Air raid shelter
THE main challenge at the moment for Oxfam, they say, is the Syrian conflict that has killed an estimated 100,000 people and caused 1.5 million refugees. Oxfam is aiming to reach 650,000 people in the coming months and is calling for the urgent peace talks world leaders have promised without further delay.
Anyroadup, thank yourself lucky and bear all that in mind as you enjoy bands, booze and boggle at St Luke's church this Saturday in the Oxfam Summer Jam.
Laid Back House Fire, Me and My Cousin, Kahuna, The Castros, The Verdict, play amid the stalls, Amits magical ice cream, fire dancers and more to raise funds for the cause.
"Official Afterparty" at Haus on Greenland Street – or as they used to call it, "a few bevvies when it's over".
*Rodfest Presents: The Oxfam Summer Jam, St Lukes Bombed Out Church, Sat, Aug 17, 6pm-4am, £8 inc the booze-up.
HOBO-a-go-go
Liverpool Confidential took itself down to the District (the new name for the Picket and environs) last Sunday and bagged a rather nice cheese dish and some bright blue beads at Delia and Tristan Brady Jacobs' new HOBO market.
Also on offer were gig posters, “upcycled” furniture, vinyl and comics as well as fabulous northern soul DJs Fatboy & Slim. It's quite the day out.
But you don't have to wait to try it for yourself. HOBO is a moveable feast and this Sunday you can find it at the newly opened Hatch at Hoax Hostel on Stanley Street. Come for the goodies, they say, and stay for the lovely lunch upstairs.
HOBOBazaar at The Hatch, 54 Stanley Street, L1 6AU , Sunday August 18, noon-4pm. Free.
Taking a stand
TO promote of the Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF) bandstands at Stanley Park, Sefton Park and Williamson Square will host a variety of music this weekend.
From 16 year old guitarist, Dominic Dunn, to traditional Kenyan dancers and drummers making their first trip outside the Mathare Slum, this really is a diverse and fun celebration of music and dance, say organisers.
The LIMF Bandstand is part of Mayor Joe Anderson’s strategy to animate parks, it says here.
Whether you're a pitbull or labradoodle owner, there will be something to enjoy.
*LIMF bandstand performances, Stanley Park on 17 August, 23 August and 8 September; Williamson Square on 15 – 17 August, 26 August, 29 – 31 August; Sefton Park on 18 August, 24 – 26 August and 1 September. from12:30pm – 5pm. Free.
Barbecue with a pinch of salt
The Merseyside Skeptics cancelled their summer barbecue this year because they listened to sceptical weather forecasters who predicted bad weather.
Those sceptical of weather forecasters would have ignored the warning and carried on, but not our Mersey Skeptics with a K. They put the event back to this Sunday. Light showers are being forecast, allegedly.
But ignore that. Expect “skeptics, sun and awesome FREE BBQ food”. Come and join us in Sefton Park, they say, for a veritably joyous afternoon of eating, drinking and rounders.
Kids are most definitely welcome, as are any other friends or family you'd like to bring along
There'll be burgers on offer and assorted other yummy snacks - including vegetarian options. All of which are to be taken with a pinch of salt, obviously.
*Mersey Skeptics Summer Barbecue, Sefton Park, Sunday Aug 18, 1pm onwards.