When you think of Liverpool, one of the first things that comes to mind is music. That link is going to be strengthened even more from August 18th 2013, when the first ever Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF) begins with a performance from Neil Young and Crazy Horse. This bigger and better replacement for the Mathew Street Festival will take place at a host of venues and will feature a huge variety of musical styles to suit all tastes.
Even without the additional draw of the LIMF, Liverpool is a fantastic city for live music, with a musical heritage that includes superstars like The Beatles, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Atomic Kitten, as well as recent X Factor success story, Rebecca Ferguson. You’ll need plenty of time to enjoy the music, the world famous sights and to soak up the friendly atmosphere, so it’s worth considering staying overnight in Liverpool at one of the many hotels, some of which are in or near to the fashionable docklands.
With the LIMF progressing through several phases, throughout August and September, this could be the perfect opportunity to try out a music festival holiday. It’s great to visit an interesting destination, but it’s even better to visit when there is the added attraction of being able to see world class and upcoming artists. As well as the opener, Neil Young, some artists featuring at the LIMF are Little Mix, JLS and Soul II Soul, and local heroes, The Christians, Connie Lush and The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, in addition to many others from the pop, rock, opera and world music scenes.
During the festival, Liverpool will be presenting Beatles Week, which is likely to draw visitors from all over the world to hear the best Beatles tribute acts, watch films and lectures, visit exhibitions and take tours in the very places where the Beatles’ legend began. But you don’t have to choose your music by artist or genre, you can do it by venue, opting to stay near the world famous waterfront at the Pier Head stage for ‘Turn up the Radio’ and ‘Party at the Pier’ or head out to the beautiful Victorian Sefton Park venue for free access to a wide variety of artists.
If you’re in the city between the 24th and 25th August, then you should drop in at Camp and Furnace, which is a five minute walk from the Albert Dock and just down the hill from the beautiful Anglican Cathedral. Their two-day extravaganza will feature the talented Ghostpoet and internationally renowned Martha Wainwright amongst others, as well as serving delicious freshly cooked food. There’s no better city to visit if you’re a music fan and if you’re here for the music, you might as well enjoy the food, the football and the fantastic tourist attractions as well. Just make sure you take a trip on the ferry across the Mersey while you’ve got the chance.