Liverpool is set to host over 100 live music performances this weekend as part of the first-ever Seeds Sounds Weekender, a new nationwide festival. The event, taking place from Friday, September 26, to Sunday, September 28, aims to highlight the crucial role of small, independent venues in developing new musical talent.
Presented by the artist booking platform GigPig, the festival will span 20 towns and cities across the UK. It will feature more than 2,000 performers in over 1,000 venues, with Liverpool playing a significant part in the celebration of grassroots music.
Key Takeaways
- Major Music Event: Liverpool will host more than 100 gigs for the inaugural Seeds Sounds Weekender.
- Festival Dates: The event runs from Friday, September 26, to Sunday, September 28.
- Core Mission: The festival celebrates 'seed music venues'—such as pubs, bars, and restaurants—where emerging artists begin their careers.
- High-Profile Support: Matty Healy, frontman of The 1975, has publicly endorsed the initiative, stressing the importance of grassroots venues.
- Accessibility: Most performances can be attended with a free festival ticket, and attendees can get discounted Uber rides.
A City-Wide Celebration of Grassroots Music
The Seeds Sounds Weekender is a new initiative designed to put a spotlight on the foundational level of the UK's music industry. The festival's focus is on what it terms 'seed music venues'—the small, local establishments like pubs, bars, and cafes that provide the first stages for aspiring musicians.
While major arenas and established music halls often capture public attention, this festival champions the smaller spaces where future headliners often play their first notes. The event is a coordinated effort to drive audiences back into these vital community hubs and support the next generation of artists.
Liverpool's participation involves a dense schedule of over 100 performances, transforming numerous local spots into vibrant live music venues for the weekend. This makes the city one of the key hubs for the nationwide festival.
What Are Seed Music Venues?
The term 'seed music venues' refers to non-traditional performance spaces that are often the first point of contact for emerging artists. Unlike dedicated concert halls, these can be pubs, restaurants, coffee shops, or small bars. They provide a low-pressure environment for musicians to gain experience, build a following, and hone their craft in front of a live audience.
Liverpool's Role in a National Movement
The festival's national scope is substantial, with events planned in over 1,000 venues across 20 UK locations. According to organisers GigPig, more than 2,000 performers will participate over the three-day period. Liverpool's rich musical history and thriving contemporary scene make it a natural centerpiece for the festival.
Local Venues and Artists
Several Liverpool venues are confirmed to participate, offering a diverse range of sounds. The lineup showcases the city's eclectic talent pool. Confirmed performances include:
- Big Guy Small at The Botanist Liverpool One
- Dee M Bee at the Hard Days Night Hotel
- 12 Noon at PINS Social Club
- Cee Gordon at Neighbourhood
Kit Muir-Rogers, co-founder of GigPig, highlighted the city's importance to the project.
"Liverpool’s musical heritage speaks for itself. It continues to be a hotbed for new musical talent, and we’re excited to see so many local venues come together for this celebration. This is about shining a light on the incredible grassroots scene here and giving emerging artists their first stage."
Muir-Rogers also noted his enthusiasm for the broad support from local businesses, stating, "We are thrilled that so many venues, from major operators to local favourites, are supporting this vital movement."
Festival by the Numbers
- 20: UK towns and cities participating
- 100+: Gigs scheduled in Liverpool
- 1,000+: Venues taking part nationwide
- 2,000+: Performers featured across the UK
The 1975's Matty Healy Lends Support
The festival has received a significant endorsement from Matty Healy, the frontman of the internationally successful band The 1975. Healy, whose own band started in the grassroots circuit, spoke passionately about the necessity of protecting these foundational venues.
In a statement supporting the event, Healy articulated the critical role these spaces play in fostering genuine culture.
"Local venues aren't just where bands cut their teeth, they're the foundation of any real culture. Without them, you don't get The Smiths, Amy Winehouse, or The 1975. You get silence."
Healy also commented on the economic pressures threatening these venues, which he sees as part of a larger cultural issue.
"The erosion of funding for seed and grassroots spaces is part of a wider liberal tendency to strip away the socially democratic infrastructure that actually makes art possible," he said. "What’s left is a cultural economy where only the privileged can afford to create, and where only immediately profitable art survives."
He concluded by praising the festival's mission: "The Seed Sounds Weekender is a vital reminder that music doesn't start in boardrooms or big arenas; it starts in back rooms, pubs, basements, and independent spaces run on love, grit, and belief in something bigger."
How to Attend the Festival
Accessibility is a key component of the Seeds Sounds Weekender. The majority of the gigs across Liverpool and other cities can be accessed with a free Seed Sounds Weekender ticket. This approach is designed to encourage as many people as possible to explore new music and support their local venues without a financial barrier.
To further facilitate attendance, the festival has partnered with Uber to provide discounted rides to and from participating venues throughout the weekend. This partnership aims to make it easier for attendees to travel between different locations and experience a wider variety of performances.
Those interested in exploring the full lineup of artists, viewing participating venues in Liverpool, and securing their free ticket can find all necessary information on the official Seeds Sounds Weekender website.