Major newe venue Blackstock Market has opened to the public with more than 2,000 people flocking to the multi-million-pound Liverpool venue on its first day.
The eagerly anticipated £7million entertainment destination was officially launched this week, with events including a sold out evening from Hot Water Comedy Club, led by superstar resident compere Paul Smith.
The comedy line-up also included fan favourites Jamie Sutherland, Kate Tracey, Danny McLoughlin, Tony Carroll, Rob Thomas, Brennan Reece, Phil Chapman and Freddy Quinn.
Earlier in the day, superstar British boxer Ricky Hatton took part in a special ‘Audience With’ event at the venue, with some lucky fans getting to have their photos taken with the three times light welterweight and welterweight world champion.
Many more visitors descended on the Blackstock Street location over the day to soak up its unique atmosphere or to enjoy a meal in its new food market.
Blackstock Market is the brainchild of Hot Water founders Paul and Binty Blair. It will house four theatre spaces of varying sizes, from a purpose built and first to open, state of the art 590-seat auditorium – one of the largest regular comedy club space in the world - to a 50-seat studio space, along with podcast studios, with the venue becoming a new home for Hot Water and the city’s legion of comedy fans.
And there’s a full programme of comedy nights coming up at the new Blackstock Street venue featuring some of the best household names along with rising comedy stars.
Paul Smith returns this Wednesday and Thursday to perform the first in a series of work-in-progress shows, while Justin Moorhouse, Tom Wrigglesworth, Chris Washington and Will E take to the stage on Friday and Saturday nights in a flagship comedy evening.
Hot Water celebrates its 14th birthday on Sunday, 14 April with a night packed with special guests who are yet to be announced.
Monday, 15 April sees a stellar line-up including Paul Smith, Adam Rowe and Troy Hawke come together for a special charity fundraiser in aid of comedian, Britain’s Got Talent star (and Baptist minister) Allan Finnegan.
Other comedy favourites heading for the venue during April include Tony Carroll, Rory O’Hanlon, Paul Tonkinson, Jamie Hutchinson and Keith Farnan.
Meanwhile Blackstock Market is also set to be the location for a series of ‘Audience With’ events this month – with EFC Legends on 14 April, Liverpool icon John Barnes on 21 April, and comics Stan Boardman and Paul Smith both on 27 April.
The programme also features weekly open mic nights, the comedy roast and regular Green Room Podcasts.
Blackstock Market is open all day, seven days of the week, with no need to book to access the main market areas and most attractions, and free live music on site daily.
A giant rooftop terrace, the largest in Liverpool, will open later this year. And a big screen will show top sporting events live, while special ‘audience with’ shows will feature sporting legend guests.
Street food vendors in the new food market include Burgerism, Pattersons, KO Grill, Laros, Paulie’s Pizzeria, North Garden and Desserts by Dre.
There also one of the longest bars in Liverpool and soon to open is a sumptuous cocktail bar, and an elegant Prohibition era-style bar – Whisky & Water - offering more than 300 different whiskies as well as live jazz and blues music. Along with a self-service beer wall features a selection of the very best craft beers from Liverpool breweries.
And, in a commitment to supporting the local community, Blackstock Market sources its hot drinks from local suppliers Monkey Board Coffee and the Liverpool Tea Warehouse.
Adding to its unique charm, Blackstock Market also has whimsical features like hidden rooms, a breathtaking waterfall, and a striking solid steel tree.
With various spaces available for hire, and with high-speed 10gb Wi-Fi throughout the site, the venue offers a backdrop for an array of events, from weddings and corporate events to art exhibitions and music festivals, ensuring an unforgettable experience for any gathering.
And it is also dog-friendly and provides free on-street parking, making it a seamless addition to Liverpool’s cultural and community life. The whole site will also employ around 100 new staff from the local area.
Paul Blair says: “It’s brilliant to finally be able to open the first phase of Blackstock Market to the public – we were overwhelmed by the reaction from everyone who came to opening day yesterday. There was a real buzz about the place, which makes all the hard work that has gone into fulfilling our vision worthwhile.
“The comedians who played on the stage in our bespoke new 590-seater auditorium absolutely loved it too, and there was an amazing atmosphere in the room, while the great Ricky Hatton was the first in what we intend to be regular weekend ‘Audience With’ events at Blackstock Market.
“The food market was also very busy, and it was great to just walk round and see so many people really enjoying themselves.
“And that was just day one! We’ve got a packed line-up of events planned for the rest of April and beyond, and of course visitors are welcome to drop in during the day, every day, to enjoy some fantastic food, drink and free live music and other entertainment.”
Website: www.blackstockmarket.co.uk
Facebook: /Blackstock Market Liverpool
Twitter: @BlackstockMkt
Instagram: @blackstockmarketlpool
BLACKSTOCK MARKET
15 Blackstock Street
Liverpool, L3 6ER
Click here for April comedy listings
Picture credit: Blackstock Market
