Lunchtime Concert Series

Half of the tickets for each concert will be released when the season goes on sale. The remaining half will be released four weeks before each concert date.

This means there will still be tickets available later in the season, rather than all concerts being completely sold out in advance.

To help more people attend our lunchtime concerts. 

We have increasingly found that many of the lunchtime concerts have sold out very quickly, often far in advance, while a significant number of booked seats went unused on the day. By releasing tickets in two stages, we can make more tickets available closer to each performance date, helping people book when they know they can attend.

This approach also makes it easier for audience members with changing schedules or those arriving in Liverpool at the start of the academic year to access concerts throughout the season.

Our lunchtime concerts are extremely popular, and we know that plans can change, especially when bookings are made several months ahead.

We’ve looked at audience feedback and attendance patterns and believe the new system will balance advance booking with wider access, ensuring as many seats as possible are used by people who can attend.

Absolutely. Half of all tickets will still be available when the season is announced, so if you prefer to plan ahead you can continue to do so.

The second release simply ensures there are also opportunities for those who need to book closer to the concert date.

Yes, the concerts will still be allocated, and a range of seats will be available at both the first and second stages on sale.

Seats for wheelchair users, audience members requiring ambulant access and our hearing-loop recommended seats will be available at both first and second on-sale stages. If you have any queries or require assistance with booking, please contact our box office.

We find that four weeks provides a good balance between advance planning and flexibility.

At that point, people are generally more certain of their availability, which we hope will reduce the number of unused tickets while also giving others an opportunity to book.

No, we cannot keep waiting lists for free concerts. Please check the concert webpage again four weeks before the concert for the second release of tickets, or a few days before for any returns.

If you receive our newsletter at the start of the month, we will continue to list the upcoming concerts as a reminder that they are available to book. If you don't yet receive the newsletter, you can sign up for it here. 

Each lunchtime concert webpage also lists the date the second stage of tickets will be released.

Please let us know as soon as possible by emailing [email protected] so we can release your ticket to someone else.

As these concerts are very popular, returning unused tickets helps ensure as many people as possible can enjoy the performances without leaving lots of empty seats, which is disappointing for our performers and the potential attendees who miss out.

We will continue to contact bookers where tickets are reserved but not scanned on the day, and understand that sometimes something comes up that means you can’t come along.

The lunchtime concerts are offered free of charge thanks in part to the generous support of Yoko Ono Lennon via Spirit Foundations. They also reflect the University of Liverpool’s wider commitment to public engagement through the arts, making high-quality live music accessible to the local community, students, staff, and visitors alike.

In addition, the series provides valuable performance opportunities for the University’s music students and offers a platform for local artists and musicians, helping to support and celebrate Liverpool’s vibrant cultural community.