The May bank holiday is here – and Merseyside is bursting with energy. Whether you’re skipping the mud of Sefton Park or just fancy something a bit different after Friday’s Radio 1 Big Weekend opener, there’s plenty more happening across the region to keep your weekend buzzing.
From a star-studded celebration of Liverpool’s footballing highs to live music legends, underground rave revivals and pirate takeovers on the canal, this weekend’s events show off the full scope of the city’s cultural flair.
We’ve rounded up five of the best things happening across Merseyside this weekend. Whether you’re in the mood for a trip down memory lane, family-friendly fun, or just a pint and some good tunes, there’s something here for you.
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So get your plans sorted, check the weather, and make the most of what’s shaping up to be a memorable weekend across the Liverpool City Region.
The Red Weekender
With Liverpool FC due to lift the Premier League trophy this Sunday (May 25), on the last day of the season, BOSS, Redmen TV and The Anfield Wrap are at the Exhibition Centre this weekend presenting their end of season live shows.
The Red Weekender will feature a packed schedule of live shows, music performances, family events, and appearances from some of the biggest names in football and Liverpool culture.
Jamie Webster is headlining the event -Credit:Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo
Alongside headliners Kenny Dalglish, Rafa Benitez and Jamie Webster, a huge mix of special guest stars make up the rest of the programme, including SJA Presenter of the year Kelly Cates, Liverpool bands the Lightning Seeds and The Zutons, and TV legend Les Dennis.
The festival began on Friday (May 23) and will continue all weekend until Monday morning (May 25) – the day of the Liverpool FC trophy parade.
For more information, click here.
China Crisis
Kirkby band China Crisis are performing at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall this Saturday (May 24) at 7.30pm. The concert is part of a special run of shows the group is bringing to audiences around the world to celebrate the ruby anniversary of their watershed classic, Flaunt the Imperfection.
China Crisis are performing at the Phil -Credit:Colin Lane
Featuring hits including ‘Black Man Ray’ and ‘King in a Catholic Style’ and produced by legendary Steely Dan founder Walter Becker, Flaunt the Imperfection has been called everything from “soaring sophistipop” to “wistful and yearning”, and had songs described as diversely as “giddily upbeat” to having a “cinematic, ambient mood”.
For more information, click here.
Bluecoat’s Big Music Weekend
Jumping on the Radio 1 Big Weekend bandwagon is the Bluecoat, which is hosting a special weekend of performances, printing activities, and more to celebrate all things music.
Activities include an archive drop-in session, an open mic event and a family print session.
The Bluecoat -Credit:Mirrorpix
Festival-goers are invited to fill up at the Bluecoat before the event in Sefton Park. The centre will be offering a 10% discount on food and drink from its café to all Big Weekend ticket holders.
For more information, click here.
Quadrant Park 35 Year Anniversary Tour
Salt and Tar Fringe Festival is bringing the famous Quadrant Park nightclub back to Bootle this Saturday night (May 24), with original DJ’s Andy Carroll, John Kelly, Mike Knowler, DJ Pluto, Paul Rimmer and special guests the FPI Project, Suddi/Together and Keyboard Wizard Davos performing live on stage.
Quadrant Park also known as the Quad or Quaddie was a nightclub in Bootle which opened during the late 1980s to the early 1990s. and one of the most important in the UK at the time. It was known to attract a number of international guest DJs.
Inside Quadrant Park nightclub in Bootle -Credit:Mark McNulty
The main styles of music played were Italo house and acid house, retrospectively it could also be defined an early Superclub.
With a very special guest vocalist still to be announced, this is an event not to be missed by all you ravers out there.
For more information, click here.
Pirate Festival
On Saturday (May 24), the Lock & Quay pub in Bootle will host Pirate Festival 2025. The event will include live music, family activities, fancy dress, canoeing on the canal and a treasure hunt.
Lock & Quay, Bootle -Credit:Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo
There will also be a musical performed called ‘Born by the River’. The musical is a narrative about the Port of Liverpool, resonating across the globe and exploring the contrasting contexts of servitude and the lives it influenced.
For more information, click here.