Mumford & Sons live in Liverpool
Photographs by Jo Forrest...

ON 7 December 2015, the British rock band, Mumford and Sons, headed over to Merseyside for what was to be an outstanding performance at the Liverpool Arena. If you missed this London band playing in the City, keep an eye on the band's website to find out when Marcus Mumford, Winston Marshall, Ben Lovett, Ted Dwane will be heading back our way! But for now, please take a look at these photos taken on the night, as they played to a packed Arena. Please also email us your news and thoughts about this band's performance to our newsroom email address:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com.

Christmas Cards warn against gun crime

MOTHERS in Liverpool, Knowsley and Sefton whose loved ones are believed to be involved in gun crime are receiving special Christmas Cards this year (2015).  The cards show bullets and handguns which have been arranged in the shape of a snowflake with the words:- "Together we can make gun crime fall this Christmas."  The message inside reads:- "Let's make it a safe and happy 1." The cards have been sent to mothers and to influential women in the individual's lives including girlfriends and grandmothers. It is hoped the card will encourage the women to think about the dangers their loved ones are placing themselves in and to take immediate action to deter their loved ones from becoming involved in gun crime and prevent them from being injured, or killed. Detective Superintendent Lee Turner, of the specialist Matrix Serious Organised Crime unit, said:- "We hope this will lead to the families of gun offenders talking about the dangers and consequences of firearms. There is a very real danger to all involved in gun crime and we urge mums, who know their sons, or daughters, are involved with gangs who use firearms to help them to get out of the vicious circle they may have found themselves in. We all want the best for our children and we don't want to see them go to prison for their involvement in gun crime, or even worse taken away in a body bag as a result of what are often petty disputes. We know calling us with information will be one of the toughest decisions they will ever make but it could be a decision that saves not only their loved one's life, but the life of the son, brother, nephew or husband of another woman. We take gun crime extremely seriously and are committed to taking firearms and offenders off our streets. We want the communities whose lives are blighted by gun crime to take a stand and give us information about gun crime, anonymously if preferred, so we can act upon it and help eradicate gun crime."  Anyone with information about gun or gang crime are being asked to call Matrix on:- 0800 230 0600. Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with the confidential Crimestoppers line on:- 0800 555 111.

St George's Hall Dickens Christmas Party

PASSERSBY are asking what the Dickens is going on at St George's Hall as the historical venue decks its halls with boughs of holly in preparation for a fabulous Yuletide event happening. And there's Great Expectations that the Dickensian Christmastime Dickens themed Christmas party soon to be held at St George's Hall Liverpool will be the highlight of the festive season!   Lovehistory, producers of the popular 'Catacombs of Liverpool's Dark History' series, will be hosting the event in and around The Great Hall at St George's Hall Liverpool on Friday, 18 December 2015. Tickets are available now priced at £18.00 (including booking fee).

Swap the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season and be transported to a bygone era for an evening with a difference as you get together with friends, family or work colleagues for the perfect traditional festive celebration.

The evening will include a Yule Time ball packed with performance, song, music and a selection of food from a variety of Dickensian themed food stalls.  Set in the prestigious Great Hall, guests are invited to dress up as their favourite Dickens character for what promises to be the party of the year! Whether it is the notorious Nancy; poor misguided Ebenezer Scrooge; or the wicked Mr Bill Sykes himself; plenty of festive fun will await partygoers. And there will even be a prize for the best dressed Dickens character.

Judy McLean, Creative Director of Lovehistory, said:- "This will be a great way to celebrate a traditional Christmas; and Dickensian Christmastime certainly promises to be a party with a difference. The Great Hall is the perfect venue to bring a Dickensian world to life. It promises to be a fantastic sight with our guests getting into the spirit of the theme and dressing up as their favourite Dickens' character."

A Town Crier will officially start the evening's proceedings, which will be followed by a famous scene from a Dickens novel, but beware, there may be characters who will pick a pocket or 2!  Traditional Christmas carols will complement the stunning surroundings of St George's Hall, which provides the perfect backdrop for this festive Dickensian celebration.  Guests will be fully immersed into the drama of the evening and entertained by a team of professional actors, who will perform the very best of Dickens' highlights while they interact with guests throughout the evening.

Alan Smith, General Manager at St George's Hall Liverpool, added:- "Once again St George's Hall is delighted to offer a magical night of theatre and drama in one of the most dramatic and enthralling settings in the country. Due to the demand for the event we have decided to reduce the admission fee down to £18 and allow guests to choose what food they would like on the evening rather than offering the traditional dinner. The hall will have traditional stalls to allow guests to choose what they may like on the night whilst enjoying a Dickensian experience like no other."

Please note, food is not included in the ticket price, but is available to purchase from the Dickensian themed stalls. A bar will also be open throughout the evening. Food stalls will offer the best home made traditional pies in the City, while the Travelling Pig will serve a succulent hog roast buffet. Gourmet Catering will also be providing a range of tasty treats including beef bourguignon stew, sticky toffee pudding and ice cream and apple pie and custard. Plus, the very experienced caterers from the famous Liverpool Empire will be cooking up a tasty traditional stew with Artisan bread! A feast for the eyes and for the soul, this event will be full of Dickensian delights! Vegetarian and gluten free options will also be provided.

For further information please visit:- LoveHistory.Co.UK or go to:- StGeorgesLiverpool.Co.UK.