7 reasons you need to visit Liverpool this year
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Places to visit and things to do in Liverpool on a very special year
Liverpool is famous for many things, but two of our favourites have got to be the warm scouse welcome and the city's ability to party eight days a week. So, where better to host this May's Eurovision Song Contest than in the iconic northern city? Liverpool will be packed with things to do during the Eurovision celebrations in May but the show goes on throughout the year too. Get ready for a host of new foodie openings, top-class attractions, a lorra live music and major sporting events happening in Liverpool in 2023. Oh, and we haven't even mentioned The Beatles yet!
Here are all the reasons why Liverpool is worthy of your full 12 points...
1. Because Liverpool is hosting Eurovision and then some!
The biggest annual European music extravaganza is heading to Liverpool from 9- 3 May, when the city hosts the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. With nine shows in front of a live audience, fan zones and EuroFestival – a cultural programme of events running alongside.
Just a few of the highlights from the programme include The Blue and Yellow Submarine Parade, where a psychedelic underwater sea disco (mirrorball jellyfish for the win!) will shimmy through the city to kickstart the Eurovision Party. And Rave Ukraine, a simultaneous live music event streamed worldwide from the dance floor of CONTENT in Liverpool and HVLV Bar ft Hangout in Kyiv.
If that wasn't enough, there are plenty of chances to get in on the action scouse-style. Here are just a few Eurovision events happening across the city:
- Book tickets for the ultimate Eurovision party at the iconic Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.
- Pop by the magnificent St George’s Hall for live screenings of Eurovision, guided tours, an ABBA tribute night and an organ recital of classic Eurovision hits.
- Take your seat for the Eurovision Big Screen party at Liverpool's Royal Court Theatre. Tickets are £15 or £30 with dinner and a glass of fizz.
- Join Funny Boyz, a Liverpool-based drag collective, for Eurovision-themed cabaret, bottomless brunches and late-night parties across the weekend.
2. Because there ain't no party like a 'pool party
This year also sees a series of festivals and big music events, including Liverpool Sound City, which returns on 29-30 April with Masie Peters in the headline slot. Dancefloor worshippers should head to the Liverpool Disco Festival on 19 August for a very special 10th edition featuring headline acts and a some of the world's best disco and house DJs. You can also join a global party at the Liverpool International Music Festival. Expect big names in world music alongside up-and-coming local and international acts. Dates for this year are still to be confirmed, but previous headliners have included UB40 and De La Soul. From 23 to 29 August 2023, Liverpool welcomes fans from all over to celebrate the legacy of The Beatles at International Beatleweek with performances, musical tributes and much more.
3. Because there are some dead cool events in 2023
For art lovers, June to September sees the 25th anniversary of the Liverpool Biennial, the UK's largest contemporary visual arts festival. Another must-see is Return of the Gods, a dramatic exhibition telling the stories of famous heroes and villains through the lens of the ancient world, with plenty of myths and legends thrown in to keep you on your toes.
National Museums Liverpool have announced an exciting programme of exhibitions for spring and summer 2023. Highlights include Flower Fairies™, an enchanting world of illustrations from the Flower Fairies books by Cicely Mary Barker.
4. Because live sport gets very lively in Liverpool
The Grand National may be over for another year but there are plenty of other hotly-anticipated sporting events and attractions to book a ticket to throughout the year.
Liverpudlians love the beautiful game, and that's probably because the city is home to two footballing giants, Liverpool and Everton. Both teams have behind-the-scenes tours at their Anfield or Goodison Park stadiums and give you a glimpse into the backstage workings of the clubs. Depending on your allegiances, you can either walk through the players' tunnel to the sound of the famous Z Cars tune at Everton or get a photo in Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp's Seat in the Anfield dugout.
For golfing fans, The Royal Liverpool in Hoylake will host the Open for the 13th time from 16-23 July. Witness the world's best players battle it out on the links for the Champion Golfer of the Year title.
5. Because Liverpool's scran scene just got tastier
BoxPARK have announced the opening of their sixth site, and first BoxPARK outside London, in Liverpool in 2023. Opening in the Cains Brewery Village in the Baltic Triangle District, the warehouse building will feature 10 independent food operators, three internal bars, alfresco dining and entertainment.
For steak lovers, the choice in Liverpool is even more enticing this year. One of the UK's most renowned steak restaurants, Gaucho has opened in the former Bank of Liverpool Building and is the first restaurant in the city to exclusively serve carbon-neutral beef alongside Latin American dishes, a vegan menu and a sustainable drinks programme.
Hawksmoor is also a must. It is ranked as one of the best steak restaurants in the world and is famous for its charcoal-grilled, 35-day dry-aged steaks, award-winning cocktails and spectacular interiors.
Another recent opening is Alberts Schloss, with its roaring fires, tankards of Europe's finest bier and a 130-cover restaurant. Choose from alpine-style brunch, lunch or an evening meal with a generous side of live entertainment.
6. Because there's always something new to do
From dead cool hotels to adrenaline-fuelled attractions, this year sees even more reasons to visit due to a wave of exciting new openings.
At the Radisson RED Liverpool, music, art, and architecture combine in a modern hotel setting. High-tech in design, it features a restored 19th-century stained glass window, an intriguing secret doorway and a grand staircase. It is perfectly positioned for Liverpool's museums, galleries, and live music venues.
Gravity Active Entertainment features 100,000 square ft of fun, including multi-level e-karting, bowling, urban golf batting cages and live entertainment. It's a must for gamers and thrill seekers of all ages.
Satisfy enquiring minds at Eureka! Science + Discovery. Located at Seacombe Ferry Terminal, this new interactive science and discovery centre is specially designed for children and young teens. It connects the everyday to the extraordinary with hundreds of hands-on activities and innovative experiences.
7. Because Liverpool is boss
Where else can you enjoy brunch at a heritage site, visit an attraction dedicated to the Titanic and then head off on a psychedelic bus tour (with optional sing-along) to chart the lives of the world's most famous boy band?
Speaking of the fab four, music has a special place in Liverpool, and you can feel the beat on every corner. It's the home of more number-one singles than any other UK city, and much of this is credited to The Beatles. Still, a wealth of musical talent has been born in the city, from heavyweights like Gerry & The Pacemakers and the Lightening Seeds to newer talent like Clean Cut Kid. The Beatles, of course, have their own place in Liverpool's history with attractions to visit, from The Beatles Story to the Casbah Coffee Club for unique tales and nostalgia.
2023 also sees some special scouse birthdays, including marking the 15th anniversary of Liverpool being named City of Culture. To cap that, March 2023 is the 60th anniversary of the Beatles debut album 'Please Please Me'. Could there be a better year to visit?