Britain Calling: May 2023

We hope you tuned in to see Britain’s pop culture capital, Liverpool, welcome talent from across Europe and Australia for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest. Hosting on behalf of Ukraine, the UNESCO City of Music put on a musical extravaganza unlike any other, which saw Sweden crowned this year’s winner and Perth band, Voyager, bring home ninth place for Australia.

Whilst the glitz and glamour of Eurovision may now be over, the party continues across the nation and you’ll find that Britain’s streets are paved with songs wherever you go. Here are our top UK travel tips for those who want to get their groove on in 2023:

Liverpool

Liverpool has long been the epicentre of pop, world-famous as the birthplace of the Beatles, and decades later it’s still rocking to a diverse music scene. From the Fab Four to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and Eurovision in 2023, there’s a music experience for every taste in this lively city. Whether you visit the world's largest permanent exhibition dedicated to The Beatles at The Beatles Story, take a musical tour of Britain’s extensive and diverse music scene at the British Music Experience, dance to the Merseybeat in the heart of the Baltic Triangle at Camp & Furnace, or take a party ferry across the Mersey – Liverpool will not disappoint.

For the Beatles and beyond, check out our guide to discovering Liverpool’s musical legacy.

London

From a West End show to a musical exhibition, silent disco to a rocking night out, it’s always all rhythm and no blues in London. In 2023, see the return of Eurovision’s 1974 winner with ABBA Voyage in East London from 27 May to 27 November 2023. The famous Swedish pop group have reunited for a ground-breaking concert which sees ABBA’s avatars perform alongside a live band at the custom-built ABBA Arena. At V&A South Kensington, celebrate the power and creativity of iconic performers as you take in the worlds of music, fashion, film, photography and costume design with their new exhibition, DIVA (24 June 2023 - 7 April 2024). This summer will also see the return of We Will Rock You the Musical by Queen and Ben Elton at the London Coliseum for a 12-week season beginning 2 June 2023.

Don’t miss a beat on your next visit, explore our music lover’s guide to London.

Manchester

As the birthplace of The Stone Roses, Oasis and The Smiths among many more, Manchester’s music scene is always thriving. In June 2023, Manchester will see the highly anticipated opening of Factory International. Located on the famous Old Granada Studios site, the venue will host a year-round programme of major exhibitions, concerts, theatre, music and opera, and will also become the permanent home of the Manchester International Festival. Later in the year, the city will see the opening of Co-op Live Arena - the UK’s largest new indoor live music venue. Featuring a 23,500-seat arena, the new music-first venue is poised to become one of the country’s most accessible and sustainable arenas.

For more ways to discover music in Manchester, see Visit Manchester’s music guide.

Glasgow

It doesn’t take long to realise why Glasgow was named “Europe’s Secret Capital of Music” by TIME Magazine and was the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music. Stretching from contemporary to classical, and Celtic to country, prior to COVID-19, Glasgow hosted an average of 130 gigs and music events every week. From large-scale venues like The OVO Hydro Arena and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall to hallowed spots like King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut and a 1960s dancehall, the city comes to life with music quite unlike anywhere else. For a truly authentic Scottish musical experience, embrace the country’s Celtic heritage at the Celtic Connections festival and don’t leave town without a visit to the National Piping Centre.

Beyond Glasgow, celebrate Scotland’s lively music scene with our guide to the most spectacular Scottish festivals.

Cardiff

Home to the oldest record shop in the world, Spillers Records and dozens of music festivals and live music venues which celebrate all styles of music, Cardiff is a creative hub brimming with one-of-a-kind music and cultural experiences that cater to all musical tastes. Music festival highlights throughout 2023 include Sŵn Festival (20 – 22 October), which takes over almost every available venue in Cardiff to showcase raw music talent in intimate spaces. Tafwyl (15 – 16 July), an annual fringe festival in celebration of the Welsh language. Inside Out Festival (7 September), where Cardiff’s Bute Park welcomes an impressive local and international line up for an outdoor rave, and Hub Festival (dates TBC), which takes place across three days and sees the city welcome over 150 live acts spanning multiple music genres.

For more festivals to experience across Wales, see Visit Wales’ guide to the biggest Welsh music festivals.

Source: Amelia, VisitBritain Australia's Press Team, amelia.robertson@visitbritain.org