Liverpool Music Month kicks off today across the city

Liverpool Music Month launches on Friday, May 1, and will fill the city with live performances, cultural events, and community activities throughout May.

The celebration will transition into Liverpool Summer of Music, a wider programme running until September.

Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for health, wellbeing, and culture, said: "As we approach the start of our very first Liverpool Music Month, we’re so excited to bring artists, venues, communities, and visitors together to celebrate our famous music scene in true Liverpool style."

Delivered by Culture Liverpool and Sound City, the project highlights the people and places that have earned Liverpool its title as a UNESCO City of Music.

Events kicked off with Snowdrop Mersey Ferry on Thursday, April 30, featuring acoustic performances against the city’s iconic skyline.

On Friday, May 1, the Sound City Plus conference will officially launch Liverpool Music Month, with Shira Gans, senior executive director at the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, handing over the baton from New York Music Month to begin the transatlantic partnership.

The month-long line-up features concerts, new commissions, pop-up performances, and community-led events that showcase Liverpool’s musical talent from grassroots to global acts.

An acoustic performance was held on the Snowdrop Mersey Ferry on Thursday, April 30 (Image: Liverpool City Region Combined Authority)

Highlights include the Sound City Festival on May 2 and 3, along with the Dark Reign Metal Fest on May 2 at Birkenhead's Future Yard.

At the Liverpool Philharmonic, audiences can enjoy a Celebration of the Beach Boys with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Roland Gift Presents Fine Young Cannibals, Max Cooper, and US artists Hannah Wicklund and Ondara.

Merseyside pop star Melanie C will headline a series of performances at Jacaranda Baltic on May 1.

Becky Ayres, managing director of Sound City, said: "We’re extremely proud to be part of delivering the first ever Liverpool Music Month."

As May ends, Liverpool Summer of Music will take centre stage, supported by the Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership.

The extended programme will shine a spotlight on festivals, concerts, and events taking place across the entire region.

Full event listings and ticket information are available at liverpoolmusiccity.com/whats-on.