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As Liverpool Music Month begins, Kev McManus, Liverpool’s Head of UNESCO City of Music, reflects on a landmark moment five years ago when the city took a pioneering role in reviving the events industry amid the Covid pandemic. This period marked a significant chapter in Liverpool’s rich musical heritage, emphasizing once again the city’s deep connection to music and live entertainment.
Liverpool has a well-established history of creating impactful musical moments, highlighted by its recent hosting of Eurovision for Ukraine—a festival that not only energized the city for ten days but also showcased Liverpool’s ability to hold a world-class celebration. Yet, perhaps even more momentous was the city’s role in 2021 as the stage for some of the first large-scale live music events since the onset of the pandemic. Over a Bank Holiday weekend, thousands enjoyed their first real night out since March 2020, with two memorable nights at Circus featuring an impressive lineup for The First Dance, curated by local DJ legend Yousef. This event symbolized a much-needed return to communal joy through music after months of isolation.
The following day, Liverpool hosted its first live gig in over a year at Sefton Park, headlined by The Blossoms. The sun-drenched afternoon and the gathering of music lovers with a local postcode, all carrying proof of a negative Covid test, created a fleeting but powerful sense of normalcy. These events differed from typical concerts due to strict entry conditions reflecting the ongoing public health challenges.
Liverpool’s leadership in bringing these events to fruition stemmed from a willingness to engage with the UK Government’s Events Research Programme. Faced with closures and cancellations that devastated the live music sector, the city volunteered as a testing ground for safely holding large gatherings. Coordinated efforts from government agencies, the University of Liverpool, local health officials, Culture Liverpool, and event promoters culminated in these unprecedented shows. Despite considerable risks and uncertainty—Yousef himself recalls not knowing if the first event would go ahead until hours before doors opened—the city’s determination shone through. The success of these events firmly positioned Liverpool on the global stage as a hub where music and community thrive, a status it continues to uphold with ongoing innovations in pandemic prevention and sustainability within the live music scene
Read the full article on Liverpool Express here: Read More
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