What’s On – University and Liverpool events | May 2025

Published on

Red brick building with blue skies and blossom tree framing the building

Looking to connect with fellow alumni across the globe or enjoy a memorable day out in Liverpool this May? We’ve curated a fantastic line-up of events, from networking opportunities to cultural activities.

We’ll be updating our events programme regularly and sharing details in our monthly alumni newsletter, so if you’re not already receiving this, be sure to update your details to be the first to hear about our events.

Liverpool Leaders | In Conversation with Dame Amanda Blanc

📅 Thursday 1 May, 6pm
📍 Location: London

This event offers a unique opportunity to hear from distinguished alumna, Dame Amanda Blanc, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Aviva plc, a leading insurance firm.

Book now

BW Photo of Dylan Thomas with the event title written over it in white

'Greek in the Irish sea the ageless voice': Dylan Thomas and Irish writers

📅 Thursday 1 May, 6pm
📍 Rathbone Theatre, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Liverpool Campus

Join the Institute of Irish Studies for a talk by Dylan Thomas expert Professor John Goodby (Professor of Arts and Culture, Sheffield Hallam University) and excerpts from Stan Tracey's Jazz Suite Inspired by Under Milk Wood by pianist Richard Wetherall with narration by Seamus Lavan. The evening will conclude with a wine reception, during which John Goodby will sign copies of his co-authored biography Dylan Thomas (Critical Lives).

Book now

WoWFEST: 25 Years of Radical Writing

📅 May 2025
📍 Various locations

WoWFEST unleashes the power of storytelling with a month of top class events that offers something for everyone. Celebrate 25 years of radical writing as writing community, Writings on the Wall look forward to the next chapter of storytelling that challenges, inspires, and changes the world.

Full events programme

Before Oasis: In Conversation with Marcus Russell

📅 Thursday 8 May
📍 The Tung Auditorium
🎟️ £5

Join us for this rare opportunity to hear the story of how one of the UK’s most successful artist managers came to work with Oasis, the definitive act of Britpop.

More details

Lucrezia Zaina Bequest Lecture 2025: Fascist Political Ecologies: Roots, Rhetoric, and Contemporary Legacies

📅 Tuesday 6 May, 5.30pm
📍 The Tung Auditorium

We are delighted to welcome Professor Marco Armiero for this year’s Lucrezia Zaina Lecture, an annual series on subjects of Italian interest, made possible by a generous bequest from alumna and former lecturer Professor Lucrezia Zaina.

This year’s thought-provoking talk will investigate the idea that it is impossible and unhelpful to separate the environment from politics. In his discussion, Professor Armiero will explore fascist political ecologies.

Book now

Luke Jerram’s Helios at Liverpool Cathedral

📅 On display until 9 May
📍 Location: Liverpool Cathedral

For the first time ever, Luke Jerram's illuminated sculpture of the Sun will premiere at the Liverpool Cathedral.

More details

Tea dance

📅 Tuesday 13 May, 2pm
📍 Sefton Park Palm House

Enjoy the opportunity to dance through the decades. Join Neil Allcock for sequence, jive and strolls. Have some tea, watch the dancing, enjoy the music, or quickstep your way to the dancefloor. Everyone is welcome of all ages and abilities to have a go or watch the experienced dancers twirl their way around the dance floor.

More details

mts

Meet the Scientists - Poison, plants and pets!

📅 Saturday 17 May
📍 Ness Gardens
🎟️ Purchase of garden entry required

Join us at Ness Gardens and explore the deadly side of science. Hear from scientists from the University of Liverpool about the wonders of our natural world - from poisonous and powerful plants to our beloved pets. Suitable for all the family (grown ups too!) Take part in our interactive activities and creative crafts and be inspired by the world around us.

More details

Pint of Science Festival 2025

📅 Monday 19 May
📍 Liverpool
🎟️ £5

Got a thirst for knowledge? Pint of Science is back for 2025 and coming to a pub near you....
Take your pick of a range of fascinating talks across three evenings this May, all exploring cutting edge science happening right here in Liverpool - from antibiotic resistance to the science of Squid Game, dementia to black holes - there's something for everyone!

More details

Liverpool Leaders with Dr Steve Garnett

📅 Wednesday 21 May, 1pm
📍 Online

Liverpool-born Dr Steve Garnett will share his insights as a renowned technology entrepreneur who has played a key role in building and leading three of the most successful start-up software companies in history. Steve will offer a compelling look into his leadership journey - from humble beginnings in Liverpool to becoming a transformative force in the tech industry.

Book now

Recent Graduates Networking Event - Liverpool

📅 Thursday 22 May, 6pm
📍 Fredriks, Liverpool

This engaging event is designed for our recent alumni from the last few years. Whether you're figuring out your next steps, keen to grow your network, or just fancy catching up with fellow grads, you’ll be in great company.

Book now

Can History Help Solve the Mental Health Crisis? Five Insights from the Past.

📅 Thursday 22 May, 5.30pm
📍  Liverpool Medical Institution & Conference Centre, Liverpool, L3 5SR

Drawing on historical perspectives, from the importance of diet, nature, and community to broader definitions of normality, Professor of Health History at the University of Strathclyde’s Centre for the Social History of Health and Healthcare, Matthew Smith will consider preventive approaches often overlooked today. He will consider if real solutions demand investment, what are we willing to pay?

More details

Lecture and Alumni Reception in Hong Kong

📅 Thursday 29 May 2025, 6.30-9.30pm
📍 Asia Society Hong Kong Centre

Director of The Pandemic Institute, Professor Tom Solomon CBE will deliver a guest lecture: The Pandemic Institute, Liverpool – Tackling Emerging Infections Globally, followed by a cocktail reception.

Book now

Bees: A Story of Survival Exhibition

📅 From the 4 May
📍 World Museum, William Brown Street

Bees: A Story of Survival is a visually stunning and immersive experiential wonderland that reveals the epic tale of these incredible creatures and their essential relationship with the natural world.

More details

Upcoming alumni events

For all upcoming alumni events, please visit our alumni events pages

Upcoming reunions

For all upcoming reunions, please visit our reunion pages

Find out what your local alumni network has planned

Some of our international networks will have a list of upcoming local events. Please visit the relevant pages below to find out what's on.

Nigeria Alumni Network

UAE Alumni Network