Liverpool Music Heritage Trail launched as Beatles Legacy Group marks 10 years

The Liverpool City Region’s rich musical legacy was celebrated this week as the Beatles Legacy Group (BLG) marked its 10th anniversary with the launch of a new Liverpool Music Heritage Trail.

Unveiled on Tuesday 24 March on Mathew Street, the trail traced more than 60 years of the city’s musical history, shining a spotlight on the venues, record shops and cultural spaces that have shaped Liverpool’s global reputation for music.

The launch event saw representatives from the BLG unveil the Eric’s club plaque, one of 12 vinyl-style installations positioned across the city to commemorate key locations that have played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s music story.

Celebrating 60 years of music history

Supported by funding from The Beatles Story, the Liverpool Music Heritage Trail was the first initiative of its kind in the city. The free, self-guided walking route took approximately 90 minutes to complete and connected a series of iconic sites spanning from 1957 to 2016.

Locations included:

• The original entrance to The Cavern Club
• Eric’s on Mathew Street
• The Lomax
• Probe Records
• NEMS on Whitechapel
• The Sink
• Cream (Nation nightclub)
• The Kazimier

Together, these sites reflected the evolution of Liverpool’s music scene — from early rock and roll roots to punk, new wave, dance music and contemporary grassroots culture.

Visitors following the trail could access digital content via QR codes on each plaque, including archival footage, stories from those who were there, and curated Spotify playlists, offering an immersive way to experience the city’s musical heritage.

Marking a decade of impact

The milestone came as the Beatles Legacy Group celebrated 10 years since its formation in 2016, when it was established to enhance and protect the cultural and economic impact of The Beatles on Liverpool.

Since then, the group has played a key role in strengthening Liverpool’s music offer, supporting initiatives ranging from education and research to public art and cultural tourism.

Peter Hooton, Chair of the BLG and an observer on the Liverpool City Region Music Board, said the new trail was a fitting way to mark the anniversary:

“The Liverpool Music Heritage Trail feels like the perfect way to mark 10 years of The Beatles Legacy Group, as it solidifies our purpose to keep music at the heart of this magical city of ours.

“As I was pointing out venues and record shops that no longer existed, people would ask why there was no reference to these iconic places. I knew we had to celebrate them before they were lost in the mists of time.”

He added that while the trail included key moments in The Beatles’ journey — from their early days at The Cavern to Brian Epstein’s management at NEMS — it also celebrated the wider ecosystem that has defined Liverpool’s sound over decades.

A legacy that continues to shape the region

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Liverpool BID Company supported the delivery of the trail, working with businesses across the city to host the plaques.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, highlighted the ongoing importance of Liverpool’s musical heritage:

“Liverpool will always be synonymous with the four lads who shook the world. Their success helped put our city on the global cultural map, inspiring generations of artists and continuing to attract visitors from around the world.

“But The Beatles’ legacy is about much more than the past. It ignited a creative spark that still defines our region today.”

Looking ahead

Alongside the launch, the BLG announced plans to establish itself as a Community Interest Company (CIC) and commission a new report assessing the cultural and economic impact of The Beatles over the past decade.

Kevin McManus, Head of UNESCO City of Music at Liverpool City Council, BLG board member and an observer on the Liverpool City Region Music Board, said this next phase would help shape future activity:

“It’s a great time to commission a follow-up report to assess the impact of The Beatles on our city.

“We want to move into the next 10 years with clear insight, working with partners across the music community to sustain and grow that impact.”

Take part

The Liverpool Music Heritage Trail is free to access and can be explored at any time.

Visitors can download the trail map and begin their journey at any location across the city: https://www.liverpoolmusiccity.com/liverpool-music-heritage-trail

Earphones are recommended to enjoy the full digital experience.