When it comes to free music festivals, Liverpool offers those on a budget more than most. Many free festivals are based on tribute bands churning out other people’s music. Fine, if that’s your bag, but here are some of the free festivals in Liverpool over the coming months that have some first class, original talent on offer.
Kicking of this Saturday in the Smithdown Road area, a short bus ride from the city centre, The Smithdown Street Party, showcases some excellent local talent, with bands such as Silent Sleep, Viper Kings and the excellent Sheepy amongst the diverse range of music on offer. The festival runs until the 4th and is based at various venues, such as Kelly’s Dispensary and Oomoo, in the Smithdown Road area. With the promise of comedy and some scrumptious food stalls, this looks well worth checking out.
The Liverpool International Music Festival is the jewel in the area’s free music crown. Taking the place of The Matthew Street Festival, the event is held in Sefton Park on 27th - 31st August. With Basement Jaxx headlining, and other luminaries such as Echo and the Bunnymen, Bipolar Sunshine, Space and The Real Thing, it might be easy to miss some of the other acts on offer. If acoustic music is your thing, both Little Sparrow and Grace Hartrey offer some real quality. The upbeat indie of Hooton Tennis Club and the softer vibe of She Drew the Gun will also prove worth watching at this laid back event.
A little more eclectic, the well-established Africa Oye festival also takes place in Sefton Park this summer, bringing a taste of sunnier climates to the city. Taking place on the weekend of the 20th-21st of June, the acts will include Omar, the acclaimed soul singer and bands visiting the city from all over Africa, such as Diabel Cissokho from Senegal and Lindigo from the beautiful Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. Having been to Oye several times, If the weather is sunny, this is a true chill out event where thousands of people take the time to check out the music, whilst lazing in the sun eating some top class Caribbean food. It’s a big part of summer in the city.
I hope this has whetted your appetite. If you can’t get to any of these events, I’m sure there are free festivals closer to home to bring music into your life this summer. Wherever you are, check out what’s on offer. You might just find a hidden gem.
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