Night Life

Liverpool has a burgeoning nightlife scene, with people travelling from across the region to spend their evenings in the city. The area has a long musical tradition from the Beat movement in the 60s, focussed around the famous Cavern Club, the rave movement in the 90s with the imfamous Cream and the current wave of indie rock bands which come from the city. But as well as the more underground and youth-orientated night scene, recent times have also seen the emergence of more upmarket bars, cafes and restaurants.

The clubs, pubs, bars and restaurants in the city centre are all fairly close together, but can still be divided into distinct areas. Most of the concentrations of nightlife activity are a short walk from each other.

Concert Square

Concert Square and the area around it, are lined with most of the mainstream clubs and bars. In summer the square is also turned into an outdoor seating area for party goers. A small walk in any direction leads to less mainstream pubs and clubs. This area is the most popular with the younger crowd and many students, which means the area is usually busy every night of the week.

Mathew Street

Mathew Street, and its surrounded alleys and lanes, houses Liverpool’s most internationally famous night spot The Cavern Club (where the Beatles played many times during the 1960’s). However, despite appearances the Club is not actually as it seems, the original was knocked through to make way for Liverpool’s underground light railway system, and today’s Cavern Club is in fact a replica. Many other pubs in the street use Beatles or 1960’s motifs entice customers to the area which is mostly frequented by a more middle aged cliental.

The Docks

The Albert Dock’s were refurnished in the 1980’s and since then have been named a World Heritage site. A number of more expensive bars and restaurants can be found on and around the docks. Consequently the area is often the favoured haunt of local football players, TV stars and business people.

Lark Lane

In the south of the city, by Sefton Park, Lark Lane is becoming an increasingly popular spot for wine bars, restaurants, pubs and cafes. Far enough away from the city centre to remain reasonably priced, but still lively enough to attract people from further away than the surrounding streets, it is popular with both younger and older groups alike.

Music

The city has a long history of musical tradition. Live music, covering all kinds of taste and desires, can be found every night of the week. Much of the classical and world music scene is based around the Philharmonic Hall. Live music venues for groups and bands are dotted across the city and there are a number of music festivals every year.

Africa Oye

The largest African music festival in the UK takes place every summer in Sefton Park in the south of the city. It is completely free and features bands from across Africa as well as international stalls and cuisine. The festival has been running for 14 years and continues to increase in popularity, showcasing some of the biggest names in African music as well has organising workshops for those interested to learn about African music.

Matthew Street Festival

Held towards the end of summer, this immensely popular festival is held in and around the famous Matthew Street as well as on the waterfront. It usually features many tribute bands as well as up and coming groups. It is especially common to find numerous Beatles tributes act playing at the event.