City Focus - Issue 2 - LIVERPOOL

ISSUE 2 A guide for the discerning landlord

AUG / SEPT 2013

LIVERPOOL

LIVERPOOL

European City of Culture where investment opportunities are plentiful

MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR

We look at Merseyside’s musical history

FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT Simple steps to impress prospective tenants

WHAT’S ON

All the best events going on across the UK

W

elcome to the second issue of City Focus – our regular guide for the discerning landlord.

Through late nights in the office, endless cups of coffee and animated discussions about fonts, we bring you some handy hints and tips for making the most of your properties, as well as a guide to the hottest happenings across the UK. In each issue we shine out spotlight on a different city, looking at its history, housing market and famous residents, asking what it has to offer investors, locals and casual day-trippers alike.

On this occasion, we look at Liverpool – European City of Culture, home of British comedy and, of course, arguable the most successful band of all time - The Beatles.

Enjoy!

Richard Anthony – Editor editor@citylandlord.co.uk

“That immense city which stands like another Venice upon the water...where there are riches overflowing and ever thing which can delight a man who wishes to see the prosperity of a great community and a great empire... This quondam village, now fit to be the proud capital of any empire in the world, has started up like an enchanted palace even in the memory of living men.”

Thomas Erskine, 1st Baron Erskine, 1791

SOCIAL LANDLORDS FEARING EXPLOSION IN RENT ARREARS

The UK’s social housing landlords fear an explosion in rental arrears and void periods, according to research by KANA.

A

survey of 143 housing associations shows that government welfare reforms, such as bedroom tax, have triggered a wide range of concerns amongst landlords, with almost three quarters of those asked fearing that rental arrears and unoccupied properties would increase dramatically.

The coalition’s mass overhaul of the benefits system, due to be enforced in October, includes plans for ‘Universal Credit’ – direct payment of housing benefit to tenants – a measure which the sector has long argued will lead to increased arrears.

However, the government argues that the move will save the public up to £465 million per year.

But with estimates suggesting that 600,000 people

in social housing could lose an average of £728 a year, the research indicates a potential for 1.4 billion in additional unpaid rent per year.

Other concerns expressed by Landlords include worries about increased administration (32%), uncertainty about procedures (21%) and expectations of an increase in tenant complaints (15%).

“Converging concerns of more work and pressure on income elevate the need for landlords to gain closer understanding of their tenants,” said Nigel Buck, social housing consultant for KANA Software who conducted the survey.

Make sure you are protected against any rent arrears or void periods with the great range of Legal Protection and Rent Guarantee products available from City Landlord.

NOSY NEIGHBOUR

In each issue we take a sneaky look at what’s been going on in let properties across the UK Landlords forfeit rents after illegal conversions

Landlords putting their tenants in danger face hefty fines

Two landlords in the London borough of Brent have been hit with huge costs after converting properties into bedsits without the appropriate planning permission.

A property owner in Woolwich who botched renovations on a dilapidated flat – leaving his six tenants with no electricity or water – has been ordered to pay more than £10,000 in fines and costs by Greenwich Council as part of a Londonwide crackdown on Landlords who fail to follow safety rules.

Hassam Hussain, was ordered to pay a staggering £552,736 after converting a maisonette into nine studio flats. The sum includes a confiscation order of £494,315 the combined total of rent he is believed to have received as a result of the Illegal changes.

Hussain breached a planning enforcement notice from Brent Council, and was also fined £20,000 and ordered to pay their legal costs of £338,422.

John Fearon, another Brent landlord, was ordered to pay £235,000 by Harrow Crown Court for converting his property into 13 bedsits without planning permission.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said: “This sends a clear message that Brent will not allow people to profit from illegal conversions.”

If you are planning changes to your buy to let property, then make sure you get the correct planning permission in place before proceeding.

In another case, Bexley magistrates’ court heard how a landlord left a window pane missing forcing his tenant to sleep on the landing.

Landlady Elizabeth Johnson, was also ordered to pay more that £4,000 by Hammersmith Magistrates after renting out a flat near Kensal Green in ‘squalid’ condition, including dangerous electrics and no heating.

“This case should be a warning to all landlords to make sure that their properties are up to a decent standard. This council will clamp down hard on any landlord that is willing to endanger the lives of its tenants and ensure that they face the consequences,” said Councillor Victoria Brocklebank-Fowler.

CITY SPOTLIGHT LIVERPOOL

Each issue we shine our spotlight on a different part of the UK, focussing on what it has to offer everyone from property developers to casual daytrippers.

L40 L39

L37 L38 L29 L23

L31

L30

L22 L21 L29 L22 L4

L10

L32

L33

L11 L34 L12 L28

L5 L3 L6 L13 L14 L36 L2 L7 L16 L1 L15 L8 L27 L18 L17 L25 L26 L19

MERSEYSIDE

L35

L24

W

hen Liverpool became European City of Culture in 2008, it went someway to shaking its image as a city of petty crime, vandalism and disillusionment. Recognising the impact its literature, music and theatre had made on not only Europe, but the world, the prestigious title sent out the message that the city was prospering like never before.

Fast forward five years though and house prices in Liverpool have just seen the biggest drop in the UK. Despite a national rise, an 8% slide has taken average house price in the city down to ÂŁ119,102. Whilst many have seen this as a sign it is in the economic doldrums, it is good news for first time buyers and property investors alike. Indeed, earlier this year, a couple moving from Northern Ireland to Liverpool became the first completed benefactors of the Taylor-Wimpey Help-toBuy scheme, just five weeks after its inception.

Areas of Interest Liverpool city centre is bucking the trend of

falling house prices across Merseyside. As well as rising house prices there are major new developments in place which will see an estimated 38,000 new homes under construction. The Riverside Drive area is also prospering, with plentiful modern developments and a good supply of detached and semi-detached houses for sale.

The North-West corner of the city, the commercial district, has undergone a dramatic renaissance with millions of pounds spent on refurbishment and improvements in recent years, making it an attractive proposition for commercial investors especially.

Another area of interest is the Georgian Quarter, comprising predominantly of uniformly Georgian architecture, its aesthetic appeal means it will always be popular with buyers and investors.

Home is where the art is The Ropewalks area is the ‘life and soul’ of Liverpool’s pop culture scene (more on than later), here there are numerous bookshops, pubs, clubs, boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, live music venues, and galleries for those looking to immerse themselves in the city’s culture.

A house for the price of a loaf of bread As with any major city in the UK, there is a vast discrepancy in the value of homes across the City. The highest priced property sold over the last 12 months stands at £950,000 in the L23 area, compared to one a bedroom flat on New Court Road which went for just £14,000.

A recent Daily Mail article juxtaposed the Kensington area of Liverpool, with its namesake in London.

Kensington in the capital - home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Beckhams – has an the average house price of around £19m, whereas a scheme is in place to sell off derelict properties in the L7 Kensington district of Liverpool for as little a £1 – providing buyers will commit to the £20,000-£25,000 worth of renovations required to bring the property back up to scratch.

On the Horizon Liverpool Football Club have recently scrapped long

standing plans to build a new stadium on Stanley Park due to lack of financial backing and have announced plans to expand their main stand instead. The scheme has been met with outrage from local homeowners, who have been living in the shadow of Anfield for many years watching the club buy nearby land and houses and leave them empty. This feud between the football club, council and locals is far from resolved and time will tell yet how it pans out.

Going Forward With money being invested into various regeneration programmes across the city and unemployment levels significantly lower than in the 1980s and 90s, Liverpool is an area with plentiful investment opportunities.

Higher education levels also higher in the city than ever before, with the thriving University of Liverpool and Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts attracting students from all across the world; providing ample scope for landlords to target the student market.

To look for properties currently available in the Liverpool area visit:

rightmove.co.uk/property/ Merseyside.html

For more information on housing schemes in the Merseyside area visit:

liverpool.gov.uk/housing/

CITY SPOTLIGHT - LIVERPOOL

Merseyside - the facts and figures Get the low down on the city and surrounding areas with our handy info-graphics.

Merseyside – A Regional breakdown Below is a breakdown of the current housing market in the Merseyside area, showing average house prices and rental figures.

Average house price: Average rent:

L1

L2

L3

WEST DERBY

£145,408 £720pcm

£153,944 £720pcm

£95,886 £702pcm

£128,890 £605pcm

CROXTETH COUNTRY PARK

OLD SWAN

£225,076 £633pcm

£82,333 £571pcm

AVERAGE YIELDS Average yields (ie the return on your investment) are healthy, especially in the L3 area of Liverpool.

5.94%

L1

5.61%

L2

8.79%

L3 5.63%

WEST DERBY CROXTETH

3.38% 8.32%

OLD SWAN

YEARLY CHANGE L1

L2

L3

+1.91%

+3.32%

+7.20%

WEST DERBY

+3.31%

CROXTETH COUNTRY PARK

OLD SWAN

+4.34%

+3.31%

THE

HIGHS &

LOWEST

LOWS

£16,666 11, Millwood Court, Liverpool, L24 6TQ

£15,000 9, Oban Road, Liverpool, L4 2SA

£14,000 20, New Road Court, Liverpool, L13 8EF

£950,000 27, Merrilocks Road, Liverpool, L23 6UL

There is a huge range of property available in Liverpool spanning a wide price range. Here are the three most expensive and cheapest properties recently purchased.

£888,000 Winster, Woolton Park, Woolton, Liverpool, L25 6DU

£875,000 9, Knowsley Road, Liverpool, L19 0PF

HIGHEST

(Source: BBC Homes - June 2013)

AVERAGE PROPERTY PRICES

£139,177

£140,545 £141,626 £131,315

£126,223

THROUGHOUT THE YEARS £76,904

£62,122

£46,553

£53,570

1995

£54,053

1997

1999

Average House prices have risen significantly since the mid-90s, reaching a peak of £141,626 in 2011, before plateauing to today’s level of £131,315.

2001

2003

Population

2005

2007

2011

Cologne Germany (1952)

466,400

2013

2013

Twinned with

846,101

1931

2009

Liverpool’s population is younger than that of England as a whole, with 42.3% of its population under the age of 30.

Shanghai China (1999) Rio de Janeiro Brazil (2003)

Dublin Ireland (1997)

CITY SPOTLIGHT - LIVERPOOL

PLACES TO VISIT

REET

LEEDS ST

The city’s favourite sons The Beatles had a hit called ‘D street shopping, sport or history, there’s plenty to do fo

Here are some of our favourite attractions Liverpool has to offer:

The Liver Building Pier Head, Liverpool LS The Royal Liver Building is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city and is home to two fabled Liver Birds that watch over the city and the sea. Legend has EET STR E it that were these two birds to fly away, then the city L DA would cease to exist.

ET TRE S A I TOR VIC

JOH

Merseyside Maritime Museum

ET

TRE

NS

Liverpool Playhouse

ST

RA

ND

Albert Dock, Liverpool, L3 Merseyside Maritime Museum is the place to explore the city’s history at sea. A ‘treasure chest of mechanical invention’, you can learn about the famous docklands and Liverpool’s ‘untold’ relationship with the Titanic. What’s more, entry is free - you can’t argue with that!

GETTING AROUND: Merseyside has a world class transport network allowing visitors to get around the city easily by foot, bus, rail and ferry.

ST

RE

ET

Williamson Square, Liverpool ET Beginning life as the Star SMusic TRE R in 1911, and has since VE seen pe NO Anthony Hopkins, HA Ian Mckel shows include Crime and Punis Mojo. For more info visit: every

The Yellow Duckmarine Starts at: Albert Dock, Liverpool, L3 4AS

Steeped in Maritime History, the city is bu most famous docklands in the worldPA– A RK better way to see it all than to ride the Yellow War II style landing vehicle. Lasting for just takes in the Liver Buildings, ST Georges the Docks themselves, with a lively and fac

From 10am daily, visit: theyellowduckmar

For more information, visit merseytravel.gov.uk or call 0871 200 22 33.

ANOTHER ATRACTIONS IN MERSEYSIDE: Aintree Park Racecourse

Knowsley Safari Park

Omskirk Road, Liverpool, L9 5AS

Prescot, Merseyside

Home of the most famous horse race in the world – The Grand National – Aintree is set in picturesque green surroundings. Racing doesn’t happen here every day, so each of its six events a year has a special feel to it.

Home to lions, cheetahs, monkeys and rhinos, Knowsley Safari Park was the first of its kind to be built close to a city. Prices range from £10-£16 for adults, or £53 for families. Visit knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk/ for more information.

Day Tripper’, and with so much to see and do in Liverpool, it’s no wonder. Whether you are looking for high or residents and visitors alike.

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Mount Pleasant, L3 Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the many listed buildings in Liverpool. Known locally as “Paddy’s Wigwam” or “Mersey Funnel”, It was designed by architect Federick Gibberd in 1962 and holds many exhibitions and art days.

LIM EET

TR ES

L1 T c Hall in 1866, it first became a theatre erformances from luminaries such as llen and Patrick Stewart. Upcoming shment, 1984, and Melody Loses Her ymanplayhouse.com

Liverpool Anglican Cathedral St James’ Mount, Liverpool L1 Completed in 1978, Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral is the largest in the UK and the fifth largest in the world. Visit: liverpoolcathedral.org.uk for more info.

rine.co.uk for more info.

GREAT GEORGE STREET

uilt around arguably the Albert Docks. So what KwL Duckmarine - a World AN an hour, the tour under Hall,E China Town and ctual commentary.

Formby Point

Anfield Stadium

Merseyside, L37

Anfield Road, Merseyside, L4

Whether you are after a relaxing picnic or bracing coastal walks, head north out of the city to nearby Formby and witness some breath taking sea views.

For more info visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/formby/

Football lovers should visit Anfield, the famous home of Liverpool Football Club. The iconic stadium opens its gates for behind the scenes tours on nonmatch days. Visit anfieldtour.com for more details.

CITY SPOTLIGHT - LIVERPOOL

FAMOUS SCOUSERS Liverpool is a city famous for its contributions to art, music, theatre, television and comedy.

Here are some of its most famous sons and daughters.

John Lennon Founder member of The Beatles (more on them overleaf), Lennon was born in Liverpool maternity Hospital in 1940. He grew up in the city, before going on to spearhead the ‘Fab Four’ to world domination. He was shot dead in New York City in December 1980 aged just 40.

Ken Dodd Comedian famous for his frizzy hair and feather duster, Dodd was born in the Knotley Ash area of the city in 1927. He was still performing last year at the ripe old age of 84.

Steven Gerrard Liverpool and England footballer Steven Gerrard was spotted by scouts playing schoolboy football for Whiston Juniors. Since making his debut in 1998, he has gone on to make nearly 500 appearances for the Reds as well as captaining his country on numerous occasions.

Paul O’Grady Comedian, television presenter, actor, writer and radio DJ, most famous for his drag-queen comic creation ‘Lilly Savage’. The 58 year-old grew up in Birkenhead where he got the inspiration for Savage from his extended family.

Jimmy Tarbuck Tarbuck attended Dovedale Primary school in Liverpool, where he was a schoolmate of John Lennon. One of the UK’s best known comedians and former host of The Royal Variety Show, his daughter Liza is also a television host.

Cilla Black Born in 1943 in the Scotland Road Area of Liverpool, Cilla had a string of hits in the 60s, as well as playing cupid as presenter of ITV’s Blind Date from 1985-2003.

Kim Cattrall Most famous for her role as Samantha Jones in the hit American comedy Sex and the City, Katrell was born here in the UK, in Mossley Hill area of Liverpool.

Ricky Tomlinson Actor famous for his catchphrase of ‘my arse’ as slob Jim Royle in fly-onthe-wall sitcom The Royle Family. Royle was born in Blackpool but has lived in Liverpool for nearly all of his life.

A CITY THAT LOVES LAUGH

T

he people of Liverpool are famous for their sense of humour, so it’s no surprise that the city has produced some of the finest stand-up comedians of the UK, from Ken Dodd, Freddie Starr, Jimmy Tarbuck, Kenny Everitt, Stan Boardman and Tom O’Connor to contemporary stands ups such as John Bishop.

From the music halls of the 1950s, early days of radio, and the working men’s clubs of the 1960s and 70s, Liverpool is a city steeped in comedy tradition. So why not visit one of its numerous comedy clubs and sample some of that world famous Scouse wit.

Comedy Clubs

Bluebar Albert Docks

Hot Water The Crown Hotel Pub, Lime Street

Intimate comedy club offering you a great chance to see the circuit’s rising stars. Also does good food and reasonable price drinks.

Runs live comedy shows every Friday, Saturday & Sunday, featuring some of the best circuit headliners, TV comedians and as yet undiscovered acts at the lowest prices in the city.

bluebarliverpool.co.uk

hotwatercomedy.co.uk

Comedy EVENTS Liverpool Comedy Festival (26th September to 6th October) Various venues across the city

Established in 2002, Liverpool Comedy Festival returns again in September to make the city laugh. Acts for this year are all still to be confirmed, but the past few years you could have seen Jason Manford, Jimmy Carr, Dara O’Brian, Russell Howard, Stewart Lee, Jack Dee, Ross Noble, Sarah Millican all perform. Keep an eye on liverpoolcomedyfestival.com for more.

Comedy Coach Tour See the city’s sights on the Liverpool comedy tour. Professional stand-up comedians host the tour with irreverent banter and hilarious impersonations of famous Liverpool personalities. For more information and timings, visit: comedycoachtour.com

Visit chortle.com for more comedy events going on across Liverpool and the rest of the UK.

CITY SPOTLIGHT - LIVERPOOL

MERSEY BEAT Liverpool has a rich musical heritage, since as far back as the 50s the city has produced a string of artists that have with chart-topping hits, so much so, the Guinness Book of Records christened it the ‘city of pop’.

We take a look back at the city’s musical history and also what it has to offer today.

The Beatles

A

rguable the world’s most famous band, the fab four – John, Paul, George and Ringo - grew up in the city, learning their trade playing regularly at the city’s Cavern Club, before ‘Beatlemania’ swept the nation. The band have had a record 15 UK number one albums and sold an estimated billion records worldwide.

Beatles fanatic Joe Wiseby says: “The second you step off the train at Liverpool’s Lime Street station. You are confronted with one thing and one thing only - four hairy, black and white heads beaming at you from every angle. The Beatles submerge Liverpool.

Every market stall blares out their music, every shop sells Beatles memorabilia, every postman whistles their songs.

“Liverpool itself was the only place The Beatles could’ve come from. It’s wise cracking, quick witted people meant The Beatles were afraid of no one as they rose further and further into the show business stratosphere.

It’s docks meant they heard rare American blues and rock n roll records that Cunard yanks brought back from the States, which in turn hugely influenced their sound.

Liverpool kept them grounded throughout their career, it is a tough, real place and this meant that they never quite took themselves as seriously as they could’ve done”

Gerry & the Pacemakers

Like the Beatles, Gerry & the Pacemakers were managed by Brian Epstein and produced by George Martin. They were the first band to reach number one in the charts with each one of their first three single releases. Led by singer Gerry Marsden and his brother Fred, the band typified the ‘merseybeat’ sound. Their version of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ is guaranteed to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up before each Liverpool home game.

The Cavern Club

Visit the infamous ‘Cavern Club’, where The Beatles honed their craft, playing there 292 times between February 1961 and August 1963. Every Saturday evening live bands perform the music of the fab four, in the place where it all began.

Top Venues

Where to catch the sounds of the city today

Billy Fury

Zanzibar Club

43 Seel Street, L1 4AZ thezanzibarclub.com Small, air conditioned bar with an excellent sound system, a best place to see the stars of the future.

Real name Ronald Wycherley, Billy Furry was an internationally successful singer born in Sefton Hospital in the city in 1940. With a similar swagger and stage style to Elvis Pressley, his 24 hits in the 1960s rivalled The Beatles. He passed away in 1983, aged just 42.

Modern Day In more recent times, bands from the city such as The Coral, The La’s, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Farm, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Cast, The Zuttons, Atomic Kitten, The Wombats and Lightning Seeds have enjoyed chart success as The Beatles and others continue to inspire further generations.

Speaking about the modern music scene in Liverpool Ian McNabb of 80’s band The Icicle Works says: “I think it’s a tradition we uphold today.

In Liverpool, there’s as many musicians and artists as there are plumbers.”

Liverpool Philiharmonic Hall Hope Street, L1 9BP Liverpoolphil.com

Designated by English Heritage as a Grade II listed building, the venue has hosted the cream of Europe’s orchestral talent.

Echo Arena

Kings Dock, L3 4FP echoarena.com This award-winning building located on the waterfront has regular live music, comedy and musical theatre.

CITY FOCUS

FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT

I

f you are looking to rent out your property, then follow these simple steps to make sure you make the right first impression on prospective tenants.

The Front Door This might seem obvious, but the front door is the first thing that any potential tenant will see when arriving at your property, make sure it is in good condition and ideally freshly painted.

Choose a stylish, tasteful tone - many are put off by loud or unusual colours.

Don’t neglect the outside Make sure that the outside of your home is as clear and tidy as the inside, this includes the front garden, windows, bushes, lawn and ensure that all bins are empty. Remember to weed all pathways and clear all guttering, as this is a clear sign that the property has not been well cared for.

Redecorating If you plan to redecorate before remarketing your property, then try to keep all the walls and colour schemes as neutral as possible, any garish or extravagant colours may be off putting.

They also subliminally portray to the buyer that the property belongs to you, and is therefore less likely to feel like a potential home for them.

The Living Room The clue is in the name here, a living room should feel homely and ready to live in, make sure it is clean, tidy, spacious and of a good temperature.

Make sure the television is off, as this will be the place to chat about the property. If your buyers seem keen to stay and discuss things in more detail, then offer them a cup of tea and sit in the living room, they will soon start to feel at home!

Kitchen Your tenants will spend many hours in the kitchen preparing and eating meals, so the impression that the kitchen gives is equally as important as the living room. Be sure that the area is clutter free, the floors are clean and there are no dirty dishes. Remember also to empty all bins and take down any drying washing before they view – especially any embarrassing undies!

Clean up There is nothing more off-putting than an untidy house. If the prospective buyers are neat and tidy people they are unlikely to envisage buying a messy property. Simple steps such as dusting, vacuuming, and making sure the house smells nice, could be the difference between securing tenants and a void period!

If you have previously lived in the property, then pack up all personal belongings and family photographs, otherwise tenants are unlikely to be able to see past it as your home.

For more information on how to make the most of your garden, download and read our free Property Care Guide at: Citylandlord.co.uk/landlords-guide

WHAT’S ON

Our guide to the best event going on across our chosen city and the rest of the UK!

LIVERPOOL Rod Stewart

Legendary performer and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Rod Stewart bring his sparkling UK tour to Liverpool’s Echo Arena on Tuesday 17th September. Expect all your favourites, including ‘Maggie May’, ‘The First Cut is the Deepest’ and ‘Sailing’, as well as songs from ‘Time’ his first album of new material in almost 20 years.

Tickets cost from £66.50 and are available at: echoarena.com

Liverpool Food & Drink Festival 2013

Returning for its sixth year, Liverpool Food & Drink Festival is a huge open air celebration of all thing culinary. Taking place on the 7th & 8th of September, the event involves a weekend of feasts in the heart of Sefton Park, as well activities at bars, restaurants and venues across the city.

For more info, Info/tickets: liverpoolfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk

Liverpool Pride

Starts at St Georges Plateau, Liverpool.

Sat 3rd August 11.00 Free A free party hosted by the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, giving friends, families and supporters the chance to take to Liverpool’s streets in a blaze of colour, music and whilst raising awareness of homophobia and transphobia. This year’s theme is Super Heroes.

Info: liverpoolpride.co.uk

Lennon

Royal Court, Liverpool, L1 Fri 23rd August to Sat 14th September 14.00 & 20.00 daily John Power (The La’s, Cast) makes his theatrical debut in Bob Eaton’s fantastic musical Lennon, telling the life story of Beatles main-man John Lennon and featuring the classic hits of the fab four.

Info & tickets: royalcourtliverpool.co.uk

Murder at St George’s Hall St George’s Hall, Liverpool, L1 Fri 13th Sept 19.30 Family ticket from £38

Guests will be treated to a 3-course meal whilst they bear witness to Liverpool’s most notorious murders of the Victorian era portrayed by professional actors.

Info/tickets: lovehistory.co.uk

Write Now Festival

Unity Theatre, Hope Place, Liverpool Wed 18th to Fri 20th Sept £10 each A series of six one-act plays exploring love, rage, forgiveness and financial crisis! A chance to see some of city’s stage stars of tomorrow.

Info/tickets: writenowfestival.co.uk

MANCHESTER Sealife

LONDON FA Community Shield Sat 11th August Wembley Stadium Kick Off: 14.00pm Tickets: £20-£65

Premier League winners Man United take on last year’s surprise FA Cup winners Wigan Athletic in the traditional curtain-raiser for the new football season.

Info/tickets: wembleystadium.com

Notting Hill Carnival

Sun 25th to Mon 26th August Notting Hill, W11 3AG Free The annual Carnival has set London on fire in a blaze of community spirit since its inception in 1966. Expect extravagantly costumed dancers, calypso and soca musicians, giant sound systems and steel bands, and over a million revellers of all ages.

Info: thenottinghillcarnival.com

NOTTINGHAM The Trafford Centre, Manchester Open 10am – 7pm daily £16 adults or Family tickets £14.10 per person The newly opened Sealife centre in Manchester promises to transport you to an underwater world, from scary sharks to graceful seahorses, this is the closest you can get to over 5,000 different sea creatures - without getting wet!

Info: visitsealife.com/Manchester

Caribbean Festival

Sat 17th – Sun 18th August Forrest Recreation Ground Free Experience the sights and sounds of the Caribbean, with live music, arts and crafts and a carnival parade.

Info/tickets:

emccan.org/nottingham-caribbean-carnival

BIRMINGHAM

BRIGHTON

Stage Experience: Annie

Art Deco Fair

Wed 21st to Sat 24th August Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham £16.90 - £24.00

Sunday 18th August Hove Centre, Brighton Free For lovers of Art Deco furniture and collectables, featuring original vintage goods from the 1920s to the 1970s.

Info/tickets: artdecofairs.co.uk

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the New Alexandra Theatre Stage Experience tells the tale of feisty New York Orphan Annie, and showcases the best and brightest young talent from across the West Midlands.

Info/tickets: alexandratheatre.org.uk

LEEDS Elton John & His Band

EDINBURGH Edinburgh International Book Festival

Wed 4th September Leeds Arena £50.00

10.00-17.00

Elton John and his band bring their unique and unforgettable live show to Leeds Arena, the first time in nearly 30 years Elton has performed in Leeds.

Info/tickets: yorkshiregigs.co.uk

Sat 10th August – Mon 26th August Various venues across the City Adult prices range from free to £15.00 The largest public celebration of the written word in the world. Every August the Scottish capital brings over 800 writers from across the planet together to rub shoulders with the audience.

Info/tickets: edbookfest.co.uk

“I have heard of the greatness of Liverpool but the reality far surpasses my expectation�

Prince Albert, speech, 1846

We hope you have enjoyed issue two of City Focus.

We welcome any suggestions and feedback, so please email editor@citylandlord.co.uk with your thoughts.

You can also follow us on twitter: @citylandlord or visit facebook.com/citylandlord for all our latest news, as well as exclusive deals and offers. citylandlord.co.uk Free Phone: 0800 2944 546 City Landlord The Business Exchange 26/28 Hammersmith Grove London, W6 7BA