A homecoming, a soul legend, a Liverpool-favourite and an X Factor finalist will be part of one of the city’s most popular outdoor festivals.
The full line-up has been revealed for this year’s FREE musical extravaganza Music on the Waterfront event, which is part of the International Mersey River Festival.
The event will take place from the evening of Friday until Sunday 15 June at the Pier Head.
Friday 6.30 – 10.30pm
It kicks off at with Liverpool-born actor and DJ Craig Charles bringing a special edition of his BBC Radio 6 Music Funk and Soul Show.
Craig will be joined by modern soul heroes Smoove and Turrell and, on a special diversion from his European Tour, soul legend Lee Fields. The event will also feature some of the listener’s favourite sections from Craig’s weekly 6 Music show and will culminate with a DJ set from the man himself – guaranteed to be filled with some of the most soulful and funkiest tunes around.
Craig said: “I can’t wait to unleash the funk in Liverpool. Open air gigs always have an amazing atmosphere, but with this being a homecoming show it is going to be a really special night for me and, I hope, everyone in the crowd.”
Before Craig takes to the stage, BBC Radio Merseyside will be getting the party started with an hour of music from two local acts with a huge future: vocal harmony five-piece, MiC Lowry, will join Esco Williams who was the 2012 winner of MOBO’s Unsung Award. Together this will be four hours of amazing live music and performances.
A three hour special of the show will be broadcast on The Craig Charles Soul and Funk Show on BBC Radio 6 Music from 6-9pm on Saturday 14 June.
Saturday 1-7pm
Saturday is hosted by Smooth Radio and the line-up includes:
- Rhydian – The double platinum selling Classical Brit nominee will headline the show, performing tracks from his new album One Day Like This
- The Christians – The Liverpool band always guarantee a strong performance and are sure to get a warm welcome from a home crowd
- Leee John – Lead singer of 80s super soul funk group Imagination, sold more than 50million records, and will bring a disco feel to the afternoon
- Jaki Graham – This will be Jaki’s third appearance at the event and will sing her upbeat 80s hits
- Heather Peace – The actress and musician will play tracks from her new album, The Thin Line, which is released days before the event
- Jo Lloyd – A first for the event – Jo will not only host the event but take to the stage to perform some favourites
- Honey Ryder – This will be the band’s second appearance at the event, bringing a mix of soulful country and pop to the afternoon
- The Shires – The critically acclaimed duo formed in the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire countryside, will bring the sounds of Nashville to Liverpool
- Kristyna Myles – this singer-songwriter is no stranger to the big stage having recently supported Lisa Stansfield on tour
- Caroline Harrison – After supporting Texas last year, Caroline is back with her debut album and will open the day’s events
Jamie Griffiths, Brand Programme Director for Smooth Radio, said: “It’s fantastic to be back working with Liverpool City Council on our fourth annual On The Waterfront event and it’s doubly exciting when you consider how much we have to celebrate.
“Last week we recorded our best ever audience figures topping one million weekly adult listeners in the North West. There’s no better way of celebrating than with our listeners in a stunning location with great live music – all for free!”
Sunday 1-5pm
Sunday is all about the bands with the Bollywood Brass Band, Royal Marine Band of Scotland and Rat Pack tribute band.
Assistant Mayor and cabinet member for culture and tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “Music on the Waterfront is an incredibly popular event and the audience figures get bigger and bigger each year.
“This year will be no different with its impressive line-up. It’s great to be working in partnership with both the BBC and Smooth Radio and it will give the event an extra, exciting dynamic.
“I’m sure Craig will get a warm homecoming welcome on the Friday night that will kick off the free music extravaganza in style.
“And, in a change to previous years, the weekend of live music will take place during the day, hopefully opening it up to a new audience who can take time out from enjoying the fantastic maritime offer of the River Festival to enjoy some of the amazing free live music.”
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