FESTIVAL 2026
12:00am, Friday 17 July
VIEW THE FESTIVAL BROCHURE – LAAF 2026
Download the LAAF brochure here, with the full festival lineup! قم بتنزيل كتيب LAAF هنا، والذي يتضمن البرنامج الكامل للمهرجان!
10:00am, Friday 17 July
The Refuge: Photography Exhibition
Through the perspectives of contemporary photography, this exhibition reflects on the notion of ‘home’ in the context of today’s Arabness.
10:00am, Friday 17 July
The Other Refuge: Photography Exhibition
An exhibition reflecting on 'belonging' through the eclectic perspectives of UK artists of Arab origin who have experienced displacement.
7:30pm, Friday 17 July
Yemeni Night feat. The Al-Awhadel Band LIVE
LAAF's Yemeni night at St George's Hall will be a celebration of Yemeni music featuring the mesmerising Al-Awhadel Band.
1:00pm, Saturday 18 July
Sudanese Culinary Arts and Literature
This event brings together recipes, oral histories, and cultural narratives that preserve Sudan’s heritage.
7:00pm, Saturday 18 July
40 Days and 40 Nights: Script in Hand Reading
Strap in for the ride of a lifetime and journey from the Mersey to the Middle East with ferries, fights, fun and family. Hop on, this is the bus you won't want to miss, next stop Yemen.
2:00pm, Sunday 19 July
A Journey Home: Family Screening and Workshop
A screening of four short animated films and a workshop centred around the theme of home, told through the perspectives of young characters.
2:00pm, Monday 20 July
The Other Refuge: Exhibition Launch and Artist Talk
An exhibition reflecting on 'belonging' through the eclectic perspectives of UK artists of Arab origin who have experienced displacement.
6:30pm, Tuesday 21 July
My Father and Qaddafi: UK Premiere and Q&A
A raw and reflective journey as Jihan pieces together a father she barely remembers, while discovering the troubled history of Libya.
2:00pm, Wednesday 22 July
The Refuge: Artist Talk
Through the perspectives of contemporary photography, this exhibition reflects on the notion of ‘home’ in the context of today’s Arabness.
6:30pm, Thursday 23 July
The Book of Damascus
An evening of readings, translations and discussions about the challenges that Damascus has survived and what lies ahead for it.
8:00pm, Friday 24 July
Tamsin Elliott & Tarek Elazhary
Liverpool Arab Arts Festival presents a UK premiere performance from Tamsin Elliott (UK) and Tarek Elazhary (Egypt).
2:30pm, Saturday 25 July
In conversation with Simona Abdallah: Finding Freedom Through Art
An afternoon of thought-provoking conversation intertwined with Simona’s powerful performances on the darbuka.
8:00pm, Saturday 25 July
Rhythms & Mixes: A Night with Simona Abdallah, DJ Hiba Salameh, and MUSYS
A night of exhilarating rhythms and mixes from three powerful female musicians of Arab heritage.
12:00pm, Sunday 26 July
LAAF Family Day 2026
Immerse yourself in a FREE afternoon of authentic Arab art, culture and community during this joyful celebration.
NEWS
Vacancy: Heritage Project Manager
Marking our 25th festival edition, we’ll work with Arab communities to explore Liverpool Arab Arts Festival’s (LAAF) history ...
SAVE THE DATE – Liverpool Arab Arts Festival returns this July
This year's theme is HOME, unfolding across a diverse range of disciplines, including music, theatre, visual art, literature and film ...
Vacancy: Chief Executive Officer at LAAF
As Chief Executive Officer, you will lead this unique organisation through a pivotal period of transition and renewal ...
