A huge illuminated earth, creativity at every corner, festivals a go-go, amazing jazz and massive pittas cram-packed with chicken and chips… it’s official, Liverpool is the place to be this month.
Smithdown Road Festival
Smithdown Road Festival 2019 – Liverpool’s best-loved community festival is happy to announce it has a new way of doing things this year. Expect a selection of events spanning over 4 weekends (including two bank holidays!) taking place in multiple venues within the Smithdown Rd showcasing everything the community has to offer. It’s completely free and the festival is supporting The Whitechapel Centre. An absolute must this year. More info.
Anglican Cathedral promises the earth
More than 60,000 people were captivated by a giant illuminated moon last year and from the 25th May it’s the earths turn to take centre stage. ‘Gaia’, a huge 23ft replica of earth created by British artist Luke Jerram, will hang in the majestic surroundings of the Anglican Cathedral to usher in the 2019 River Festival. When the moon landed it was a pretty spectacular experience and with an accompanying soundtrack created by Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones, this promises to be out of this world too.
Get your mouth round some gyros at Baltic Market
We’re not saying we can’t be friends if you don’t like gyros… but if you can’t see the joy in tender marinated chicken smothered in tzatziki, tahini and stuffed into a fresh pitta with a mountain of chips, then we might need some time to take stock. And the brilliant news is that Grilla, the kings of the gyros, will be bringing their pockets of paradise, along with their souvlaki, courgette croquettes and more Greek delights, to the Baltic Market from May 2nd. Result.
Cut some shapes at Liverpool Disco Festival
The happy smiling musical juggernaut that is Liverpool Disco Festival shows no sign of easing up. Back for a bank holiday Sunday ‘jungle boogie’ it promises to turn the Baltic triangle into one big dance party. Most of the action will take place in Camp and Furnace, District, Kitchen Street and the Tap and Still and big names on the set list include Melba Moore, Joey Negro, John Morales and Rochelle Fleming. Grab tickets here.
Sound City
For 12 years Liverpool Sound City has been breaking massive acts like Florence and the Machine and The Maccabees and this year the likes of Mabel, Loyle Carner, Louis Berry and The Magic Gang will be taking over warehouses, intimate spaces, outdoor stages and pop-up places in The Baltic Triangle. With a conference at the British Music Experience on the 3rd and after party at Constellations, it’s going to be an incredible bank holiday weekend. Tickets here.
Bordeaux Wine Festival
What do you get when you take one of the world’s most spectacular waterfronts and add some of the world’s best wines? The award-winning Bordeaux Wine Festival. And this little beauty is back on the 31st of May. Choose from crisp rosés, full-blooded reds and the finest sparkling cremants, quality food, and a view that’s pretty decent too. We can definitely think of worse ways to spend a weekend. Tickets and info here.
Try a gin tree at The Brunch Club
Why have one gin when you can have tree? You might have noticed that Duke Street’s Brunch Club has had a bit of a horticultural themed makeover, a makeover that goes beyond the jungle-esque interior and right into the heart of the menu. You can now order ‘dipping trees’ which are essentially hanging gardens of deliciousness – think kofta, duck rolls and croquettes – and are best washed down with a gin tree, probably the prettiest way we’ve ever seen a drink served.
Go And Explore For LightNight
LightNight is one of those events that make you feel proud and lucky in equal measure to call this city your own. A free one-night arts festival that shines a spotlight on the amazing culture the city offers through live performances, installations, music , exhibitions and events. For a decade it’s been a mainstay of the cultural calendar with the festival commissions always a highlight. This year expect to see light sculptures on St Georges Hall, a modern-day pagan ritual celebrating Donna Summer at Constellations and a mass Indian street-dance on Church Street. More here.
Open your ears to all that jazz
Think jazz is all about smoky bars with bearded tappy-footed men and dodgy lift music? Think again, jazz is having a bit of moment on the Liverpool scene. Every first Wednesday of the month Liverpool Jazz Club are going down a storm at The Pen Factory. Fredericks on Hope Street have regular gigs – check out Weaver Collective on the 7th or The Remy Jude Ensemble on the 14th. And on the 21st the SOUND basement is hosting the Tight Lines TLC001 Launch Party featuring têtes de pois, skwid ink and Liverpool’s very own Anti Social Jazz Club.
Get To Know Your Older Neighbours With Liverpool Cares
300 younger neighbours have joined Liverpool Cares since they began 6 months ago. Their community network connects young professionals to their older neighbours, helping everyone feel better connected to one another and our city. You can meet neighbours at their social clubs, which change monthly. This month there is a cocktail party, technology workshop, singalong, beer tasting and a board game evening to name a few! Their next volunteer induction is on the 8th May and they’d love you to be a part of it! You can sign up here: https://liverpoolcares.org.uk/get-involved
Wowfest 2019
According to Irvine Walsh there isn’t another writing festival in England as good as this. Writing on the Wall, Liverpool’s longest running writing and literary organisation are celebrating their 20th annual festival and the programme is an absolute corker. Hear from the likes of Jo Brand, Mike Leigh, Peter Tatchell, Ben Okri, Kit De Waal, Will Self and loads more at this month-long celebration of literature.
RSPB birdwatching cruise
Chances are you’ve spotted some unusual creatures down by the Mersey in your time… but did you know on a good day you could catch a glimpse of long-tailed skuas, peregrine falcons, osprey and Atlantic grey seals? Mersey Ferries and the RSPB are hosting a Bird Watching and Nature Discovery Cruise on the 12th May where experts will help you spot some wildlife and give you the lowdown on life on the Mersey. More here.
Go for a coffee with your dog
Pets Corner on Allerton Road have set out to create a unique environment not just for buying your products and services from them, but a place where they feel will be part of the local community. Come in and relax in our their new cafe area whilst you wait as your dog is groomed or just come in have a coffee and chat with them.
See the demon barber of Fleet Street
Since it opened at the Everyman a couple of weeks ago Sweeney Todd has been getting rave reviews. A grisly tale of cut-throat vengeance, it’s been brought lurching back to life in musical form by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler. Grab a ticket while you can and tuck into this theatrical treat. Grab your tickets here.
Pop-up in the palm house
It’s time for some of the North’s finest artists, makers and designers to pop-up in the Sefton Park Palm House and showcase their wares. You only get this chance twice a year so head down to pick up some unique produce and meet the talented makers behind everything from stunning jewellery to seasonal preserves. More here.
Go To A Spring Wine Festival
Dove & Olive and R&H Fine Wines are coming together and bringing you a selection of their favourite wines from across the new and old worlds, some organic, some biodynamic, some vegan wines and more. This relaxed event isn’t a formal traditional wine tasting its designed for you to enjoy the range of wines with friends in a beautiful building and if you fancy having a chat about the wines listening to some music. The focus at this Spring event will be on lighter seasonal red wines, white, rose and sparkling varieties. Tickets here.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Liverpool Marathon
Alas it’s too late to enter the marathon (to be honest the only one we’re prepared to tackle is the 80’s chocolate variety) but if you’re not taking part get out there and support those of firmer thigh and stronger will. Plus there are always loads of great local bands to listen to – just cross your fingers someone plays chariots of fire. Details here.
Get Ready to Aprés Ski
A bit of ski-related fun is coming to the Baltic Triangle. The Great Baltic Warehouse will be transformed into an immersive 360° recreation of Les Alpes using state of the art screens. Expect: Chalet set design, live bands, DJ sets, vodka + jagër ice luge, continental beers and more. Tickets: bit.ly/ApresLiv
