History of Liverpool International Music Festival

The history of Liverpool International Music Festival is a journey that confirms Liverpool’s reputation as a music capital. The Beatles, Gerry and the Pacemakers and Elvis Costello have secured the city’s status as a music trendsetter. The city gathers the stars of the music world and organises shows that attract both locals and tourists. So what is the history of this festival and what makes it special? Learn more at liverpoolski.com.

Original programme

What could be better than an open-air summer festival in one of the most musical cities in England? Liverpool International Music Festival brings together both famous performers and young talents. The event is held at Sefton Park, not far from the city centre, which adds to its special charm.

The festival was initially free of charge, but those who wanted to enjoy a better view of the stage were offered VIP Experience tickets. They provided access to a private bar, comfortable seating areas and premium sanitary facilities. The festival also hosted evening club events with legendary musicians at Sefton Park Palm House. These concerts started at 7 pm and lasted until midnight, creating a unique atmosphere of a nightly music festival.

History

The history of this event began in 2012, when it became the successor to the Liverpool Mathew Street Music Festival, launched in 1993. Since then, Sefton Park has become a centre of musical performances, cultural events and creative experiments for several days every summer.

Until 2018, LIMF had the status of the largest free music event in Europe, but then tickets became mandatory. The festival brings together over 70 performers on three stages, where you can hear music of various genres and styles. One of LIMF’s greatest strengths lies in its diversity, which is a reminder that modern Liverpool is open to different directions and styles.

The festival features performances by such stars as Basement Jaxx, Wiley, Example, Aurora, Young Fathers as well as a number of new talents. In addition to the music, the event includes interactive activities, entertainment zones and even opportunities for creative networking.

LIMF Academy, an amazing start for young talents

In addition to the main event, LIMF is known for its young performers development programme called LIMF Academy. This initiative aims to support talented performers, producers and DJs aged between 16 and 25 from across Merseyside. Participants in the programme receive training, insider industry knowledge and unique opportunities to perform on the festival’s big stage.

The programme gives young musicians a great start and doesn’t leave them to their own devices afterwards, providing further comprehensive support for their careers. Every year, the best three participants undergo an intensive development course, receiving financial support, master classes with industry experts, the opportunity to create a professional portfolio and similar perks.

LIMF Academy has already become a launching pad for many young musicians who are confidently building their careers today. Therefore, the festival isn’t limited to a purely entertainment function. It is a convenient springboard for future stars of the music scene.

Notable alumni

Over the years, the academy has presented the world with many young talents. What’s more, they are given access to contracts with leading labels as well as international venues. Among the most famous graduates of LIMF Academy are

• Michael Aldag is an electro-pop artist who conquered TikTok and streaming platforms. He signed a contract with 3 Beat and Universal Music.
• MICAYL is an alternative R&B artist, recognised by VEVO as one of the best performers. He signed contracts with Sony and Filter Music Group.
• Ni Maxine is a neo-jazz artist who has received support from Jazz FM and performed at festivals throughout the UK.
• Pizza Girl is an electronic musician whose work has been supported by Huw Stephens and Lauren Laverne. She actively tours Europe.
• Jalen Ngonda is a classic soul singer who has signed a world deal with Decca Records and tours the US, Europe and the UK.

The list is truly impressive! The reason is the programme’s innovative approach, attention to detail and collaboration with trendsetters of the UK music market.

Festival’s accents

Liverpool International Music Festival has become more than just a venue for presenting modern music. It has become a platform for understanding the deep cultural connections that have shaped Liverpool’s musical heritage. The festival draws attention to the influence of dark-skinned performers on the local scene, highlighting the connection to traditions that often stay out of focus.

The proof is a documentary film created as part of LIMF 2015. It explored the influence of African-American music on the formation of The Beatles‘ sound. An important role was played by R&B records that Liverpool sailors, known as the Cunard Yanks, brought from the USA. These records inspired a whole generation of musicians, including those who stood at the origins of Merseybeat.

The festival also highlights the influence of the Motown label on The Beatles’ creativity. Their covers of Smokey Robinson and other performers show how African-American music became a source of innovative approaches to vocal styles and arrangements. LIMF emphasises that it had a transformative impact on Liverpool’s popular culture.

The LIMF’s accents form a dialogue between modernity and history. The festival programme includes projects that open up new facets of the past. These initiatives provide an opportunity to understand more deeply the sources of inspiration and connections that once shaped the sound of the region’s music.

Thus, the festival gives visitors the chance to learn more about Liverpool’s musical culture. This approach enriches the treasury of knowledge and at the same time helps to develop local musical traditions.

Historical changes in 2024

Liverpool Celebrates Mathew Street Festival, which took place from 23 to 26 August 2024, attracted attention with its updated format and relocation to the iconic Liverpool location, Pier Head. It finally united the historical heritage and modern musical trends thanks to thematic events such as Cavern Takeover.

The festival has long enriched the cultural life of Liverpool. Until 2024, the last event in its original format took place in 2013. Last year, it was reanimated, or resurrected, with certain changes that meet the requirements of modernity. Performances by headliners Holly Johnson, The Jacksons and Lightning Seeds made the festival truly unique.

The organisers created comfortable conditions for local residents and guests of Liverpool, taking into account the needs of different audiences. Thus, the events from Friday to Sunday were for visitors aged 18+. Monday became a family day when children accompanied by their parents were allowed to enter too.

To ensure that visitors didn’t go hungry, the festival offered an opportunity to buy various snacks and delicious dishes. The assortment even included vegan and vegetarian food. The organisers adhered to strict safety rules, including a ban on bringing in foreign food and drinks as well as dangerous objects.

Mathew Street Festival in its new format clearly laid the foundation for future notable music events in the city.