FORGET THE FIELDS: LIVERPOOL MUSIC MONTH LAUNCHES A NEW CITY-WIDE SUMMER OF MUSIC

Delivered by Culture Liverpool and Sound City, Liverpool Music Month extends its month-long celebration with the broader Liverpool Summer of Music 2026 programme. Timed to fill the gap left by Glastonbury’s this year, the events focus on influential independent venues to major city spectacles.

The May schedule features Sound City (May 2–3), the Dark Reign Metal Fest at Birkenhead’s Future Yard, and the Baltic Weekender (May 30–31). Spotlighted performances include Emmy Lou Harris, James Morrison, and Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, alongside a diverse calendar at the Liverpool Philharmonic featuring the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Roland Gift.

“Music is at the heart of the Liverpool City Region, it’s part of our DNA and we need no excuse to celebrate our musical capabilities. Our artists have inspired generations and taken the world by storm. It is why Liverpool was designated a UNESCO City of Music more than ten years ago. Cllr Mike Wharton (Liverpool City Region Deputy Mayor)

As a UNESCO City of Music, Liverpool is twinning this initiative with New York Music Month. This transatlantic partnership celebrates both cities’ musical legacies and strengthens international cultural ties. Local leaders and industry experts, including Sound City’s Becky Ayres and singer-songwriter Jamie Webster, emphasise that the program aims to capture the “Eurovision energy” of 2023, ensuring the party spirit stays alive in the streets and squares of the city region.

“Every year I’m usually performing at festivals around this time, but this year I’ll be staying in Liverpool and enjoying what our music city has to offer. Is there a better city than this place? Nothing better than when the sun is out by the Mersey and there’s music on the Pier Head or having a scran on Bold Street before a gig at The Jac or catching a random acoustic set on the street. I know where I’d rather be: in my Liverpool home.” Jamie Webster (singer/songwriter)

Beyond May, the Summer of Music continues through to August. Major highlights include Foo Fighters and My Chemical Romance at Anfield Stadium, Lewis Capaldi at Sefton Park, and Nile Rodgers & Chic at Bootle’s Lock and Quay. An open commissioning fund will also be launched to support grassroots artists and venues, ensuring the entire city region benefits from this major cultural showcase.

“Pulling together as a city is what Liverpool has always done, and we – our community of venues, artists, promoters, cultural organisations and public representatives – are doing just that this spring and summer in the name of music.” Becky Ayres (Sound City).

Visit www.liverpoolmusiccity.com and sign up today to be the first to know about the amazing programme of events and how you can get involved.

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