Liverpool experienced a vibrant evening on Friday, September 19, with multiple high-profile events taking place across the city. The Epstein Theatre held its official reopening gala, the Anglican Cathedral hosted the National Diversity Awards, and the Pier Head provided a spectacular farewell to the Queen Mary 2 cruise ship, complete with a fireworks display.
Key Takeaways
- The Epstein Theatre officially reopened after a £1 million refurbishment, with a gala event on Brian Epstein's birthday.
- Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral hosted the National Diversity Awards, attended by numerous television personalities and activists.
- Cunard's Queen Mary 2 departed from the Pier Head, with a fireworks display marking the 185th anniversary of the company's first transatlantic crossing from the city.
- All three events occurred simultaneously, drawing large crowds and a significant number of celebrities to the city centre and waterfront.
Epstein Theatre Marks New Era with Gala
The Epstein Theatre celebrated its official reopening with a special gala evening, marking a new chapter for the 110-year-old venue. The event on Friday, September 19, coincided with the birthday of its namesake, Brian Epstein. This followed a significant £1 million refurbishment project, with the venue having held several test events since April.
Liverpool actor Ricky Tomlinson, known for his roles in Brookside and The Royle Family, had the honour of cutting the ceremonial ribbon. This act officially declared the theatre reopened in front of a crowd of attendees and fellow performers.
A Venue Reborn
The Epstein Theatre, located on Hanover Street, has a long history in Liverpool. The £1 million investment was aimed at modernising its facilities while preserving its historic character, ensuring its place in the city's cultural landscape for years to come.
Star-Studded Attendance
The guest list for the gala included a number of familiar faces from television and stage. Among those present were Emmerdale actors Samantha Giles and Liam Fox. They were joined by other notable performers such as Andrew Lancel, Joe McGann, Charlotte Gallagher, and Asa Murphy.
Musical entertainment was provided by acoustic duo The Skylarks, building up to the headline act. Liverpool's own band, The Christians, performed their first show in the city since a notable incident in June. Their drummer, Lionel Duke, had suffered a heart attack on stage during the On The Waterfront festival, making their return a particularly poignant moment for the group and their fans.
National Diversity Awards at Anglican Cathedral
Simultaneously, another major event was underway at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. The venue hosted the prestigious National Diversity Awards, an annual ceremony that celebrates the achievements of grassroots communities and individuals dedicated to promoting equality and inclusion.
The event drew a host of celebrities who came to support the nominees and winners. Television personality and activist Christine McGuiness was in attendance, alongside legendary football pundit Chris Kamara. They were joined by Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard and Brookside actress Jennifer Ellison, among others.
Celebrating Grassroots Heroes
The National Diversity Awards are recognised for highlighting the work of unsung heroes across the UK. The ceremony focuses on community organisations and individuals who make a tangible difference in the lives of others, often without widespread recognition.
Waterfront Fireworks for Queen Mary 2 Departure
The evening's events culminated at the Pier Head with a spectacular farewell for the Cunard cruise ship, Queen Mary 2. The vessel's departure was marked with a dazzling display of fireworks and pyrotechnics over the River Mersey.
The visit was historically significant, commemorating the 185th anniversary of Cunard’s first transatlantic crossing, which departed from Liverpool in 1840. To honour the occasion, the number '185' was projected onto the facade of the iconic Cunard Building.
A Fond Farewell
The 345-metre luxury liner's departure was the third and final visit by a Cunard ship to the city in 2025. It followed previous calls by the new ship, Queen Anne, in May and August. Crowds gathered at vantage points across Liverpool, Wirral, and Sefton to witness the send-off.
The combination of the ship's departure and the pyrotechnic display created a memorable spectacle on the waterfront, rounding out an exceptionally busy and celebratory night for the city of Liverpool.
The confluence of these three major events—a theatre's rebirth, an awards ceremony celebrating diversity, and a historic maritime farewell—showcased the city's capacity to host multiple large-scale cultural gatherings on a single evening.