Free weekend of music coming to Liverpool

A free music festival makes a return to Liverpool this weekend.

The Smithdown Weekender will showcase a wide range of emerging and established singer-songwriters, DJs and bands. It will take place at venues in and around the Smithdown Road area.

Handyman Bar and Brewery will be the main stages for bands. Others taking part include Black Cat, Bean There, Penny Lane Wine Bar, Franks, Beeswing and Nomad.

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The weekender will begin next Friday, May 3, and span across the entire bank holiday weekend. Acts include The Queensway Collective, Laurel Road and the Liverpool Indie Choir.

Entry is free at all venues. However, donations will be taken for The Whitechapel Centre, one of Liverpool’s largest homelessness charities.

This will be the festival's ninth year. It originated from Kev McArthur, the owner of Handyman, who believes his bar is the perfect venue for a wide range of live music and art events.

Speaking to the ECHO previously about what smaller venues can offer up and coming musicians, he said: “They need somewhere to go and hone their skills. They tend to show respect back to you afterwards. It's a great opportunity to play in front of 80 to 100 people.

“I think when people can see who runs the business, it helps. We’ve got nothing but positive vibes.”

More information about the festival is available here.

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