Now festival 2027: exploring inequity through the arts

The NOW Festival is a highlight of the calendar for Liverpool's Mental Health Support for Children and Young People's Partnership, bringing together young people from across the city to explore important issues affecting their lives.

NOW Fest 2027 will take place across three evenings on 1, 2 and 3 February at the Epstein Theatre during Children's Mental Health Week.

This year's theme, inequity, will explore how factors such as poverty, discrimination, exclusion, additional needs and unequal access to opportunities can impact children's mental health, wellbeing and future life chances. Through music, drama, dance, spoken word and performance, young people will share their experiences, raise awareness and encourage meaningful conversations.

The festival aims to:

• Give young people a voice and support their personal and social development.
• Develop communication, confidence and teamwork skills through collaborative participation.
• Increase understanding of mental health, prevention and early intervention.
• Challenge stigma by creating opportunities for open conversation.
• Highlight the importance of resilience, creativity and community.

The impact of the festival continues to grow. In 2026, more than 335 children and young people from 22 schools and community groups performed across three sold-out shows to audiences of parents, carers, families, professionals and local supporters.

NOW Fest 2027 promises to be another powerful celebration of youth voice, creativity and hope, shining a light on the issues that matter most to young people today.

Pics: Dave Brownlee Photography