If you thought Liverpool’s musical heritage began and ended with The Beatles, think again. The city is a cultural hotspot and its bars, clubs and theatres play host to a range of established and up-and-coming bands every night of the week making it the perfect weekend break spot for any music lover.
Long considered one of the UK’s most vibrant cities, Liverpool has seen something of a musical resurgence in recent years. Although several much-loved live music venues have disappeared, many more have opened to replace them. Liverpool city centre is compact and easily explored on foot so you can comfortably visit several venues in one evening.
Undoubtedly the best way to visit Liverpool is to arrive by train. Alighting at the recently refurbished Lime Street station takes you right into the heart of the city and practically next door to one of its most popular music venues, the O2 Academy. The academy has a packed calendar all-year-round and you’ll find live music here most nights. Although established acts sell out well in advance, there will still be tickets available on the night for less well known bands; so this can be a great place to head for a last-minute gig.
The jewel in Liverpool’s music crown is certainly the ECHO Arena. Standing proud on the city’s waterfront, the arena has brought world-class artists such as Beyoncé and Rihanna to Liverpool since its opening in 2008. If you’ve checked what’s on in the ECHO arena and found a concert that takes your fancy, there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the nearby Albert Dock to entertain you before and after the show.
If your tastes are a little more low-key and you delight in seeing unsigned bands plying their trade, Seel Street’s Zanzibar Club is the place to go. Famous for club nights with the focus on rock, indie and alternative music, the Zanzibar is a great venue for seeing several acts in one evening.
Liverpool has recently experienced an increase in its number of small, alternative music venues. Leaf on Bold Street is a perfect example of this trend. Primarily a tea shop, Leaf has also established itself as a charming music venue. You will find open mic nights and acoustic sets on the bill alongside spoken word performances and poetry readings, making this the perfect destination for a more laid-back experience.
No visit to Liverpool would be complete without a visit to the world famous Cavern Club. Re-built during the 1980s using the bricks from the original club, today the Cavern is popular today with locals, tourists and students alike. You’ll frequently find live music here and the atmosphere on busy weekend nights is second to none. A must see during any weekend break in the city.
