Category: Liverpool

It was announced last night that next month’s Fields of Éire Irish Music Festival can no longer be held in Newsham ParkCrowds at the Feis Irish music festival at the Pier Head in 2018(Image: Liverpool Echo)The organisers of an Irish music festival in Liverpool have insisted the event will still go ahead despite a change of location. The Fields of Éire Irish Music Festival is the successor to the short lived Feis, which came to Liverpool’s Pier Head in 2018.The ECHO previously reported that the festival would return this year in the new setting of Newsham Park in Tuebrook. Taking place on Friday June 5 and Saturday June 6, organisers said it would keep the same community feel as before but on a bigger scale.The event promises to celebrate Liverpool’s strong Irish heritage, with more than 75% of the city’s population believed to be of Irish descent. Headliners include country singer Nathan Carter and Irish folk-rock band The Whistlin’ Donkeys.Earlier this month, the festival’s directors secured the right to set up a special area for VIPs with extended hours, despite Merseyside Police opposing the move.However, at around 5.30pm last night (Thursday, May 28), organisers announced the festival would no longer take place at Newsham Park but promised a new venue would be announced this morning. Organisers claimed Liverpool City Council removed permission for it to use Newsham Park as the festival site due to security concerns related to Martyn’s Law.The festival was due to take place in Newsham Park(Image: Liverpool Echo)Officially known as the The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, this law aims to improve protective security and organisational preparedness across the UK by requiring that those responsible for certain premises and events consider how they would respond to a terrorist attack.In addition to this, at certain larger premises and events, appropriate steps to reduce vulnerability to terrorist attacks must also be considered. It is named after Martyn Hett, who died in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017.In its own statement published later in the evening, Liverpool City Council said its safety concerns had “not been sufficiently addressed”.Newsham Park has previously held outdoor music events in the past.The full statement, shared on The Fields of Éire Facebook and Instagram pages, said: “We are writing to inform you that Fields of Éire will no longer be taking place at Newsham Park.”Despite our team successfully securing the full premises licence for the site, Liverpool City Council has pulled our land use agreement at the final hour, citing security constraints under terrorism legislation (Martyn’s Law).”The event is 100% STILL GOING AHEAD. We refuse to let this stop the music. We have already secured an incredible, massive outdoor venue right here in Liverpool to ensure the festival continues exactly as planned.”We will be making the official announcement of our new home tomorrow morning. Keep your eyes on our page tomorrow for the full reveal, location details, and updated event information.”Thank you all so much for your massive support and understanding—we will see you all very soon!”The council said: “Liverpool City Council is advising people who are due to attend the Fields of Eire Irish Music Festival on 5 and 6 June 2026, that the event will not take place in Newsham Park as advertised.”Following extensive consideration with Safety Advisory Group (SAG) partners – which include Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, and North West Ambulance Service – Liverpool City Council, as the landowner of Newsham Park, is unable to issue a Land Use Agreement for the proposed event.”The Council and SAG members have had lengthy discussions with the event organiser, offering support and guidance to ensure that the event could go ahead safely and successfully, but unfortunately concerns raised have not been sufficiently addressed.”Liverpool City Council will only issue a Land Use Agreement where there is clear assurance that appropriate plans are in place to guarantee the safety of event attendees.”The Council and multi-agency SAG partners will not compromise on public safety and apply clear and consistent expectations to all event organisers to ensure events in the city are delivered safely and lawfully.”Ticket holders should contact the event organiser directly for more information.”

Liverpool City Council’s cabinet is set to sign off on a huge vision to regenerate areas close to the city’s north docksAn artist’s impression of how the Pumpfield neighbourhood could lookMajor plans to create a vibrant new Liverpool city centre neighbourhood with more than 7,000 homes are set for approval. Liverpool City Council is aiming to regenerate the Pumpfields and Limekilns areas close to the city’s north docks.The aim is to maximise the area’s potential by turning empty plots and vacant buildings near the city centre into a major new neighbourhood over the next 20 years.The local authority said the vision will reimagine the area as a “highly sustainable extension of the city centre”, that supports thousands of new homes, jobs, learning opportunities, green spaces and cultural activity.The plans, the council says, “will breathe life into an area with significant opportunities for growth, and will play a pivotal role in connecting the city centre with the north of the city”.Stretching between the city centre, waterfront and north Liverpool, the site is being billed as a key piece of the city’s future growth — with new walking and cycling routes, public squares and upgraded streets all planned.Old warehouse buildings along Blackstock Street could also be brought back into use as part of the wider regeneration push, with Canal Square to provide a key civic space and Kingsway Park a linear green park connecting the area with the waterfront.Another image of how the Pumpfields area could lookCity leaders say the plan will create a single, connected district and ensure “comprehensive change in a way that is inclusive, resilient and respectful” of the area’s unique character.The masterplan has already been shaped by talks with residents and businesses, and if approved by the council’s cabinet in June, will guide future planning applications.Cllr Nick Small, cabinet member for growth and economy, said: “This is one of the biggest opportunities we have to reshape the north of the city and make sure it plays a full role in Liverpool’s future.“For too long, large parts of Pumpfields and Limekilns have been underused, but this plan sets out how we can transform it into a thriving, well-connected neighbourhood with thousands of new homes, new jobs and high-quality public spaces.“Crucially, this isn’t about one-off developments — it’s about making sure everything is planned properly, with better streets, more green space and stronger links into the city centre, waterfront and surrounding communities.“It’s a long-term vision that provides certainty for investors and will help us deliver the homes the city needs, while creating a place people actually want to live, work and spend time in.”

The top stories and transfer rumours from Thursday’s newspapers…PREMIER LEAGUEManchester United have conceded defeat to bitter rivals City in the race to sign Elliot Anderson – Daily Mirror

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Gary Neville discusses why Manchester United should target Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson

Enzo Fernandez wants to leave Chelsea – but someone has to cough up £120m to seal his escape – The Sun
Fulham have offered to make Marco Silva the Premier League’s third-highest paid boss with a monster contract – The Sun

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Marco Silva won’t be drawn on his future as Fulham head coach, despite links with the Benfica job, but says that this summer is a huge one in terms of recruitment

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson is edging closer to his next destination after reportedly reaching a verbal agreement with Tottenham – Daily Express

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Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson bid an emotional farewell to Liverpool after their final game at Anfield, thanking fans and team-mates following years of unforgettable memories and success with the club

Arsenal will demand up to £20m for striker Gabriel Jesus this summer – The Athletic
Arsenal have confirmed the route for their Premier League – and potentially Champions League – trophy parade, with at least 500,000 supporters expected to descend on north London for the festivities – The Standard

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Best bits from Arsenal celebrations after lifting the Premier League trophy for the first time in 22 years

Jimmy Comer, father of Killing Eve star Jodie Comer, has been given an emphatic send-off by Everton after 29 years working as the club’s masseuse – Daily Mail​​​WORLD FOOTBALLMaurizio Sarri has quit as Lazio manager for a second time – The SunVinicius Junior has said he wants to continue playing for Real Madrid his “whole life”- but added neither he nor the club are “in a rush” to sign a new contract, with his current deal expiring in 2027 – The AthleticNWSL team San Diego Wave have poached Leeds United’s chief business officer Morrie Eisenberg to be its new chief executive officer – The AthleticUEFA is yet to take action against the integration of clubs from illegally occupied parts of Ukraine into Russia’s football system despite being urged to do so by the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) last year – The GuardianWORLD CUPEngland could be playing in front of more than 50,000 empty seats for their first warm-up match ahead of the World Cup – The Telegraph

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James Maddison reflects on England’s World Cup squad and the big playmaker omissions from Thomas Tuchel ahead of the tournament

Three Costa Rica players have been dropped for disciplinary reasons ahead of a pre-World Cup friendly against England – Daily StarThe Prince of Wales has visited Thomas Tuchel’s England backroom staff ahead of the World Cup and is confident they will “rise to the occasion” at the tournament – The Telegraph

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Sky Sports breaks down the numbers behind Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup this summer

A non-profit organisation which supports people with serious spinal injuries was forced to cancel a raffle for two World Cup tickets after receiving cease-and-desist letters from a law firm representing soccer’s global governing body FIFA – The AthleticThe attorneys general of New York and New Jersey have launched an investigation into FIFA’s ticketing practices around the 2026 World Cup, focusing specifically on the matches due to take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey – The GuardianSCOTTISH FOOTBALLIn-demand Oskar Fallenius has left the door open for a move to Rangers as the Djurgarden winger considers his options – Daily RecordHearts have targeted French striker Amadou Ba-Sy as they look to fill the gap left by Lawrence Shankland’s move to Rangers – The Scottish Sun

Liverpool will be celebrating summer every week with free special events across the city centre.
From 18 June until 27 August, there will be free events at locations across the city, from Bold Street, along the waterfront, Hope Street, St George’s Quarter, Derby Square, the Commercial District and more. 
With an events programme organised and supported by Liverpool Business Improvement District, you can visit a new place in the city centre for a free event designed to help you relax and get outside in the city. A sound bath at Tempest on Tithebarn, food giveaways at Exchange Flags and Derby Square, mini golf, live music at Princes Dock and Williamson Square, street theatre on Bold Street, circus acts at the Pier Head, a chill-out session on deck chairs at the waterfront, there will be something from everyone. 
After the success of the World Chess Championships last summer, chess events will return to the city. There will also be mini tennis events as the International tennis Tournament returns to Liverpool. 
Credit: Liverpool BID Company
Katie Bentleym Director of Strategic Partnerships and Communications at Liverpool Business Improvement District said:
“Celebrating Summer will add joy and activity for everyone in the city centre this summer. We want to keep this city centre accessible to everyone. Whether you want to dance to live music in the street, or have a quiet moment to chill and relax, there will be something for everyone and their family and friends. There will be animation and activity across the whole of the city. Our message is simple; get outside and relax, enjoy the city and everything it has to offer. And it’s all free”. 
Find out more on the Liverpool Bid Company website.
Find out what’s on across Liverpool this summer on our website.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 
From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.

PLEASE NOTE: NSWPF branded vision of the West Steet arrest will be supplied later todayLiverpool City detectives have charged two men after they allegedly attempted to kidnap a woman in Sydney’s southwest yesterday.About 2.30pm (Tuesday 26 May 2026), police were called to Browne Parade, Warwick Farm, following reports of an assault.Officers attached to Liverpool City Police Area Command attended and were told a 27-year-old woman had been allegedly assaulted by a man after she stopped to change her car’s flat tyre.Police were further told the man had allegedly threatened the woman with a knife before attempting to drag her towards a Kia SUV; however, members of the public intervened and he left the scene in the SUV.The 27-year-old was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for facial and leg injuries before being taken to hospital for further treatment.Police established a crime scene and Liverpool City detectives commenced an investigation into the incident.Following inquiries, about 4pm yesterday, detectives – with assistance from Auburn Police Area Command – arrested two men – a 22-year-old man on the riverbank of Duck Creek, Auburn and a 24-year-old man on West Street, Auburn – before taking both to Granville Police Station.Both men were charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon, and aggravated robbery and use corporal violence.Police will allege in court the two men were waiting for the woman in a Liverpool carpark before following her car to Browne Parade.Both men were refused bail to appear before Parramatta Court today (Wednesday 27 May 2026).

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Police cars and ambulances were spotted in Liverpool city centre this afternoonPolice and ambulances on Castle Street in Liverpool this afternoon(Image: Liverpool Echo)A person was found dead at a Liverpool city centre hotel today (Tuesday, May 26). Several police cars and ambulances were parked up outside the easyHotel on Castle Street this afternoon, with one officer pictured inside.A spokesperson for Merseyside Police told the ECHO that emergency services were present following a death at the hotel this afternoon. At around 11.15am, North West Ambulance Service informed police of the incident at the hotel. Work is ongoing to establish the circumstances and to formally identify the body.There are not initially believed to be any suspicious circumstances while these enquiries are being carried out.A police officer inside the hotel(Image: Liverpool Echo)EasyHotel declined to comment about the incident.For the latest news and breaking news visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/newsGet all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter.Sign up to our breaking news newsletter here.Follow us on X @LivECHONews or on Bluesky @liverpoolecho.co.uk – official Liverpool ECHO accounts – real news in real time.We’re also on Facebook/theliverpoolecho – your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.

Good afternoon,It is the hottest day of the year so far and it has coincided with a bank holiday. Thousands of people have headed to train stations as they head to beaches and parks to enjoy the heat.This has led to some services being affected as Merseyrail deals with high passenger numbers. The Liverpool Central to Chester service will run non-stop between Birkenhead Central and HootonThe Liverpool Central to Chester service will run non-stop between Birkenhead Central and Hooton, skipping Green Lane, Rock Ferry, Bebington, Port Sunlight, Spital, Bromborough Rake, Bromborough, and Eastham Rake.This is known as a “semi-fast service”, used by Merseyrail to help restore a disrupted timetable. This means that trains will run directly between two appointed stations, not stopping at stations in between.All other services on the Ellesmere Port, West Kirkby, New Brighton, Southport, Ormskirk and Hunts Cross, and Headbolt Lane lines are running as scheduled.A Merseyrail spokesman posted on X: “Due to the large number of passengers travelling, services on the Chester line face cancellations or alterations.”

Liverpool legend Andy Robertson paid special mention to Everton great Seamus Coleman after both called time on their careers on MerseysideAndy Robertson paid tribute to departing Everton captain after his Liverpool farewell Liverpool legend Andy Robertson made sure to pay tribute to Everton great Seamus Coleman after the pair called time on their illustrious playing careers on Merseyside.Robertson was making his 378th and final appearance for Liverpool in their final-day 1-1 draw at home to Brentford alongside fellow modern-day Anfield icon Mohamed Salah.The Scotland captain and Egypt skipper were interviewed on the pitch after the match and, unprompted, the former made sure to namecheck Pep Guardiola, the long-time Reds rival who is leaving his position as Manchester City manager, as well as Coleman.Over in north London, the Everton captain was making his 435th and final appearance for Liverpool’s city rivals.READ MORE: Mohamed Salah in tears as he and Andy Robertson get guards of honour on Liverpool farewellsREAD MORE: What Seamus Coleman did at full-time as Everton captain delivers one final classy actAnd Robertson told Sky Sports: “For me there’s two other people leaving other clubs today who are pretty important.”Pep Guardiola pushed us to completely new limits – I think both of us (Robertson and Salah) would agree with that.”We should have won more Premier Leagues if it wasn’t for that man. What a servant to Manchester City and I wish him all the best.”And finally Seamus Coleman. When I was growing up he was one of the Premier League full-backs who played at a very, very high level and he was certainly a better bargain than me at 60 grand!”He’s leaving Everton and he’s been a fantastic servant to that football club and I wish him all the best as well.”Coleman, a £60,000 signing from Sligo Rovers in January 2009, has the offer to remain at the Blues in a non-playing position.But the Republic of Ireland stalwart, who came on a second-half substitute in the 1-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, will use the summer to weigh up whether to continue his playing career at another club.Robertson, an £8m arrival from Hull City in 2017, will now leave Liverpool along with Salah at the end of his contract.

An exciting pop-up has arrived in Liverpool city centreBig Boy Bakery queue spotted today(Image: Liverpool Echo)Dozens of people were spotted queuing as a new pop-up arrived in Liverpool city centre. The queue was pictured at around 10.45am today (May 24) as customers waited to get their hands of baked goods from Big Boy Bakery. Liverpool John Moores University student Sara Al-Janabi is the brains behind Big Boy Bakery – a brand that has become popular on TikTok.Her business is currently on show in a pop-up at The Coffee ザ・コーヒー, an international coffee brand found on the ground-floor unit at the Grade I listed Oriel Chambers on Water Street in the city centre.The chain, which operates more than 150 cafes across 28 countries, has already established sites in major cities including Barcelona, Paris, Sydney and Dubai. However, this is the first and only Liverpool venue.The ECHO was outside the coffee shop today as people could be seen waiting for the pop-up to open at 11am.People waiting for the Big Boy Bakery pop-up today(Image: Liverpool Echo
)Big Boy Bakery owner Sara started making cookies when she was 18, after having meniscus surgery.Sara previously told the ECHO: “When I was back home, I was selling them, but then I stopped because I wanted to move out and do that typical university experience.”I kind of felt a bit slummy at uni, I felt like there’s something more than this. Then I had the kind of ‘f**k it’ moment, because I’m in my last semester at uni studying digital marketing with business and I was like this is clearly what I’m interested in.Sara makes the cookies from her mum’s house(Image: Supplied/Sara Al-Janabi)”It’s constantly like the seed is in my brain. Why am I like scared of doing it? I think maybe just because I’d done it before and stopped.”Sara made the decision to start baking again, starting her business, Big Boy Bakery. Like many small businesses starting out, her first thought was to try and draw attention to it on social media.More information on Sara and the pop-up can be found here.