Market forces
The Picket is no more. Don't ask.
Instead, get acquainted with its new name, The District, and, at the centre of its relaunch this weekend, HoboMarket.
HoboMarket promises to bring “a blend of bohemian cool, retro stylings and vuuduufuturism to the streets of Liverpool”.
Inspired by continental markets which combine fleamarkets with art-jumble, good design, a wicked t-shirt or two plus vibrant street performances and a cool place to hang out and spend a few hours on a warm May afternoon (guaranteed!)
Apart from loads of stalls, the Lemon Collective will be hosting a circus themed busking stage outdoors Milk Presents DJs and Guest performers on the main stage alongside further stalls and Orisha workshops by Craft Creative.
*Hobomarket, The District (ex Picket), Jordan Street, L1. Sunday, May 26, 11am-5pm. Free.
Amazonika
Amazing Amazonika!
AMAZONIKA! is nothing to do with the tax-dodging book sellers, instead it's a voyage deep into the heart of the spirit forest, where you can transcend the mortal plane and leave your body in search of your Saturday night spirit animal.
So a night of live music with a twist at Mello Mello, then?
But this one is worth a punt.
Guiding you along the way, Los Chinches who blend the dizzying rhythms of Peruvian Chicha music with surf twang and psychedelic swirls. Named after a mysterious deity, a visionary and a clown with a taste for jungle liquor and Amazonian beauties; their unique brand of tropical rocking is sure to stir the forest creatures, with a jumping Peruvian percussion section and the energy and party ethos of London Ska Punk.
Supra Lingua are local sonic shamans, it says here, performing music written specifically for AMAZONIKA! A psychoactive brew of drums, percussion, brass, vocalists, electronics/ fx and jungle soundscapes.
Then there is DJ Mr Resistor, collector of sounds found and forgotten who weaves soundscapes from library music, electronic, jazz, folk, psych and eclectic odds and ends.
Not forgetting tropicalista Cal Jader who one of the founders of Movimientos London and champion of new wave Latin music. His sets bring people together with the freshest Latin and global sounds, combining classic rhythms with contemporary cutting-edge and urban beats with a London twist.
Plus jungle decor, hypnotic visuals, immersive soundscapes and fevered rituals.
*AMAZONIKA!, Mello Mello, 40-42 Slater Street, L1. on Sat May 25. 8pm, tickets £5
Burger swing
Put a spring into your Spring Bank Holiday by pulling up a deck chair and enjoying performances from bands and orchestras from Sefton, St Helens and Wirral will combine to create a varied programme.
From the Harry Potter theme tune to classical pieces and popular instrumentals from Les Miserables, they say there will be something for every taste - from families to classical connoisseurs. With deck chairs provided and space for picnics, it promises to be a great bank holiday day out.
Forget to pack a picnic for all this? No worries. A van from Byron Hamburgersis et to show up ahead of the opening of their new restaurant in Liverpool ONE next month.
*Proms In The Park, Chavasse Park, Liverpool 1, Sun/Mon 26 and Monday 27 May. From 12 noon. Free.
Funny bus-iness
THIS Saturday, the Comedy Coach Tour people will be donning 1940s garb for a special Battle Of The Atlantic-themed laughter tour around the city centre’s sights.
This tour is not to be missed, say organisers, as there could be a few suspicious characters (from Hot Water Comedy Club) selling all kinds of interesting imports. But not the sort you can buy in a pub in Huyton.
It might be like Dad’s Army or 'Allo 'Allo, but as it starts from a curry house, it will probably be more Aloo Aloo.
*Wartime Comedy Coach Tour, starts Spice Lounge, Albert Dock, Liverpool 1, Saturday May 25, 3.30pm and 5pm (on demand). £18 (incs bucks fizz and 80-minute sightseeing tour around the city. Discount for groups. Book here