A celebration of independents, world-class sport, city-wide pride and a bucket-load of festivals.
Not make it to Glasto? You dodged a bullet. The bands will have been average, the food is always rubbish and the loos less appealing than a no-deal Brexit. Can you tell we are gutted we didn’t go? If you’ve managed to get post-Glasto blues without even attending (like us), fear not as the city is putting on one hell of a show this month to help you get over any FOMO with street parties, classic dance anthems, cultural festivals and loads more. Go on, get stuck in.
Independents Week
Have we mentioned we love our city’s independent businesses? There’s no better week to show them your love than Independents Week. From 1-7 July many of your favourites will be offering an extra incentive to pop in and show them some love. So get out there, spend local and celebrate your independents. More info here.
Get your tickets for Liverpool’s first-ever floating cinema
Tickets are sailing off fast for the first season of films at the Albert Dock Floating Cinema 4th-10th August. Bring the whole family to daytime showings of family favourites like Finding Nemo, Shark Tale and Lady and the Tramp or snuggle up with blankets and beanbags under the stars and watch grown-up classics like Grease, Titanic and Castaway. Tickets here.
Bold Street Party
The culmination of Independents Week is a massive party on Bold Street. With the likes of Maray, Mowgli, Backchich and Leaf taking over the street, a farmer’s market and street entertainment expect to leave uncomfortably full and bursting with love for a street that kickstarted the city’s independent resurgence. More info here.
Waterloo Beer Festival
God bless Waterloo Beer Festival. For 15 years they have been preaching the gospel of real ale at Old Christ Church. In the wilderness years they stood firm against the weak and fizzy and in the new age of cool craft beers they are still going strong. With over 120 real ales, ciders and perries from some of the best microbreweries in the UK (plus gin, win and prosecco for the non-believers), great live music and food from local independents it promises to be a weekend to remember… as long as you stay away from the 9% IPA’s… Grab your tickets here.
Chow Down At Bundobust
In the words of Jay Rayner “Vibrant Indian street food served with craft beer in a friendly communal space… Why has no done done this before?” – something we asked ourselves within the first few minutes of visiting Bundobust on Bold Street. Super vibrant Indian street food, chilled vibes and a killer beer list – okra fries and IPA anyone?
Address: First Floor, 17-19 Bold St, Liverpool L1 4DN
LIMF
LIMF is back and it’s a pretty corking line-up taking over Sefton Park this year. From Nile Rodgers & Chic to Sigma, Ella Eyre to MiC LOWRY, there are loads of household names on the bill plus a chance to see up and coming acts from the LIMF academy and some top-class DJs. Don’t forget to check out the Music City Stage too for local favourites like The Tea Street Band and Eyesore & The Jinx. Support this amazing festival here.
Cream Classical
The music keeps on coming at Sefton Park this month. If you’ve caught the 50 piece Kaleidoscope Orchestra performing legendary cream classics in the cathedral you’ll know it’s an incredible experience. Well take that and put it in stunning Sefton Park on a balmy (probably) summer evening, and you’re in for a glorious evening. Oh, and Faithless, Paul Oakenfold and Roger Sanchez are rocking up for a set too.
Netball World Cup
The world’s best netballers are descending on Liverpool to battle it out at the M&S Arena. World-class netball is fast, sometimes furious and always edge of the seat stuff. After their triumph at the Commonwealth Games an England team led by Tracey Neville are in with a real shout of grabbing the top prize, get yourself a ticket and see if netball’s coming home.
photo by Nottingham Trent University
Liverpool Arab Arts Festival
It’s events like the Arab Arts Festival that make Liverpool great. Founded in 2002 it’s a celebration of Arab culture and each year showcases visual arts, music, dance, film, theatre and literature. This year the theme is ‘Shadow and Light’ and the programme includes an exhibition by Yasmin Ali at Output Gallery and the launch of Palestine + 100, a new collection of short stories by Palestinian writers. More info here.
Brazilica Festival
And our festival tour of the world also takes us to South America in the form of Brazilica on 13th July. The UK’s only Samba carnival has become a city mainstay and attracts performers from across the globe. Glittering floats, dancers and samba bands will take over the city for the day and night parades and there will plenty of Latin American street food to keep your energy up. Look out for club nights, live music and workshops at venues around the city too. More info here.
Take a walk on the colourful side
Liverpool will once again be covered by a blanket of colourful umbrellas this summer. The Umbrella Project is back, not just to provide a dazzling city canopy, but to raise awareness – and celebrate – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism and neurodiversity. Each umbrella is signed and decorated by neurodiverse children from across the city and since the project launched in Liverpool in 2017 it’s been to Heathrow and Media City, before coming back home to Church Alley.
Pride in Liverpool
Pride is always a brilliant party and this year the team have joined forces with Liverpool Sound City to put on show that’s going to take Tithebarn Street by storm and acts already announced include Saara Aalto and Little Boots. But Pride is more than just a party it’s a chance to show Liverpool’s collaborative strength, so head down, join the march, have a dance, and show the world our city is united on 28th and 29th July. More info.
Get your alfresco on
Sick of jealously scrolling through your mates Insta holiday pics? Don’t panic, we’ve heard July is going to be wall to wall sunshine on the costa del Merseyside. So grab your mates and head to one of these places here to soak up the rays.
Tickle the ivories
Frustrated pop star? Secret Mozart? Whether you’re an undercover maestro or just want to show off your Grade 1 skills, there’s a piano with your name on it in Liverpool ONE this month. The street pianos are back and will be dotted around Liverpool ONE from the 4th July. Pop by and get tickling those ivories or you can book a slot with the guys at Open Culture.
Mowgli Dog Show
Following last year’s success and raising an incredible £13,934 at the Mowgli Dog Show 2018, Mowgli Street Food is bringing this fantastic family fundraiser back to Claremont Farm on 7 July 2019 to raise even more for Claire House so that they can reach every child in Merseyside, in need of hospice attention. More info here.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Bombed Out Church
There’s nothing quite like outdoor theatre and Oddsocks are returning to Liverpool for a special production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream like you’ve never seen it before at The Bombed Out Church. Expect magic, mayhem and music and some hilarious characters in high-energy family show. And the best thing is the shows will be raising money for the citizens advice bureau and The Bombed Out Church. Tickets.
Bootle Music Festival
Space, The Farm, Dodgy and The Real People are on the bill for The Bootle Music Festival 2019. The team at SAFE Regeneration have organised two amazing days of music, activities and food for the whole family to get involved with – and all the profits raised from the festival will go back into the local community. Tickets here.
