Gutted to be missing Glasto? Get your festival hit in Liverpool instead

As Glasto ravers from around the region start packing their tents and charging their battery packs, we’re feeling a bit gutted to be missing out on all the Glastonbury 2017 fun.

No-one more so than our Jay, who as a dedicated Glasto raver, is absolutely devastated to be missing out (we’ve been banned from even mentioning the festival for weeks). In an attempt to cheer up Jay and anyone else not heading down to Somerset next weekend, we’ve put together a line-up of boss gigs to get involved in, closer to home.

Alright so its no Arcadia or Shangri-Lah, but they’re just a cab ride away and don’t involve the mud-fest!

Here’s our top 7 gigs and events to quash the Glastonbury blues.

1 – Africa Oye, Sefton Park

One of the best chances of feeling the festival vibes on Merseyside is definitely at the Africa Oye 25th anniversary celebrations, 17-18th June 2017. Bevs in the park, devine street food, great atmosphere and of course a stellar line up of live music. Find out more here.

2 – The Wombats, Liverpool Guild

Also celebrating an anniversary (how has it been 10 years?!) The Wombats play Liverpool Guild of Students, Mount Pleasant on 29th June 2017. Get your indie fix bopping around to some belting tunes as this UK tour rolls out. More info and tickets here.

3 – Craig Charles Beats, Beer & Boogaloo, Camp & Furnace

Ahhhh get funky as Craig Charles returns to Camp & Furnace on Sunday 25th June 2017, 2pm-10pm with an all dayer session featuring special guests. The King of Funk’s trunk will be filled with the best of beats, boogaloo and good time bangers. Get your tickets here.

4 – Jess Glynne plays Aintree Racecourse

Swap your hunters for heels as stunning vocalist and chart sensation Jess Glynne plays Aintree Racecourse on Friday 16th June 2017. For a full festival day out, glam up, enjoy the race day atmosphere then dance your little feet off as the sun goes down. Tickets and hospitality on sale here.

5 – Catfish & The Bottlemen, Echo Arena

The UK’s biggest guitar band to breakthrough in the last decade play the Echo Arena on 30th June 2017 and as stages go, they don’t get much bigger in Liverpool. Get your headliner experience all wrapped up with a set list from last year’s number one album ‘The Ride’ as well as classics, Cocoon and Kathleen. Tickets here.

6 – Mersey River Festival, Waterfront

The International Mersey River Festival returns to the Pier Head on 24-25th June 2017 and it’s rolled into one big party with Armed Forces Day too. There’s no main stage this year, instead you can pitch up and listen to local bands playing a number of smaller stages and dance to the Katumba Drummers around our iconic waterfront. Full listings here.

7 – Hans Zimmer, Echo Arena

We hear that Hollywood Heart-throb, Johnny Depp is opening the brand new Cinema Field at Glasto this year, but don’t worry, we’ve only gone and roped in a Hollywood legend ourselves! Hans Zimmer, legendary film score composer and Coachella star, is bringing his world tour to the Echo Arena on 17th June 2017. Having produced the soundtrack to more than 100 iconic movies, this is an umissable gig for film and music fans alike. Tickets and info here.  Check out our exclusive interview with Hans here.

8 – LIMF 2017, Sefton Park

Now if all that wasn’t enough, start planning an entire weekend of live music and VIP vibes as LIMF 2017 comes to Sefton Park, with a whole new look. Brand new for this year is LIMF Presents, five different events based on different genres of music at The Palm House, plus the world premier of Garage Classical AND there’s a super classy VIP section too! No more queues for the bar or the pootaloos! Winner. All you need to know here.

Despite not being able to contain our jealousy, we’re actually made up for all the ravers making the trip south next week. Whether it’s your first Glasto or your 15th, you’ll be counting the sleeps, stocking up on baby wipes, working out how you’ll ever find your tent again and generally preparing for the best weekend of your life. Enjoy!

Hands up, who’s going to Glasto? We want to see your preparation pics! Tweet us @TheGuideLpool or email us info@theguideliverpool.com and we’ll share the love on our socials.