A soon-to-be-announced legendary Liverpool act is set to headline a summer of live music and fun events at Museum of Liverpool, as National Museums Liverpool (NML) continues its 40th anniversary celebrations.
‘Summer of Sound’ is a summer-long series of gigs, special events and talks taking place in the museum, created in partnership with Liverpool’s world-famous Cavern Club.
A wave of Liverpool acts is scheduled to hit the riverside venue this summer, from cutting edge artists to Liverpool legends across six weeks of music in the iconic waterfront venue.
Summer of Sound celebrates the vibrancy and legacy of Liverpool’s music scene… and there’s also a chance to try out a music-themed bingo event.
From 25 July to 28 August, Museum of Liverpool plays host to musicians spanning decades and chosen especially by The Cavern Club to celebrate this history of Liverpool music.
The headline act for the summer is set to perform at Museum of Liverpool on Saturday 15 August to an intimate audience. The headline act will be announced first to NML members, who will also receive early access to purchase tickets.
Summer of Sound starts on 24 July with the first in a series of weekly musical bingo events. Tom Kelly’s Musical Bingo combines live music and dabbers as audiences mark off their music themed bingo cards when they hear a song performed. This exciting new bingo experience takes place each week in the museum.
Then on 25 July, Liverpool’s rock ‘n’ roll pioneers The Quarrymen kick off Museum of Liverpool’s Summer of Sound with a special evening of songs and stories. Listen to the sounds, tales and spirit of 1950s Liverpool, as The Quarrymen perform skiffle and early rock ’n’ roll that inspired a generation… and first-hand anecdotes of where it all began for The Beatles.
On 1 August, one of Liverpool’s most exciting new bands headlines an evening hosted by BBC Introducing’s Dave Monks. Hand-picked by Dave – the city’s very own new music champion – this packed evening featuring Liverpool’s bright new talent is headlined by STONE – known for their explosive live shows, the four-piece blend punk, garage rock and electronica.
A celebration of all things Merseybeat visits the Museum on 8 August, transporting audiences back to the Swinging Sixties. ‘This is Merseybeat’ is a vibrant live show celebrating the music that launched the ‘British Invasion’ and the global phenomenon of the Mersey Sound.
On 15 August, The Cavern’s much-loved open mic night takes residence in the museum for a one-off evening. Former Pele and Amsterdam singer Ian Prowse presents The Monday Club: a regular Cavern night that celebrates the grassroots spirit of Liverpool’s music scene with one rule – only original songs. Artists hand-picked by Ian – The Monday Club host – will perform, before a special set from the Amsterdam lead singer tops off a special night.
Then, to close this year’s Summer of Sound, International Beatleweek takes over the Museum in Liverpool on 29 August, as some of the very best Beatles tribute acts from around the world descend on the Liverpool.
There’s also a chance for musicians to take part in this year’s Summer of Sound, as National Museums Liverpool bring their popular Museums Sessions Live back to Museum of Liverpool. An open call to all musicians in the city, Museum Sessions Live gives artists the chance to perform in the venue’s vibrant Atrium across multiple dates. Submissions are open now – visit National Museums Liverpool’s website for more information.
Kerry Williams, head of partnerships at National Museums Liverpool, says: “This summer, we’re celebrating National Museums Liverpool’s 40th anniversary in style, with a host of amazing live music events. Summer of Sound heralds Liverpool’s musical legacy, while also championing the very best in new music that the city has to offer.
“With our headliner still to be announced, we’re sure that this one-off performance will be a special night to remember – all taking place in the unique space of Museum of Liverpool at the waterfront.
“Don’t forget, members will be the first to hear about our headline act and have exclusive access to tickets before the public, so sign up now!”
The first wave of tickets for Summer of Sound go on sale to the public from 10.30am on Tuesday 26 May. National Museums Liverpool members already have early access to purchase tickets. To find out more about Summer of Sound and to sign up to become a National Museums Liverpool member, visit: liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/summer-of-sound.
Summer of Sound headlines National Museums Liverpool’s year-long programming as part of its 40-year anniversary celebrations, featuring a packed programme of exhibitions, events, talks and more.
Highlights include Beyond the Label talks, giving people the opportunity to meet museum curators and find out the stories behind some of the museum’s most beloved objects. This year’s talks cover subjects including archaeology in Liverpool, contemporary art exploration of art and science in Victorian times and more still to be announced.
Other events include a bug hunt around World Museum for younger visitors, special courses looking into ancient cultures, an exploration into the secrets of the Titanic and a chance to find out the processes of Ancient Egyptian mummification.










