What’s On – University and Liverpool events | May 2025
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.
'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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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?
Radio 1's Big Weekend
📅 Friday 23 May – Sunday 25 May
📍 Sefton Park, Liverpool
Radio 1's Big Weekend is coming to Liverpool! With more than 100 acts set to perform its set to be one of the biggest musical events in the city this year.
If you're going along, share your pictures with us: alumni@liverpool.ac.uk using the subject: Radio 1's Big Weekend and we'll share them across our alumni social media channels.
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.
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.
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.