Culture in Liverpool: LightNight and Giant Spectacular

Liverpool's annual nighttime celebration of culture around the city is returning this Friday 16th May - LightNight 2014 will be happening from 4pm until late, unlocking the doors of  Liverpool's world-class museums, galleries and heritage sites  as the city is illuminated with an unforgettable trail of over 100 free events for all ages, providing the perfect chance to meet friends and family for the relaxed after-hours atmosphere and rediscovering the city centre - it's a Friday night out with a difference.

This year, City of Readers and The Reader Organisation will be part of LightNight's activities in Liverpool Central Library. From 4pm to 8.30pm come and find out more about the City of Readers project which is aiming to transform Liverpool into the UK's foremost reading city. Come along to the Atrium on the ground floor of the library, learn about the project and how you can get involved with the Give Us 5 campaign.

Between 6pm and 7.30pm we'll also be holding special shared reading and storytelling sessions around the theme of 'light'. Enjoy the reading aloud with the option of joining in or simply sitting back and enjoying the stories and poems on offer. The sessions will be taking place on the ground floor of Central Library and are free to participate in, all ages and abilities welcome.

Friday 16th May is also the deadline for applications to volunteer at this year's Giant Spectacular which is heading to Liverpool in July. After the success of the Sea Odyssey Giant Spectacular in 2012, the Giants are returning to Liverpool with Royal De Luxe to commemorate the centenary of the First World War in another piece of poignant and spectacular piece of street theatre embarking on an emotional journey around the city from 23rd-27th July.  Part of the show will see the recreation of the Liverpool Pals Battalion from 1914 when thousands of men from the city signed up to defend their country, and Giant Spectacular are seeking a total of 120 volunteers to be part of the show.

To be involved, volunteers must be male and aged 18 or over, be physically fit to be able to march repeatedly around the city and be available from 27th June. The deadline is midnight on Friday 16th May - more information can be found on the Giant Spectacular website: http://www.giantspectacular.com/