Virgin Trains is on board as a sponsor for Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF).
The rail firm – which operates the West Coast Main Line linking Scotland with London – is the official travel partner for the event, which will see some of the biggest names in music descend on Liverpool from 18 August to 22 September.
The company is also sponsoring LIMF Academy, which will work with and inspire young people who are interested in getting into the music business. This weekend, LIMF Academy artists will be performing on the station platform at Stafford railway station as festivalgoers make their way to and from V Festival.
Graham Leech, Commercial Executive Director for Virgin Trains, said: “Liverpool is a thriving city with a rich cultural heritage.
“We’re thrilled to be able to support this festival, which is bursting with world-renowned headline acts and will showcase the best that the city has to offer.
“Virgin Trains already provides frequent, fast services to Liverpool with a journey time of just over two hours, so it’s entirely fitting that we act as travel partner to the Liverpool International Music Festival.
“As sponsor of the LIMF Academy we want to play a key role in ensuring that future generations benefit from the musical legacy that Liverpool has developed.”
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “We’re absolutely delighted that we have secured sponsorship from Virgin Trains, and it clearly shows the significance of LIMF as a major festival.
“Attracting people from far and wide to Liverpool will be integral to the success of LIMF, and Virgin Trains will play a key role in promoting it across their network and encouraging people to come to Liverpool for what is set to be an amazing five weeks.”
During bank holiday weekend from 23 to 26 August, acts will take to a new stage in Sefton Park including internationally acclaimed Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and chief conductor Vasily Petrenko, Soul II Soul, Rebecca Ferguson, Ghetto Youths International Crew (featuring Damian, Stephen and Julian Marley) and The Christians as well as some of the leading stars from the world of reggae, jazz, folk and African. Throughout the weekend there will be food stalls, a children’s fairground and other family activities
On Saturday 24 August, the Pier Head will play host to the Turn Up the Radio event with headliners JLS being joined by acts including Little Mix, Union J, Stooshe, The Vamps and Eliza Doolittle.
On Sunday 25 August Party at the Pier will see the Juice FM stage playing host to well-known artists including The Saturdays, Texas and Nina Nesbitt. They will perform alongside local stars including Esco Williams, The Hummingbirds and Chelcee Grimes. There will also be a Mathew Street Festival Stage with Real Radio (programmed by Bill Heckle and Dave Jones from Cavern City Tours) with acts paying homage to artists such as Queen, Adele, Robbie Williams and The Rolling Stones.
Tickets for LIMF Academy are available from 9am on Thursday 15 August. They are free and can be booked via www.limestival.com/academy
Tickets for all events can be bought online at www.limfestival.com
Alternatively Turn Up the Radio tickets can be bought by calling 08448 24 48 24 or visiting www.axs.com
Party at the Pier tickets can be bought in person at Ticket Quarter Box Office in Queens Square or by calling 0844 8094620.
