Value, convenience and sustainability of City Region's bus network to be celebrated for Catch the Bus Month

THE value, convenience and sustainability of Liverpool City Region's bus network will be celebrated in September as part of Catch the Bus Month.

Buses are the backbone of the City Region's transport network, accounting for more than 80% of all public transport journeys; with over 400,000 people using the bus every single day.

Launched in partnership with Bus Users UK, the campaign will invite people across the Region to hop on, link up with their communities, and help build a greener, more connected Region.

Kicking off with an event hosted today on Church Street in Liverpool City Centre, the Combined Authority and partners will be using the month of September to shine a spotlight on the many advantages of bus travel.

The top 3 reasons more people should travel by bus:-

• Pocket Friendly: MyTicket, the £2.20 young person's dayrider, to the £2 adult fare cap and a range of great value season tickets all make travelling by bus is a smart, cost-effective choice for everyone.
  

• Planet Friendly: Ditch the car to help cut down on congestion and air pollution, moving us closer to our goal of a net-zero carbon Liverpool City Region by 2035.
  

• Community Friendly: There are hundreds of routes across the Region, linking people to jobs, Schools, healthcare, family, friends and leisure opportunities.

Next year will see the 1st bus services in the Region brought back into public control; meaning the Combined Authority will be able to set routes, timetables and fares, running the network in the interests of passengers. The move is a key part of Mayor Steve Rotheram's plans to create an integrated transport network that's greener, easier to use and more affordable.

Cllr Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Transport Committee, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said:- "Buses are a vital part of our Region's transport network. This month, we're encouraging people to discover just how easy and affordable bus travel can be. From low-cost fares to new zero emission vehicles to taking back control of the network, we are building a bus system that works for everyone. There's never been a better time to catch the bus!"

For more information on bus travel, tickets, and routes, check out the Merseytravel website

Southport Comedy Festival countdown with month to go until top comedians light up Southport

WITH just a little over a month to go before the start of the 14th Annual Southport Comedy Festival in association with Halliwell Jones Kia Southport, have you got your tickets?

From Friday, 3 October to Sunday, 19 October 2025, stars of the comedy world will descend on the lovely Seaside Town of Southport, for 17 fun filled days of laughter.

Courtesy of Elite Events the whole festival will take place inside a luxury heated and seated marquee in the grounds of the iconic Victoria Park where you can watch some of the biggest names in comedy in a unique setting up close and personal.

The star studded lineup includes:- literary phenomenon and:- 'Godfather of Punk Poetry' Dr John Cooper Clarke, high energy festival favourite Jason Byrne, universally acclaimed observational joke master Jimeoin, American comedy legend Rich Hall, multi award winning comedian and broadcaster Mark Steel, internationally acclaimed Irish star Ardal O'Hanlon of Father Ted fame, Persian powerhouse and star of the silver screen Omid Djalili, comedian and Strictly Come Dancing star Chris McCausland, Irish Comedy Queen Deirdre O'Kane, Host of Smash Hit Podcast:- 'Have a Word' Dan Nightingale, comedy circuit favourite Jenny Collier, star of Britain's Got talent Jonny Awsum, hilariously outrageous clairvoyant from Phoenix Nights Clinton Baptiste and UK comedy icon Mick Miller, the beloved:- "bald man with the long hair" and a cherished entertainer for over 40 years.

Some shows have already sold out and others are selling fast so make sure to grab your tickets for the shows you want to see while they are still available!

The festival will once again be:- 'raising money while raising a smile' with 2 special charity Bingo events planned for local charities Southport Flower Show and Community Link Foundation, this event is sponsored by Anthony James Estate Agents for a third year.

The festival would like to say a big thank you to their fantastic local and national sponsors. Director Brendan Riley said:- "Without their support we just couldn't bring you such great comedy year after year. Take a look at the festival website and click the links to see who has helped keep Southport Smiling. Up The Port!"

The Southport Comedy Festival Under Canvas, at:- Victoria Park in Southport, Esplanade, Southport, PR8 1RX, from:- 3 October to 19 October 2025.

Visit:- SouthportComedyFestival.Com for full line up, information and direct links to book tickets.

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