RIGHT across Europe, it's Light Night this Friday.
Museums and galleries throw open their doors for the evening and in the UK, nobody does it better than Liverpool – and not just because we're one of only a handful of UK cities participating.
The tireless Open Culture team behind Light Night have assembled over 90 special events. From 4pm, visitors can follow their own vibrant trail of light projections, exhibitions, performances, talks, walks, dance and more.
Organisers say: “It’s the perfect chance to meet friends and family to enjoy the relaxed after-hours atmosphere and rediscover Liverpool city centre - it’s a Friday night out with a difference.”
Now here at Liverpool Confidential we like our art as much as the next person, but we like our beer even more. Which is why our social correspondent, Freeloader, goes to so many private views.
So here we have compiled a Light Night trail, where the nearest bar is no more than a spitoon away, should it all get too much.
4.00pm– Bold Street Light Night Street Market, L1 4NW - Enjoy arts, crafts and food stalls.
Beer opportunities: Leaf? Bier? Tabac?
Or, try The Shipping Forecast, Slater Street, where, if you are dressed to their exacting"on-trend" standards you might be allowed in. Never mind if not: you can have an entertaining intercourse with the bouncers about the finer points of Rolf Harris outside.
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White Star5.00pm – Reflections of Liverpool: A Pop Up Photography Exhibition by Mark McGowan at Wongs Jewellers, Chicago Building, Whitechapel, L1 6DS.
Remarkable photographs married with live music from a string quartet surrounded by beautiful jewellery and complimentary champagne! Watch out for Brouhaha’s International Carnival launch too!
Beer opportunity: The White Star, Button Street. Friday gets VERY lively in there.
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5.45pm – Polaroid Pop-up studio at the Open Eye Gallery, 19 Mann Island, L3 1BP. Get snapped vintage style with friends and family, then enjoy the Open Eye Gallery, one of the UK’s leading photography spaces, and the only gallery dedicated to photography in the North West.
Beer opportunity: The Liverpool pub, James Street – because all the nice girls and boys love a sailor.
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Head Of Steam6.30pm – Razzle Dazzle at the Tate Liverpool, Albert dock, L3 4BB. A special event featuring music, dancing, workshops and film inspired by 1920s-1040s Hollywood glamour. Visitors are encouraged to dress up with a prize for the best dressed person. Themed cocktails and food in the café.
Beer opportunity: In house, or The Pump House, Albert Dock, if you must.
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7.30pm – The Factory, Arena Studios & Gallery, 1st Flr, Elevator, 27 Parliament St, L8 5RN. From Andy Warhol to Damien Hirst, artists are becoming reliant on ‘art workers’. Arena artists present a unique one off event The Factory where visitors create their own piece of art with assistance from their own ‘art workers’. #playbaltic
Beer opportunity: The Brewery Tap, Stanhope Street, is not to be sniffed at. Indeed, it can get a bit ripe in there.
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8.00pm – Adult Youth Club at Camp & Furnace, 67 Greenland St, L1 0BY.
Beer opportunity: Abundant, in house.
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8.30pm – Threshold Lite present Things to Make & Do, Elevator Bar, 27 Parliament St, L8 5RN.
Beer opportunity: Abundant, in house.
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Hop on the Free Light Night Bus that stops near Elevator Bar and get off at the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Cambridge Pub9.40pm – Candle Lit Labyrinth on the Front Piazza plus inside:OUT kaleidoscopic light projections of the Cathedral's stained glass by Andy McKeown on the rear altar at the Metropolitan Cathedral, Mount Pleasant, L3 5TQ.
Beer opportunity: The Cambridge, Cambridge Street.
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Stumble back on the Free Light Night Bus and get off at Lime St.
10.15pm – Late Night Ceildh at St George's Hall, St George Place, L1 1JJ. Open to all with toe-tapping Southport based band, Gallimaufry. No previous experience required and refreshments available!
Beer opportunity: Abundant, in house. Or Head of Steam, Lime Street.
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Camp And Furnace11.30pm – The Light Night Debrief Disco at Camp & Furnace, 67 Greenland St, L1 0BY. Continue your LightNight adventures, throw some shapes on the 90s disco dance floor. #playbaltic
Beer opportunity: Abundant, in house.
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1.00am – Light & Sound Party at Academy of Arts (entrance moved for the night to Wolstenholme Sq). Kazimier Krunk Band on at 1am, ClinIc DJ’s till 4am. 1st come 1st served, show your Light Night programme at the door.
Beer opportunity: Abundant, in house, or the excellent Mello Mello, Slater Street.
*LightNight, 4pm – Late , Friday 18 May 2012. Liverpool city centre. Visit here for the full programme or pick up a leaflet from venues across town.
