Liverpool ONE set to stage:- 'Toy Parade' to kickstart countdown to Christmas

DANCING toys, dazzling decorations and twinkling lights will fill the streets as the retail and entertainment destination stages a spectacular Toy Parade to kick off the Christmas countdown.

Taking place on:- Saturday, 15 November 2025, more than 100 children will take Centre stage to start the festive season at Liverpool ONE.

A group of children and young adults from Claire House Children's Hospice will join the parade of giant toys, showcasing a collection of props and decorations they have handmade for the occasion. Their creations in the parade will showcase the imagination and spirit of children supported by the Hospice.

Claire House provides specialist care and support to seriously and terminally ill babies, children and young adults from across the Region, offering end of life care and vital respite and comfort to families during their most challenging times.

Jennifer Hanely, a fundraiser at Claire House, said:- "As Liverpool ONE's Charity of the Year we are very excited to be involved in the Toy Parade. Some of the children who come to the Hospice have made their own decorations and can't wait to show them off. The money raised at the event and throughout the partnership will help us reach more local children who desperately need our support from our sites in Liverpool and the Wirral."

The Toy Parade will be created and produced by outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank and will bring toy soldiers, a robot, a larger-than-life Christmas tree and a sugar plum fairy to life, delighting the crowds with colour and movement.

Alice Carter, producer at Walk the Plank, said:- "We're thrilled to bring the Toy Parade to life at Liverpool ONE, a colourful, joy filled celebration bursting with creativity, dance and festive magic. Working with Claire House and local young performers makes it all the more special. Involving over 100 children will bring incredible energy and authenticity to the performances."

Ahead of the Christmas Toy Parade, the festive spirit lands in the City as visitors will enjoy Christmas lights and decorations across Liverpool ONE, from:- Friday, 7 November 2025.

From the 25 metre tall Christmas tree on Chavasse Park and the giant bauble on Paradise Street, to sparkling reindeer, the return much-loved Bar Hütte's and the family rides up in the park, Liverpool ONE brings the magic of Christmas to the heart of Liverpool City Centre.

From 20 November, throughout November and December in the run up to Christmas every Thursday evening will come alive with magical moments. Highlights include:- giant illuminated penguins, carol oke and pass the parcel, among other magical surprises to create unforgettable festive experiences for visitors of all ages.

The free Christmas Trail will return, creating a fun adventure around Liverpool ONE's decorations and shop windows for youngsters to enjoy. The trail offers an interactive journey discovering characters across the retail destination with riddles and games for the whole family.

Donna Howitt, Deputy Centre Director at Liverpool ONE, said:- "The countdown to Christmas is upon us and we're looking forward to transforming Liverpool ONE into the City's very own Christmas hub, brimming with festive sparkle and community spirit. This year's celebrations promise to be extra special, as we've invited Claire House Children's Hospice to join in the celebrations. This is a charity that is truly synonymous with our Region and does fantastic work for families when they need it most. As we head into the busiest time of the year for most of our brands, we are excited to bring a packed magical programme at the heart of the City for the whole family."

For more information about Christmas at Liverpool ONE, visit:- Liverpool-ONE.Com.

Liverpool celebrates major HIV prevention milestones and welcomes game-changing injectable PrEP

LIVERPOOL is celebrating significant progress in its mission to end new HIV transmissions by 2030, as new data from 2024 reveals a surge in testing, increased uptake of HIV prevention medication PrEP, and a dramatic reduction in late diagnoses.

Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, said:- "We warmly welcome the introduction of injectable HIV PrEP technology. This is a vital addition to our prevention toolkit that has the potential to transform how people protect themselves against HIV. We've made great progress improving testing and PrEP access in Liverpool, and this will help us reach even more people."

As part of the City's commitment to the global Fast Track Cities initiative, Liverpool has seen:-

• A 7.5% increase in HIV testing volume, thanks to expanded access via sexual health clinics and innovative opt-out testing in A&E departments.
  

• A growing number of people starting or continuing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that prevents HIV infection.
  

• A significant drop in late HIV diagnoses, falling from:- 57%, 3 years ago to just 36% in 2024; a clear sign that more people are being diagnosed earlier and accessing life saving treatment.

This excellent data comes at the same time as a landmark development that could see even more people access HIV PrEP. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recently endorsed cabotegravir, the UK's 1st long-acting injectable PrEP. This breakthrough treatment will be available via NHS sexual health services, offering a vital alternative for people who cannot take daily oral tablets.

Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health, said:- "This is excellent news for Liverpool. "Fewer people are being diagnosed late, which means better health outcomes and reduced transmission. We have made great strides in improving testing and PrEP access in the City, and the announcement of new PrEP technologies like this, which Liverpool clinics have been piloting, will help us go further and faster. There is still a lot more work to be done though. Our Fast Track Partnership has ambitious plans and actions to help ensure we end all new HIV transmissions by 2030."

Axess Sexual Health, Liverpool's NHS sexual health provider, has confirmed it will begin offering injectable PrEP immediately, making Liverpool 1 of the 1st Cities in the UK to roll out this transformative technology.

Dr Martyn Wood, Clinical Director at Axess Sexual Health, added:- "We're really pleased with Liverpool's latest HIV data, which reflects the growing accessibility of testing and support across the City. It is encouraging to see increasing numbers of people engaging with PrEP too, and we're especially excited about the role that digital PrEP pathways and new injectable technologies can play. This is a vital tool in ensuring even more residents can benefit from this preventative option."

Liverpool's leadership in HIV prevention continues to be recognised nationally and internationally, with innovative programmes like PrEP Express, expanded testing in emergency departments, and targeted outreach to under-served communities.

• For more information on accessing PrEP or HIV testing in Liverpool, visit:- Axess.Clinic.
  

• For more around HIV, PrEP and testing; contact Liverpool PaSH, visit:- Lpash.Org.UK.

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