Launch of the Liverpool City Region's Black Music Action Group

ON Monday, 25 October 2021, the Liverpool City Region Music Board will be hosting an event to officially launch its rebranded sub group, the:- 'Black Music Action Group' and the Music Board's recently published Black Lives Matter Manifesto. The event will be hosted by SpyKatcha, at the British Music Experience, with presentations given by members of the action group, alongside representatives from Black Lives in Music, POWER UP, and the UK Music Taskforce.

Speakers at the event will include:-

► Jennifer John, Chair of LCR Music Board Black Music Action Group.

► Michael Eakin, Chair of LCR Music Board.

► Charisse Beaumont, Black Lives In Music.

► Ammo Talwar, Chair UK Music Taskforce.

► Joe Frankland and Ben Wynter, Founders of POWER UP.

The panellists and presenters will also participate in a variety of roundtable discussions, with topics including:- representation, strategy, collaboration and the needs of music creators and practitioners.

Jennifer John, Music Industry Professional and LCR Music Board Member and Chair of Black Music Action Group, said:- "Currently there is positive momentum locally and nationally throughout the UK music sector that is working towards raising the visibility and profile of Black artists and industry professionals. So this event comes at a crucial time as we introduce our Black music manifesto and explain the role of the Black Music Action Group in progressing positive change within the Liverpool City Region's music sector"

The Black Music Action Group, is a collaboration by music industry professionals with a wealth of experience and a cross section of skills and experience, who are coming together to redress imbalance and proactively create a sustainable and dynamic sector that supports black artists across all music genres.

The group will proudly share the Liverpool City Region Music Board Black Lives Matter Manifesto, which they created in response to the Black Lives Matter Movement and the Board's dedication to diversity and inclusivity. It details the Board's commitment to acknowledging the contribution of Black people to the local music scene, past and present, while also improving the support and incorporation of Black music professionals and Black-led organisations and their work, into Liverpool City Region's music and music culture eco-system.

The event will also launch the ReMap project, presented by co-lead of the project, Dr Lennon Mhishi. The project explores the challenges in establishing music careers experienced by Black musicians and industry practitioners living and working in the Liverpool City Region (LCR); a collaboration between On Record, the Black Music Action Group, a sub group of the Liverpool City Region Music Board (LCRMB), and the Institute of Popular Studies at the University of Liverpool (UoL).

For more information about Liverpool City Region Music Board, visit:- LCRMusicBoard.Co.UK.

Top 6 tips on how to help your dog through fireworks. Our expert answers your questions

WITH fireworks night fast approaching, dog experts from Treat Your Dog give their best and brightest advice for dog owners. Whether you've had your dog for a long time or you are one of the many people to have adopted a Pandemic puppy, this advice will save you a lot of stress and worry about your beloved pooch. Many dogs suffer on fireworks nights and we're sure your furry friends will love you even more for taking this advice.

► Tip 1 - Mask the noises and sounds:- Keeping the curtains and windows closed can help to lower the effects of the sounds and visuals of the fireworks on your dog. It is also important to mask the noises with calmer sounds, such as the TV, the radio or even calming audio for dogs. If you decide to go out to a fireworks display, you must leave your dog at home and make sure you keep the TV, radio or calming audio on.

► Tip 2 - Distraction:- Sometimes your dog can be easily distracted from the fireworks with a food puzzle. Some challenging food puzzle toys can keep your dog distracted for a couple of hours whilst they dig for whatever treats or food you decide to reward them with. This will distract them long enough for the fireworks display to take its course. This can encourage your dog to focus on something more positive to create a calmer environment. Speaking calmly can also help to keep your dog distracted through assurance.

► Tip 3 - Desensitisation and sound familiarisation:- A helpful method is to train your dog to be desensitised towards distressing sounds. Using training sounds can help to ease your dog into becoming familiar with the sounds associated with distressing situations such as fireworks.

► Tip 4 - Build a safe space (Extra tip, add an item of your clothing) Sometimes allowing your dog to hide and feel safe is the best way to calm them down. Forcing your dog out of their safe space can increase their stress and cause further discomfort. Even if their safe space is behind the sofa, giving your dog the space they need can help. DO NOT restrict your dog to a single room, if they do not want to be in that room, they will become even more uncomfortable. Let them choose their safe space. A further tip; add an item of your worn clothing to their safe space. The familiarity of your scent can help to calm them down.

► Tip 5 - Ensure they are microchipped/wearing a tag ... In the unfortunate situation that your dog makes a run for it due to its high levels of stress, your dog must be microchipped and wearing a tag. This will allow you to find your dog easily and make sure that they are safe. However, following our tips above will significantly decrease the chances of your dog running away.

► Tip 6 - Pandemic Puppies:- With most large fireworks events cancelled during lockdown 2 in 2021, this is the 1st year since the Pandemic that local firework displays will be back up and running. Throughout the Pandemic, we saw a spike of dog owners and many of you may not have experienced a loud fireworks display since you increased the size of your family with your furry friend. If you live close to a big display, pay extra caution as the volume and significance of the fireworks will take a bigger toll on your dog. Running out of time to prepare? You can purchase our pet remedy de-stress and calming party season survival kit.

The Founder of Treatyourdog.Co.UK Heather Hiley commented:- "It is important that we show our dogs the care and love that they show us. With the spike in dog owners, especially puppies, throughout the Pandemic, many of you haven't seen how much fireworks can affect your dog. Stress can increase dramatically for dogs and being ready and prepared can make all the difference. So microchip your dogs, allow them a safe space, distract them and if you can train them to become desensitised to the volume, then you and your dog will be able to enjoy fireworks night to the full. Our de-stress products will also help owners to make sure their dogs are safe whilst allowing themselves to enjoy the fireworks and celebrations at the same time."

Treat Your Dog sells products to aid in de-stress and lowering anxiety. The perfect product for this fireworks night. We promise this will be the best ₤24.99 you spend this fireworks night. For more details see:- TreatYourDog.Co.UK.