Full lineup announced for the Red Weekender at Exhibition Centre Liverpool

Liverpool is set to host a brand-new, fan-powered festival as The Red Weekender takes over Exhibition Centre Liverpool during the final weekend of the Premier League season, coinciding with Liverpool’s clash against Crystal Palace.

For the first time ever, three of the city’s most iconic supporter platforms—BOSS, Redmen TV, and The Anfield Wrap—will unite under one roof to deliver a three-day celebration of football, music, and culture. The event promises to be a landmark moment in the city’s rich history of fan-led experiences, offering a packed programme of live shows, entertainment, and appearances by footballing legends.

The weekend kicks off on Friday night with a special BOSS End of Season event marking the 20th anniversary of Liverpool’s legendary 2005 Champions League victory in Istanbul. The night features a headline appearance from Rafa Benítez, alongside Kelly Cates and Jamie Webster, with live music from the Lightning Seeds and a grand finale performance from Jamie Webster himself.

Daniel, who founded the LFC fanzine BOSS, which morphed into the fan-event-phenomenon BOSS Night said:

“Both Mike & I have been involved in delivering major events across the world for Liverpool fans for several years. We’re aiming to bring some of the special moments we’ve been behind in Champions League Final fan parks, the World Club Championship in Doha or the incredible match-day parties in our own city to the Exhibition Centre on what could be the most magical of days for Kopites”.

Mike Deane, a music-industry veteran, founder of Liverpool Music Week and long term collaborator of BOSS Night, said:

“There’ll be a lot going on in the city at this time and so it’s really important for us to bring together the tried, trusted and respected formulas to fans over this weekend. Working with long-standing partners of ours in BOSS, The Anfield Wrap and Redmen TV as the foundation of The Red Weekender makes this a truly authentic and exciting prospect for fans. Choosing the world-class venue Exhibition Centre Liverpool has meant we can significantly elevate this authentic foundation, working with the brands to bring together an absolutely amazing programme that is on a level never seen for a fan-led, fan culture event in the city”.

The pair, who are both Anfield season ticket holders, spoke about how this concept will only work if it’s fan-driven.

“We have the richest of supporter cultures”, said Daniel, “and a culture which rewards those that put in the hard yards. We have assembled a line-up that is made up of time-served reds on and off the pitch”.

The festival opens with a very special Friday night event with a BOSS End of Season special – marking 20 years since Liverpool’s iconic 2005 Champions League victory in Istanbul, headlined by none other than the manager who led them to glory — Rafa Benítez.

Red Weekender Lineup - Exhibition Centre Liverpool

Rafa Benitez said of his appearance at The Red Weekender:

“To be back in Liverpool on the 20th anniversary of that magical night in Istanbul, and talk about winning this amazing club’s fifth European Cup with Jamie and Kelly direct and personal with the fans will be so special. What an opportunity, I really can’t wait,”

Rafa will be joined live on stage in conversation with Kelly Cates (Sky Sports, BBC Radio 5 Live, Presenter of the Year 2025 SJA British Sports Journalism Awards) and Jamie Webster, with live music from the Lightning Seeds, and a finale performance from Jamie Webster himself.

Redmen TV Founder Paul Machin said:

“This is a landmark moment in the history of this football club and its fanbase. If all goes to plan on the pitch, for the first time in 35 years, Liverpool fans are going to be able to come together to celebrate winning the league in person. The Red Weekender is going to be the biggest party in living memory and we’re honoured to be able to work alongside BOSS, The Anfield Wrap and so many greats from the world of football, music and entertainment to help deliver it.”

On Saturday 24 May, Redmen TV will present their biggest-ever live show: a high-energy End of Season Party at the Main Hall. The fan-favourite crew will take to the stage with a unique live gameshow format inspired by Family Fortunes, joined by none other than Kenny Dalglish and members of the Dalglish family. The show will be hosted by Les Dennis, bringing some classic game show magic to the festival stage.

The party continues with live performances from The Zutons, The Ragamuffins, and DJ Harry Mac, plus a chance to meet Liverpool legends like John Aldridge, Bruce Grobbelaar, Gary McAllister, and Natasha Dowie.

Saturday evening sees The Anfield Wrap take over the red-seated Auditorium Theatre with a two-part live show reflecting on what promises to be a thrilling season. The night concludes with a post-show party and DJ set from TAW’s Dan Morgan. Before the live show, attendees can also catch a short, exclusive Main Stage set by The Zutons.

Sunday morning rounds off the weekend with BOSS Kids, a dedicated family event headlined by Jamie Webster. Designed for young Reds and their families, this all-ages show will be the biggest BOSS Kids event to date, featuring DJ sets from Miss Mollie, live performances, and special guest appearances. The session aims to bring the BOSS spirit to the next generation in an inclusive, relaxed environment.

Tickets for BOSS Kids are priced at £22 for adults and £18 for under 18s, plus booking fees. All under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

With its mix of football, live music, gameshows, and community celebration, The Red Weekender is shaping up to be a first-of-its-kind fan culture event, bringing together generations of Liverpool supporters for a weekend they’ll never forget.