Liverpool's top entertainment venue is now the M&S Bank Arena

THE M&S Bank Arena Liverpool rebrand has been unveiled after M&S Bank became the official naming partner of the City's number 1 venue for entertainment.

Sue Fox, CEO of M&S Bank, said:- "It's absolutely fantastic to start 2019 with the launch of the M&S Bank Arena; we're incredibly proud to be the official naming partner of Liverpool's top venue for music, sport, comedy and family entertainment and it's a really proud moment for us to see the rebrand complete across the entire venue."

The M&S Bank Arena is set for a busy year in 2019, which will see it host high profile artists such as:- George Ezra, Little Mix, Rod Stewart and Mumford and Sons. The Netball World Cup is set to attract tens of thousands of global visitors when it comes to the City, in July 2019.

Bob Prattey, CEO of The ACC Liverpool Group, which includes the M&S Bank Arena, said:- "In 2018 we celebrated the arena's 10th birthday and the next decade is going to be equally significant as we develop the programme, working closely with M&S Bank, a major brand that shares our ambitions for establishing the venue on a truly national and international scale. This year's event calendar is our most varied and exciting to date, ranging from Strictly Come Dancing; which took place on Tuesday in the rebranded M&S Bank Arena; along with a host of sporting events, concerts and family entertainment."

The venue has hosted over 1,350 performances since it 1st opened its doors in 2008. Entertainment highlights have included:- the MTV Europe Music Awards, the Davis Cup, Sir Paul McCartney, the MOBO Awards and BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

It has welcomed 5.9 million visitors since opening and the campus, also home to ACC Liverpool and Exhibition Centre Liverpool, has generated ₤1.6billion in economic benefit for the Liverpool City Region.

Sugar tax to boost mental and physical activity in Schools

SCHOOLS in Liverpool are to get more than ½ a million pounds to spend on improving physical and mental health; funded by the sugar tax. The Council has received ₤271,436 of Healthy Pupils Capital Fund money from the soft drinks levy which will benefit more than 80 Nursery, Primary, Special and Secondary Community Schools. It is split proportionately dependent on their capital funding allocation, with the highest awards going to the biggest Schools in the City. Alsop High School is getting ₤12,216 and Calderstones School is receiving ₤10,763. Primary Schools will receive between ₤2k and ₤4k. A full list of allocations for each School can be found here.

In addition, Church of England and Roman Catholic voluntary aided Schools will receive ₤290,323, with funding decisions made by the Diocese and Archdiocese. It brings the total amount for Liverpool to ₤561,759; which can be spent on anything, which makes children more active with their minds and bodies, such as School allotments, water fountains, play equipment and marking as well as kitchen appliances.

Cabinet member for education, Cllr Barbara Murray, said:- "Getting children into the habit of being active mentally and physically is vital; we know it helps with learning and is something that can last a lifetime if it becomes routine.  We have taken a decision with our own Schools to make sure that every 1 of them gets a slice of the funding to spend as they see fit and I am looking forward to seeing how they use it."