Festivals in Liverpool

So much to do, see and experience

For its size Liverpool enjoys more festivals, free events and city-wide celebrations than any city outside of London. Yes, the city has galleries and theatres aplenty but, often, the best culture is found in the streets, along the waterfront, in our parks and in our pubs. Here are just ten of the city’s best loved yearly events to red circle.

Writing On The Wall (May)

The city’s best-loved literary festival has a suitably radical edge. Writers from Jeanette Winterson to Melvyn Bragg have appeared in the past. Always worth a look.

Arabic Arts Fest (June)

Citywide celebratory event raising awareness and promoting an understanding of Arabic culture for both Arab and non-Arab audiences in Liverpool and beyond.  

Brouhaha (July)

Internationally-focused and Liverpool-based community arts fest, fusing the sights, sounds and flavours of Carnivals the world over, culminating in a colourful parade through the streets, and party in Princes Park.

Milapfest (July)

Indian dance and music, and the best of Bollywood infecting Liverpool’s Bluecoat, and arts venues across the city.

Liverpool Pride (July)

Join thousands to march through the city to the festival's home on Tithebarn Street, right in the heart of Liverpool City Centre. Year after year, our colleagues from across the University work closely with our partners at the LCR Pride Foundation to support the delivery of this incredible day. 

LIMF: Liverpool International Music Festival

As eclectic as music gets, this city-wide free festival grabs A-list stars, up and coming local acts and surprising collaborations (Boy George playing with Tim Burgess from The Charlatans, for example) and throws it all together in a two-week, mid-summer hootenanny.

^{Ensemble of musicians from LJMU cultural partners, Liverpool Philharmonic, at Light Night 2016.}

Liverpool Comedy Festival (September)

Annual gagfest bringing the big-hitters (Bill Bailey, Russell Howard, Lee Evans) as well as the local clowns (John Bishop) to the city’s comedy clubs and the Echo Arena.

Liverpool Psych Fest (September)

Celebrating all things psychedelic - from Iceland’s Dead Skeletons to Sweden’s Goat, via tonnes of Liverpool space cadets, this is one of the city's most enjoyable musical explorations.

Homotopia (November)

The country’s most artistically inclined LGBT festival regularly attracts the big hitters (Jon Walters, David Hockney, Boy George) and is always dazzlingly inventive, and full of food for thought. And, as partners, LJMU offers priority access and discounts to the best of it.

DaDa Fest (November)

Freewheeling, surprising and life-affirming disability arts and performance fest that usually leaves audiences open-jawed in wonder.