Festivals
Stay up to date with the best festivals in Liverpool, from music and arts to family-friendly food and drink events across the city.
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BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend Announces Mumford & Sons, Tate McRae, JADE, Jorja Smith & More To Perform In Liverpool
Mumford & Sons, Tate McRae, JADE, Jorja Smith and more are set to take the stage and bring Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2025 to an epic close on Sunday 25 May. Multi-Grammy Award winners, Mumford & Sons, will headline the Main Stage and BRIT winner JADE will headline the New Music Stage with Lola Young and Wet Leg also playing the festival. Mumford & Sons say: “Liverpool, we really cannot wait to see you all at Radio 1’s…
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Wolf Alice, Aitch, AJ Tracey & More Join The Line-up For Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2025
Wolf Alice, Aitch, AJ Tracey, Inhaler and more join the star-studded line-up for Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2025, performing on Saturday 24 May. As announced in January, BRIT winner Sam Fender will headline the Main Stage, with Myles Smith and Blossoms also playing. They join huge acts already announced to perform on Friday 23 May including Tom Grennan, Biffy Clyro, Nia Archives, Confidence Man, Barry Can’t Swim plus many more. Radio 1’s flagship live music…
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In Conversation – Professor Stephen Davismoon (Angel Field Festival Director)
At Liverpool Hope University’s Creative Campus in Everton, the Angel Field Festival brings a vibrant blend of international and local artistry to life. Building on the esteemed Cornerstone Festival, Angel Field offers a rich tapestry of music, theatre, dance, film, and visual art. Beyond the campus, the festival weaves its way through Liverpool, partnering with cultural institutions to share its diverse program. With a warm welcome, Angel Field strives to make exceptional arts accessible to…
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Tom Grennan, Biffy Clyro, The Wombats & More Announced For Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2025
Tom Grennan, Katy B, Biffy Clyro, Nia Archives, The Wombats and even more acts have joined the line-up for BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2025, kicking off the three-day music spectacular with an electrifying opening day on Friday 23 May. Chart-topping singer-songwriter, Tom Grennan, will headline the Main Stage. Tom Grennan said: “Being asked to headline Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Liverpool, a city that has given so much to the rich musical tapestry of this…
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Creamfields 2025 Line-Up Revealed
After weeks of anticipation, Rockstar Energy presents Creamfields 2025 has finally revealed its colossal lineup and it does not disappoint. Taking place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, the festival will see over 300 of the world’s biggest electronic music artists performing across 30 stages, cementing its status as the ultimate destination for dance music fans. Creamfields 2025 Star-Studded Lineup This year’s lineup boasts an impressive array of talent, including UK-exclusive performances from Anyma and…
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Outer Waves Festival: New, Immersive Music & Arts Festival Is Celebrating Liverpool’s Rich Underground
Outer Waves is a new alternative arts festival designed to fill a cultural gap in Liverpool’s existing festival landscape. Inspired by the city’s rich underground music and art history, the festival’s aim is to celebrate and strengthen Liverpool’s grassroots creative communities while inviting international artists and audiences to participate. By blending live music, visual arts, interactive performances, and educational initiatives, Outer Waves will not only provide an unforgettable festival experience but will also foster long-term…
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DaDa Marks 40 Years of Cutting-Edge Disability Arts Action With DaDa International 40
Liverpool-based pioneering disability and Deaf arts-led organisation DaDa is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The award-winning, cutting-edge multi artform charity was founded in 1984 and since then has become an integral part of the campaign for greater equality and access for disabled artists across the arts and cultural sector. It develops and presents excellent disability and Deaf arts through an artistic programme that includes high quality festivals and events, fed in to by a year-round programme of engagement…
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Live Review: No Play Festival 2024
In its second year, No Play Festival presented a diverse musical landscape, featuring a heavier lineup of local talent and international bands spanning from punk to deathcore. This year’s festival was a whirlwind of raw emotion and aggression, with every band pushing the limits of live performance. The crowd was electrified by brutal breakdowns and relentless circle pits, making the festival feel like an unstoppable force of nature. At the heart of this musical earthquake…
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Milap Announce Autumn Season of Indian Music And Culture, Including Diwali Celebration
Following the successful return of their bi-annual INDIKA Festival last November, Milap have announced an Autumn 2024 season of Indian Arts & Culture, taking place across Merseyside from September. Showcasing some of India’s most acclaimed musicians, alongside both established and emerging talent from the UK, the city region will also enjoy an expanded programme of Diwali celebrations, featuring Visual Art, Food, and more. The opening show sees Milap take a short trip across the Mersey,…
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Liverpool Post Punk Band Pleasure Island Announce The Penny Lane Weekender 2024
Pleasure Island are pleased to announce the first artists for the Penny Lane Weekender, which is taking place on the 2 – 4 August 2024 across several venues on Penny Lane. this is the second year the festival has taken place and it is set to become an annual event. The first acts to be announced are Alien Izz, Astles, Austerity Dogs, Benno, Bleach Brain, COW, Dreampark, Drew Friel, Dynastain, ELLiS-D, Evil Pink Machine, Kingsley Beat, Lazygirl, Ming…
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Catfish And The Bottlemen To Headline Sefton Park This July
Multi Platinum-selling, BRIT Award-winning, arena-filling giants Catfish and the Bottlemen‘s epic return continues to hit new heights with the announcement of a massive outdoor show on Thursday 11 July in Liverpool’s stunning Sefton Park. One of the largest outdoor concerts the city of Liverpool has ever seen, the 32,000 capacity site promises to be the biggest headline show of the band’s career to date. Tickets will be on general sale at 10:00 BST this Friday 19 April. Sign up…
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BOOT MUSIC Magazine Announce First Ever ‘BOOT FEST’
Merseyside’s independent music magazine BOOT MUSIC has announced the first ever ‘BOOT FEST’ event which will see a selection of the region’s most exciting new Indie and Alternative acts take to the stage at Future Yard, Birkenhead, on 29 June to celebrate the release of their 7th print issue. The line up will feature fast rising Alternative outfit Shefu, lively Indie acts The Sukis, Juno and Toy Car plus captivating singer-songwriter Georgia Johnson. BOOT MUSIC…
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Africa Oyé Announces Julian Marley & Les Amazones d’Afrique As 2024 Festival Headliners
The son of music legend Bob Marley and a female supergroup will headline the acclaimed Africa Oyé Festival this summer. The powerful and creative force of Les Amazones d’Afrique will close proceedings on Saturday 22nd June, whilst Julian Marley, fresh off his Grammy win for Best Reggae Album earlier this month, tops the bill on Sunday with his band, The Uprising. The country’s biggest celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture is returning to Liverpool’s Sefton Park in 2024 following…
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Sound City Announce More Acts, New-Look Conference & Sponsors For 2024 Festival
Sound City is set to land in force this May with another essential weekend pointing towards the future of new music into 2024 and beyond. With even more unmissable artists confirmed across the weekend and news of a new-look and industry-leading conference programme there’s plenty to get excited about. Sound City Forum Sound City Forum is a fresh new voice in the music industry landscape bringing together those working across the music industry, artists, entrepreneurs…
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Africa Oyé 2024 Festival Dates Announced
The country’s biggest celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture, Africa Oyé has announced its festival dates for this summer in Liverpool. Following record breaking attendances last year, Africa Oyé will take over Sefton Park once again for two packed days of live music, dance, workshops, DJ stages, food stalls, traders and more. The much-loved event will this year take place on 22 and 23 June 2024 with the festival running from 12:30pm to…
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Sound City Announces First Wave of Acts & Headliners For 2024 Including The Snuts & Caity Baser
Renowned as a leader in new music discovery, Sound City continues its incredible history with the first details of its hotly anticipated 2024 return. Nestled in the heart of Liverpool – one of the world’s most influential music capitals – Sound City returns to its core multi-venue roots between the 4th-5th May 2024. Sound City: the dynamic music festival that first graced Liverpool’s streets in 2008 swiftly became a pivotal event for music enthusiasts worldwide.…
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In The Park: Jamie Webster And Cream Classical To Headline Summer 2024 Festival In Sefton Park
Liverpool has long been home and host to a series of exciting and diverse music events over the years, and 2024 is set to be another chapter in this cultural journey as ‘In The Park presents’ returns to Liverpool’s stunning Sefton Park from Friday 12 – Sunday 14 July 2024. With a 40,000 capacity each day, In the Park will be bringing together some of the best live music from various genres for what promises…
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Pleasure Island Presents The Penny Lane Weekender
Pleasure Island presents the Penny Lane Weekender, a brand-new two-day festival, set to rock Dovedale Towers, Penny Lane, Liverpool on August 5 and 6. The event promises to showcase a captivating mix of local and UK artists spanning the genres of rock and electronic music.That the event is planned and produced by the artists themselves, shows a refreshing change to similar music festivals that have a more corporate influence on their production. The Penny Lane Weekender…
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No Play Festival: New Alternative Music Festival Coming To Liverpool This Summer
No Play Festival will be heading to the Invisible Wind Factory this August. No Play are an independent promoter from Liverpool. This year sees them launch the first No Play Festival – a 1,300 person celebration of all things alternative music. The main stage will host alternative acts including headliners: YONAKA along with artists such as VUKOVI, Higher Power and Superlove. The second stage will host a range of heavier acts including Conjurer, Graphic Nature…
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Sound City Announces Final Wave of Acts
Sound City has announced that soul-pop sensation, Olivia Dean, will be joining the likes of The Reytons and Maisie Peters on the Sound City 2023 mainstage. After a string of uplifting, soulful singles and features with the likes of Loyle Carner, Olivia Dean has become one of the most talked about new UK pop stars. Fans of Maisie Peters will undoubtedly be drawn towards the infectious breezy melodies of Olivia Dean’s music while her big brass backing will create the perfect…
Festivals are at the heart of Liverpool’s cultural identity, bringing people together to celebrate music, art, food, film, and community. The city has a long tradition of hosting vibrant festivals that reflect its creativity and diversity, offering something for everyone throughout the year. Whether you’re a music lover chasing the buzz of live performances, a family looking for fun days out, or a foodie ready to explore new flavours, Liverpool’s festival scene has it all.
Music festivals are among Liverpool’s biggest draws, showcasing everything from local grassroots talent to international superstars. Events like Sound City attract huge crowds with eclectic line-ups, while festivals such as Africa Oyé shine a spotlight on global sounds, reggae culture, and community spirit. For fans of electronic music, events like Creamfields (just outside the city) and independent club-led festivals deliver world-class DJ sets and unforgettable all-night parties.
The city also thrives with arts and culture festivals, celebrating creativity in all its forms. Liverpool Biennial, the UK’s largest festival of contemporary visual art, transforms the city every two years with thought-provoking exhibitions, installations, and performances. DaDaFest champions disabled and Deaf artists through powerful work that challenges perspectives, while Homotopia Festival celebrates LGBTQIA+ culture through theatre, cabaret, and visual arts.
For families and food lovers, food and drink festivals are a huge part of the Liverpool calendar. The likes of the Baltic Market’s street food events bring together the best of local restaurants, bars, breweries, and independent traders. Visitors can sample cuisines from around the world, enjoy cooking demonstrations, and discover hidden gems from Liverpool’s food scene. Seasonal favourites like Christmas markets and Easter festivals also provide plenty of fun for all ages, with live entertainment, craft stalls, and activities for kids.
Film fans and culture-seekers aren’t left out either. The city plays host to Liverpool Film Festival, and smaller community-led screenings that celebrate both local filmmakers and international cinema. These events provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy films in unique settings while supporting independent cinema.
No matter the season, Liverpool’s festivals bring a sense of excitement, colour, and togetherness to the city. They reflect the city’s heritage, creativity, and welcoming spirit, making them an essential part of life in Liverpool. Whether you’re planning your festival calendar for the year, discovering new music and art, or just looking for a fun weekend with friends, there’s always something happening to capture your imagination.
Our Festivals category keeps you up to date with the best events across the city region. From major annual highlights to smaller niche gatherings, we cover everything so you don’t miss a moment of Liverpool’s thriving festival scene.