Liverpool 8 has had a busy year - from new community venues to politicians, festivals to businesses, one of Liverpool's most vibrant and creative areas never stands still.
As 2019 draws to a close and New Year's Eve is fast upon us, we take a look at 10 exciting things that were new in Toxteth in 2019, from quirky venues to political achievements, L8 did 2019 in its own inimitable way, and here's a selection of what was new this year.
1. Toxteth got a unique tree house
The Granby Winter Garden officially opened this February as Liverpool's most unique community space.
Two once derelict terraces with a tree growing through the middle of its full height main space right up to a glass rooof that pours light into the space in the middle of Cairns Street, the Granby Winter Garden is one of the most spectacular new spaces to open up this year not just in Toxteth but across the city.
Since its official opening, the Winter Garden has hosted a range of arts events, and is open every market day to complement the fun of the Granby Market.
Architectural firm Assemble designed the Winter Garden at the site of two terraced houses that were unable to be fully refurbished.
2. An L8 Councillor became Liverpool's first black Lord Mayor
When Anna Rothery was sworn in this August, she made history as Liverpool's first black Lord Mayor.
Following the resignation of previous Lord Mayor Peter Brennan after he shared a racist video to some other councillors in a What's App Group, Mayor Joe Anderson chose long-time ally and stalwart L8 councillor Anna Rothery as the next person to fill the post.
Residents of L8 and beyond were delighted at the appointment, and Anna Rothery has had a busy first few months in the role, including choosing local charities as beneficiaries of her Lord Mayor's fund.
She can often be seen at community and arts events in the Liverpool 8 area and will continue in her role into 2020.
3. Princes Park hosted the Colours Festival for the first time
This August saw Princes Park play host to a festival celebrating the creativity and diversity of Liverpool 8.
Princes Park came to life for an afternoon of music, community stalls and a fun fair in the August sunshine.
4. The city's first black MP
In a year that has seen Liverpool's first black Lord Mayor, another long overdue milestone was reached in Liverpool 8's multicultural and ethnically diverse community this December.
Chief executive of Squash cafe on Windsor Street, Kim Johnson, was elected Liverpool's first black MP, with a landslide vote share of nearly 80% of the local electorate.
5. Work began on a massive regeneration scheme on Princes Avenue
Princes Avenue off Upper Parliament Street is home to one of Liverpool's most beautiful boulevards, and it is currently undergoing a huge regeneration project which will see a rejuvenated central reservoir.
Following consultation with local community groups and residents, work began on the transformation this November and is due to be completed next year.
6. The Methodist Centre got an amazing new mural
Honduran artist Javier Espinal visited Liverpool 8 this summer to paint a vibrant new mural on the outside of the Methodist Centre.
The mural, which pays homage to Toxteth footballer Nikita Parris, was designed in collaboration with local teenagers who attend the youth group at the Methodist Centre.
7. The Caribbean Centre was saved from demolition
The Merseyside Caribbean Centre, which had been closed since 2013, became the subject of a protest in January which led to the entire derelict building being covered in signs.
The grassroots group of protestors were keen to bring the Caribbean Centre back to life , and set about refurbishing the building, which when it opened in 1974 was the first purpose-built Caribbean Centre in the country.
The centre also received a face-lift earlier this year when it was used as a location for filming as part of Sky's drama Tin Star.
Liverpool bee whisperer Barry Chang has also chosen the Caribbean Centre as a location for several of his bee hives, and plans to teach local residents the art of bee-keeping in the new year.
8. Toxteth got its own tart
The Toxteth Tart was created in 2019 by Liverpool Arts Lab member Peter Hughes, and it's in the process of taking Liverpool 8 by storm.
The vegan treat, a marmalade version of a Bakewell tart, with a trademark T on the top, has become a regular feature of Granby market.
Liverpool Arts Lab recently released the recipe - so you can fill yer boots at home too.
9. An L8 pub was crowned Pub of the Year
Peter Kavanagh's pub in the Georgian Quarter, a nearly 200 year old drinking establishment that has been run for nearly three decades by landlady Rita Smith, was this year crowned king of the pubs by CAMRA as they were awarded the title of Pub of the Year.
The pub, built in 1844, and whose walls and ceilings are filled with quirky bric-a-brac, is hugely popular with local regulars and those looking for an authentic pub experience alike.
When the award was announced, Rita told the ECHO: "I'm presuming it's because we've got good beer, nice people, good music and it's very much a community, we all help each other out."
10. Toxteth got a Little Shop of Horrors
Toxteth TV recreated a cinematic classic in the VideOdyssey TV studios earlier this year when it built its own Little Shop of Horrors .
The replica shop has become a venue for a range of events, including screenings of the famous film.
