Liverpool Pride Festival returns for its 9th consecutive and will still be free
Photographs by David Munn Photography

THE region's established annual celebration of all things LGBTQ+ will again take place across 2 days, Saturday, 28 July 2018 and Sunday, 29 July 2018. The location will be revealed soon.

Liverpool Pride has grown to become 1 of the City's major annual events, last year a record 8000 people joined the march and over 50,000 enjoyed 2 days of entertainment to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

The theme for 2018 has also now been revealed as #AllTogetherNow, which encompasses every branch of the LGBTQ+ and wider communities coming together no matter what their ethnicity, gender, sexuality, belief or however they define themselves in celebration of equality and diversity.

John Bird, Trustee of Liverpool Pride Charity said:- "We're so excited to finally be releasing news of this year's Liverpool Pride. 2018 is a momentous year for the City, and we wanted to add to that in the best way Pride possibly could. This year's theme can be interpreted in so many different ways; but mostly we see it as all our communities coming together in joint celebration of equality, diversity and visibly demonstrating that no matter what our gender, ethnicity, sexuality, faith or however a person identifies, we are #AllTogetherNow. 2018, as well as being the 10 years since Liverpool was European Capital of Culture, also marks 10 years since Michael Causer, a 18 year old young man, tragically lost his life after being victim to a hate crime; we honour him now, as we do every year, as it was this tragedy that was the rallying call for the modern day Liverpool Pride movement. We have some big surprises in store for this year's event, so stay tuned!"

The Liverpool Pride Festival 2018 will also mark 10 years since the death of murdered gay teenager Michael Causer, who tragically lost his life, on 2 August 2008.

The festival was specifically created in 2010 in Michael's memory as a way to celebrate his life and to empower the LGBT communities, and each year the festival coincides with the anniversary of Michael's death. The festival continues to remind the community to stand up for LGBT culture and equality through a City wide celebration where everyone is welcome.

As always, the Liverpool Pride March will play a major role in the weekend's programme, bringing the City to a halt in a poignant and joyous chance for everyone to get involved. Full details will also be announced in the coming months about the community engagement events and specific programming and projects which are planned round the festival dates.

Liverpool Pride's #AllTogetherNow theme will also complement a City wide season of events and performances to mark #Liverpool2018 - 10 years since European Capital Of Culture.

For a taste of what's to come go to YouTube to see the official Liverpool Pride 2018 trailer.  Also keep up to date with Liverpool Pride's new announcements via:-  LiverpoolPride.Co.UK.

Edge Hill University and Tate Liverpool explore new education and community engagement approaches

EDGE Hill University is collaborating with Tate Liverpool on an innovative education and community research project which will inform the gallery's learning initiatives at a local and national level. The 3 primary Schools involved in the initial phase of the project were LIPA Primary School, Belle Vale Primary and Kensington Primary.

Schools in residence is a pilot project involving children, staff and students from 3 Liverpool City Region Primary Schools, Edge Hill University's Faculty of Education, and Tate Liverpool's Learning Department. The project aims to explore new ways for Schools to enhance and enrich teaching and learning and for children and their families to enjoy and develop a sense of 'ownership' of museum and gallery spaces.

During the successful initial phase of the project, children from the 3 Schools participated in workshops with Tate Liverpool artist educator Harriett Hall, programme manager, Dr Deborah Riding and Edge Hill staff. The children explored their ideas about learning and what a classroom in a gallery could be like. They produced writing, images and models which were presented to the public along with photos and a video installation in Tate Liverpool's Tate Exchange space. Visitors to the exhibition were able to contribute by adding their thoughts and ideas to 'blueprint' posters.

Phase 2 of the project saw classes from LIPA Primary School take up residency in the gallery for 2 weeks. The children experienced their planned timetable as usual, but using the gallery's many different spaces as their classroom. The class teachers made careful use of the artworks displayed in the gallery to enrich teaching and learning.

Students and staff from Edge Hill University and staff from the gallery's Learning Department participated in the lessons to gather information about the children's and teachers' responses. At the end of each day the teachers, University staff, students, and gallery staff discussed and reflected on the information gathered. This research will now be used to help to develop the model for a future programme of Schools in residence.

Class teacher Elizabeth Malone said:- "The children didn't seem fazed by their new surroundings, and took everything in their stride. They really enjoyed the freedom of being able to choose where to do their work and looking at the new surroundings in each gallery."

Emily Green, 1st year BA (Hons) Working with Children 5 to 11 student said:- "I wasn't sure how the children would react to being in a completely different environment, but they settled in really quickly and they're acting like they are still in the classroom. It's really clear to see which children are interested in the arts. Some interpret the art and some just focus on the patterns and colours."

Lizzie Morris, 1st year BA (Hons) Working with Children 5 to 11 student said:- "I've learnt that you can adapt your teaching into any space and that it's easier to build a rapport with the children when they're in a different environment"

Nichola Callander, Edge Hill's Assistant Head of Department for Children, Education and Communities said:- "We want the children to feel like they belong in the gallery. This project is increasing their cultural capital and giving them and their families new perspectives."

Dr Helen O'Keeffe, Associate Dean of Edge Hill's Faculty of Education, said:- "We hope that the project will open up opportunities for all those involved to experience art and the gallery from a range of different perspectives and consider the opportunities the gallery can offer."

Dr Deborah Riding, Programme Manager: Children and Young People, Tate Liverpool, said:- "This is a fantastic opportunity to work with Schools and partners in the City and region to research how cultural institutions can offer relevant, yet expansive, connections to the curriculum and provide the physical, intellectual and creative spaces, for both teachers and children to explore them."