Smithdown Festival announce first wave of acts for 10th birthday celebration

Smithdown Festival is gearing up for a massive 10th birthday bash, and they’ve just dropped the first wave of acts set to take over Liverpool this May.

From 2nd to 5th May 2025, venues along Smithdown Road and Penny Lane will be buzzing with free live music, DJs, and family-friendly fun – all in support of The Whitechapel Centre.

Over at Handymans, expect an electric mix with synth-pop trio Stealing Sheep on the decks, African beats from Mamadou and The Lekette, plus fresh new talent from Ellis Murphy and Clockwork Gibbons.

Black Cat is pulling out all the stops with a full weekend of live music featuring indie rockers Mexican Dogs, Gen and The Degenerates, and non-binary DJ collective SISU. Plus, don’t miss the Big Bank Holiday Hangover Quiz – where festival organiser Andy will be jumping on stage with his punk outfit Snakes Everywhere!

Nomad is bringing the party with a DJ takeover from Everybody Dance and Juicebox, while Franks Bar is throwing it back with old school dance classics.

Further along towards Penny Lane, coffee spot Bean There will be hosting a synth night with local promoters Skylark. Meanwhile, Penny Lane Wine Bar, Leaf, and The Tavern are all set to showcase some incredible local live talent.

But it’s not just about the music – there’s a packed programme of activities for the whole community. For the first time ever, the festival will host an Alcohol-Free outdoor stage at Quaker Community Garden. There are also walking tours of Toxteth Cemetery and a special Smithdown Litfest book talk featuring musician-turned-author R. Peter Davies at Smithdown Social Arts Hub.

Art lovers, get ready for a 24-hour fundraising Art-A-Thon, where local artists will create pieces to be auctioned off. And in partnership with community group Liverpool Together, the festival is tackling loneliness with activities like a pub quiz and crochet workshop.

For families, Penny Lane Development Trust will be hosting a two-day outdoor family area packed with live music from The Rock Project music school, Atomic Wrestling, face painting, arts and crafts, market stalls, and a picnic zone.

Over at Wavertree Coffee House, expect a lively afternoon with outdoor music, inflatables, and a BBQ, while Smithdown Social Arts Hub will be running a ‘zine making workshop for all the creatives out there.

Smithdown Festival has spent the past decade championing grassroots music and arts in Wavertree, with past acts including Craig Charles, Space, Krafty Kuts, Idles, John Power, The Mysterines, Dave McCabe, and more.

And for the first time ever, there’s a ticketed afterparty at Wellington Yard featuring Girls Don’t Sync members G33 and Hannah Lynch, rising multi-genre DJ Amber Rose, and loads more across two warehouse spaces. All proceeds go towards keeping the festival free, with limited early bird tickets available now via Skiddle.