A powerful theatre show is set to open a multi-arts celebration of Arabic culture this Friday night in Liverpool. Liverpool Arab Arts Festival (LAAF), the longest running annual festival of Arab arts and culture in the UK, will open it’s programme of events for 2025 at the Unity Theatre with Penguin on Friday 11th July – a show described as an ‘uplifting tale of self-acceptance and joy’.
LAAF exists to support and champion creatives from across the Arab region and its diaspora, in the belief that art and creativity have the power to express a shared humanity. The festival also celebrates Liverpool’s unique identity; a city, with a global community and brimming with artistry, that looks outwards across the world and welcomes and accepts all who arrive within it.
Historically, before global travel by air drastically shortened travelling time to other countries, port cities like Liverpool were the gateway to the outside world that gave us a glimpse of other peoples and their cultures. Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said: “Liverpool is proud to once again support the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival — a celebration that reflects the heart of our city: diverse, creative, and welcoming.”
“In recent years, it has been a challenging times for the cultural sector, but our continued investment in events like LAAF shows our belief in the power of art to connect and celebrate communities in the unique way that culture and the arts can. It’s a vital part of Liverpool’s cultural calendar and this year’s programme looks exceptionally strong – packed with extraordinary talent, bold ideas, and powerful storytelling that will leave a lasting impression on the audience.”
This year’s festival theme is Nostalgia, which will be explored through a diverse range of disciplines, including music, theatre and performance, visual art, spoken word, literature and film. Liverpool Arab Arts Festival takes place from 11th to 20th July 2025 across Liverpool venues. As is now tradition, the festival closes with a free Family Day celebration in Sefton Park’s Palm House on Sunday 20th July.
Returning for its 23rd year in 2025, LAAF have put together everything that festival-goers need to know in their annual brochure, featuring descriptions in both English and Arabic. More information and tickets for all events available via arabartsfestival.com.
Penguim opens the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival at the Unity Theatre
