Community Post Type: News

The University of Liverpool’s concert hall, The Tung Auditorium, has released its Autumn-Winter 2026 season, marking the 10th programme and brochure since opening in 2022!

As ever, the season is shaping up to be another incredibly diverse lineup of live music, art and performance…Shining a spotlight on international artists and diverse genres, The Tung Auditorium partners with African Night Fever and Africa Oyé to present a special collaboration between Mali’s legendary guitarist, singer and composer Habib Koité, and charismatic Gambian kora maestro, Sura Susso.

Presenting new music from their upcoming album Manding Melodies, Koité and Susso – both internationally celebrated and modern griots – delve into the rich heritage of traditional Manding folk tales and songs, reinterpreting them for contemporary audiences. Their creative approach honours the roots and legacy of the griot tradition while forging new musical expressions that speak to the diaspora and younger generations.

Returning for Autumn 2026, Manchester Collective collaborate with percussionist Sidiki Dembélé and his band for Constellations. Dembélé will present a joyful musical journey of folksong and storytelling from the Ivory Coast, Mali and Senegal, while Manchester Collective’s violinist Rakhi Singh breathes new life into familiar classical pieces. The ensemble will also be complemented by new works from composer and multidisciplinary artist Nwando Ebizie, filtered through her very own Afrofuturist vision and sonic rituals, hurtling us into the future.

The Tung Auditorium’s longstanding partnership with Milap also continues this Autumn, as incredible sitarist Roopa Panesar makes her Tung debut alongside Merseyside’s favourite tabla maestro, Kousic Sen. Originally collaborating on Roopa’s debut album Khoj in 2011, the pair continue to create a musical dialogue onstage that is both incredibly nuanced and striking in its versatility.

This Autumn, the season will see an exciting fusion of music & the wider arts in a variety of capacities…

In September, The Tung Auditorium welcomes the Institute of Irish Studies from The University of Liverpool for the Beckett: Lieben 2026 festival. The Six Paintings concert explores the interplay between visual art and music, through the story of Samuel Beckett’s travels to Germany when he came face to face with German expressionism for the very first time.

Bringing together six of the world’s leading musicians – Iarla Ó Lionáird (voice and electronics), Michelle O’Rourke (voice), Cheng Yu (guqin), Niwel Tsumbu and Benjamin Dwyer (guitars), and Mary Dullea (piano) – the ensemble will respond to six paintings that each play a role in this complex story, alongside Samuel Beckett’s impressions and writings narrated by Anna Nygh.

Shattering the boundaries between concert hall and cinema, the silent film Metropolis is given a theatrical rock workout by award-winning ensemble Vox Lumiere in September. Expect an explosive live music experience, with thrilling original new music, a live band and powerhouse vocals.

Then in October, Divine Intimacies by Tangram combines music, philosophy and a multi-faceted art installation in a mesmerising exploration of the earliest texts of Chinese philosophy. During the performance, the musicians will be surrounded by both visualisations of the I-Ching, generated in real time by visual artist Chang Meng and a responsive LED art installation by Ke Peng. The concert will be an array of colour, sound and light – a true multi-sensory experience.

New for 2026, Music meets ‘Industry’ in the upcoming programme…

Kicking things off in September, the Heswall Concert Band commemorate 200 years since the construction of the Liverpool–Manchester railway with new works by alumnus composer Matthew Holroyd. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project is especially fitting at The Tung Auditorium, as the world’s first modern inter-city railway began nearby at Crown Street in 1826, just around the corner from the venue!

Then in October, returning favourites Solem Quartet present Industry, with a programme inspired by the communities central to the industrial revolution, the undeniable beating heart of the UK since the nineteenth century. Also returning in October is Liverpool Philharmonic’s 10:10, revisiting Steve Reich’s poignant Different Trains. Ten years since the project’s debut at Edge Hill station, they will perform alongside Bill Morrison’s film accompaniment.

Get closer to live performances with an intimate folk-rock feel…

Back on tour by popular demand, Crash Test Dummies return in October with their distinctive folk-tinged sound and unmistakable baritone vocals. Set to deliver another high-energy show, the original band members will play their most iconic songs, alongside longtime collaborators and newcomers.

Also in October, Folk-Rock legends Fairport Convention are back for a third visit ahead of their 60th Anniversary celebrations as a band; not to be confused with Fairground Attraction, as Eddi Reader also makes a solo appearance later that weekend!

The Tung Auditorium is also delighted to welcome back both of their Affiliate Ensembles for a second year.

Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats explore jazz luminaries with leading saxophonist Alex Clarke (BBC’s Young Jazz Musician of the Year (2020) finalist and 2019 British Jazz Awards Rising Star winner), whilst Liverpool String Academy are making two appearances – the first with phenomenal oboist Fabio Bagnoli in October and then in November, with their very own Chamber Ensemble.

One of the liveliest and most loved parts of The Tung Auditorium’s programme is back for Autumn 2026 – the free Yoko Ono Lennon Lunchtime Concert Series platforms local and emerging musicians, international artists and creative projects from a multitude of genres and styles.

Due to such high demand, the venue is changing how tickets are released going forward. Whilst booking your free ticket via the The Tung Auditorium website or Box Office will remain the same, tickets will now be available in two stages rather than all at once; half when the season goes on sale, and the remaining half four weeks before each respective concert.

This change follows feedback from audience members and The Tung are hopeful that this new system will make it easier for more people to attend, including both those who like to plan ahead and those who want to book spontaneously for a musical lunchtime treat!

Make sure to sign up to The Tung’s newsletter via https://thetungauditorium.com/newsletter to stay up to date with on-sale dates for upcoming lunchtime concerts.

Whether you like jazz, folk, pop, hip-hop, classical, Indian ragas or experimental music, the lunchtime concerts offer something for everybody, inviting you to take a risk and explore new live music that you might not have ever considered going to before.

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This bold intervention is a blueprint for economic revival. Anyone who wishes to be part of the democratic movement that is needed to make this happen should read this book.

For a 50% discounted copy, use the code RBW50 at the polity webste: Reindustrialise Britain: A Strategy for Wealth Creation

Local legend and cult music icon Michael Head & The Red Elastic Band are set to headline a summer of live music and events at Museum of Liverpool, with an intimate one-off gig on Saturday 15 August 2026.

Summer of Sound is a season-long series of gigs, special events and talks taking place in the museum, created in partnership with Liverpool’s world-famous Cavern Club to mark National Museums Liverpool’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

Michael Head & The Red Elastic Band is the latest acclaimed project from revered Liverpool singer-songwriter Michael Head (formerly of The Pale Fountains, Shack, and The Strands). The band’s flexible, shifting lineup perfectly matches Head’s sweeping, autobiographical, and poetic storytelling. Head became a cult icon in the 1980s and 90s, often described by the NME as “a lost genius and among the most gifted British songwriters of his generation”.

A wave of musical talent is scheduled to hit the riverside venue this summer, from cutting- edge artists to Liverpool legends across six weeks of music in the iconic waterfront venue.

Between 25 July and 29 August, Museum of Liverpool plays host to musicians spanning decades and chosen especially by The Cavern Club to celebrate the history of Liverpool music.

Liverpool’s rock ‘n’ roll pioneers The Quarrymen kick off Museum of Liverpool’s Summer of Sound on 25 July with a special evening of songs and stories. Listen to the sounds, tales and spirit of 1950s Liverpool, as The Quarrymen perform skiffle and early rock ’n’ roll that inspired a generation… and first-hand anecdotes of where it all began for The Beatles.

On 1 August, one of Liverpool’s most exciting new bands headlines an evening hosted by BBC Introducing’s Dave Monks. Hand-picked by Dave – the city’s very own new music champion – this packed evening featuring Liverpool’s bright new talent is headlined by STONE – known for their explosive live shows, the four-piece blend punk, garage rock and electronica.

A celebration of all things Merseybeat visits the museum on 8 August, transporting audiences back to the Swinging Sixties. ‘This Is Merseybeat’ is a vibrant live show celebrating the music that launched the ‘British Invasion’ and the global phenomenon of the Mersey Sound.

On 22 August, The Cavern’s much-loved open mic night takes up residence in the museum for a one-off evening. Former Pele and Amsterdam singer Ian Prowse presents The Monday Club: a regular Cavern night that celebrates the grassroots spirit of Liverpool’s music scene with one rule – only original songs. Artists hand-picked by Ian – The Monday Club host – will perform, before a special set from the Amsterdam lead singer tops off a special night.

Then, to close this year’s Summer of Sound, International Beatleweek takes over Museum of Liverpool on 29 August, as some of the very best Beatles tribute acts from around the world descend on Liverpool.

Jon Keats, Director of Operations and Music at The Cavern Club, said:

We are delighted to be collaborating with Museum of Liverpool on these shows across the summer. The Cavern will be seventy years old this coming January, and whilst we are very much not a museum, this is a perfect opportunity to reflect on our great history as well as what is happening in the club today. We have carefully curated this series of gigs to represent everything from the early jazz and skiffle days, through the Merseybeat era and to what we are today, and always have been, a relevant, thriving live music venue supporting new and up and coming artists!

Kerry Williams, Head of Creative Partnerships at National Museums Liverpool, said:

This summer, we’re celebrating National Museums Liverpool’s 40th anniversary in style, with a host of amazing live music events all taking place in the unique space of Museum of Liverpool at the waterfront. Summer of Sound heralds Liverpool’s musical legacy, while also championing the very best in new music that the city has to offer.
As well as a major season of gigs, Summer of Sound kicks off on 24 July with the first in a series of weekly musical bingo events after hours.

Get ready for bingo with a musical twist as Tom Kelly’s Musical Bingo arrives at the Museum of Liverpool! With 75 numbers and 75 songs, this isn’t your average bingo night. Each number is revealed through a live performance on piano and vocals – it’s up to you to recognise the song, find the number on your card and mark it off. Perfect for lovers of music, theatre or unique nights out – Tom Kelly’s Musical Bingo is a must do summer activity, set in the landmark waterfront venue after hours and with food and drinks available to make an evening of it.

There’s also a chance for musicians to take part in this year’s Summer of Sound, as National Museums Liverpool bring their popular Museum Sessions Live back to Museum of Liverpool. An open call to all musicians in the city, Museum Sessions Live gives artists the chance to perform in the venue’s vibrant Atrium across multiple dates. Submissions are open now.

National Museums Liverpool Members will have early access to buy the just announced tickets for Michael Head & The Red Elastic Band from Friday 5 June. General sale will take place from 10.30am on Friday 12 June. Tickets for all other Summer of Sound gigs are on sale now.

To find out more about Summer of Sound and to sign up to become a National Museums Liverpool member, visit: liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/summer-of-sound.

Novelty Island and Credits present: Pet Sounds A Tribute to The Beach Boys

Two of Liverpool’s most exciting musical projects, Novelty Island and Credits, are collaborating on a live performance of the Beach Boys’ legendary Pet Sounds for Brian Wilson’s 84th birthday.

The surreal, lo-fi pop of Novelty Island’s new album Jigsaw Causeway has received extensive BBC 6 Music airplay and they’ve performed their papier-mache-prop-based live show at Glastonbury. Credits have supported Britpop-legends Shack with their alt-country songwriting and glorious vocal harmonies. The projects will fuse musical and artistic talents for an immersive performance of Pet Sounds on its 60th anniversary and more Beach Boys classics.

Saturday 20 June

7.30-9.30pm

The Tung Auditorium

From £25*

Buy tickets

Liverpool is set to make history from 2-8 May 2027 as it hosts a new groundbreaking Inclusive Sport & Culture Festival (ISCF) – a first-of-its-kind event in the UK that will bring together elite athletes that compete in the Paralympics and a world class disabled-led arts and culture programme on a shared world stage.

Taking over the city’s iconic waterfront – including the M&S Bank Arena and Exhibition Centre Liverpool in the Liverpool Experience Campus, the neighbouring Salthouse and Albert Docks, and Pier Head – the week-long festival will transform the city into a vibrant hub of energy, creativity and elite performance, redefining how sport and culture can be experienced together.

The UK Sport-owned concept will showcase four international sport competitions across Boccia, Para Athletics, Wheelchair Rugby and Paracanoe, delivered in partnership with Boccia UK, UK Athletics, Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby and Paddle UK, alongside a groundbreaking arts and cultural programme, commissioned by Arts Council England, delivered by Culture Liverpool and led by deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists.

The four sports at the heart of the festival will each bring their own extraordinary spectacle. Wheelchair Rugby – fast, physical and high-impact – will take centre stage at the M&S Bank Arena from Sunday 2 to Friday 7 May, with six international teams competing in what promises to be an electric atmosphere.

The highly tactical and precision-based World Boccia Cup, which counts towards Paralympic qualification, will be held at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool from Monday 3 to Friday 7 May.

Paracanoe comes to Salthouse Dock on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 May, offering free-to-view racing that combines speed, control and technical skill against the backdrop of Liverpool’s iconic waterfront.

And on Saturday 8 May, Para Athletics – the largest sport in the Paralympics – will take over Liverpool Waterfront, including Pier Head, for a free open-air celebration of sprinting, jumping and throwing at the highest level of the sport.

At the heart of the festival will be a dynamic Athletes’ and Artists’ Village – a living, breathing space where competitors, creators and audiences come together. It will be more than a venue hub; it will be a shared community celebrating excellence, identity and connection throughout the week.

Taking place just ahead of the LA 2028 Paralympic Games, the Festival will also play a vital role in athlete preparation while elevating the visibility of disabled talent across sport and culture onto a global stage. It will shine a spotlight not only on elite and world class performance, but on the stories, creativity and cultural impact that surround it.

At its core, the festival is designed to bring sport and culture together as one experience – creating a powerful shared platform that celebrates excellence, creativity and representation for artists and athletes, while driving greater opportunity and long-term social impact. Core funding includes a £2.3m contribution from the National Lottery and a £1m grant from Arts Council England.

For full details, visit here

Major plans for the future of Liverpool’s International Slavery Museums and Maritime Museum have received substantial backing of £19 million from major public investment.

With this support from the Department of Culture Media and Sport’s Public Bodies Infrastructure Fund, the future of both museums represents an exciting new chapter for Liverpool’s historic waterfront and its contribution to Liverpool’s £6 billion visitor economy.

Laura Pye, Director, National Museums Liverpool said: “The transformation of International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum is a landmark project for Liverpool’s historic waterfront, promising to bring a significant boost to the region’s visitor economy.

“With the vision for both museums driven by community stakeholders and engagement it also represents a powerful moment for unheard or under-represented stories to have a platform like never before.

“We’re hugely grateful to the UK Government for this investment and the confidence it shows in the vision for the museums, and teams making it a reality. This support is ensuring we continue to serve the needs of our communities and audiences, now and for generations to come.”

Museums Minister, Baroness Twycross, said: “This £19 million investment for crucial infrastructure work will support Liverpool’s Maritime Museum and International Slavery Museum in a striking redevelopment of both buildings. Once complete, the transformation will embody the museums’ commitment to creative storytelling, education and the representation of Liverpool’s history on the local, national and global stage.

“Liverpool’s historic waterfront is such an iconic part of our national heritage, and I look forward to this investment bolstering these museums’ position at the forefront of historic engagement and education.”

Maritime Museum was opened fully to the public in 1986 as part of the extraordinary revitalisation of the Albert Dock during that decade. Twenty-one years later International Slavery Museum opened in 2007, with its evolution from a basement gallery to a major museum powered by local community activism and resilience.

Today, the redevelopment of both museums is the cornerstone of National Museums Liverpool’s Waterfront Transformation Project, reimagining the area between Royal Albert Dock and Mann Island, combining storytelling, heritage, community and connectivity.

Led by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBStudios), the redevelopment of International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum sensitively responds to the existing Grade I-listed buildings: Hartley Pavilion and Dr Martin Luther King Jr Building (previously the Dock Traffic Office).

A monumental new entrance for International Slavery Museum will be worthy of its position as the only national museum in the world dedicated to transatlantic slavery and its legacies. This bold and striking intervention on the historic landscape, responds directly to community stakeholder feedback for designs to feature not only an accessible front door but one that also claims its rightful place on Liverpool’s waterfront.

A new contemporary link bridge will connect Hartley Pavilion and the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Building and creating a ‘pause-point’ with panoramic views across the docks, where visitors might consider how the stories within the galleries relate to the place they currently stand.

Maritime Museum will see significant regeneration and enable the museum to show a more comprehensive and coherent vision of Liverpool’s maritime story. A new entrance will create a more welcoming arrival for visitors, new galleries will explore conflict, global connections and migration, with the popular ‘Titanic and Liverpool’ gallery also revitalised.

International Slavery Museum will become a home to the National Centre for Teaching Black History. The re-developed second floor of Dr Martin Luther King Junior Building will be dedicated to the learning outputs and outcomes of the centre and its programming will connect with collections and representation across all National Museums Liverpool’s museums and galleries.

Ralph Appelbaum Associates are leading on the exhibition design for both museums, and the project will see new galleries, as well as shared spaces for community uses, research, learning and events.

Africa Oyé are delighted to introduce a brand new Family Zone to this year’s festival.

With an enhanced programme for families – this new area of the festival site will feature dance, storytelling, singing, drumming, a host of creative workshops, games, and a range of arts and crafts and child-friendly entertainment – for even the youngest African and Caribbean music aficionados!

Building on the festival’s 18 year relationship with world dance specialists Movema, and the always-popular Oyé Active Zone, the festival continues this partnership to launch the new Family Zone at Oyé ’26.

The Oyé Family Zone will host the Movema Dance Tent and new Kukina Creative Tent featuring relaxing and inspiring African Diaspora inspired activities, including storytelling, singing, drumming, arts, crafts, dance and holistic practices. They will be complemented with family friendly performances, creative activities, and educational and environmental workshops – creating a diverse and vibrant area for all ages to enjoy.

On the Sunday of the festival, expect huge beats from the Afro-Brazilian mega-bloco Katumba as they collaborate with Dancing Queens to parade around the festival site, creating a rhythmic explosion as Caribbean carnival meets Brazilian carnival. Join the parade!

More returning favourites include the LFC Foundation with sporting activities for all, and take action on plastics – with Plastic Tactics’ workshops running across the weekend.

Since 2023, the festival’s Dance Tent has been programmed collaboratively by Movema with local artists from the African Diaspora, and in 2026, Afro Dance Academy are guest curators of both the Dance and Kukina tents.

Afro Dance Academy is an artist collective based in Liverpool, celebrating African Diaspora dance through workshops, events and performances. From local talent to international artists – their work creates bridges between cultures and brings people together through the love of movement.

The curators, Afro Dance Academy, have named the new tent ‘Kukina’, from the Kimbundu language of Angola.

Dorivalda from Afro Dance Academy says: “Kukina, for us, it’s movement and more, it’s connection. It’s the way stories are shared without words, the way generations meet in rhythm, the way strangers become family. We named our tent “Kukina” because everyone belongs here. No matter where you come from, how you move, or who you are — you’re invited to step in, join the circle, and be part of something bigger. This is a space for learning and togetherness. A space where culture lives, breathes, and welcomes all. Come show your art and get creative with us.” 

Confirmed artist workshops at the Movema and Kukina tents include:

Beatlife 

Afro-Brazilian and Cuban grooves with modern urban beats, creating a lively international sound. Expect vibrant multi-layered rhythms, a smiling celebration of this unique group of drummers of all ages… from L8 and beyond!

Capoeira for All  

Capoeira is a fascinating Afro-Brazilian art form combining elements of dance, martial art, music and culture. Capoeira for All use the practice, values and ethos of Capoeira for positive social change. (Suitable for ages 4+).

Dancing Queens 

Bringing the vibrant energy, joy and freedom of Caribbean Carnival to Oyé. Expect powerful movement, feel-good vibes, an uplifting Caribbean Carnival dance workshop open to all –

and a live parade with Katumba!

Katumba 

Huge Brazilian beats from this Afro-Brazilian mega-bloco. Katumba is a community based project in Merseyside fostering mental and physical wellbeing through high quality music, movement and cultural activities – for all.

Yoga with Ray Duhaney  

Experience inner calm in the buzzing atmosphere of Africa Oyé! Enjoy connecting with nature and yourself with a calming yet energising Yoga session led by Ray.

Holistic Harmonies and friends 

Connect with songs from the African Diaspora, using music, movement and song to promote positive wellbeing for the whole family.

Movema Family Dance  

Bring the whole family to a morning full of dancing and playing while we start the day with great beats and rhythms. Movema will lead a family dance workshop for all ages and take you on a trip around the African Diaspora!

Afro Dance Academy 

Bringing all the Afro energy & fusion flavour! With authentic and fresh moves from this Liverpool collective of exciting young dance artists. No matter your level – come feel the rhythm, sweat, and pure joy… let’s dance together!

Whether you’re taking a break from the main stage or looking for creative and educational  activities the kids will love, the vibrant and inclusive Family Zone is a space to connect, dance,  relax and celebrate.

The Africa Oyé Festival takes place on 20th and 21st June in Liverpool’s Sefton Park. Tickets are available now for both days via TicketQuarter at africaoye.com.