MORE than 6,000 people joined in celebrations for the re-opening of Liverpool’s iconic Everyman Theatre following a multi-million pound refurbishment.

A parade outside the Hope Street venue on Saturday night was watched by around 2,000 spectators. And a housewarming the following night was attended by more than 4,000.

The theatre's new season opens with Hoylake-based artistic director Gemma Bodinetz’s production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night this Saturday, March 8.

It features Nick Woodeson as Malvolio and Matthew Kelly as Sir Toby Belch.

Deborah Aydon, executive director of the Everyman and Playhouse, said: “Two-and-a-half years after closing the old building it is a great joy to deliver the people back their theatre and to have so many people here to celebrate this historic moment together is a great joy.

“To have the iconic red sign shining over Hope Street again is a great feeling and we look forward to welcoming everyone back into their Everyman in the coming weeks.”

There are three bars and the Bistro and Everyman Third Room are back in business.

After a glorious weekend of open days – it’s time to open the doors to performances.

And The Wirral Globe will be there to review Twelfth Night later this month.

WELCOME back Everyman – we've missed you and well done to everyone who has pulled out the stops to bring this magnificent revamp to life.

To see our gallery of pictures taken by Steve Aland, click on the related link below.