Welcome to Florrie Radio’s What’s On Guide for May 2025, highlighting the latest in local gigs and events from around Liverpool & Merseyside chosen by our team of volunteers & presenters.
Gig Guide:
These our the top 5 gigs around Merseyside chosen by Florrie Radio’s DJs and presenters:
Liverpool Sound City | Venues Across Liverpool | 2nd May – 4th May
Sound City returns to Liverpool for its 17th year sharing the best in local, national, and international music. You’ll recognize Florrie Radio favourites like Keyside and The Kowloons on stage with a huge repertoire of other artists; see them in iconic local venues including The Jacaranda and the Arts Club, alongside the main stage at Grand Central Hall. Not just a music showcase, Sound City+ offers Q+A panels and a range of other music industry events across the weekend.
Find out more and pick up your tickets at soundcity.uk.com
Red Rum Club | Aintree Racecourse | Friday 16th May
Liverpool’s own Red Rum Club are set for their biggest ever headline show this month, taking centre stage after an evening of racing at Aintree’s aptly named Red Rum Garden. The band are fresh off the back of a European tour supporting Scouse compatriots The Wombats and will be the bookie’s favourite for a special night. Listen out for songs off their latest album “Western Approaches” such as “Hole In My Home” & “Black Cat” as well as their classic “Would You Rather Be Lonely”. The gig is an all-ages show so all are welcome!
Grab your tickets at https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/aintree/events-tickets/red-rum-club/ as this is one to not miss!
Michael Kiwanuka | Liverpool Olympia | Saturday 24th May
Mercury prize winning Michael Kiwanuka will be back in Liverpool at the Olympia performing tracks off his latest fourth studio album release “Small Changes”. Known for his soulful music drenched in funk guitar riffs, Kiwanuka will be sure to put on a show, playing sing along hits such as “Cold Little Heart” and “Home Again”. Get down early to catch local support act Brooke Combe who will be sure to get you in the mood with her funk filled R&B style – an upcoming artist not to miss!
Tickets can be found at https://lnk.to/MKlpool
Raver Tots | Invisible Wind Factory | Saturday 24th May
Does your child prefer Grime to Nursery Rhymes? Do you have your own little “Bez” dancing around the house? Then maybe Raver Tots is the perfect place for you and your child! Boasting the UK’s biggest family friendly rave, their shows feature huge effects throughout with dancers, cold pyro, bubbles, festival sized confetti blasts, giant balloons and face painting! In their own words, “Throw shapes not toys” and hit the dance
floor together with your little ravers!
To get tickets to their Liverpool event, find out more information on their website and in their FAQs at https://www.ravertots.co.uk/
Grisha Goryachev | The Florrie | Tuesday 6th May
World-renowned flamenco guitarist Grisha Goryachev is coming to The Florrie for an intimate, one-night-only performance right in the heart of Liverpool’s L8. Known for his jaw-dropping speed, precision, and passion, Grisha fuses the raw energy of traditional flamenco with the elegance of classical guitar — all played on a single nylon-string guitar, completely unaccompanied.
Whether you’re a lifelong flamenco fan or just love live music that moves you, this is a rare chance to experience a true virtuoso up close in one of the city’s most iconic community venues.
Tickets are limited, so book now at: https://concerteventsglobal.com/grisha/?el=vp
Arts & Community Events:
Check out the best arts, culture, and community events coming to Liverpool this month:
WoWFEST: 25 Years of Radical Writing | Multiple Locations | 2nd May – 30th May
WoW (Writing on the Wall) celebrates its 25th birthday with an extra special edition of its annual literature festival. Throughout May, writers, artists, performers and activists will be hosting events across Liverpool with the aim of amplifying community voices and providing a creative, safe space to tackle topics of injustice. Florrie Radio listeners might be keen to catch Health and Happiness: Two Plays for the Human Voice, radio plays written by Tom Hall which are being performed in the Quaker Meeting House on 19th May – and WoW’s 25th Birthday Party is one you won’t want to miss. On 4th May, special guest Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell Boyce will be joined by many talented writers and creatives in Sefton Park Palm House for a day of performances and fun family activities.
Find out more about WoWFEST’s jam-packed festival calendar and purchase tickets here: https://writingonthewall.org.uk/whats-on/
Do Something Saturdays | FACT | Saturday 10th May
Families with children aged 6-12 can stop by FACT’s new studio/lab space to stretch their creative muscles whilst learning more about new technology that they might not usually have access to. Kids will have the chance to explore AI and Virtual Reality tech through exciting workshops and hands-on activities that will encourage them to think more about the future. Families will also have the chance to interact with FACT’s exhibitions in an friendly, accessible way. Can’t make it this time? Not to worry, as FACT will be hosting another exciting Do Something Saturday in June as well.
Find out more here: https://www.fact.co.uk/event/do-something-saturdays-2
The Makers Market | Multiple Locations | 4th, 18th & 25th May
In need of some new art to brighten up that dull white wall? Perhaps you’re looking for a new scented candle to complement the summer air – maybe you’re just looking for an excuse to enjoy some delicious homemade food…at The Makers Market, you’ll be able to find all this and more. The best part is that everything on offer has been crafted locally by independent artisans and small businesses, so you’ll be supporting your community whilst enjoying a great day out of shopping, food, and live music. This month, The Makers Market is being held at the Albert Docks, the Bombed Out Church, and Croxteth Hall. Be sure to stop by!
Find out more here: https://www.themakersmarket.co.uk/pages/may
Wirral Walking Festival 2025 | Multiple Locations | 3rd – 30th May
Active Wirral’s walking festival presents a great opportunity for locals to get out in the fresh air and be more active, all whilst meeting new people in the community. Throughout May, take part in a number of guided walks, including coastal pathways, garden tours, history walks, and even a silent disco walk! Walking is a great way to get some exercise no matter your physical ability, and it’s beneficial for your mental health too. Please note, only registered assistance dogs are allowed, but hopefully you’ll discover some new scenic routes to explore independently with your furry friend.
Check out the Wirral Walking Festival brochure here: https://www.visitwirral.com/whats-on/wirral-walking-festival/
The Florrie Open Mic Night | The Florrie | 9th May
Hosted by The Florrie Guitar Group and Florence and the Ukes, The Florrie’s Open Mic Night presents a great opportunity for local creatives to showcase their talents in a welcoming and supportive environment – no points, no judges, just good solid fun.
Last time round we were treated to performances from musicians, singing groups, poets, and more, all are welcome at The Florrie! Even if you aren’t a performer, it’s worth stopping by for some great live entertainment from the local community. The best part? Just by attending, you’re helping The Florrie continue their important work supporting the local community.
Find out more here: https://www.theflorrie.org/events/open-mic-nights-at-the-florrie-901/
That’s your What’s On Guide for May 2025. If you have a gig or event coming up that you want people to know about, get in touch with us on radio@theflorrie.org
This guide was created by Florrie Radio volunteers Remy Forrester, Emily Copping & Daegan Cockett