Whether you’re a shade-seeker or the kind who likes to soak up every inch of sunlight while it’s around, you’ll want to finally break out of hibernation this July. From fun music festivals to epic activities to try out with friends, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Liverpool this July.
1. Celebrate this Liverpool street food market’s fifth birthday
Baltic Market is hosting a five day fiesta from June 30 to July 3 to thank its visitors and celebrate its fifth birthday, with each day featuring plenty of events. Expect five fun days of amazing live music, new food from the market traders, a pop up from one of their favourite drinks, limited edition boozy Fanta Lemon slush, huge daily giveaways and more. Join Baltic Market for the biggest game of pass the parcel where you can win vouchers, Baltic Money, and big bar tabs. It’s going to be a good one!
2. Hear the best of Hans Zimmer like never before within the beautiful and glowing St George’s Hall
If you know cinema then you have undoubtedly heard the name Hans Zimmer. Even if you haven’t heard his name you’ve definitely heard his work. The now legendary composer has been moulding our musical experiences through film and tv since as far back as the 1980s. He has had his hand in almost all realms of music. Zimmer has provided his musical wizardry on the likes of Iron Man, The Simpson’s, and even FIFA 19. Now on July 14 you have the chance to experience this in a way you never have before at St George’s Hall by candlelight. Tickets are available here.
3. Sip on fresh, unfiltered beer at Camden Town Brewery’s Tank Party
Turns out manifesting our love for beer has paid off as Liverpool is being blessed with a new boozy street party this summer. Much-loved London brewers, Camden Town Brewery, has announced that its annual Tank Party is going on tour and will be bringing the iconic event to six cities across the nation. The Liverpool event is set to take place at city’s top food hall, Baltic Market, on July 8 & 9 and Camden Town Brewery will be bringing the freshest, tank beer to lucky lager lovers.
4. Enjoy on a wide selection of gin and rum at this drinks festival just a short drive or train ride away
Whether you’re thirsty for knowledge or you just want to party the night away, this gin and rum festival in Derby on July 2 is for you. Treat yourself and let your hair down with your friends at the themed bars with tasty street food and a buzzing party atmosphere. There will be talks, master classes, free samples, great live entertainment and an award-winning resident DJ that will keep you entertained with music from all genres, so get ready for a Rumbelievable festival! Plus you can take home a complimentary Gin & Rum Festival Copa glass. Book tickets here.
5. Listen to hits from the 70s with a comical performance of ‘Mam! I’m ‘Ere!’ at the Royal Court
Starring some of the most popular theatre faces in Liverpool, the smash hit comedy Mam! I’m ‘Ere! heads to Royal Court Theatre and is packed with hit after hit from the 1970s which will have you dancing in the aisles. Twenty-five years after being left on her dad’s doorstep, Sally has met the love of her life on his failing holiday campsite in Wales. But there is one person missing from her wedding plans, her mam, so Sally narrows the search down to three very different women from her dad’s past.
6. Experience an incredible club night with music from French electronic trio ODEN & Fatzo
Liverpool 360º is an unmissable club night that brings the best house and electronic experiences to life in venues with a 360-degree element. The events have seen much success over in Paris, so it’s quite fitting really that French trio ODEN & Fatzo will be leading the line-up on this unforgettable night. The group are masters in performance, priding themselves on only ever playing live. They’ll be accompanied by two, yet-to-be-announced special guests at the July 15 event, which will take place at Meraki in the north docks. Tickets go on sale from June 28 here.
7. Relax in front of the big screen with the return of Cinema In The City
Things might be hotting up outside, but with the return of Cinema in the City this summer is about to get hotter. And the Liverpool film festival has quite the film programme. If you’re looking for a change of scenery from your usual cinema screen indoors, then this event which takes place in unique Liverpool locations and presented by FACT Liverpool has quite the treat in store. Taking place at Scale during July, Cinema in the City presents a programme showcasing the best contemporary film, as well as putting a spotlight on emerging talent from local filmmakers.
8. See the Queen’s Baton pass through Liverpool in the lead up the Commonwealth Games
Travelling via land, air and sea, more than 180 communities in England will be able to witness the Queen’s Baton on a route spanning 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometres) in the lead up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The Queen’s Baton Relay is set to travel the length and breadth of England for a total of 29 days, before arriving at the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham on July 28. From energetic cities and historic market towns, to rolling countryside and rugged coastline, the baton will head as far south as Cornwall and as far north as Northumberland. The baton will arrive in Liverpool on July 18, followed by a visit to the Severn Valley Railway and arriving by helicopter in Shrewsbury, before finishing at Birmingham’s Aston Hall on the day of the opening ceremony.
9. Witness a mesmerising candlelight tribute to Amy Winehouse with rooftop views
A Candlelight tribute to legendary singer Amy Winehouse is coming to Liverpool! On July 21, 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 singer songwriter in a new, pared back way. The captivating concert will make for a fabulous midweek treat, especially as the evenings get lighter and we embrace the after work activities once again. You can book your tickets here.
10. Unwind this summer at this al fresco dining spot serving small plates and wood-fired pizzas
Formby Hall has now opened up their al fresco space, The Patio, for you to enjoy a tipple and bite to eat within a beautiful outdoor setting this summer. The golf resort and spa close to the beach is bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to their Fairway Grill, Restaurant & Bar this summer by serving up a new small plates menu featuring dishes for you to pick at whilst you enjoy the warmer climes. The Patio overlooks the resort’s stunning championship golf course and you needn’t panic about the weather ruining your alfresco dining experience as the outdoor space is under a chic-tented canopy. To add to the cosiness (after all, summer can take a turn for the worst) the area also features a fire pit, comfy chairs, sofas and blankets.
11. Listen to popular and up-and-coming artists at this year’s Liverpool International Music Festival
Renowned for showcasing the best international and national household names alongside emerging talent at an accessible, low ticket price, Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF) will be returning to the city this summer. Taking place from July 29-31 in a brand new home, this year’s LIMF makes a change from previous years by hosting a a city-centre takeover of around 25 venues and outdoor locations. The multi-venue line-up will feature the likes of British reggae and pop band legends UB40 ft Ali Campbell, iconic American hip hop trio De La Soul, Liverpool royalty The Zutons, one of the hottest new bands, Red Rum Club, and more.
12. Indulge in modern Italian cuisine at Flannels’ newly-opened flagship store
This summer, Flannels is opening in Liverpool and it’s set to become the city’s most exclusive and experiential department store, fusing retail and leisure under one roof, with a mix of top brands, dining and experiences. Located on the ground floor of the iconic Owen Owen Building alongside the department store is Bacino, which introduces modern Italian cuisine to a setting that oozes personality and brings social dining to life. An all day menu will incorporate brunch classics alongside pizzas, pasta, aperitivo cocktails, coffees and desserts; offering seasonal, fresh ingredients prepared with creativity in a setting perfect to relax, gather and dine.