Liverpool Olympia celebrates 120 years with massive live music event headlined by Embrace

One of Liverpool’s most iconic venues is marking a major milestone this month as the Liverpool Olympia celebrates its 120th birthday with an unmissable night of live music.

Taking place on Saturday 26 April 2025, the event at the Olympia will be headlined by none other than British rock favourites Embrace, with a brilliant supporting line-up featuring, The Bluetones, The Real People, and Rats.

Embrace, known for anthemic hits like Gravity, Nature’s Law, and All You Good Good People, have achieved three number one albums and six top 10 singles. Their emotionally charged live performances have captivated fans for over two decades, and they’re set to deliver something special for the Olympia’s anniversary show.

Joining them are 90s indie mainstays The Bluetones, whose chart success and enduring Britpop influence have kept them a firm fan favourite. Liverpool’s own The Real People will also take to the stage – pioneers of the Britpop movement and early mentors to Oasis, playing the Olympia for the first time in their career. Opening the show will be rising local stars Rats, bringing their signature high-energy, no-nonsense attitude to the stage.

The night marks more than a century of entertainment history at the Grade II* listed venue, which first opened its doors in April 1905 as a purpose-built indoor circus and variety theatre designed by the legendary Frank Matcham.

Since then, the Olympia has had many lives – from hosting aquatic extravaganzas and wartime service as a Royal Naval depot, to becoming a buzzing cinema, a famous dance hall, and even a bingo institution. Over the decades, it has welcomed legendary names from across the worlds of music, theatre and comedy including The Beatles, Little Richard, and Harry Houdini. More recently, it has played host to artists like New Order, Robert Plant, Nick Cave, Paul Weller, Jamie Webster, and Elvis Costello.

In 1990, the current owners began the journey of restoring the Olympia after acquiring the neighbouring Grafton Rooms. The venue officially reopened in February 2000, and in the 25 years since, it has firmly re-established itself at the heart of Liverpool’s cultural scene – not only as a live music hotspot but also as a filming location for hit series such as Peaky Blinders and Tin Star.

Chris Zorba, Managing Director of Liverpool Olympia, said:

“I’m proud to take this iconic venue into its 120th year. The Olympia has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s entertainment history since 1905, hosting Harry Houdini, The Beatles, and Little Richard to name just a few.”

The Olympia’s 120th birthday celebration is more than just a concert – it’s a tribute to one of the city’s great cultural landmarks and the generations of performers and audiences who’ve made it what it is today.