Review of news reports on Southport & Mersey Reporter for 2024

2024 has been an incredibly challenging year for Southport. While we've welcomed international attention, it unfortunately stemmed from 1 negative event. Over 2024, the people of Southport and ourselves have all witnessed acts of both remarkable kindness and significant hardship, even death, shaping the future of our beloved seaside Town and the surrounding area of the Liverpool City Region.

2024's overarching story dominated for most of the year, locally, nationally, and internationally. The tragic events of the stabbing of children at a Tailor Swift themed event, on Heart Street, in Southport. For us, this was the hardest thing we have ever had to cover. Sadly, for Southport and it's people, its impact will likely continue well into 2025 and beyond.

Another key factor of 2024's news coverage was the persistent damp weather which significantly impacted local events, leading to numerous cancellations and low visitor numbers.

On the topic of the environment, we also got to hear about year another Tidal Power project for the River Mersey. along with a national tree planting project! Plus, we had lots of agricultural news, especially with regards farming. Farming will definitely become a key issue in 2025's headlines.

On the political side, the Conservatives got ousted and Labour got into Power nationally. On a local level, a historic moment occurred with the election of the first Labour MP to represent Southport, Patrick Hurley.

It wasn't all bad, as we still had lots of good things going on., such as the:- Liverpool's amazing River of Light, and the 100th Southport Flower Show.

The Liverpool City Region also experienced major changes, including the retirement of the 507/508 train fleet and the full introduction of the 777 class trains.

Southport is now on a long road of recovery and needs your support. Please do visit and support our local businesses and the events that have taken a battering over 2024. Lets hope 2025 is a better year!

What are your thoughts about 2024? Was it a good or bad year for you? Email our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter with your view of 2024. Also please do subscribe to our YouTube Channel...

As we welcome 2025, there are a whole host of films many of us are looking forward to over the next year

VUE have shared a round up of the films that fans can get excited for, from the return of:- 'Bridget Jones' and family favourites such as:- 'How To Train Your Dragon.'

Film fans can rest assured there's a lot of big screen magic to look forward to at Vue Southport in 2025.

Some of the must see films for 2025 according to Vue are as follows:-

• 'Bridget Jones - Mad About the Boy,' UK release on:- 14 February 2025. Arriving Valentine's Day, British cultural icon and hopeless romantic Bridget Jones will be returning. In this new film we find out titular character navigating single life and motherhood after the loss of her husband, Mr Darcy. Also flying onto screens is
  

• 'Captain America - Brave New World,' UK release on:- 14 February. Basted on a superhero created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby who 1st appeared in December 1940, in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. In the film, Anthony Mackie returns as the high flying hero Sam Wilson, who’s officially taken up the mantle of Captain America. After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident. The superhero must discover the motive behind a nefarious global plan.
  

• 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning,' UK release on:- 25 May. The 8th instalment in the series sees Ethan Hunt and his allies attempt to defeat Gabriel and destroy the Entity. Also heading back to the big screen in 2025 is
  

• 'Jurassic Park - Rebirth' - this film comes out on 2 July 2025. It is the 4th instalment in the Jurassic World series and the 7th instalment overall in the Jurassic Park film in the series.

• 'Fantastic Four' - comes out on 26 July 2025, The 1st Steps, with the re-launch seeing Pedro Pascal step into the role of Mr Fantastic. it is intended to be the 37th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the 2nd reboot of the franchise.
  

• 'Wicked: For Good, in November' - Release date to be confirmed. It's set to be a big year for music on the big screen too, as later in the year, MJ fans can expect the highly anticipated biopic of music legend in Michael, and the concluding part of this year's biggest musical moment arrives in November is:- 'Wicked - For Good.'

Younger viewers and families have a lot to look forward to in 2025, including:- live action films of iconic video game:- 'Minecraft' to be released in the UK on:- 4 April 2025, and classic animated title:- 'How to Train Your Dragon' set for UK release on:- 13 June 2025.

The big screen isn't just for blockbusters either, with Vue continuing to bring much loved classics back to the big screen. In 2025 film fans can look forward to a selection of David Fincher's greatest works being screen, as well as the OG Bridget Jones Trilogy and much more.

Theatre lovers can expect another year full of the best British theatre productions, including:- National Theatre Live's The Importance of Being Earnest and Dr Strangelove. Also arriving from the stage is the Royal Opera's Swan Lake and David Tenant as Macbeth.

Emily Heath, General Manager at Vue Southport, said:- "Looking ahead to 2025, it's clear that fans of the big screen are going to be spoilt for choice. From family favourites to high octane sequels to musical moments and incredible live productions, there's something for everyone. Expect familiar faces (and some new ones too) in what is looking to be an eclectic mix of content."