Liverpool BID postpones Bold Street event amid riots

On Sunday Liverpool BID Company postponed its Celebrating Castle Street event amid violence on mayhem on the city’s streets – now next weekend’s Bold Street event is also put on hold. Tony McDonough reports

Celebrating Bold Street 2023 – this year’s event is now on hold. Picture by Liverpool BID Company

Liverpool BID Company says next weekend’s Celebrating Bold Street food, drink and music event is being postponed amid the violence and mayhem in the city on Saturday.

Right wing thugs took to the streets of Liverpool city centre on Saturday, terrifying shoppers and day trippers, damaging shops and taking part in violent confrontations with the police. Riots also took place in other UK towns and cities and there was serious disorder in north Liverpool.

On Saturday afternoon Liverpool BID Company took the decision to postpone its Celebrating Castle Street event, due to take place on Sunday. While tensions remain high the BID says Celebrating Bold Street on Sunday, August 11, will also be postponed.

Both events were designed to celebrate the breadth of local businesses in the city centre, blending food, drink, entertainment, culture, family fun and more.

Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, which represents more than 800 levy-paying businesses in Liverpool city centre, said: “Liverpool is a vibrant and diverse city.

“It’s important we say that because we cannot allow violence to undo and undermine the work that has been done to build and regenerate a city.

“The modern Liverpool is the culmination of a lot of work by many different partners. It is the result of vision, investment confidence and hard work.

We have made the decision to postpone Celebrating Bold Street this coming weekend, after we took the decision on Saturday to postpone Celebrating Castle Street. After speaking to our businesses we feel this is the sensible course of action.

“The city centre is a place for everyone to enjoy, but we feel it is prudent as the situation remains unpredictable. At Liverpool BID Company we have always said our work is about making this a city where everyone can thrive, be they resident, business, visitor or tourist.

“The resilience of our city centre businesses in the face of violence and threats cannot be understated.

“Our businesses showed real love and strength in protecting their customers and staff. The truth is they shouldn’t have to show such strength and be so concerned about their staff and customers. This shouldn’t happen.”

Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company

Bill added that over the coming days, weeks and months a “frank conversation about what happened on Saturday” is needed. He explained: “Criminal and violent activity on this scale should not be something our city has to tolerate.

“As a voice for and a partner with those who have businesses and organisations within the city centre it is so important to make sure we can communicate quickly and effectively.

“We will push forward with the city partners, Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council to provide regular and clear communication, ensuring our city can run as openly and safely as possible.

“We have come through difficult times together before. All we know is how to work together, and that is what we will continue to do.”

The post Liverpool BID postpones Bold Street event amid riots appeared first on Liverpool Business News.