Kicking off summer in style with a rainbow-coloured day of celebrations for this year’s LCR Pride, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool is continuing its programme of feel-good activities throughout August with its ‘Festival of Summer’. Combining pantomime-inspired productions of Punch and Judy, short screenings in the world’s smallest movie theatre and a bank holiday lineup to remember, the waterfront has never looked so good. 

Keep boredom at bay this summer with family-friendly performances of Punch and Judy. Finding a new home in Royal Albert Dock, little ones can watch the iconic characters in a series of modernised slap-stick scenarios while older viewers revisit nostalgic days on the waterfront. Taking place in the grand hall, next door to Peaberry Coffee House and Kitchen on the inner quay, enjoy the enchanting shows on the 4th, 6th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th August with showtimes at 11:45am, 1pm, 2:15pm and 3:30pm – all free of charge. 

Performing the series of captivating shows is the vibrant puppeteer and chairman of the Punch and Judy Fellowship, Will Cousins. With a lifelong passion for preserving the timeless tradition, Will Cousins brings a fresh approach to storytelling and transports audiences to a world of whimsy and laughter.

Fresh from Glastonbury Festival, Sol Cinema is returning to Anchor Courtyard. Powered by the sun, the vintage-style cinema is set to screen free five-minute films perfect for the whole family on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 11am to 3pm. Crowned as one of the top 20 picturehouses in the world and complete with an usherette service, viewers can sit back, relax and tuck into a tub of complimentary popcorn.

With one month to fill with family fun, there are free, drop-in Make at Tate sessions where budding artists can create masterpieces inspired by the gallery’s Liverpool Biennial display. While little explorers can take to the seven seas at Maritime Museum and learn about the city’s seafaring past with Life on Board. Plus, visitors can capture the day’s memories at two giant deckchair selfie spots, located in Britannia Courtyard and on Hartley Quay, positioned against a breathtaking view of the historic dock.

For those looking to make the most of August bank holiday weekend, head dockside for an unmissable lineup as the submarine sound station returns, including a DJ set from Fatboy Slim’s son and Celebrity Gogglebox favourite, Woody Cook who will debut his first set in Liverpool. Creating the ultimate outdoor dancefloor outside the Martin Luther King Jr Plateau, enjoy infectious rhythms and upbeat anthems.

Whether it’s family-friendly performances, energetic DJ sets or a picturesque setting to enjoy dockside dining, Festival of Summer is set to transform the waterfront – here comes the sun! 

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