difference.
Terri helps businesses understand where accessibility often breaks down, particularly in areas that are frequently overlooked, and how small adjustments can have a significant impact.
 
 
 
 
A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR LIVERPOOL CITY REGION BUSINESSES
What makes this line up so powerful is the combination of perspectives.
National strategy, global events, lived experience, and day to day delivery all come together in one place, creating a rare opportunity to learn, reflect, and act.
For visitor economy businesses in Liverpool City Region, this is your chance to hear directly from the people shaping the future of accessibility, and to take those insights back into your own organisation.
The conversation is moving forward. This is your opportunity to be part of it.
Secure your free place today and take the first step towards becoming truly event ready. Register now HERE.
 
 

A council leader has been asked to provide more support for Liverpool’s Pride Quarter after suggesting it was “disappearing before our eyes”.John Hyland, who runs a podcast called Proudly Said, challenged Liam Robinson on BBC Radio Merseyside about what the local authority could do to better support the area.Hyland said the Pride Quarter in the Stanley Street, Temple Street, Cumberland Street and Eberle Street area was designated as the city’s “gay quarter” in 2011 and rebranded as the Pride Quarter in 2021.Since then Hyland said a series of LGBTQ+ venues had closed and he was now fearful the area would “just become a memory”.Hyland said he was raising “the community’s concerns about the shrinking number of LGBTQ+ venues, the safety of the area, and a gap between the Quarter’s branding and the support available to the spaces it was created to represent”.He said he had written an open letter about the issue to local politicians, signed by the managers of Liverpool’s remaining LGBTQ+ venues – the Lisbon, the Masquerade and Superstar Boudoir – the board of trustees of the LCR Pride Foundation, LGBTQ+ sports clubs including Liverpool Frontrunners, Mersey Marauders FC and Liverpool Tritons RUFC, drag performers, charities, and Liverpool-born musician Holly Johnson.John Hyland is fearful the Pride Quarter could “just become a memory” [John Hyland]The letter asked the council to acknowledge the community’s concerns, clarify what protections exist for LGBTQ+ venues within the Pride Quarter designation, and set out what support could be made available to sustain LGBTQ+ led spaces.In 2016, Eberle Street was revamped with yellow brick road-inspired paving and lighting as a tribute to the area’s LGBTQ+ heritage.The street was the home of Garlands, Liverpool’s first late night gay club.Despite being described at the time as the biggest investment in the city’s LGBTQ+ quarter for a decade, it closed within a year.Hyland said “the street was redesigned around a venue that no longer exists”.Ruby slippers still feature on Eberle Street in a nod to the former Garlands venue [BBC]Robinson said he would look to see what else the council could do to support the area, and acknowledged it should be rivalling Manchester’s Canal Street as a destination.He said: “It’s more than just the cold hard cash of a local economy, it’s also about character and the uniqueness of a city.”Liverpool should “be cherishing” the Pride Quarter, Robinson said, adding the council took a very different approach to St Helens Council, which recently announced it would not be supporting or promoting Pride.Reform UK’s leader in St Helens, George Woodward, said his group did not consider “celebrations of sexuality, especially those with left-wing political leanings such as Pride, to be appropriate for St Helens Borough Council to dedicate valuable officer resources”.Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson said Liverpool’s Pride Quarter should be be rivalling Manchester’s Canal Street [BBC]Although the council did not support Pride financially, the local authority said it would not fly the Pride flag from the Town Hall, or allow Pride displays in its libraries.Robinson said: “I think the bit that worries me, being dead blunt about it, my understanding is St Helens Council has never funded Pride.”For the council to turn round and say they’re not going to support it, I worry there’s something more sinister to that and it’s about saying certain groups aren’t welcome and that’s bang out of line.”Robinson said Liverpool would “never have that approach” on his watch.Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.More on this storyRelated internet links

Marcus Rashford will return to Manchester United and talk with the hierarchy about his next move after Barcelona opted against signing him permanently22:26, 16 Jun 2026Updated 22:26, 16 Jun 2026Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona(Image: Getty Images)Marcus Rashford will return to Manchester United for showdown talks with club bosses following the World Cup. Rashford has seen his hopes of a permanent move to Barcelona collapse – leaving his immediate future in limbo.Barcelona have signed Anthony Gordon in a £70m deal, while United have refused to entertain a second season-long loan deal for Rashford at the Now Camp.It means Rashford is no nearer knowing what his next move will be, as he prepares for England’s opening World Cup clash with Croatia in Dallas. Rashford has little interest in remaining with United, having broken ties with his hometown club to make a fresh start elsewhere.And despite a change in manager, with Michael Carrick replacing Ruben Amorim last season, Rashford believes his long-term future will be best served at another club.But United have blocked him joining either Manchester City or Liverpool, who have shown interest in Rashford before, while Arsenal have cooled on the idea of signing him.Rashford would prefer to join another European club, with United slapping a £40m valuation on someone who Barca had the option of signing for just £24m.But unless someone is willing to meet the asking price, and agree to pay £16m more than what United were prepared to sell him to Barca for, Rashford will go back to his parent club when he has had a break following his World Cup commitments with England.Marcus Rashford fell out of favour when Ruben Amorim was in charge(Image: PA)United’s co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains determined to sell the £325,000-a-week forward, to get him off the club’s wage bill. And he knows this summer represents the best chance to off-load Rashford, rather than risk allowing him to reach next June, when he would be entering the final 12 months of his deal.United have moved on without him, and continue to target summer signings for Carrick which will see him develop a side which appears to have have no place in it for the 28-year-old exile.Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass ‘designed for football’This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn morefrom £4.50SkyGet the deal hereSky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.

Major brand opens its doors in Liverpool ONE today – Liverpool EchoNeed to knowThe brand is returning to Liverpool once again13:50, 16 Jun 2026Updated 14:59, 16 Jun 2026Liverpool ONE will see multiple new openings this month (Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)Everything you need to know:Accessorize opens at Liverpool ONE today, marking the fashion accessories brand’s return to Liverpool city centre after several years. The new store is located on South John Street and joins the destination’s growing retail line-up.The store stocks Accessorize’s latest collections, including bags, jewellery and seasonal accessories. Shoppers can browse a range of affordable, trend-led pieces designed for everyday styling.To celebrate the opening, Accessorize is offering an exclusive gift to the first 50 customers who spend £35 or more. The promotion is available in-store while stocks last.Vicki Baker, Retail Director at Accessorize, says the brand is excited to open at Liverpool ONE, describing it as a high-profile destination in one of the UK’s most dynamic cities. She adds that the new store reflects the continued momentum behind the brand as it invests in key locations and expands its reach.Baker says Liverpool is the perfect place to showcase Accessorize’s affordable, style-led accessories. She highlights the brand’s focus on products that can be stacked, styled and worn effortlessly as it continues to grow.Brendan Hattam, Centre Director at Liverpool ONE, says it is great to welcome Accessorize back to the destination. He adds that the brand strengthens Liverpool ONE’s retail mix and is expected to be a popular addition for visitors.You can read the full story here.Follow liverpoolecho:‌‌At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.Accept

The issue has led to significant traffic problems across the surrounding area in LiverpoolMotorists passing the area have faced traffic disruption (Image: Liverpool Echo)Drivers have spoken of their frustration after a major traffic light failure at a busy south Liverpool junction caused weeks of disruption, delays and congestion. Temporary traffic lights remain in place at the Smithdown Road/Tunnel Road junction after the permanent signals stopped working around three weeks ago.The issue has led to significant traffic problems across the surrounding area, with drivers reporting lengthy tailbacks and extended journey times.Diana Lee, who lives off Lodge Lane in Toxteth and relies on the junction for her daily commute, said the situation has become increasingly difficult.She told the ECHO: “Three weeks ago the lights stopped working and there were no alternative lights.”It was chaotic. Everybody was just trying to push their way through. The day after they put temporary lights up, and it’s just been a nightmare.Traffic light repairs are taking place in the area(Image: Liverpool Echo)”I have to use that road every day multiple times a day to get anywhere, it’s a nightmare.”There are tailbacks all the time. It adds at least 15 minutes on to my journey, depending on the time of day.”Everyone is getting really angry because Tunnel Road has also been closed for three days, so everyone has had to go right the way around through Princes Avenue. It’s impacting a lot of people and it seems like it’s taking forever to sort the issue.”It’s just a nightmare, the road is a big jumbled up mess.”Pictures taken at the scene on Monday showed engineers carrying out work to repair the traffic signals.The ongoing fault has caused congestion across the area, with traffic backing up along Kingsley Road as far as Ducie Street at peak times.The disruption has once again drawn attention to Kingsley Road, which has previously been the subject of controversy following major changes to the route.In 2023, the ECHO reported on concerns surrounding Liverpool City Council’s redesign of Kingsley Road, which introduced two-way segregated cycle lanes and a one-way traffic system as part of a wider road improvement scheme.The project followed extensive roadworks that left Kingsley Road closed for much of 2021. The scheme was delayed after the contractor responsible for the work went into administration, leaving sections of the project unfinished before the road eventually reopened.While some residents welcomed the changes, arguing they helped reduce traffic issues and improved conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, others criticised the layout.Following complaints that the cycle lanes had reduced parking availability, additional parking spaces were later incorporated into the scheme.One resident described the road layout as “awful and unnecessary” and labelled it the “worst design ever”.Another said: “The whole consultation was a farce,” claiming the council “never intended to take our concerns into consideration”.A third resident said the changes had turned a “perfectly run road into a nightmare”.Responding to the latest traffic light problems, a Liverpool City Council spokesperson said: “We apologise for the inconvenience for motorists at the Smithdown Road/Tunnel Road junction. We have had to install temporary lights as the permanent signals have failed.”The equipment is obsolete and it is not a simple fix. We have ordered new lights and a controller and will get it installed as quickly as we can, but unfortunately we are not able to give an exact timescale yet.”The council has confirmed that a separate issue at the Upper Parliament Street junction has now been repaired and the traffic signals there are operating as normal.

Foo Fighters will perform at Anfield Stadium on June 25 and June 27 2026 as their Take Cover Tour comes to LiverpoolDave Grohl on stage at Glastonbury in 2023(Image: Getty Images)One of the world’s biggest bands will soon perform at Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium. Foo Fighters are set to play two shows at the home of Liverpool FC on Thursday, June 25 and Saturday, June 27. Anfield Stadium is now a leading destination for global artists, with Bruce Springsteen, Dua Lipa, and Lana Del Rey headlining last year’s event.Foo Fighters was initially created as a one-man project for Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl after the band’s frontman Kurt Cobain died in 1994. He recruited members and the band made their live debut in 1995. From there, they have gone onto global success, with huge rock anthems such as ‘All My Life,’ ‘Best of You,’ and ‘My Hero.’The ECHO has rounded up everything you need to know if you’re heading to either of the Foo Fighters’ concerts at Anfield Stadium.Foo Fighters at Liverpool Anfield Stadium seating mapTicketmaster has shared the seating map for Foo Fighters’ two shows at Anfield Stadium. The seating map allows fans to see where their seat is, compared to the stage’s location. Take a look at the map below.The seating map for Foo Fighters at Anfield Stadium(Image: Ticketmaster)Foo Fighters at Anfield Stadium setlistAlthough Foo Fighters have not confirmed their setlist for the two Anfield Stadium shows, their Take Cover Tour has tended to follow a similar setlist. Below is the setlist from their recent performance at the Strawberry Arena in Sweden on June 12.All My LifeThe PretenderRopeLearn to FlyRescuedStacked ActorsThese DaysWalkMy HeroThis Is a CallNo Son of MineWheelsMarigoldBig MeUnder YouTimes Like TheseGeneratorSpit ShineInvincible/Seven/One Headlight/Manimal/Tap Dancing in a MinefieldMonkey WrenchNothing at AllI’ll Stick AroundCaught in the EchoBest of YouThe TeacherExhaustedEverlongFoo Fighters at Anfield Stadium ticketsAccording to the Liverpool FC websiter, general admission tickets for June 25 and June 27 are sold out. Fans can visit the Liverpool FC website where hospitality packages are available.Supporters could purchase up to a maximum of six tickets, per supporter ID, subject to availability. All children under 16 attending the concert must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. The general admission pitch standing area is not permitted for children under 14 years of age. Children under the age of 5 are not permitted to the show.Foo Fighters support acts at Anfield StadiumThere will be a different headliner at each of the Foo Fighters Anfield shows:Thursday, June 25 – Otoboke Beaver and InhalerSaturday, June 27- Die Spitz and Royel OtisFoo Fighters band membersFoo Fighters’ line-up has changed through the years, but Dave Grohl has always remained their frontman. The current line-up is Dave Grohl (frontman), Nate Mendel (bass), Pat Smear (guitar), Chris Shiflett (guitar), Rami Jaffee (keyboards) and Ilan Rubin (drums). Foo Fighters guitarist Pat Smear had to sit out early 2026 tour dates after breaking his foot.Foo Fighters at Anfield Stadium parkingTicket holders should note that there is no car parking available at the stadium. Attendees travelling by car please use city centre car parks. The full list can be found on the Liverpool City Council website.An express shuttle bus service (the 917) will be in operation from Commutation Row to the Stadium and will operate three and half hours prior to the concert start time. Limited disabled car parking at Stanley Car Park is now sold out, according to the Liverpool FC website.However, attendees can access disabled drop off and pick up areas on Gilman Street and at the top of Stanley Car Park. They are available to use on presentation of a blue badge.Travelling to Anfield Stadium for Foo Fighters concertsThe 917 express shuttle bus service operates from Commutation Row in the city centre. Prices are from £5 for single journey and £6 for a return journey. Please visit the Stagecoach website for further booking information.If you’re travelling by bus, there are several services in place:26 – from Liverpool ONE bus station17 – from Queen Square Bus Station68/168 – from Bootle and Aigburth14 and 19 – from Queen Square (short walk)Big Green Coach is also offering coach returns from various locations across the country for all shows. Visit their website for further information.If you’re travelling by train, Merseyrail passengers should use the Northern Line and travel to Sandhills or Kirkdale. Liverpool Lime Street Station has links with cities outside of Liverpool. Please use the relevant service journey planner ahead of time. Both Sandhills and Kirkdale stations on Merseyrail’s Northern line are less than a 30-minute walk from Anfield.

Carol Stanfield was visiting the city as part of her 60th birthday celebrationsCarol (middle) and her cousin Simone (left) during their stay in Liverpool(Image: UGC)A woman who travelled to Liverpool to celebrate her 60th birthday claims she was forced to abandon an Airbnb after discovering “filthy” conditions on arrival. Carol Stanfield, 60, travelled from Cardiff with her husband to attend the Fields of Eire Irish community festival on June 5 and 6.She was joined by her cousin and her cousin’s husband, who had travelled from Ireland for the celebrations. The group paid £372 for a two-night stay at an apartment in King’s Dock Mill on Tabley Street, which was advertised on Booking.com.However, Carol claims they left the property shortly after arriving due to concerns about its cleanliness and have since spent weeks trying to secure a refund. After being approached by the ECHO for comment, Booking.com said it would refund Carol as a “gesture of goodwill”.Carol, who has coeliac disease, said finding accommodation with cooking facilities was particularly important after she suffered a severe reaction to gluten while on holiday in Italy.She said she was “petrified” of eating out following the incident, which left her seriously unwell. As a result, she brought her own food to Liverpool and planned to cook during her stay.(Image: Submitted)But Carol claimed she was confronted with a number of problems as soon as they entered the apartment.She said: “We walked in and straight away, it was filthy. We went into the kitchen and I went to put my stuff in the freezer, but the door wouldn’t shut – it was broken.”When we saw the dish sponge we thought, ‘you’re having a laugh.’ I opened the oven and there was no way I could cook in there. It was absolutely filthy and thick with grease.”The mattresses were stained and dirty. The toilet seat was filthy, I couldn’t use it.”The apartment currently holds an overall rating of 4.3 out of 10 from 46 reviews on Booking.com. Some guests praised its central location and quiet surroundings, while negative reviews referenced issues including cleanliness, stained furnishings and missing blinds.(Image: Submitted)She said: “We’d seen the reviews and thought we could cope if it was just a bit messy. The pictures online looked okay. But it wasn’t just a little bit dirty. The whole place was a health hazard.”According to Carol, the group immediately contacted the property owner and asked him to visit the apartment to inspect the issues.She said: “We phoned the owner and asked him to come and see it for himself. He said he’d speak to the cleaner and call us back within 10 minutes.”After that, whenever we tried to get hold of him, he just kept putting the phone down.”(Image: Submitted)Carol alleged the owner later informed Booking.com that cleaners would be sent to address the concerns, but claimed no one arrived.She said: “He told Booking.com he was sending cleaners to resolve the issue, but nobody came. We waited for two hours.”The group eventually decided to leave and booked alternative accommodation at an additional cost of £272.She said: “I was fuming. I was crying and I just wanted to go home. My cousin felt terrible because she was the one who booked the apartment.”Booking.com should be fighting this on our behalf. We booked through them and paid through them.”We’re just banging our heads against a brick wall.”According to Carol, she later received a message indicating a refund process had been started and advising her to make contact if she had not received an update within 48 hours.(Image: Submitted)However, she says she was subsequently informed a refund would not be issued because the property owner had declined to authorise it. Instead, she claims she was offered travel credits worth around £33 – roughly 10% of the original booking cost.A Booking.com spokesperson said: “We offer stays for every budget, and to help customers find the right place we provide guest reviews and property scores based on real feedback. This property currently has a score of 4.2 out of 10 from nearly 50 reviews.”While the property is responsible for ensuring the stay meets expectations, we’re sorry for this customer’s experience and will be processing a refund for the original stay as a gesture of goodwill.”As the second property was a lower cost than the original, there is no price difference to refund.”The customer’s review, including imagery, remains visible on the listing.”The property owner declined to comment when approached by the ECHO.

Manchester City have made Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson their top priority ahead of the summer transfer window opening on MondayVirgil van Dijk has remained at Liverpool since signing for the club in January 2018(Image: Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images)We are just three days away from England’s opening match of the World Cup and Manchester City are not in a position they would like to be. Ideally by this point, Enzo Maresca would have been appointed and Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson would have agreed to be his first signing.Instead, neither man are through the door leading to understandable concerns from supporters. For what it is worth, there is no indication that City are going to miss out on either man at this stage. Maresca’s arrival seems all but done, albeit the pesky negotiations with Chelsea are taking longer than anticipated.As for Anderson, there is still a good feeling at City that the deal will be completed. However, they have been faced with the unenviable task of negotiating with Nottingham Forest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis. The 58-year-old is infamous for his hard-line approach to transfer negotiations. This week, City felt the full weight of that.Click here to find out the latest Manchester City news in our daily newsletterA second bid worth a total of £120m, £106m of which would be up front, was rejected by Forest. Their stance is straightforward, they want a higher fee up front. This makes sense from the East Midlands club’s perspective as add-ons are no guarantee of income.However, some City fans are concerned Anderson’s price tag has risen to such an extent that a deal is unfeasible. They also fear in this post-Pep Guardiola landscape, the Blues are spending too much money on one player alone. But inside the recruitment team at the Etihad Stadium, this is not their first rodeo.If we cast our minds back to 2017, City were competing with Liverpool for the signing of Virgil van Dijk. At the time, the Dutch defender was a top prospect having impressed at Southampton and Celtic before that.But the similarities to Anderson do not end there. Like the Forest midfielder, Van Dijk’s club had set a non-negotiable price tag for their centre-back.The Saints were insistent on £75m and would not budge. In City’s Amazon Prime series, All or Nothing, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak can be seen discussing a move for Van Dijk with then sporting director Txiki Begiristain.Txiki Begiristain (left) and Khaldoon Al Mubarak (right) celebrate Manchester City winning the Premier League with Ferran Soriano”Come on, you cannot be serious,” the frustrated chairman said. “Ultimately, if it makes sense for us, we will do it.”If it doesn’t make sense, we are perfectly comfortable in walking away. To do that, there’s only a few clubs in the world that can do that.”As we know, City would eventually decide to walk away and allow Liverpool to sign Van Dijk. Meanwhile, the Blues agreed a £57m deal for Aymeric Laporte.It would be fair to say that Van Dijk has had a greater impact on Liverpool than Laporte had on City. But, their decision to move on from Van Dijk set a clear precedent.Al Mubarak showed at the very start of Guardiola’s tenure that City would not be held hostage by a selling club. If they did not feel the transfer was worth the money, they would not go ahead with it.The same applies now to the Anderson transfer. If City do not think the England international is worth a larger up front fee, they will not complete the deal for the sake of it.Replacing Bernardo Silva this summer is the Blues’ top priority but City’s hierarchy have built up enough trust to decide whether Anderson is worth an even higher bid or not. If it is deemed that he isn’t, City won’t be afraid to move onto the next target.In this uncertain landscape at City, fans may have to put faith in the club to do what is right, once again.Content cannot be displayed without consent

The area should be thriving but its decline has been noticeableLiverpool’s Pride Quarter(Image: Liverpool Echo)Liverpool’s most colourful and vibrant community is on the verge of losing its home. Another venue in the city’s shrinking Pride Quarter closed its doors last weekend after eight memorable years, leaving many heartbroken – though it won’t come as a surprise for those paying attention.The owner of OMG Liverpool announced the venue’s closure after spending the past two years unsuccessfully trying to find a suitable management team. OMG was part of the same group as the now-defunct Dorothy’s Show Bar and Dorothy’s Diner. The group also launched Sugarboys nightclub, which promised “premium table service from hot guys in crop tops”, but the concept lasted only a few months.OMG announced on Friday (June 12) that “a well-known LGBT+ business man” will take over the site and it will “remain an important part of the LGBT+ community”, with specifics about the owner’s identity and nature of the succession to be revealed. The closures reflect wider issues affecting Liverpool’s Pride Quarter, including accessibility problems, a dire need for an image overhaul, businesses redirecting focus and an overall decline in interest.Heaven and GBar are titans of the scene, competing for the crown of the best after-hours club, but neither is particularly willing to advertise themselves as a “gay bar.” Heaven has hid the title of “Liverpool’s legendary LGBTQ+ afterhours venue” exclusively to its Linktree and GBar has opted for the term “LGBT+ friendly” on Instagram.OMG Liverpool(Image: Geoff Davies)When both venues were quizzed as to why this is, Heaven issued a “no comment” statement while GBar’s owner, Amy Gwynn, said “it remains an iconic gay venue”. GBar was recently saved by Amy who said the venue had been ‘dying’ and couldn’t sustain itself, promising “the most important thing for us is preserving and enhancing one of Liverpool’s most loved gay venues and ensuring it continues to thrive for generations to come”.The Navy Bar complex on Stanley Street was sold after 17 years in late 2024 to drag queen Linda Gold, who reopened the main concept along with a bar themed around ITV’s Benidorm programme, a room called Dysco led by the performer’s partner, drag queen Dys Alexia, and whatever concept “The Basement” offers on the lower level.Navy went on to overhaul its image in March last year after customers “stopped coming” though I couldn’t tell you what changed.The hospitality industry across the country is facing problems, from rising operating costs and shifting customer behaviours to the broader impacts of the cost-of-living crisis with little to no relief from the Government, and perhaps gay and gay friendly venues face even worse business conditions as they are appealing to a smaller community.One of the few lasting – and cheapest – strongholds is Poste House on Cumberland Street, which isn’t even technically a gay bar, it’s simply the community’s go-to old fashioned pub.Barmaid Kelly Spartiatis told the ECHO: “I think COVID was difficult for everyone. For us, being located down a side street has made things more challenging. We petitioned the council to improve the area, but nothing came of it.”Liverpool’s Cumberland Street is situated in the city’s Pride Quarter(Image: Ciaran Robinson)Kelly says that without support and with venues restricted in what they can do themselves, businesses, particularly those on less attractive streets, are left struggling. She added: “People don’t know where we are. People wander around looking for us and only find us because somebody told them about us, not because it’s properly signposted.”There should be more signage like they have in The Lisbon. Smarten it up, put signs at either end of the street, or let us do it ourselves.” Cumberland Street businesses asked the council to “take a look” at the street as they were “sick of how ragged the street looks”.They hoped a revamp would generate footfall, create more revenue and increase the chances of investors wanting to open new venues in empty spaces. Despite asking for change since 2023, there has yet to be any work done. Liverpool City Council told the ECHO it “recognises the important role the Pride Quarter plays in the city’s cultural life and nightlife, and the contribution its businesses make to Liverpool’s inclusive identity and visitor offer”.A spokesperson said: “We are aware of the views expressed by businesses regarding Cumberland Street, and we welcome ongoing feedback from stakeholders about how the area can be enhanced and supported to thrive.“As previously stated, proposals relating to improvements in this area, including signage and public realm enhancements, have not yet been progressed but remain under consideration. The Council continues to review opportunities to work with partners, local businesses and the community to explore what improvements may be possible in the future.“We are committed to working collaboratively to ensure Liverpool remains a welcoming and vibrant city for all.”The business owners want to make sure those visiting know it is an LGBTQ+ friendly streetCumberland Street’s image problem was echoed by the owner of The Masquerade, Joanne Holden. The bar is another dedicated community stronghold with regular patrons and themed evenings, but even it is struggling with everything working against it.Joanne told the ECHO: “The scene needs to be bigger. We’re one of the longest-running gay venues on the scene. We’ve been here for 35 years but we are struggling. If you’ve only got three venues left, people from outside aren’t going to want to come because there’s not enough here for them. It’s not appealing.”The problem we’ve got is that the street itself is a disgrace. People can’t believe venues like ours are on a street that looks this scruffy. We’ve had so many people put off because of the street, but once they come inside they say, ‘We didn’t expect it at all’. We’ve done everything we can, but people are still put off by what they see outside.”Although Joanne is one of a group who want the street refreshed, she’s not oblivious to the fact the hospitality sector is changing. She added: “I don’t think the problems are entirely because of anything the council are doing. People are coming out later and drinking less.”They’re going home by a certain time and OMG said it just couldn’t get a manager. There’s a lot of different aspects to why the scene is the way it is but we’ll get through. Hopefully we’ll be here a lot longer.”Liverpool Pride on the Pier Head Whether people choose to support the scene or not is largely beside the point when accessibility remains such a significant issue. Not a single venue across the Pride Quarter is fully accessible for disabled people. Most venues occupy historic buildings, with multiple steps leading down to basements or up to rooms, and none operate entirely from ground-floor spaces without stair access.Some venues come closer than others. Poste House, for example, only has a couple of steps where a ramp could realistically provide access, though its upper floor remains inaccessible. Meanwhile, Heaven, Superstar Boudoir, OMG, Lisbon, GBar and the Navy complex are primarily spread across basement spaces, meaning visitors are often expected to navigate stairs simply to enter.Accessibility has always been a focal point, especially by Pride organisers who promise it remains a top priority. There may be limited options for resolving these structural challenges, particularly within older buildings, but the LGBT community’s already overshadowed disabled community is omitted regardless.The Lisbon on Victoria Street(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)The common cry is everyone needs to come together to support these venues, but Liverpool’s willingness to support its own community was put to a numerical test when charity Sahir House launched a fundraiser to save last year’s Pride event. With a target of £60,000, the campaign ultimately raised £53,503 – but the top 20 donations accounted for £44,450 of that total (83.08%), driven largely by major organisations including Liverpool and Everton FC, law firm Taylor Wessing and Merseyside Police.With tens of thousands attending Liverpool Pride each year, it raises questions about why the target was never reached and why the overwhelming majority of funding came from a few businesses rather than the people who often describe these spaces and events as central to their lives.There’s no doubt the most vocal put their money where their mouth is, but where did everyone else disappear to? There’s a sense that people want change, but don’t want to be the change – a classic “someone should do it, just not me” attitude, reflected in the declining state of the Quarter. The fundraiser launched on June 10 2025, leaving just over a month until the event itself, yet after a week had raised only slightly more than £3,000.At the time of writing, the 2026 fundraiser stands at £330 raised from 16 donations against a £100,000 target.Heaven on Victoria Street(Image: Liverpool Echo)Despite declining interest, a few beacons of light are still breaking through thanks to Heaven. Liverpool’s “goth mom,” Shuv Barbital, launched the first alternative, queer-led punk night, paving the way for sister events from others such as Carmen Sutra, who runs the regular Big Gay Cabaret, showcasing both national acts and local talent. In July, a new concept, Wee Froot, will launch in a bid to connect the community with a fun-fuelled evening of entertainment.Wee Froot organiser Cai Milligan hopes the concept takes off. He told the ECHO: “If we want to preserve Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ nightlife, the most important thing the community can do is support it. These spaces are more than just bars – they are community hubs, safe spaces, and an important part of Liverpool’s cultural identity. Without that support, we risk losing even more of them.”Cai believes the Pride Quarter is not lacking in creativity, talent or events “but attendance and advance ticket sales remain a constant challenge”. He added: “The reality is that nightlife has dramatically changed since the pandemic.”Thursday nights were once packed with people taking advantage of cheap drinks and a vibrant scene. Now, many venues struggle to attract the same midweek footfall, making it increasingly difficult to cover rising operating costs, keep booking their entertainers, and keep prices accessible for their customers.”Liverpool’s Pride Quarter(Image: Liverpool Echo)On the other side of the city in the Baltic Triangle, LGBT-led nightlife is thriving. Sonic Yootha, a queer club night on Kitchen Street, has surpassed a decade of service while the city’s first-ever Queer Festival was held at Sub Rosa just last month alongside Lavender Nights, a growing lesbian and queer social event. On the horizon is even more, namely a new drag open mic night at Botanic Garden.Superstar Boudoir and The Lisbon are two of the Quarter’s oldest venues and consistently full of customers. A guess as to why is very little has changed over their decades of service, remaining dedicated venues built by the LGBT community, for the LGBT community – even if the soundtracks can be a little bit cheesy at times. If it’s broke, don’t fix it. A lot needs to be done but you don’t use it, you lose it.

Part of a planned cycle path will not now go ahead amid accusations council bosses have favoured keeping parking spaces for cars. Liverpool City Council was looking at upgrading a five-mile (8km) stretch of road to include a new lane for cyclists in the Childwall area.It said, on the basis of feedback from local people, it had “adjusted plans for the scheme” in part to protect trees around the Childwall Triangle area. Cycling safety campaigners said they were “deeply disappointed and concerned”. The proposed route would connect the city centre with Childwall, as well as large residential areas and key leisure, employment and education sites along the corridor, such as Wavertree Sports Park, the University of Liverpool and Liverpool Hope University.A consultation in the spring generated nearly 500 responses, with many sharing concerns around the proposed loss of parking, green spaces, and the potential for increased congestion in some areas, the council said.