The Liverpool Arab Arts Festival (LAAF) is set to return for its 24th edition this summer, bringing a bold and thought-provoking programme of Arab arts and culture to venues across Liverpool from Friday 17 to Sunday 26 July 2026.
As the UK’s longest-running annual festival celebrating Arab culture, LAAF continues to platform powerful artistic voices from across the Arab world and diaspora. This year’s theme explores the evolving concept of “home” — from place and identity to memory, migration and belonging.
With new events just announced, the 2026 programme promises a rich mix of performance, literature, film and music.
Script Reading at Liverpool Royal Court: 40 Days & 40 Nights
LAAF 2026 will collaborate with Royal Court Theatre to present a script-in-hand reading of 40 Days & 40 Nights on Saturday 18 July.
Written by Chrissy Jones, the play is based on the real-life journey of Mohamed El Gadhy and his family, who travelled from Bootle to Yemen on a double decker bus in 1996.
Blending humour with cultural reflection, the story explores identity, heritage and belonging as the El Gadhy family navigate their experiences as Yemeni, Muslim and Scouse across continents.
Film Screening at The Bluecoat: My Father and Qaddafi
The festival’s film programme begins with My Father and Qaddafi, screening at The Bluecoat on Tuesday 21 July.
Presented in association with the University of Liverpool, the documentary follows Jihan as she investigates the disappearance of her father — a peaceful opposition leader to Muammar Gaddafi.
The film offers a deeply personal exploration of identity, political history and memory, and will be followed by a Q&A session.
Literary Event: Launch of The Book of Damascus
Also at The Bluecoat, LAAF will host the launch of The Book of Damascus on Thursday 23 July, in partnership with Comma Press.
Part of Comma Press’s acclaimed Reading the City series, the collection presents stories from everyday Syrians, offering perspectives often absent from mainstream narratives.
The event will feature readings and discussion with contributors including Zaher Omareen, Odai Al-Zoubi and Majd Abu Shawish, exploring the complexities and contradictions of Damascus — one of the world’s oldest cities.
Live Music & Conversation: Simona Abdallah at Rough Trade Liverpool
On Saturday 25 July, LAAF partners with Savera UK for a special day-to-night programme at Rough Trade Liverpool.
Internationally renowned percussionist Simona Abdallah will lead an afternoon of conversation and performance, reflecting on her journey as a woman navigating patriarchal barriers in traditional music.
Hosted by Sara Suliman, the session includes live darbuka performances, discussion and Q&A, alongside a welcome from Savera UK founder Afrah Qassim.
The evening will shift into a high-energy live set, with Abdallah joined by acclaimed artists Hiba Salameh and Yasmeen Soudani, blending electronic sounds with Arabic musical traditions.
Exploring the Meaning of “Home” at LAAF 2026
Across ten days, Liverpool Arab Arts Festival 2026 will present a wide-ranging programme examining the emotional, political and cultural dimensions of home.
From stories of migration and displacement to celebrations of identity and community, the festival invites audiences to reflect on belonging in all its forms — whether rooted, remembered or reimagined.
Through music, film, literature and performance, LAAF continues to create space for dialogue, creativity and cultural exchange in the heart of Liverpool.
Festival Dates & Tickets
Liverpool Arab Arts Festival 2026 takes place across venues in Liverpool from 17 – 26 July 2026.
Tickets for announced events — and further programme updates — are available via the LAAF website.
