Musicians, artists, actors, athletes, historians, media personalities, politicians and activists will unite in Liverpool in a city-wide 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 unique festival which doesn’t shy away from shining a spotlight on the subject of the prejudice endemic in today’s society.
Thought to be the first of its kind in the UK and the brainchild of Liverpool’s Mayor, Joanne Anderson, LAR takes place Sunday 24 to Saturday 30 April. Some of the main highlights are:
Sunday 24 April
The programme kicks-off with an impressive one-day music showcase which will take over venues in the Baltic area of the city. Camp & Furnace, 24 Kitchen Street and District will play host to some incredible Liverpool acts including The Christians, The Farm, Lapsley, John Power, Sense of Sound and Greg Wilson all forming part of the 50+ strong line-up. Tickets for the full day will cost just £5 plus booking fee, per venue.
Tuesday 26 April
The latest addition to the Liverpool skyline, The Spine, will be host to a boundary-pushing in-person conference that will feature local, national and international contributors from across the world of media, sport, fashion, business and education. They will passionately share their thoughts, experiences and advice in addressing racial and social inequalities, 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 the day’s keynote speakers. ‘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 the likes of Liverpool and Everton Football Clubs as well as leading diversity, inclusion and equality practitioners. The full-day conference is ticketed and will cost £20 per person plus booking fee. Places are limited.
Friday 29 April
The focus shifts to young people, and in partnership with the Anthony Walker Foundation and Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), the Youth EMPOWER conference will take place at LJMU Student Union across the day.
Teenagers from schools across the city will be encouraged to explore what racism means to them. Creative workshops will sit alongside open and frank discussions as the 13 and 14-year-olds produce work responding to the topic, culminating in a showcase at the end of the day. Inspirational figures such as champion boxer Natasha Jonas will share their inspiring story with attendees.
Cultural organisations are supporting the week of events by staging their own activities – which range from walking tours and poetry workshops right through to skating festivals and talks around understanding the city’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
The whole programme has been curated by Creative Consultant Yaw Owusu.
For the latest event and line-up information, or to purchase tickets, head to www.cultureliverpool.co.uk/liverpool-against-racism/ 
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