Snapshot of life within 6 Liverpool City Region community groups to be told in new photographic project

6 diverse groups from across the Liverpool City Region are to provide a unique snapshot of their lives and communities as part of this year's LCR Cultural Events Programme.

The:- 'Photo Here' project will see established groups, including:- refugees and asylum seekers, members of the LGBTQI+ community and D/deaf and BSL users, tell their stories and the stories of the areas they live in with the help of professional:- 'socially engaged photographers in residence.'

The photographers and community group members will work alongside Open Eye Gallery, who have been commissioned by the Combined Authority to deliver the project, to curate summer exhibitions of their work in each of the City Region's boroughs: Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral.

Councillor Mike Wharton, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade said:- "This year's Cultural Events Programme is set to be thought-provoking and inspirational. I hope it challenges all of us to listen, to learn, and to reflect on the varied experiences of our diverse communities from across the Liverpool City Region. Culture is often a powerful catalyst for opening conversations and I'm looking forward to seeing the moments captured on film by the artists and community groups and how they will document these moments in history."

Anoosh Ariamehr is the socially engaged photographer in residence for the Knowsley group. He said:- "This is my third commissioned project as a socially engaged photographer. I am working with a group of displaced people and locals in Knowsley who are eager to share their stories through photography. I am excited to witness the group's growth day by day, what inspires their work, and the deeper meanings behind their images. Every week, I see their progress, the way they eagerly bring fascinating photos and compelling stories to each session. Seeing their dedication and passion and how quickly we have built a close and collaborative environment truly makes me happy."

With the unveiling of the summer exhibitions, Open Eye Gallery will launch the 2025 Liverpool City Region Photography Awards with both:- 'Photo Here' participants and the wider public invited to enter.

Sarah Fisher, Executive Director of the Open Eye Gallery said:- "This year, as we get to the exhibition stage of the:- 'Photo Here' project, we are hoping to encourage members of the community groups involved in the residencies and the wider public to enter the awards. Our last Liverpool City Region Photography Awards, in 2023, was a hugely successful exhibition, with 380 people participating in the open call and over 3500 people visiting the exhibition. We highlighted exciting work both digitally and physically, championing less heard voices and showing how everyday photography practice can be also a part of an exhibition. It also validated that Liverpool City Region is truly a great place for photographers, so we are already counting down to the launch!"

The 6 residency projects are now underway and will encourage creativity and provide high quality, free, creative workshops within the community groups as they work on the commissions over the next few months.

Vimto Partners With Biggest Ever Liverpool ˝ Marathon
Photo by:- Erica Dillon

VIMTO Energy Zero has been named as the Official Drinks Partner for the biggest ever Liverpool ˝ Marathon, which takes place next month.

The headline race is organised and delivered by leading independent running event organiser BTR Liverpool.

This year marks the 31st anniversary of the BTR Liverpool ˝ Marathon which sold out 4 weeks ago at a staggering 11,500 entries.

The event also includes:- a 10 mile race being hosted for the 10th consecutive time. This race distance sold out at 500 places in the 1st week of January.

Both races start at 9am from Pier Head Liverpool on:- Sunday, 23 March 2025; with a combined start line figure of:- 12,000 participants.

Established in 1994, the ˝ marathon is highly regarded as 1 of the longest established premier road races in the Region, and a real highlight in the North West race calendar.

This year's event has attracted the largest number of participants in its history; and the biggest start line entry figure for any BTR Liverpool event across its portfolio.

The race also attracts participants from across the country and globally, with runners this year travelling from countries including:- Argentina, Iceland, Portugal, Switzerland, and the USA.

This year's numbers are a significant jump from:- 9,000 entries in 2024, when the event sold out with 3 weeks to go. This was the largest number of entries since 2013.

Vimto is involved with the event for the 1st time. With its headquarters in Newton-le-Willows, the partnership will see 2 North West icons coming together for this event highlight.

Vimto has been doing things differently since 1908 with its unmistakable flavour, that has been a family favourite for generations.

Hannah Ousey, Vimto Brand Marketing, commented:- "We're really excited that Vimto Energy Zero is the Official Drinks Partner of the biggest ever BTR Liverpool ˝ Marathon and 10 Miler. Vimto Energy Zero has the unmistakable Vimto taste people already know and love, but with natural caffeine and Vitamins B6 and B12. It gives health-conscious consumers a tasty way to get their energy fix. We can't wait to see 12,000 runners enjoying Vimto Energy Zero on race day; we'll definitely be bringing the Vimto vibes!"

Runners will sample Vimto Energy Zero on event day when collecting their post race goodies. The household brand will also have a team of Vimto Runners taking part in the 2 races, as well as a volunteer team on the day.

In the lead up to the event, Vimto is offering competition prizes on social media; follow @vimto to get involved.

Partnering with the BTR Liverpool ˝ Marathon starts an action-packed year for Vimto, which is bringing back its Love The Taste promotion later in the year.

Vimto Energy Zero joins 2 earlier partner announcements when North West Air Ambulance was named as the Official Charity Partner, with Barry's Liverpool, as Official Training Partner, for BTR events in 2025.

The BTR Liverpool ˝ Marathon has firmly established itself in the City's events calendar, with the event massively boosting the City's economy on event day including:- hospitality venues and hotels.

The 13.1-mile route starts and finishes at Pier Head Liverpool, winding its way through the City, taking in landmarks including:- Liverpool Cathedral, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, and Museum Of Liverpool.

A grandstand finish on the world-famous waterfront comes under the gaze of the iconic Liver Birds and 3 Graces; a spectacular backdrop to complete the race and be presented with a commemorative finishers' medal.

BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell commented:- "Vimto is a household name and we're delighted to welcome the brand on-board as Official Drinks Partner for the biggest ever BTR Liverpool ˝ Marathon and 10 Miler; and the largest BTR event we've ever staged. We cannot wait to host Vimto and 12,000 runners on 23 March. The race attracts runners across the board; from those stepping up from a 10K and taking on their 1st double-figure mileage race; runners building and trying to improve on what they have already achieved; and others who are chasing a personal best quite literally. The course provides the perfect backdrop for everyone to achieve their race targets. Both distances sold out 8 weeks before race day which is totally unprecedented, and BTR Liverpool would like to thank each and every runner for their incredible support. If you missed out on a place and would still like to be involved, we have volunteer opportunities. It's going to be a very memorable day."

BTR Liverpool is supporting 8 charities spanning the 2025 event portfolio; are:- Alder Hey Children's Charity; Claire House Children's Hospice; Clatterbridge Cancer Charity; Liverpool Women's Hospital Charity; Mersey Cares; North West Air Ambulance; Wirral University Teaching Hospital; and Zoe's Place Baby Hospice.

BTR Liverpool is the leading independent organisation for creating, managing, and delivering headline running events across Liverpool City Region. Its extensive portfolio covers various distances across different terrains, all with an ongoing commitment to sustainability.

Alongside headline events BTR Liverpool ˝ Marathon and BTR Liverpool Santa Dash, the portfolio also includes:- BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K; Port Sunlight Road Race 10K and 5K, BTR Tour Of Merseyside 52-mile six-race challenge, BTR Women's 10K and 5K Liverpool, BTR Wirral 10K, and Run For The 97.

To find out more visit:- BTRLiverpool.Com.