At the heart of Liverpool is a simple truth, we are a city built on stories. Stories shared over dinner tables, in dockside pubs, in community halls, in museums, and on street corners. Stories passed down, whispered, shouted, sung, and proudly retold.

It felt fitting that the launch of The Liverpool Storyteller at Hotel Anfield, was anchored around Global Scouse Day, a celebration of the dish that has become shorthand for identity, belonging, and togetherness. Scouse isn’t just food, it’s a reminder that Liverpool’s strength has always come from its people gathering, sharing, and looking after one another.

That spirit flowed seamlessly into International Women’s Day, a moment to honour the women who shaped this city’s past and continues to shape its future. Liverpool’s history is full of women who stirred the pot; literally and metaphorically. Women who held families together, led movements, built communities, and fought for change. Women whose stories deserve to be told with pride, humour, and honesty.

I had the privilege of sitting on a panel surrounded by women whose stories will continue to resonate long after Thursday’s International Women’s Day event organised by the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool). Each voice carried something powerful; resilience, humour, honesty, courage, and together they created a tapestry of experiences that reminded me just how extraordinary women are in all the ways we show up for our work, our communities, and each other.

One of the stories I chose to highlight was that of Cicely Hamilton, whose legacy still resonates today. A playwright, suffragist, and pioneering advocate for women’s rights, she created, 'A Pageant of Great Women,' performed in Liverpool in 1912, as a bold celebration of women’s achievements across history. Through a spirited, courtroom‑style pageant, influential women stepped forward to challenge assumptions about women’s capabilities and contributions. Hamilton’s work honoured the determination, intellect, and creativity of women whose impact long predated recognition, making their stories accessible to audiences who might never otherwise have heard them.

To the women whose voices are seldom heard, to those who quietly persevere, contribute, and uplift others through steadfast dedication; your work forms the foundation upon which so much progress is built. Thank you!

These are the same women who inspire today’s guiding community; the storytellers, heritage workers, and tourism professionals who bring Liverpool to life for visitors from around the world. Which brings us to the third celebration in this season: The Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards.

Awards season is more than a ceremony. It’s a moment of recognition for the people who make this region shine, the guides who walk miles in all weathers, the volunteers who greet guests with warmth, the cultural venues that open their doors to the world, and the teams who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make every visitor feel welcome.

Together, these three occasions: Global Scouse Day, The Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards and International Women’s Day, form a single story about community, resilience, creativity, and pride. They are the perfect backdrop for a business built on celebrating Liverpool’s heritage and the people who keep its stories alive.

April’s Secret Stroll has completely sold out, but don’t worry the May date has just been launched. You can reserve your space today by visiting: theliverpoolstoryteller.com/secretstrolls