Sefton Council and the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) have announced an exciting new partnership that will see one of the UK’s leading creative institutions play a key role in the next chapter of Salt and Tar, Bootle’s growing culture and events venue.

This collaboration will create unique opportunities for LIPA students and graduates to work alongside Sefton’s tourism, regeneration and cultural teams on live events, performances and community projects at Salt and Tar. The initiative aims to nurture local talent, inspire creativity and strengthen Bootle’s reputation as a vibrant hub where culture and community come together.

As part of the partnership, LIPA students will deliver LIPA Live @ Salt and Tar, a series of live shows featuring music, theatre and digital performance that builds on the existing LIPA Live @ The Cavern. They will also contribute to the development and delivery of workshops and skills programmes for local schools and residents. In addition, Sefton Council and LIPA will co-commission new works inspired by Bootle’s people, stories and heritage.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Skills and Employment, said:

“Salt and Tar continues to lead the way in Bootle’s regeneration story, it’s a place where people come together to celebrate music, creativity and community. Sir Tom Jones, Billy Ocean, Status Quo and many others have already performed at Salt and Tar. This partnership with LIPA brings world-class energy and emerging talent to our borough and creates pathways for local people into the creative industries.”

Professor Sean McNamara, LIPA’s Principal and CEO, said:

“Our partnership with Sefton Council marks an exciting opportunity to bring together creative education and community regeneration. Through Salt and Tar, LIPA students and graduates will gain invaluable professional experience across performance and production. We’re delighted to support Bootle’s continued growth as a vibrant cultural destination where creativity fuels community pride and economic renewal.”

Boost Your Creative Career in Music and Media

Love music? Passionate about visuals and storytelling? This free 2-week Skills Bootcamp in Music Marketing & Video Production is your chance to dive into the world where music meets film.

You’ll work alongside musicians, artists, and filmmakers to create real music videos, learn how to promote them online, and build the skills that help artists get noticed in today’s digital world.

This practical, hands-on course gives you the tools to shoot, edit, and market music videos, while connecting you with creative people across the Liverpool City Region who share your passion for music and media.

Spaces are limited, and applications are now open.

For an application form or to enquire further, please send an email to both of the below addresses and one of our team will get back to you:

Karen@cinemateca.co.uk

Roz@cinemateca.co.uk

The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Tuesday 18th November 2025.

Following the closing date, you will be contacted by a member of our team to let you know the outcome of your application. Don’t miss your chance to join this fantastic course and begin shaping the next step of your creative journey.

Source: Skills Bootcamp: Music Marketing & Video Production — Cinemateca

As Southport prepares itself for a unique year of extraordinary cultural activity in 2026, InvestSefton wants to ensure local businesses are fully prepared to capitalise on it.

Starting in late November 2025, InvestSefton have launched a series of FREE workshops designed to boost your creativity, strengthen your marketing capabilities, and elevate your customer experience – giving your business the confidence to REALLY make the most of what is anticipated to be a never-before-experienced & exciting 12 months for Southport. 

Over 3 workshops, InvestSefton and our Expert Hosts will help you discover the next level for your business, covering 3 key themes, read more about the workshops here.

As Southport prepares itself for a unique year of extraordinary cultural activity in 2026, InvestSefton wants to ensure local businesses are fully prepared to capitalise on it.

Find out more about the cultural programme of events, including a video here.

InvestSefton have now launched a series of FREE workshops designed to boost your creativity, strengthen your marketing capabilities, and elevate your customer experience – giving your business the confidence to REALLY make the most of what is anticipated to be a never-before-experienced & exciting 12 months for Southport. 

Over 3 workshops, InvestSefton and our Expert Hosts will help you discover the next level for your business, covering 3 key themes, read more about the workshops here.

Sefton Council’s Passenger Transport Open Framework has gone live on the Chest today.  The Contract is for the provision of Passenger Transport Services (bus, mini bus, coach, taxi & private hire) to Sefton council and its establishments.   The Framework is split into 4 lots dependent upon the number of passengers – Lot 1 is 0-5/Lot 2 is 6-8/Lot 3 is 9-16 and Lot 4 is 17+.  A summary of the contract details can be found using the following link:-  Provision of Passenger Transport Open Framework – Find a Tender

If you need support with logging onto the Chest or support with the completion of the bid paperwork InvestSefton can offer support , please contact either Dominique or Sharon at InvestSefton@sefton.gov.uk

Last date to submit a bid is 14^th November 2025 at 12 noon

Our next Financial & Professional Networking Group (F&P) will be held on Thursday 23rd October at The Lake House in Waterloo, from 8.15 – 10am.

Join us from 8.15am for a complimentary breakfast and networking, with interesting and informative talks at 9am from a local business owner and LJMU.

Book your place: investsefton@sefton.gov.uk or call 0151 934 3452

THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED

Next year is going to be huge for Southport…. Please join us for the official launch of Southport 2026 and be first to hear how your business can make the most of what is being planned.

With a promise to be ‘Elegantly Eccentric’, this event will share the ambitions and creative concepts behind the programme as well give practical ways in which you can get involved.

The event will take place on Thursday 6th November at The Grand in Southport between 5pm and 7pm. Visit our events page to book your place.

The School for Social Enterprise has launched a fully funded Women’s Enterprise Growth Programme offering 18-35-year-olds in Liverpool City Region and London expert support, peer learning, and access to a £7,000 grant to grow their social enterprises.

Applications are now open. For more information click here

Source: Growth Platform

Southport-based commercial photographer Patricia Niland has been recognised on the world stage, receiving an award at the internationally acclaimed Siena International Photo Awards (SIPAContest).

The Siena Awards are considered one of the most prestigious photography competitions in the world. Each year, tens of thousands of entries are submitted from across the globe, with photographers from more than 140 countries taking part (Forbes). 

Images are judged by a distinguished panel of internationally renowned photographers, editors and picture buyers, making it one of the most competitive contests of its kind.

The awards ceremony took place at the historic Teatro dei Rinnovati in Siena, Italy, followed by a series of high profile exhibitions showcasing the winning works. Patricia’s work was exhibited at the Art School of Duccio, in Siena.

Patricia is a photographer who works with businesses, from start-ups to international brands. She specialises in Brand Lifestyle Storytelling photography, covering People, Food & Drink, Property and Products. 

Her work has already been recognised this year, with two awards at the World Food Photography Awards and her photography has also been exhibited at the Glasgow Gallery of Photography.

Patricia Niland said:

“To have my work recognised by SIPA and exhibited in such a prestigious international competition was a truly special experience. I feel incredibly grateful and humbled to be included among so many talented photographers from around the world.

“With a background in branding and graphic design, photography for me has always been more than aesthetics, it’s about storytelling. I strive to capture not just how something looks, but its atmosphere, its emotion and the detail that brings it to life. 

“My photography helps businesses share their story and market themselves more effectively. To know that this vision resonated with such an esteemed judging panel, and was shared with international audiences in Siena, is both an honour and an inspiration.

“SIPA’s hospitality in Siena was nothing short of extraordinary. From vineyard lunches and tours through Tuscany, to a grand awards dinner accompanied by a breathtaking light show in the Piazza del Campo, we were truly treated like royalty. 

“The experience has left me inspired and energised to keep pushing creative boundaries and to continue crafting imagery that resonates and connects with people.”

Source: Stand Up for Southport

Our next Financial & Professional Networking Group (F&P) will be held on Thursday 23rd October at The Lake House in Waterloo, from 8.15 – 10am.

Join us from 8.15am for a complimentary breakfast and networking, with interesting and informative talks at 9am from a local business owner and LJMU.

Book your place: investsefton@sefton.gov.uk or call 0151 934 3452