A unique new festival is coming to Liverpool to show the city’s opposition to racism.

Musicians, artists, actors, athletes, historians, media personalities, politicians and activists will unite in a citywide statement of solidarity against racism and hate. A week-long series of impactful, thought-provoking, entertaining and creative events will form Liverpool Against Racism (LAR) – a festival that will shine a light on the subject of prejudice endemic in today’s society.

Believed to be the first of its kind in the UK and the brainchild of Liverpool Mayor Joanne Anderson, LAR will take place from Sunday April 24 to Saturday April 30. Highlights include a music showcase, as well as creative workshops, debates and Suite.

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Liverpool Against Racism kicks off on Sunday 24 April with an impressive day-long musical showcase that will take over venues in the city’s Baltic region. Camp & Furnace, 24 Kitchen Street and District will host amazing Liverpool acts including The Christians , The Farm, Lapsley, John Power, Sense of Sound and Greg Wilson are all part of the roster of over 50 people. Full-day tickets will cost just £5 plus booking fee, per venue.

On Tuesday 26 April, the newest addition to the Liverpool skyline, The Spine, will host an in-person conference pushing the boundaries which will feature local, national and international contributors from the worlds of media, sport, fashion , business and education. They will passionately share their thoughts, experiences and advice for addressing racial and social inequality, and debate what meaningful change really looks like.

British historian David Olusoga, leading diversity and inclusion consultant Joanna Abeyie MBE and American author and journalist Kevin Powell will join Mayor Joanne Anderson as keynote speakers for the day. “In Conversation” sessions, workshops and presentations will be led by contributors such as TV presenter Charlene White and former boxing champion Tony Bellew.

There will also be representatives from Liverpool and Everton football clubs, as well as leading diversity, inclusion and equality practitioners. The one-day conference is chargeable and will cost £20 per person plus booking fee. The seats are limited.

Other highlights on Friday 29 April will focus on young people, and in partnership with the Anthony Walker Foundation and Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), the Youth EMPOWER conference will take place at the LJMU Student Union while throughout the day. Teens in city schools will be encouraged to explore what racism means to them.

Creative workshops will rub shoulders with open and candid discussions as 13- and 14-year-olds produce works that respond to the subject, culminating in a showcase at the end of the day. Inspirational personalities such as champion boxer Natasha Jonas will share their inspirational stories with attendees.

Cultural organizations support the week of events by organizing their own activities – which range from walking tours and poetry workshops to skating festivals and talks about understanding the city’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. The entire program was curated by creative consultant Yaw Owusu.

Liverpool Mayor Joanne Anderson said: “I have been committed to fighting social injustice all my working life. When I became mayor, I wanted to use this position of power to bring about positive change and tackle prejudice and acts of hate in Liverpool.

“The events of the past two years, particularly the death of George Floyd, have given me added momentum – the world has reacted and demanded something change. People of all races have come together to demand an end to the racist behavior that surrounds us every day.

“Many organizations have made anti-racist statements and promises. Liverpool Against Racism is a cultural response and an opportunity for our cultural organizations in the city, and the wider region, to share with us the actions they have taken in recent years.

“The festival is part of the ongoing debate we have about racism, its impact and what meaningful change really means. All people from all walks of life are welcome to attend and participate.

“Shining the spotlight on the subject can be uncomfortable and, for some, upsetting, but it is also empowering, challenging, ambitious, impactful and simply essential. I couldn’t be more proud that Liverpool are hosting this unique event which is d enormous cultural significance – once again we are leading the way and speaking out against social injustice and taking positive action.

For the latest event and lineup information, or to purchase tickets, Click here.

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