Three years on from Liverpool's landmark hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest, the Liverpool European Festival (LEF) is returning for its fourth year with a vibrant programme of events across Liverpool throughout May and June 2026, with its most ambitious and expansive programme to date, with more than 40 events, across a wider geography, and with new institutional partnerships.
Organised and led by European communities from across the city, the festival encourages residents and visitors to explore the wonderful cultural diversity that defines Liverpool, through food, music, dance, language, visual art and workshops. This year we look forward to Italian bike rides, Swedish Midsummer celebrations, Ukrainian dance performances and a German Sommerfest. Most events are family friendly and free to attend.
The 2026 festival will launch on Saturday 9th May at St Luke’s Bombed Out Church, one of Liverpool’s most iconic landmarks, with a community celebration featuring European cultural stalls and a programme of live entertainment including dance and choirs. A European Parade will follow on Sunday 10th May, bringing the streets of Liverpool to life. Community-led events will take place throughout May and June, offering locals and visitors the chance to learn about European traditions, stories, and culture in the city.
Each event is organised and led by European communities themselves, offering authentic experiences for all. From Italian bike rides and Swedish Midsummer celebrations to Ukrainian dance, and German Sommerfest, almost all events are family friendly and there is something for everyone.
Festival Highlights 2026
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Pre-festival Open Eye Gallery Exhibition: Opens 16th April 2026
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Launch celebration at St Luke's Bombed Out Church: Saturday 9th May
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European Parade through Liverpool city centre: Sunday 10th May
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Polish Heritage Day Family Picnic: Saturday 16th May
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Ukrainian Community Centre Annual Concert: Sunday 17th May
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Parade to celebrate Day of the Bulgarian Culture and the Slavic Alphabet: Sunday 24th May
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Global Liverpool, In Limbo Project & Black Europeans, A vital conversation about diversity, identity, and belonging: Saturday 6th June
All events are open to everyone. Full programme details and ticketing information are available on our portal, and more information about the history of the festival can be found on our website.
Portal: https://lep-portal.vercel.app/events