Liverpool Arab Arts Festival (LAAF), the UK's longest-running annual festival of Arab arts and culture, returns for its 24th edition from Friday, July 17, 2026. The 10-day festival will present a diverse programme of events across Liverpool city centre and beyond, centred on the theme of 'Home'—exploring its meaning, geography, and personal identity.
Festival History and Leadership
Founded in 1998 by Taher Qassim, LAAF has grown from a weekend event supported by the Bluecoat centre into a major cultural fixture. This year, Afrah Qassim has taken over day-to-day running from her father. She said: "We've been going for more than a quarter century now, and that is something to truly celebrate. My father wanted to bring something to the city which would showcase Arab heritage... The whole aim of the festival is bringing people together, people from all backgrounds, and to come and celebrate and learn about different people's experiences."
Key Events and Highlights
The festival opens on Friday, July 17, with a performance by Al-Awhadel Band at St George's Hall Concert Room (7:30 pm–9:30 pm). Two photography exhibitions run from July 17: 'The Refuge' at the Exhibition Research Lab (LJMU) and 'The Other Refuge' at Open Eye Gallery Atrium, both open daily 10 am–5 pm until July 24 and August 2 respectively.
From July 18 to August 2, 'Sudanese Culinary Arts and Literature' takes place at The Black-E (1 pm–4 pm), and '40 Days and 40 Nights: Script in Hand Reading' at Royal Court Studio (7 pm–9:20 pm). On July 19, 'A Journey Home: Family Screening and Workshop' is at Plaza Community Cinema (2 pm–4 pm).
Mid-Week Programme
July 20 features 'The Other Refuge: Exhibition Launch and Artist Talk' at Open Eye Gallery (2 pm–4 pm). On July 21, 'My Father and Qaddafi: UK Premiere and Q&A' screens at The Bluecoat (6:30 pm–9:30 pm). July 22 hosts 'The Refuge: Artist Talk' at Exhibition Research Lab (2 pm–4 pm). July 23 presents 'The Book of Damascus' at The Bluecoat (6:30 pm–8:30 pm).
Final Weekend Events
On July 24, 'Tamsin Elliott & Tarek Elazhary' perform at Philharmonic Hall (8 pm–10 pm). July 25 includes 'In conversation with Simona Abdallah: Finding Freedom Through Art' at Rough Trade Liverpool (2:30 pm–4:30 pm) and 'Rhythms & Mixes: A Night with Simona Abdallah, DJ Hiba Salameh, and MUSYS' (8 pm–10 pm).
Family Day at Sefton Park Palm House
The festival concludes on Sunday, July 26, with the free LAAF Family Day at Sefton Park Palm House (12 pm–5 pm). The event features music, performance, Arabic and Middle Eastern food stalls, arts and crafts, calligraphy, dance, and children's activities including storytelling and workshops. Afrah Qassim noted: "For me, the Family Day... how that has grown over the years, is so wonderful because it kind of brings the whole of the city together in one space."
For full details and updates, visit the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival website.
