Your guide to Liverpool / Music and Entertainment in Liverpool
Music and Entertainment in Liverpool
While most of the world knows Liverpool as home to the Beatles, this city has so much more to share. It's home to the most successful soccer team in England and more museums than any British city besides London. The Liverpool metropolitan area is also home to more than 2 million people, a population rich in diversity. More than 64 million visitors come to Liverpool each year to see a variety of musical events, stroll past picturesque historical buildings, and taste an amazing selection of foods. If you're planning a visit to the area, be sure to include some of the top things to do in Liverpool.
Music Events
As the home of the Beatles, Liverpool is a music Mecca. Festivals abound and many smaller venues allow rising stars the opportunity to make a name for themselves. If you prefer classical music to rock and roll, consider the many events hosted by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. No matter what time of year, music fans of all ages can find things to do in Liverpool.
Magical Beatles Museum
Magical Beatles Museum, 23 Mathew Street, Liverpool, L2 6RE No visit to Liverpool is complete without paying homage to the city's favorite sons, and where else is better to do that than the Magical Beatles Museum? Stroll through three floors of more than 300 rare items on display, including mementos and memorabilia from the early career of John, Paul, Ringo and George as they rose through the Liverpool music scene to become worldwide stars. Visitors can view an exclusive collection of Beatles items, including treasures like:
- George Harrison's Futurama guitar from the earliest recording sessions and shows
- An original Beatles drum set
- The Beatles' earliest color performance video
- Personal correspondence
- Movie props
Roag Aspinall-Best is the current owner of the collection, but the whole family is involved. His father, Neil Aspinall, was the road manager for the Beatles and their trusted friend and confidante. Roag's brother is Pete Best, who was with the Beatles for two years in the 1960s. Roag's mother, Mona Best, owned the first rock and roll club in Liverpool and gave the Beatles a place to practice and perform. New items are always being added to the Magical Beatles Museum, which has grown over 60 years to become one of the largest collections in the world.
British Music Experience
British Music Experience, Cunard Building, The Strand, Pier Head, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 1DS If you'd like to learn about the history of the Liverpool music scene, visit the British Music Experience. You'll be guided through the evolution of the British music scene by an impressive collection of costumes, music, and memorabilia, including instruments owned by artists like Freddie Mercury, The Sex Pistols and Adam Ant. Many personal items are on display, such as handwritten songs by Adele and other artists.
The British Music Experience is not just about walking and looking. You can also try your hand at various instruments like drums and keyboards. One of the great things to do in Liverpool with kids, music-lovers of any age can experience singing in a sound booth and dancing in a real choreography studio! Before you leave, pick up some gifts for the folks back home from the Merch Store or have dinner at the Star Cafe.
Live Music in Liverpool
Liverpool offers many venues for live music, no matter what kind of tunes you're looking to enjoy. On almost any night, you can find rock, hip hop, jazz and more. Here are a few favorites:
- Jimmy's Liverpool hosts local bands just starting out as well as big-name concerts, all listed on the venue's website.
- The Jacaranda Club, also known as The Jac, hosted the Beatles in their early days and now presents local acts, DJs, open mic nights and more all week every week.
- Jacaranda Records: Phase One is a second venue under the same ownership of The Jacaranda Club. Located on Seel Street, Phase One hosts launch parties, debut performances, after-parties and more.
- Arts Club is located just down the street from Phase One. Formerly the Royal Institute of Arts and Science building, the Arts Club now hosts music, parties and events of all sizes all year long. Comprising a large space downstairs and a smaller loft upstairs, this is a great place to find local student nightlife if you're looking to mingle.
- Sound offers food, drinks and entertainment, so you can have dinner upstairs before you head down to the basement to watch comedy shows, live music, film screenings and more.
- Leaf is something truly different: live music in a tea shop. This unique venue serves an assortment of tea during the day before switching to adult beverages in the evening. Be entertained in a laid-back atmosphere with open mic nights, live music and more.
With so many options, you are sure to find a great show or event that fits into your schedule during your visit to Liverpool.
Sports Events
Some of the best things to do in Liverpool involve sports. With three world-famous soccer teams (Everton, Liverpool and Wirral's Tranmere Rovers), Liverpool loves its footy. Some of the finest golf courses in the world are also here, as well as quality horse racing facilities, rugby teams and more.
Liverpool Football Club Stadium Tour
Liverpool Football Club Stadium Tour, Anfield Road, Liverpool, Merseyside, L4 0TH Soccer players all around the world dream of visiting the storied LFC stadium at Anfield, making this one of the top things to do in Liverpool. A variety of stadium tour packages are available so you can find one that fits with your schedule.
- LFC Stadium Tour: This package includes views of the pitch from the top of the Main Stand and a visit to the locker rooms, Press Room and the Players' Tunnel. Audio headsets are available in nine languages (including British Sign Language) and guide you through the tour at your own pace so you can take your time in each location. If you have any questions, helpful guides are stationed along the way. This ticket also gets you into the LFC interactive museum and The Steven Gerrard Collection exhibit.
- LFC Matchday Stadium Tour: This package provides a tour of exclusive VIP areas and Players' Tunnel as well as exclusive photo opportunities in Klopp's seat. See the pitch and Main Stand, and get answers for almost any question from the knowledgeable stadium guides. Tickets to the interactive museum and Gerrard Collection are included. Please note that this tour doesn't include access to the locker rooms or Press Room and does not include a match ticket.
- Legends Q&A: Meet a former Liverpool player for an informative question-and-answer session and a chance to get an autograph and a picture. The package includes a stadium tour, the interactive museum and the Gerrard Collection.
- Mighty Red Special Appearances: Mighty Red is the LFC mascot, and he appears on certain dates and times along the route of the stadium tours. If you'd like to meet Mighty Red, choose a tour date and time that coincides with his appearances and make your way to the Level 2 Concourse for a mascot meeting you won't soon forget.
- Liverpool FC Story (Museum-Only): If you don't have time for an organized tour, the interactive museum and The Steven Gerrard Collection are available to tour at your own pace. The displays include trophies, uniforms, medals and more. Check the online schedule carefully as the operating hours of the museum change on match days.
Royal Liverpool Golf Club
Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Meols Drive, Hoylake, Wirral, CH47 4AL If you prefer golf over soccer, make time to visit the Royal Liverpool Golf Club. This club provides world-class gameplay on a course of unmatched beauty and is home to many professional and amateur tournament events. This beautiful facility evolved from the grounds of the former Liverpool Hunt Club, and the original saddling bell is on display in the Clubhouse. Originally opened in 1869, it is the second-oldest seaside course in England.
Visiting golfers are welcome on the Links and in the Clubhouse and can easily book a tee time on the club's website. Please note that visiting players must be competent golfers who have a current Club or Society handicap. The Links are known to be difficult, so maximum handicaps apply and proof of ability is required. If you'd rather not tackle the full course, you can take advantage of the practice facilities and putting greens instead. Take a break from the game or just relax and enjoy the scenery during lunch, which is available from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Snacks from the bar are available all day.
Liverpool is worth a visit for the music and the sports scene alone, but there are so many more activities available than you could list in one place. When you're ready to plan your travels, be sure to include our favorites on your list of the best things to do in Liverpool.