From concerts to comedy tours, Liverpool is home to a bursting selection of events over the next three months.

June

Russell Howard

May 25 - 27 • Empire Theatre

One of the country’s biggest stand-up comedians (and one of the world’s according to The Times), Russell Howard has built up a massive fanbase thanks to appearances on TV panel shows and his own Russell Howard’s Good News and The Russell Howard Hour. He’s out on a new live tour of the UK, including three nights in Liverpool, putting the world to rights as only he knows how.

West End Musicals By Candlelight

June 4 • St George's Hall

In the beautiful surroundings of St George’s Hall Concert Room, London Concertante performs some of the best-loved West End musicals past and present. A two-hour candlelit concert features songs from Aladdin, Porgy and Bess, West Side Story, tracks from Hamilton and The Greatest Showman, and classics from Mary Poppins and Guys and Dolls.

Pet Shop Boys

June 23 • M&S Bank Arena

With a string of hits including West End Girls, Suburbia, It’s a Sin and Go West, Pet Shop Boys were one of the defining sounds of the 80s. They still sound as good as ever, and now – because they’ve got so many to choose from - they’re on a Dreamworld Greatest Hits Live Tour. Original duo Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe come to Liverpool for an added date after sell-out demand.

Jools Holland

May 28 • Liverpool Philharmonic

Jools Holland is for life, not just for New Year’s Eve! Away from the annual Hootenanny, he’s on tour with his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra and in the Art Deco surroundings of the Phil for one night. An incredible pianist and band leader, Jools has played with some of the legends of music including Sting and Luther Vandross and his energetic live performances always raise the roof.

Much Ado About Nothing

June 14 - 17 • Shakespeare North Playhouse

Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot is still in its first year of opening but it’s established itself as a venue for a fresh take on the Bard and more. The replica Cockpit Theatre hosts The HandleBards, who are known for cycling from venue to venue. They’ll be performing their unique – and slightly bonkers –version of the classic comedy Much Ado with much music and mayhem.

Liverpool Biennial

June 10 - September 17 • Various venues

Liverpool Biennial returns with a three-month programme of exhibitions at arts venues and some more unusual spaces across the city including Tobacco Warehouse, Tate Liverpool, Cotton Exchange, Bluecoat, Liverpool ONE, Open Eye Gallery and FACT. The UK’s largest free festival of contemporary visual art will have the theme uMoya: The Sacred Return of Lost Things, featuring work by more than 30 national and international artists and collectives.