Liverpool Arab Arts Festival 2025
Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
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.
