Liverpool Arab Arts Festival 2025

Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor

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Liverpool Arab Arts Festival 2025

11-20 July 2025

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

LAAF - Save The Date
Liverpool Arab Arts Festival
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Liverpool Arab Arts Festival is the longest running celebration of arts from across the Arab region as well as the wider diaspora in the UK. They programme boldly and from a firm belief that performance, culture and creativity are the most powerful ways to express a shared humanity. The theme for 2025’s festival is ‘Nostalgia’. You can expect to see this poignant provocation being explored through theatre, storytelling, music, art and food over the course of a packed nine day festival.

Within the Arab world and wider diaspora Nostalgia represents more than just a sentimental pull. It’s a cultural need to preserve and reclaim identity. Something which becomes an anchor in a world which is constantly shifting. It encourages continuity and a stability which can be found outside of material things.

Liverpool prides itself on its centuries old multicultural heritage. Celebrating the melting pot of influences brought into the culture of a place through movement of people. A rich society is one that makes space to honour different cultures in a unified way. LAAF definitely proves this to be true by bringing in big name acts from across the world as well as giving a platform to those based in the city.

Although the full line up is yet to be announced we’re already buzzing to see Palestinian / American violinist Akrma Abdulfattah featuring as part of it. He’ll be bringing his unique blend of musical influences to the Philharmonic Music Room.

An eagerly anticipated day in each festival is the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival Family Day. Taking place on the last Sunday of the festival inside Sefton Park’s Palm House, the event is totally free and open to all ages. There will be live music and performance throughout as well as stalls with sumptuous middle eastern food, storytelling, dance workshops, calligraphy and more. It’s a glorious way to immerse the whole family in the best of Arab culture.

Where to go near Liverpool Arab Arts Festival 2025

Leeds
Gallery
The Sculpture Gallery

The Sculpture Gallery is an outstanding new gallery, of pure sculpture, showcasing the work, not only of the six owners but guests also.

A club bedroom at Malmaison Leeds
Leeds
Hotel
Malmaison Leeds

Malmaison Leeds is a historic and dramatic building, full of character and individual style. Beautifully refurbished quirky bedrooms with power showers, blackout curtains and great beds.

On The Wall is a funky independent shop that sells a wide range of creative and artistic items including, posters, art prints, canvases, greeting cards and merchandise/gifts. They also offer a bespoke framing and canvas printing service and a screen printed t- shirt service. If you are looking for something more unique and inspiring they also sell work by local artists.
Leeds
Shop
On The Wall

Bright, bold and full of character, On the Wall pairs expert framing with prints, posters and gifts inside Leeds Corn Exchange.

Leeds
Restaurant
Canned Heat

Canned Heat is an independent bottle-shop & bar in the heart of Chapeltown, Leeds. Born out of a passion for Music, Art and Community.

Chorlton
Restaurant
Yane

Friendly neighbourhood restaurant in Chorlton, specialising in authentic Japanese cuisine such as donburi, katsu kare and traditional pickles, made in-house.

Creatures Comedy Club
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Creatures Comedy Club

Whether you’re a die-hard comedy fan or just after a spontaneous night out, there’s something here for everyone. Open 7 nights a week.

The Loft
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The Loft

The Loft is an intimate, industrial-style club tucked away on the edge of Manchester city centre. Known for its impeccable sound system and low-key vibe.

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Stables Tavern

The Stables Tavern is an olde style pub in the St John’s neighbourhood of Manchester, where the Rovers Return once stood.

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