Liverpool's Sound City festival is set to return this year with a showcase of international newcomers for your gigging pleasure.

From Wednesday, the four-day city centre music festival (20-23 May) has an extensive line-up including Metronomy, The Veils, The Gay Blades, Sky Larkin, The Zutons, Juliette Lewis and Fight Like Apes among many more. Over 400 acts will play across 300 of Liverpool's best venues throughout the innovative weekend. A music industry conference to rival that of Texas' South by Southwest will also be taking place.

Ahead of the festival season proper, Sound City is a great chance to see some of the newest and exciting acts on the scene at the moment if you don't fancy getting your feet muddy. The festival is Liverpool's chance to prove it's still on the map musically with a healthy set of artists on the weekend's bill.

Tickets for entry to all shows are £60, with tickets for individual shows available starting from £5 + booking.