Friday 07-03-2014 - 17:01

In My Liverpool Home- The Music Tour

In My Liverpool Home is a scheme hosted by a student from Liverpool who will take other students on a FREE guided tour of the area their Guide knows best, finding out facts not typically included in tourist books! This includes local advice on the best places to stop for a bite to eat as well as some background history.

Our most recent tour was on Saturday 1^st March. A group of LJMU students joined Sarah O’ Hara on a musical tour. Welcoming students from a diverse range of backgrounds including international and parents with children, the tour allowed the group to socialise with others from across the university and to learn more about Liverpool’s musical heritage.

Starting at Hope Street, the group learnt more about the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and its part in the Capital of Culture Celebrations. They also heard how 80s star Adam Ant came up with his stage name after a visit to the Philharmonic. Next was LIPA where Sarah told the tale of the suitcases that adorn the streets and the students got the chance to have their photo taken with this fascinating piece of modern art.

Before leaving each stop of the tour, which included the famous Parr Street Studios – where Coldplay and The Zutons have recorded albums, students were able to ask the Tour Guide questions to find out more about the landmarks.

On such a glorious sunny day, the group were able to take a leisurely stroll down to the waterfront to bask in the glory of the Liverpool Echo Arena. After hearing how the Echo Arena was honoured to host the MTV Europe Music Awards, students could even have a go at being pop stars themselves at the Museum of Liverpool! With a fully functioning karaoke booth playing songs by Liverpudlian musicians including Frankie goes to Hollywood, students took to the microphone and gave it their all at this wonderful exhibition.

A lunch break later, the group were treated to yet more musical delights at the busy and bustling Mathew Street. Focusing not only on the Cavern Club but also taking in the popular Eric’s Bar, this was the final stop on the tour. The fun didn’t have to stop though as all the group were given a quiz to test their knowledge about the tour in their own time!

This free activity engaged the group with the local Liverpool community, and endorsed Liverpool SU’s values of inclusivity for all students at the university. An exciting and informative day was had by all! Don’t forget to book onto the next tour by emailing j.mcdonald@ljmu.ac.uk