Your Guide to May on Merseyside with Merseyrail

These are the top Merseyside events to check out this May with Merseyrail.

There’s bank holidays galore this month as Merseyside gears up for summer with a whole host of free events. You can explore the city after dark, watch an amazing pyrotechnic show in Birkenhead, dine like a king in Southport, dance your feet sore at tonnes of gigs and theatre shows and plan some well earned after work drinks in the cities newest hot spots.

Travelling with Merseyrail this Spring is cheaper than you think. Enjoy days out with the kids, get to festivals and gigs and home again for less and save yourself the hassle of parking and bank holiday traffic too! From the bustling city centre to the waterfront, Wirral and Southport coastline, Merseyrail will get your there.

Here’s 10 Merseyside events you can get to this May with Merseyrail….

1 – LightNight

With over 100 free events taking place across the city on Friday 17th May, the LightNight theme for 2019 is Ritual. Explore loads of city venues after dark with cultural activities and exhibitions to suit all ages. including one at Moorfields station. More info here. 

Nearest Station: James St, Liverpool Central, Moorfields

2 – Explore Castle Street

A Liverpool nightlife and foodie hotspot in its own right, Castle Street is bursting with restaurants and bars offering world cuisine, local gin and a friendly, fun atmosphere. Line up some bank holiday weekend drinks, a tasty lunch with a mate or date night here. More info here. 

Nearest Station: James St & Moorfields

3 – River Festival Liverpool 2019

This is going to be huge! River Festival Liverpool is back at the Waterfront on 1st & 2nd June. Expect giant sea urchins, tall ships, a celebration of disco, live music, street performances, lots of food and drink and something for all the family to enjoy. Find out more here. 

Nearest Station: James St & Moorfields

4 – Bordeaux Wine Festival

Bordeaux Wine Festival

If you love a glass of vino (or two) this is the May event for you. Returning to the Pier Head no 31st May – 1st June after a hugely successful debut last year, the Bordeaux Wine Festival is a celebration of world class wine and delicious food pairings. Masterclasses, tasting and good times on the waterfront. More info here. 

Nearest Station: James St & Moorfields

5 – Dinosaur Hunting, Liverpool ONE

L1 Dinosaurs Unleashed

The kids get some extra time off with two bank holidays this month too. Family travel with Merseyrail is cheaper than you think so why not jump on the train and hunt for Dinosaurs at Chavassic Park, Liverpool ONE? Download the free app and chase the raptors to burn off some steam. More info here. 

Nearest Station: James St, Liverpool Central

6 – Gigs Galore

M&S Bank Arena is a real hive of activity throughout May with live gigs from Rita Ora, Olly Murs & Mumford & Sons all returning to Liverpool. Family events include Wallace & Gromit Music Marvels, sports fans will be going wild at WWE Live and Bill Bailey brings his comedic storytelling to life with Larks in Transit on 25th May. Full what’s on listings here. 

Nearest Station: Liverpool Central

7 – Southport Food & Drink Festival

A feast for the senses! Southport Food and Drink Festival returns to Victoria Park on 1st & 2nd June and you’re advised to bring your appetite. Showcasing the very best food from around the world, local food producers and bars, plus live music, its dog friendly and there’s a children’s festival section too! A fab and tasty day out for everyone! More info here. 

Nearest Station: Southport 

8 – Theatre Fun For Everyone

Liverpool Empire welcomes rock production Hair on 20th-25th May as it celebrates its 50th anniversary of good vibes, hippie love and an unforgettable soundtrack. Across the Mersey, families can enjoy Milkshake Monkey’s Musical at the Floral Pavilion on 19th May and Liverpool Royal Court will have you in stitches with My Fairfield Lady on now until 25th May. More local theatre news here. 

Nearest Station: Liverpool Lime Street, Liverpool Central, New Brighton

9 – Wirral’s Witching Hour

Spring is a great time to get out and explore the miles of coastal paths and green spaces in Wirral. Stunning views, spotless beaches and the Wirral Way are perfect for family days out without breaking the bank. On 17th -19th May you can experience The Witching Hour at Birkenhead Park. This free, after dark spectacle explores local legends and folklore with music, pyrotechnics and more. Info here. 

Nearest Station: Birkenhead Park 

10 – An Audience With LFC Legends

St Georges Hall Concert Room

The red half of the city is on tenterhooks this month as Liverpool battle it out in the Premier League and champions league fixtures take place at Anfield and abroad. Closer to home, you can enjoy an evening with LFC legends, John Aldridge, Ronnie Whelan and Steve McMahon at the majestic St George’s Hall on 16th May. Talking career highs and lows and the pride of wearing the coveted red jersey, this is a real gem of a night for fans. More info here. 

Nearest Station: Liverpool Lime Street, Liverpool Central

Explore Merseyside this May and plan your next journey with Merseyrail at www.merseyrail.org or download the Merseyrail app here.