Cosplay Competition & screening of Serenity (2005)

ON Saturday, 25 January 2020, the Bijou Cinema in Southport, in conjunction with VAMPHire.Com will be hosting a Cosplay Competition, with a screening of the must-see fantasy Sci-Fi thriller, Serenity. The film is the continuation of the television series called:- "Firefly" but it also works as a stand-alone film, so you don't need to see the TV show to enjoy it. The film was written, produced and directed by Joss Whedon, back in 2005 and is regarded as "an enormous influence" on later films and Fox Television series, Firefly. In 2007, Serenity beat Star Wars to the title of:- 'Best Sci-fi Movie' in an SFX magazine poll of 3000 fans. It's worth adding that TV series and the film are also the work of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" creator Joss Whedon. This film is a kind of "Wild West"-era film, set in a post apocalyptic time, and in space.

If you do not know the story, it is set on a small ship, called:- 'Serenity' during the 26th Century: the Earth has become overpopulated and much of humanity has been relocated to a new, unnamed solar system. Within the ship are a group of rebels travelling on the outskirts of space, outside the reach of the Alliance, a sinister regime that controls most of the Universe. This film has many likeable characters who deliver witty dialogue throughout the film. It comes with amazing special effects for its age and both the film and the show carry a lot of steampunk connotations.

The film stars the same cast, taking place after the events of the final episode. The main cast includes:- Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Adam Baldwin, Summer Glau, and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Fancy dress is in no way obligatory for attendance but for those who wishto enter into the spirit of the event, the competition can note that some fun prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places, for the best costumes. Just 75 tickets will be on sale, at ₤5 each. Please be aware that there will not be any trailers or adverts at this screening. Doors Open at 6:30pm and tickets can be bought on the night or from the Bijou Cinema's listing, on the Ticket Source website. More information can be located on VAMPHire.Com's Facebook Page. Film starts at 7:30pm. It runs for:- 119 minutes and carries a 15 certificate, but the night will finish at 11pm... Bar and soft drinks available at the venue throughout the night!

Rules for the Cosplay Competition are as follows:-

1. Judges' decision is final.

2. Dress to impress.

3. You do not need to have an outfit that is connected to the film or series.

4. Pick the costume you think will impress, but do not forget that you have to sit down and also let others see over you!

5. No realistic weapons will be allowed... Sorry!

VAMPHire.Com will be making an announcement next week about a series of events starting in March 2020 on the back of this. So if you want to enter the media, film or TV, please show your support and go along to this event… More information to follow very soon!

Liverpool gears up for Chinese New Year celebrations

IN 2020 Liverpool will be bringing in the:- 'Year of the Rat' in style with celebrations set to take place in the heart of Europe's oldest China Town. On Sunday, 26 January 2020, the Chinese New Year festivities will see traditional Chinese culture blended with modern performances to create must see street, stage and music acts, aerial demonstrations, family workshops, a fairground along with the hugely popular:- Dragon, Unicorn and Lion parades and firecracker displays. The market will also make a return to George Street selling gifts, souvenirs and mouth watering food. As a result of the financial challenges facing the City Council, this year's free celebrations will all take place on the 1 day; starting at 11am and finishing around 5pm.

Building up to the main day of activity, over the next few days thousands of Chinese lanterns will adorn the City Centre streets, and from Friday, 10 January 2020. a number of buildings will be illuminated in red in honour of the new year:- signifying good fortune and joy to everyone. These buildings are the:- Cunard Building, Liverpool Town Hall, St George's Hall, Central Library Picton Colonnades, Toxteth Library, World Museum, Open Eye Gallery, Everyman and Playhouse Theatres and Mersey Tunnels George's Dock Building.

Keep up with the latest news by following Culture Liverpool on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook or head to:- CultureLiverpool.Co.UK. Follow the conversation on socials with #CNYLiverpool. The event has been organised by Liverpool City Council in partnership with the Liverpool Chinese New Year Co-ordinating committee.

Deputy Mayor and cabinet member for culture tourism and events, Councillor Wendy Simon, said:- "Our Chinese New Year event is always hugely popular and it's wonderful to see thousands of people come together in celebration of our much loved Chinese community. The day is set to be a real spectacle and I'm delighted so many organisations work together to help us programme the day, which really feels like the kick start of our annual events programme. This year, everything is taking place on the one day and it really is packed from start to finish. It's the perfect family friendly day out, with a whole host of activities which are either free, or cost very little; so it's a great way for everyone to get involved in marking this special event."

Secretary of Liverpool Chinese Business Association, Ming Wong, said:- "On Sunday, 26 January 2019, we will celebrate the start of the Year of the Rat in great style as usual. There will be a vibrant busy atmosphere, food stalls, cultural events, family workshops, street entertainment and a fun fair. And of course, Dragon and Lion street parades, a spectacular firecracker display and look out for the lucky man who will be handing out red envelopes containing a surprise. Come along and bring your friends and family to join the all day celebration; we look forward to seeing you on the day!"