Museum of Liverpool announces huge summer of live music for 40th anniversary

A packed summer of live music is heading to the waterfront as National Museums Liverpool celebrates its 40th anniversary with a brand new programme of gigs, talks and special events at the Museum of Liverpool.

Called summer of sound, the six week programme has been created in partnership with the world famous The Cavern Club and will bring everything from Liverpool legends and rising stars to musical bingo and Beatles celebrations to the city’s riverside museum.

And there is still one big surprise to come, with organisers teasing that a legendary Liverpool act will headline a special intimate show at the museum on Saturday 15 August.

The mystery headline artist is still under wraps, but National Museums Liverpool members will be first to find out and get early access to tickets.

Running from 24 July to 29 August, summer of sound will celebrate Liverpool’s rich musical history while also shining a spotlight on the city’s newest talent.

Things kick off on 24 July with weekly musical bingo nights hosted by Tom Kelly, mixing live music with bingo in a brand new twist on the classic game.

Then on 25 July, The Quarrymen bring songs and stories from 1950s Liverpool to the museum, sharing memories from the early days of the city’s music scene and the beginnings of what would become The Beatles.

On 1 August, one of Liverpool’s brightest new music nights lands at the museum as BBC Introducing’s Dave Monks hosts an evening of emerging talent, headlined by Liverpool band STONE.

Fans of the swinging sixties can also look forward to This Is Merseybeat on 8 August, celebrating the sounds that helped put Liverpool music on the global map.

Meanwhile, on 15 August, Ian Prowse will bring The Monday Club to the museum for a special one off edition of the much loved Cavern open mic night, before performing a special set himself.

To round things off, International Beatleweek will take over the museum on 29 August, welcoming Beatles tribute acts from around the world to Liverpool.

There is also a chance for local musicians to get involved, with Museum Sessions Live returning to the atrium space. Artists across the city are being invited to apply for the chance to perform across a number of dates this summer.

Kerry Williams, head of partnerships at National Museums Liverpool, said: “Summer of sound heralds Liverpool’s musical legacy, while also championing the very best in new music that the city has to offer.”

Tickets for the first wave of events go on sale to the public from 10.30am on Tuesday 26 May, while National Museums Liverpool members already have early access.