SUMMER’S SOUND

If you ask someone to name a UK summer music festival, nine times out of ten, they’ll say Glastonbury. 

2026 is a fallow year for Glastonbury. In other words, they’re giving the famous festival site land a chance to rest and recover. Festival-seekers need not fret, as we always have a packed programme of live summer music right here in the Liverpool City Region!

Like the UK’s largest African music festival, Africa Oyé, which recently brought tens of thousands of visitors to Sefton Park. And On The Waterfront, which this year featured artists including Paul Weller, Snow Patrol and Red Rum Club at Liverpool’s iconic Pier Head. 

Other regional music festivals that take place over the summer include Southport’s Restricted Forest, We Are Wirral Family Music Festival and Reminisce in St Helens. Meanwhile, live music venues such as Future Yard in Birkenhead, The Citadel in St Helens and The Brindley in Runcorn are holding gigs throughout the summer, not to mention Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena with shows from international names like UB40, Barry Manilow, The Temptations and The Four Tops.

For music fans, these events are all about the atmosphere, the performances and creating memories. But behind every festival, arena show, local gig and community concert is a huge team of people using a wide range of skills.

Unpicking the live music industry provides a fascinating glimpse into the variety of careers that help power the Liverpool City Region’s visitor, cultural and creative economy.

The people who bring events to life

Long before the first ticket is scanned or the first note is played, someone has spent months planning the event. 

Event managers coordinate performers, suppliers, venues, contractors and local authorities. They oversee budgets, schedules, staffing, licences, health and safety requirements and contingency plans. Whatever the event or occasion, these individuals need strong organisational and communication skills, a can-do attitude and an unflappable approach.

It’s a role for people who enjoy solving problems, working with others and making things happen.

Creating the experience audiences remember

Most concertgoers never see the technical teams working behind the scenes. 

Sound engineers, lighting technicians, stage managers and production crews are responsible for creating the experience audiences enjoy. They install equipment, test systems, troubleshoot problems and ensure performances run smoothly.

The dramatic lighting at an arena concert, the crystal-clear sound at an outdoor festival and the smooth running of a live performance all rely on technical expertise. These roles combine creativity with practical skills and can offer exciting opportunities for people who enjoy technology, engineering and problem-solving.

Marketing the music

Every sold-out show starts with someone spreading the word. Marketing professionals help events reach audiences through social media, websites, email campaigns, photography, video content and advertising.

As digital channels continue to grow, so does the demand for people with creative and digital skills. For those who enjoy storytelling, social media or content creation, the music and events sector can provide an exciting career path.

Keeping everything moving

A major music event can feel like a temporary town. Stages need to be built. Equipment has to be delivered. Food and drink suppliers need access to sites. Merchandise must arrive on time. Artists, crews and contractors all need to be where they’re supposed to be.

Behind the scenes, logistics and operations professionals coordinate the moving parts of an event or festival. Careful planning is critical for ensuring success.

Many of the skills used in logistics are transferable across a wide range of industries, making it an attractive career option for people who want to get stuck in and bring an event to life.

The people who keep audiences safe

One of the most important jobs at any live event often goes unnoticed.

Security staff, stewards, first aid teams and health and safety professionals all work throughout an event to ensure the audience, performers and staff remain safe. They help manage crowd movement, monitor venues, respond to incidents and support visitors when problems arise. Without them, events simply could not take place.

As the region’s live events sector continues to thrive, there is ongoing demand for people with skills and experience in security, safety, crowd management and event operations.

Hospitality at the heart of the experience

Customer-facing staff play a huge role in shaping people’s experience of an event, serving refreshments, checking tickets, selling merchandise or helping visitors find their seats, 

Many people begin their careers in hospitality, retail or customer service before moving into management or specialist roles. These jobs help people develop valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability and problem-solving, qualities that employers value across virtually every sector.

More than music

The Liverpool City Region has earned a global reputation for music, but the industry supports more than performers. Event managers, sound engineers, marketers, security teams, hospitality staff, and logistics professionals: live music creates opportunities for people with diverse interests and talents.

So next time you’re singing along to your favourite artist at one of our region’s festivals, think of all the professionals behind the scenes who make it possible.

Interested in behind-the-scenes events career?

There are many routes into the careers and job roles mentioned in this feature, including apprenticeships, college courses, university study, volunteering and work experience.

Apprenticeship options include:

• Event assistant
• Multi-channel marketer
• Audiovisual technician
• Customer service practitioner
• Lifting equipment technician

Click the links above to learn about the skills you can develop through these apprenticeships. And keep your eye on the Be More apprenticeship vacancy listing to find opportunities to apply for.