alisonlittleblog

October has been a month of creative discoveries, cultural history and getting out and about. From Liverpool’s spectacular River of Light festival to revisiting the unforgettable Superlambanana trail, there has been plenty to inspire this month’s writing.

With National Poetry Day celebrating the theme of Wonder, I’ve also been looking back at my own artistic journey, exploring street art and visiting galleries. Meanwhile, as the evenings draw in, I’ve been turning my attention to autumn running, affordable fancy dress and finding a better balance between work and everyday life.

Here’s what’s been happening on the blog this October.

🎨 Art, Culture and Creative Discoveries

River of Light Liverpool 2026: A City Transformed by Light and Imagination

Liverpool’s waterfront has been transformed once again by the annual River of Light festival. Despite a storm-delayed start, this year’s event brings illuminated sculptures, colourful installations and plenty of visual surprises to the city. I’ve been exploring the artworks as a local artist and writer, looking at how light and imagination celebrate Liverpool’s creative spirit. Running until 1 November, River of Light is more than an evening attraction – it’s a reminder of the cultural legacy that began with Liverpool’s 2008 Capital of Culture year and continues to inspire the city today.

The Year the Lambananas Roamed Free: A Liverpool Superlambanana Poem

Liverpool’s streets were transformed in 2008 when the Go Superlambananas trail brought colour, creativity and a little bit of chaos to the city. I’ve revisited those memories in The Year the Lambananas Roamed Free, a poem written for National Poetry Day 2026 and its theme of Wonder. It’s also a personal reflection on my first professional art commissions and an unforgettable chapter in Liverpool’s cultural history.

From Skateparks to Viaducts: Discovering Graffiti in High Wycombe

Graffiti is more than just writing on walls. My exploration of High Wycombe takes in everything from a haunted mound at a skatepark to religious inscriptions and a striking blue creature. Along the way, I consider what street art tells us about identity, faith, youth culture and the way we use public spaces.

Sylvia Pankhurst: A Mural Celebrating Courage, Equality and Humanitarianism

I’ve revisited a mural proposal I developed in 2018 celebrating Sylvia Pankhurst, the artist, suffragette and humanitarian. Combining feminist history, suffrage symbolism and humanitarian themes, the project explored how public art could bring important stories about courage, equality and social justice into everyday spaces. Although the proposal was unsuccessful, the idea hasn’t disappeared. It continues to inspire my plans for future Pankhurst-inspired art commissions and my interest in using creativity to celebrate women who have challenged the status quo.

David Hockney at Tate Modern: Exploring Man in Shower in Beverly Hills

A trip to Tate Modern provided the opportunity to revisit David Hockney’s Man in Shower in Beverly Hills. Exploring his use of colour, fascination with water and depictions of male identity and desire, I also take a look at some of the gallery’s highlights. If you’re planning a visit, there’s plenty more to discover beyond the exhibition walls.

Maus: Art Spiegelman’s Graphic Novel Like No Other

Art Spiegelman’s Maus remains one of the most powerful graphic novels I’ve encountered. Using animal characters to explore the Holocaust, family history and the complexities of identity, this Pulitzer Prize-winning work challenges our understanding of what comics and graphic novels can achieve.

🏃‍♀️ Autumn Adventures and Everyday Life

Streetlights and Strides: Women Running After Dark

The darker evenings don’t have to mean putting your running shoes away. As the clocks change and daylight becomes shorter, I’ve been looking at practical ways women can stay visible and confident when running after dark. From reflective clothing and head torches to personal alarms and LED collars for running with your dog, there are plenty of ways to keep moving safely.

The Ultimate Autumn Running Kit Bag: 10 Essentials for British Weather

Autumn running brings cooler temperatures, crisp mornings and, inevitably, plenty of British rain! I’ve put together ten essentials to help you tackle the season, including waterproof jackets, running tights, grippy trainers and hydration options. Whether you’re heading out for a quick run or a longer adventure, having the right kit makes all the difference.

Looking Fabulous in Fancy Dress without Breaking the Bank

Fancy dress doesn’t have to cost a fortune. This month, I’ve been exploring how to put together memorable costumes for under £20, using charity shop finds, DIY ideas and things you might already have lurking at the back of your wardrobe. From Little Red Riding Hood to rockstars and raccoons, there’s inspiration for your next themed event without the expensive hire-shop price tag.

Creating My Ideal Week: Work, Running, Creativity and Family

Finding a healthy balance between work, creativity and everyday life isn’t always straightforward. I’ve been thinking about what my ideal week would look like, making room for work, running, hiking, reading, family time and creative hobbies – not forgetting adventures with Austin, my Jack Russell. It’s a reminder that achieving goals is important, but so is making time for the things that make life enjoyable.

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Looking Ahead: What’s Coming in November?

November is shaping up to be another busy month on the blog, with a particular focus on environmental issues, politics, campaigning and a few personal reflections.

With the ongoing legacy of COP26 and the climate conversation still relevant, I’ll be exploring environmental issues and taking a closer look at Liverpool’s Gillmoss Recycling Centre. It’s an opportunity to consider what happens to our waste and the bigger questions surrounding recycling and sustainability.

I’ll also be revisiting Chums, reflecting on my experience working in a call centre and what happened after leaving a job that proved to be a challenging chapter in my working life.

There will be a closer look at how Andy Burnham is represented in illustration, exploring the relationship between political figures, visual culture and public perception.

And, as always, I’ll be getting out and about in Liverpool. With an anti-fascist march taking place midway through the month, there will be more opportunities to explore the relationship between grassroots activism, community and the political landscape.

There’s plenty to look forward to, so keep an eye on the blog for more art, local stories, creative discoveries and the occasional bit of campaigning.

Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you in November!

Alison

Artist, writer and digital creative