Borough’s 50th Anniversary Celebrated with Music Festival

An eclectic 17-day music festival is scheduled as a component of a borough’s 50th birthday festivities. This event is part of a year-long programme organized by Knowsley Council, which includes art, theatre, comedy, dance, food, and sport, all designed to commemorate its half-century status as an official metropolitan borough. The Knowsley Music Festival is set to commence on Friday with a performance by Liverpool’s Pete Wylie and The Mighty Wah! at the Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot. Throughout the event, a diverse range of musical artists will perform at various locations in Huyton, Prescot, Kirkby, and Roby. Additionally, the festival will incorporate the Knowsley Fringe Music Festival, dedicated to highlighting local talent. Additional headline acts confirmed for the festival include the rock band Deaf School, scheduled to perform at Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park on 16 November, and China Crisis, who will appear at St Chad’s Church in Kirkby on 21 November. Beyond the primary music festival schedule, the Knowsley Fringe Music Festival is also making a comeback, presenting a variety of original music and tribute live performances covering diverse musical genres such as Motown, soul, and R&B. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a total of 26 artists and groups will perform across 15 venues, including pubs, bars, church halls, and community spaces, during the festival period. Shelley Powell, the cabinet member for communities and neighbourhoods, stated: “The Fringe Music Festival offers talented local artists the opportunity to showcase their skills and gives local audiences a chance to experience brilliant musical performances on their doorstep.” She added, “We’re delighted to once again be hosting this event to bring unforgettable music to our communities.”