SUMMER OF MUSIC COMMISSIONS

Empowering Local Creativity Across The Liverpool City Region. The Summer of Music Commission Fund supports local artists, organisations and community groups to create original music projects rooted in their communities.

From festivals and workshops to artist showcases and live performances, the programme invests in grassroots creativity, helping communities celebrate their unique identity while creating new opportunities for local talent to develop and thrive.

7 June – St Helens Music Fest
A full day of live music featuring five bands and six DJs.
Venue: The Vault, St Helens

26 June – River Voices
As part of Formby Lifeboat Weekend, River Voices present a moving programme of sea-inspired choral music.
Venue: Formby Methodist Church

30 June – The Common Room With Ni Maxine
A one-night immersive listening experience that centres Black music, community, wellbeing and meaningful connection through shared listening, conversation and hospitality.
Venue: The Gallery at The Black-E

5 July – Halton Choir Fest
A celebration of community choirs and collective music-making.
Venue: Runcorn Hill Park Bandstand

11 July – St Helens Youth Brass Band
Enjoy a vibrant summer concert featuring our talented young musicians performing World Cup-inspired music and crowd-pleasing favourites. A perfect evening of live music for all ages.
Venue: Victoria Park Bandstand, St Helens

12 July – Events 471 Show
A live music showcase presented by Events 471.
Venue: Future Yard

18 July – Aughton Male Voice Choir & Haydock Male Voice Choir
Haydock Male Voice Choir joins long-standing friends Aughton Male Voice Choir for an evening celebrating the tradition of male voice singing.
Venue: Ormskirk Street United Reformed Church, St Helens

18 July – Nicole Boardman Events
A live music event celebrating local talent.
Location: St Helens

26 July – Writing the City
A free songwriting workshop exploring Liverpool’s people, places and stories through music.
Venue: Tarbock Village Hall

2 August – 30 August – The Next Stage Academy
A free five-week development programme for aspiring musicians, offering mentoring, technical skills and performance opportunities before culminating in a community showcase.
Venue: The Wellington Music Venue

8 August – Halton MarketFest!
Live music and entertainment in the heart of Widnes Market.
Venue: Widnes Market

13 August – Astles: The Sands
Liverpool songwriter Astles marks the launch of his new short story collection with a unique live performance featuring original music inspired by the book. Free Entry.
Venue: The Warehouse Arts Centre, Southport

15 August – Katumba
An uplifting celebration of Afro-Brazilian culture featuring drumming, movement and carnival performance.
Venue: Kirkby Town Centre

16 August – St Helens Concert Band Live, 1pm
Enjoy an afternoon of live music at Victoria Park Bandstand, Widnes, presented by Halton Borough Council and Cultivate Halton as part of The Summer of Music.
Venue: Victoria Park Bandstand, Widnes

20 August 2026 – GoPlay Studio Presents The Cutting Room, 7pm
Experience live creativity in action at The Cutting Room. Liverpool singer-songwriter Remée, pianist Jazz Gittens and visual artist KOF will collaborate in real time to create a brand-new piece, blending music and visual art in a unique, one-off performance.
Venue: Lady Lever Art Gallery

Tickets: goplaystudio.com

23 August – Merseyside Brass Live
A special outdoor performance from one of the region’s leading brass ensembles.<
Venue: Runcorn Hill Park Bandstand

28 August – The Narrative
Three songwriters share the stage, their songs, and the stories that inspired them. This acclaimed Songwriters Round offers a rare glimpse into the creative process in an intimate live setting.
Venue: Cockpit Theatre, Shakespeare North Playhouse

Tickets: shakespearenorthplayhouse.co.uk (pay what you can – recommended £10) 

30 August – St Helens Music Fest
A second day of live music and DJ performances celebrating local talent.
Venue: The Vault, St Helens

6 September – Helsby Concert Brass Band
A featured performance as part of Halton Eco Fest 26.
Venue: Runcorn Hill Park Bandstand

13 September – Thingumabob and The Thingumajigs & Dance for Plants, 12 noon
Enjoy an afternoon of music and performance with Thingumabob and The Thingumajigs and Dance for Plants at Halton Eco Fest 26. Presented by Halton Borough Council and Cultivate Halton as part of the Summer of Music programme.
Venue: Victoria Park Bandstand, Widnes