This summer, we’re all raring to go and luckily there are plenty of fantastic things on the horizon this June to start the season with a bang. Fancy getting your calendar jam-packed again? From candlelight concerts in open air venues to tasty food and drink offerings, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to getting your dose of good grub and culture. Check out our guide to some of the best things to do this June in Liverpool.
1. Dine at this new waterfront restaurant that pays homage to Liverpool’s Canada connection
This season, it seems more businesses will be springing up in the city including a new restaurant docking up on the waterfront that gives a nod to Liverpool’s nautical history. Set in the stunning Mann Island building in the shadow of the spectacular Three Graces on the city’s iconic waterfront, Nova Scotia is influenced by the little-known 19th century Liverpool dockside village that was once in the area, which served Canada and the ‘lumber’ trade. However, the new bar and kitchen, which opens in May, plans to bring a different roaring trade and celebrate Liverpool’s maritime past with a fresh food concept, great music and a fantastic outside drinking and dining space in the heart of the city’s riverside.
2. Witness a mesmerising candlelight tribute to Fleetwood Mac with rooftop views
The Rumours are true: a Candlelight tribute to rock band Fleetwood Mac is coming to Liverpool! On June 30, the rooftop of The Shankly Hotel will be lit up by hundreds of candles as a trio of musicians perform a selection of hits from the legendary group in a new, pared back way. The captivating concert will make for a fabulous midweek or weekend treat, especially as the evenings get lighter and we embrace the after work activities once again. You can book your tickets here.
3. Tuck into the best food and drink that Liverpool has to offer at Taste Liverpool Drink Bordeaux
Running for four days during the month of June, coinciding with the Queen’s Jubilee Celebration, the festival will see the city’s hospitality sector collaborate with the Bordeaux Wine Council and the French Government, promising to be “the most delicious weekend of 2022.” Taste Liverpool aims to redefine ‘street food’ as three of the city’s foodie destinations Hope Street, Bold Street and Castle Street will become immersive food experiences with takeovers by local restauranteurs and producers, wine tastings, cookery demonstrations, food inspired cultural events and venues creating special festival menus. Check out the programme here.
4. Celebrate African music and culture with the return of Africa Oyé Festival
Following a two-year hiatus brought on by the pandemic, Africa Oyé Festival is set to return to Liverpool’s Sefton Park this summer in what will be their 30th anniversary year. One of the region’s most beautiful green spaces will once again be filled with the music and culture of Africa, the Caribbean and the diaspora, for two free days of live music, DJs and dance, as well as workshops, food stalls and a range of traders in the Oyé Village. The Africa Oyé festival will take place on June 18 and 19, from 12:30pm til 9:30pm both days and entrance is free.
5. Head to this boozy craft beer festival featuring local brewers
Taking place between June 16-18 at Black Lodge Brewery and Sub Rosa in the city’s Baltic Triangle with an epic three-day event of all things beer, The Craft Beer Expo will be showcasing the best of world beer with over 100 different beers from over 30 breweries. As well as national and international breweries, there will be several popular local breweries including the likes of Black Lodge, Carnival, Chapter, Glen Affric, Love Lane, Neptune and Top Rope. Ukrainian brewery ‘Vavar’ based in Kyiv will also exhibit at Craft Beer Expo, having teamed up with local brewers to produce a special collaboration beer for the festival.
6. Explore Strawberry Field including its immersive exhibition and peaceful garden
Helping thousands of children and inspiring one of the Beatles’ most-loved songs, discover Strawberry Field’s remarkable exhibition and the local history behind the ruby-red gates of this famous Salvation Army building. Use a handy multimedia guide to explore archival footage, admire photographs that document the history of the facility and its most famous young visitor – a must for Beatles fans! Plus, during the Platinum Jubilee weekend, Strawberry Field will be bringing back its iconic garden fête, which was regularly attended by John Lennon, and will include everything from arts and crafts, to the “Find The Crown Treasure Hunt”, demonstrations from the Calderstones Wood Turners group, live music, and dancing from Mersey Swing. Grab your tickets to Strawberry Field here.
7. See giant puppet Little Amal walk through the streets of Liverpool
Made by the Handspring Puppet Company, who previously worked on War Horse, giant puppet Little Amal who stole the world’s hearts in 2021 will be travelling to 10 towns and cities across England in a bid to “rewrite the narrative” about refugees. Between June 19-27, Little Amal will take part in World Refugee Week arriving in Liverpool on June 21 and stopping by Royal Albert Dock to learn about the city’s history of migration. During her visit, she will explore the docks with Tate Liverpool, Maritime Museum and her new friends.
8. Experience a classic American yet boozy summer vacation at PINS’ Summercamp event
PINS Social Club has announced the launch of Summercamp, an experiential event drawing inspiration from the classic American summer vacation but strictly for adults. Taking place from Spring Bank Holiday on June 2nd onwards, Summercamp will ignite the ‘ol school nostalgia of summer camping daze, filled with whimsical days of discovery and wondrous nights of parties. Throughout the day, campers can enjoy a variety of immersive experiences on the city’s largest heated rooftop bar, as well as sip on camp-themed cocktails, slushies and sharers.
9. Escape to one of these woodland getaways in the North West
Staycation on the cards this summer? Take a break from city life in style while completely immersed in the gorgeous British countryside. From completely transformed shipping containers to stunning cabins with 360 views of undisturbed woodland, check out Secret Liverpool’s guide to the most magical woodland getaways in the North West.
10. Listen to Taylor Swift’s top hits like never before within the beautiful and glowing Palm House
A gorgeous glasshouse, live music and candlelight. Is there a way to make the experience even more captivating? Why, yes, there is. If you’re a Swiftie with a Blank Space in your calendar on June 8, then this is just the thing to fill it: a Candlelight: A Tribute To Taylor Swift. Taking over the glasshouse for two evening performances, String Infusion will leave you thoroughly Enchanted as they perform Swift’s chart-topping hits, such as Shake It Off, All Too Well, Wildest Dreams and Cardigan. Book tickets here.
11. Sink a refreshing pint at Seven Bro7hers brand new beerhouse in Liverpool
Following major success with three beerhouses in Manchester, as well as their Salford taproom, Seven Bro7hers is branching out further – with a brand new beerhouse opening in Liverpool. The much-awaited beerhouse will finally open its Wolstenholme Square doors for this month following more than six months of delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Nestled on Parr Street, the bar will host on tap the brewery’s popular family of beers and beer specials, as well as offering a menu of hearty, delicious pub grub.
12. Enjoy a sunset swim at Liverpool’s Princes Dock with this swimming series
There’s no better way to enjoy the Great British Summer than with a dip in the open water while taking in the awe inspiring beauty of a setting sun. Luckily for Liverpudlians, Her Spirit has organised a brand new series of fun, friendly, inclusive swimming events hosted by open water venues across the UK, including Princes Dock in Liverpool. The Her Spirit Sunset Swim Series, in partnership with Swim England and Zoggs, features one event per month, with one taking place on June 23. You can choose from a range of non-competitive distances from 500m to 2K and an official time, swim cap and medal will be given to each participant.