Step into Liverpool 8 after hours for a special late opening that brings the sounds, stories and spirit of Toxteth’s Black music scene to life. at The Victoria Gallery & Museum
They invite you to explore the exhibition “Toxteth: The Harlem of Europe” in a new way — with live music, DJ sets, conversation, and hands-on experiences across the gallery.
In the 1950s and 60s, while Merseybeat defined Liverpool’s global image, another powerful musical movement was thriving in Toxteth. Rooted in soul, jazz and rhythm & blues, Black musicians in Liverpool 8 helped shape the city’s sound — mentoring early Beatles members and introducing American influences that would transform British music forever. Despite facing racial inequalities and barriers to recognition, their legacy is profound, influential, and long overdue for celebration.
What’s on:
• Live DJ sets in the café from Kerri Ankrah-Lucas (Decks in the City), plus a record fair to dig for vinyl treasures
• Ramon “Sugar” Deen, L8 music legend and member of The Harlems, sharing first-hand stories from the era
• A rare chance to work with the Institute of Popular Music Archive (IPM) — explore archive vinyl and help catalogue records
• A talk from Dr Mike Brocken on jazz pioneer Gordon Stretton for International Jazz Day
• Music performed from across eras and genres with University music students
Whether you’re into music history, vinyl culture, live performance, or just looking for something different to do in the evening, this VG&M Late is your chance to experience the gallery in a whole new way.
Free, drop in, and open to all — especially students and young people.
Come for the music, stay for the stories.
VG&M Late: A Music Celebration
FREE
Thursday 30 April | 5–8pm
More info & reserve a spot