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The Herald Scotland
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
The best of Liverpool - ten attractions in four days
QUIRKY QUARTER Why, even after three hours, are we reluctant to leave? We're suspending reality and becoming totally inquisitive, in this world of illusions, magically changing images, upside down rooms, and unbelievable photo opportunities. It's interactive and frustrating, but satisfying to crack conundrums. Ryan Johnston, who patently loves his job, helps when we fail, and is a whizz at photographing us. Don't miss the quiz about landmarks, when you can become an 'Honorary Scouser'. Ron's faves are conducting an orchestra playing Beethoven's 'Fur Elise' and the last room. I won't reveal anything. Suffice to say this room's compelling, a tad scary and infinite. And take a hairbrush in with you to look your best. You'll be mesmerised. Quirky's an understatement. MERSEY FERRY RIVER EXPLORER CRUISE Royal Liver Building (Image L Cahill) Aim to arrive early at The Liverpool Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal, to collect a journey map, then swiftly join the queue, to secure a deck seat for best views. To the sound of 'Ferry Cross the Mersey', by Gerry and the Pacemakers, we take the 50-minute cruise, on Royal Iris of The Mersey. We hear an excellent commentary, viewing photo-worthy highlights, such as The Three Graces (Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building), Cammell Laird Shipyard (over 1300 ships built), Royal Albert Dock, and Wallasey Town Hall. An option's to disembark at Seacombe and walk to New Brighton. We ferry past Everton FC's new stadium. After you disembark, head to The Beatles Statue for a photo. MUSEUM OF LIVERPOOL ake for this stunning building to learn Liverpool's story. Our destination's an exhibition in the Skylight Gallery on the second floor. Here, in the People's Republic Gallery, we visit 'Galcoff's and the secret life of Pembroke Place'. We're fascinated by the reconstruction of the frontage of kosher butcher's shop, and a description of how the 1930's green tiles were conserved or replaced. The exhibition's enhanced by a video of the family, including Ivor Galcoff, Percy's grandson, singing 'The Sausage Song'. We learn about the social history of Liverpool's Jewish community, and read notes written by Galcoff's customers and workers. Position yourself at the nearby window to take exceptional photographs of Liverpool's superb architecture and waterfront. THE CAVERN RESTAURANT Time for our first taste of 'scouse', accompanied by Merseybeat. This Mathew Street restaurant attracted us because it served 'Blind Scouse', a vegan adaptation of the world-famous dish. We sit at a great vantage point, watching tourists. But, we're focused on delicious, garlic bread then hearty bowls of scouse - mixed vegetables, barley, potatoes and gravy, with pickled red cabbage, beetroot and crusty bread on the side. Sorbet scoops of blood orange, and mango complete a perfect lunch, which includes top-class service from our waitress Rose. Satiated, we admire the reception desk with its campervan frontage, photos of celebrities displayed up the staircase, and Cavern merchandise. THE CAVERN CLUB We head downstairs and feel the beat, history and fame, gaze at the famous arches and think how it must have been. On the Front Stage, a man belts out 'Sunny Afternoon', by The Kinks. This Cavern Club's a replica - the original one was demolished in the 1970s and rebuilt in the 1980s, in the same place. We still feel excitement and the atmosphere - especially nostalgia as we're Baby Boomers. It's loud and powerful, with great acoustics. Before you leave, I recommend you buy a brilliant souvenir, from an extensive choice. We climb into daylight for the Wall of Fame and statues of Cilla Black and John Lennon. STRAWBERRY FIELD In 1934, Strawberry Field and its Victorian house were gifted to The Salvation Army. The house later became a refuge for needy children. We're impressed to learn about the Steps at Strawberry Field programme, including one where young adults with difficulties securing paid employment, can succeed. Strawberry Field Bandstand (Image: L Cahill) We marvel at the top-class exhibition, especially the 'Imagine' piano, a Steinway lent by the George Michael Estate. There are also gifted, limited edition LPs and John's handwritten draft of 'Strawberry Fields Forever' lyrics. The photomosaic is superb, especially seeing John's face behind the piano. We explore the gardens, where young John played - a haven of peace. We spot the original red gates and climb onto the bandstand. By the time we reach the labyrinth walk, we're well chilled, with John's song in our heads. CROSBY BEACH We take the train from Central Station to Waterloo, then walk past a swan-filled lake, to a path through sand dunes. It's time to reacquaint with several of the special, naked 100 men I know and love in Merseyside. 'Another Place' by Antony Gormley at Crosby Beach (Image: L Cahill) Time for more photos of these cast-iron men, who live on Crosby Beach, gazing at the sea, horizon, ferries, and the Burbo Bank Offshore Wind Farm. These superb life-size sculptures by Antony Gormley, made from moulds of his body, live in 'Another Place'. Take care when visiting my stunning, fit friends. Soft sand and mud are unforgiving and dangerous, so please obey the warning to stay within 50 metres of the promenade. You won't need to stray out for excellent photos. Photograph yourself with the men, but kindly respect them too. THE BLUECOAT Time for Liverpool's oldest city centre building. The Bluecoat, dating from the 18th Century, is tucked away down School Lane. We face a stunningly impressive building, a former school for orphans, which later became a contemporary arts' centre. It's a busy place, with a café, exhibitions, tours, events and workshops, and a print studio. Unmissable's the peaceful garden and the shops behind blue doors, especially R&J Porter. Robert Porter's a jeweller, silversmith and hand engraver. Joan, his proud wife, tells us about her husband engraving trophies, e.g for the Grand National and Aintree. Through another blue door, is Aldous Books, where you can snuggle down with a secondhand book in its cosy, reading nook. The Bluecoat (Image: L Cahill) LIVERPOOL ONE/CHAVASSE PARK We're bamboozled by the expanse of Liverpool One, until information in its brand directory explains all - Paradise Street for restaurants, and style and technology venues, Peter's Lane for designer items, and South John Street for two floors of high-street venues. Also listed are alternatives - The Old Dock Tour, The Heritage Trail, and The Nature Trail. Once you've exhausted all those, head for some R and R at The Top where you'll be surprised by Chavasse Park & The Terrace. Though there are busy bars and restaurants, there's also an unexpected, green space to rest, and admire what you've bought to remind yourself of lovely Liverpool. Before planning your memorable journey, go to Liverpool, four days, 10 attractions - even a shipyard founded by Scottish entrepreneurs, and bowls of Blind Scouse, PS We love you.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Previously unheard 'Liverpool anthem' to be played for first time at Cavern Club
A single Gerry Marsden recorded shortly before his death is to be played for the very first time. A private event will be held at the Cavern Club before being opened up to the public for everyone to enjoy. Gerry, who was born in Toxteth, was best known for the hit song You'll Never Walk Alone, the world famous anthem of Liverpool FC. He shot to fame as the leader of Merseybeat band Gerry and the Pacemakers, whose legendary hits also included Ferry Cross the Mersey. The single, 'On Merseyside, The Pool of Life', was written and produced by Gary Murphy. This included Mike Pender (The Searchers), Ray Ennis (The Swinging Blue Jeans), Tony Crane & Billy Kinsley (The Merseybeats), Brian Jones (The Undertakers), Dave Berry (The Cruisers), Mike McCartney (The Scaffold), and Gerry Marsden (Gerry and The Pacemakers). READ MORE: Full list of 108 Post Office branches to be offloaded as Liverpool sites to be affected READ MORE: His victim had no clue he'd been committing wicked crimes for nearly 20 years The album was produced by guitarist Gary Murphy and engineered by Alan Lewis. Fans will be able to hear it and the single in full as the backdrop of a new documentary from LA Productions, which is due to be released in spring 2025. Gerry's friend Arthur Johnson told the ECHO: "I met with Gerry a few times before he died to talk about new projects. "There will also be a video of the last time he performed, plus the album and the new single at the event. This is an anthem about Liverpool, about the city, which he loved." A pre-order is available now and the official release lands Thursday, April 10. The track will be heard for the first time in a private event in the Cavern Club's live lounge followed by a public opening after 6pm. The single will be available to order at the Cavern Club event along with albums of the Philharmonic night and an album of original Merseybeat hits. Entry is £5 on the door. The studio album, live concert, and Gerry Marsden's EP recording will all be released in April 2025 from Last Night From Glasgow.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legends gather to hear Gerry Marsden's last 'emotional tribute' to city
Merseyside music and entertainment legends gathered at the Cavern Club today (Thursday April 10) to listen to Gerry Marsden's last single, which was recorded shortly before his death in 2021. Gerry, who was born in Toxteth, was best known internationally for his version of You'll Never Walk Alone, the world famous anthem of Liverpool FC written by Rodgers and Hammerstein. He shot to fame as the leader of Merseybeat band Gerry and the Pacemakers, whose renowned hits also included Ferry Cross the Mersey. The new single, 'On Merseyside, The Pool of Life', was written and produced by Gary Murphy. Congregating in the basement of the world-famous Cavern Club on Mathew Street to experience the previously unheard song were people of all ages, showing the timeless value of Gerry Marsden's music. Among them were comedian Ricky Tomlinson, radio great Billy Butler and China Crisis' Eddie Lundon. READ MORE: Previously unheard 'Liverpool anthem' to be played for first time at Cavern Club READ MORE: The Farm returns with surprise free gig in legendary venue Gerry's wife and daughter, Pauline and Yvette, were also present along with former Liverpool ECHO features editor and close friend of Gerry, Arthur Johnson, who organised the event. Describing the new anthem, he told the ECHO: "It's a very emotional tribute to Liverpool and Merseyside. "Gerry was so passionate about the city he was born in, and he never lived anywhere else. He wouldn't live anywhere else, it had to be Liverpool. "I got to be a great mate of his - we even went to Australia together and founded 'Scousers Down Under'. We had a lot of fun, so it's brilliant to see a tribute like this paid to him, particularly here in the Cavern, which is where he lived." He added: "I'm at a certain age where I was lucky enough to see The Beatles and people like that playing here. I wasn't directly involved in the 60s, but I'm so lucky to have met so many of them, had such a laugh with them, and see the great influence they had on this city, even now. "It's 60 years now after the 60s - that's a lot to take in, that is." 'On Merseyside: The Pool of Life' is available to stream online, along with the film of Gerry Marsden's final live concert at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, a performance which Arthur described as 'really emotional.' 'Pool of Life' refers to a phrase used by Swiss to psychiatrist Carl Jung to describe Liverpool in a 1927 dream essay. He described the city as a "pool of life, it makes to live," and this phrase has since become associated with the city's vibrancy and cultural significance, particularly in the Cavern Quarter. Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here
