The Knowsley Music Festival returns for its fifth year with an exciting programme of live music across the borough.
Running from 30 October – 28 November 2026, this year’s festival brings together legendary names, homegrown talent and high-energy performances across a range of iconic venues.
From soulful classics and indie anthems to feel-good pop nostalgia, there’s something for everyone in this year’s headline line-up. Make sure you don’t miss out!
The Real Thing + support from DJ Les Spaine
Friday 6 November, 7.30pm
Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park, Huyton
Tickets: £25 + booking fee
Multi-million selling soul legends The Real Thing bring their unmistakable sound to Knowsley for a night of timeless hits and feel-good groove. Featuring original vocalists Chris Amoo and Dave Smith, the band continues to captivate audiences with their signature blend of soul, funk and disco.
Rising to fame in the 1970s, The Real Thing became Britain’s most successful Soul & R ‘n’ B group of the era, earning three million-selling singles with classics including “You to Me Are Everything,” “Can’t Get By Without You,” and “Can You Feel the Force.” Their success continued into the 1980s, when remixed versions of these tracks found new life on dancefloors, cementing their enduring popularity.
Backed by a dynamic five-piece live band, their performances deliver a vibrant, high-energy show packed with nostalgia and musical excellence. Expect to hear not only their biggest hits, but also fan favourites such as “You’ll Never Know What You’re Missing” and “Whenever You Want My Love,” alongside crowd-pleasing covers including “Ladies Night,” “Celebration,” “Good Times,” and “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now.”
The band’s influence has spanned decades. In 2005, their track “Love’s Such a Wonderful Thing” was sampled by Daft Punk, introducing their sound to a new generation, while their music has continued to chart and inspire across three decades.
Celebrating over 40 years in the industry, The Real Thing remain a powerhouse live act, delivering a polished and uplifting show that gets audiences on their feet from the very first note. Supported by the legendary DJ Les Spaine, this promises to be a night of classic dancefloor anthems and unforgettable energy.
The Farm
Friday 13 November, 7.30pm
St Chad’s Church, Kirkby
Tickets: £25 + booking fee
The Farm bring their iconic indie sound to Knowsley as part of this year’s festival, performing in the atmospheric setting of St Chad’s Church.
Formed in the early 1980s, The Farm built a loyal following with their politically aware lyrics, infectious melodies and distinctive sound. Their breakthrough came in 1991 with the release of their debut album Spartacus, which topped the UK Albums Chart and firmly established them as one of the defining bands of the era.
The album featured their hits, "Groovy Train" and “All Together Now,” a powerful anthem inspired by the Christmas truce of World War I. Produced by Graham “Suggs” McPherson of Madness, the track reached No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart and remains one of the most recognisable and enduring songs of its time, continuing to resonate with audiences today.
Despite early challenges, including the tragic loss of founding member Andy McVann, the band persevered and evolved, shaping a sound that blended indie rock with elements of dance and social commentary. Over the years, they have performed alongside major acts and appeared at festivals across the UK and beyond.
The Farm made a strong return to live performance in the 2000s and have since become a regular fixture on the festival circuit. In 2012, they were part of the Justice Collective, whose charity single “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” reached No. 1 in the UK Christmas Chart, highlighting the band’s continued connection to their Liverpool roots and community spirit.
Known for their energetic live shows and anthemic songs, The Farm’s performances bring people together in a shared sense of nostalgia and unity. Audiences can expect a set packed with classics, including “All Together Now” alongside other fan favourites.
The Spice Girls Theatre Show
The ultimate tribute to the Spice Girls
Saturday 28 November, 7.30pm
Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park, Huyton
Tickets: £15 + booking fee
Get ready to Spice Up Your Life as the ultimate Spice Girls tribute show brings the party to Knowsley Music Festival 2026!
This high-energy theatre production celebrates one of the biggest pop phenomena of all time – The Spice Girls. With a full live band, dazzling choreography and authentic costumes, the show captures the spirit, style and sound of the original girl group, delivering a fun-filled experience for audiences of all ages.
From their explosive debut in 1996, Geri, Mel B, Mel C, Emma and Victoria became global icons, championing the message of “Girl Power” while dominating the charts worldwide. With over 85 million records sold, they remain the biggest-selling girl group of all time.
This tribute show brings all the greatest hits to life and performance is packed with singalong moments, high-energy dance routines and plenty of nostalgia.
With pitch-perfect vocals and engaging stage presence, the cast recreate the magic that made the Spice Girls a cultural phenomenon. Whether you grew up with their music or are discovering it for the first time, this show guarantees a night of pure pop fun and feel-good entertainment.
John Lydon
Wednesday 28 October at 7.30pm
Shakespeare North Playhouse
Tickets from £35 + booking fee
He’s a legend and an icon, a revolutionary and an immortal. John Lydon – aka Johnny Rotten – changed the face of music and sparked a cultural revolution.
The frontman and lyricist of the Sex Pistols and Public Image Ltd (PiL) caused a political earthquake and transformed music for good. To coincide with the publication of his new book, the brilliant, funny and insightful I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right, he is touring the UK. Lydon will talk about how he sees life, along with his unique and extraordinary career, and take audience questions during a pyrotechnic, one-off tour. Lydon will be sharing his thoughts with audiences. He Could Be Wrong. He Could Be Right.
Signed copies of the book will be available.
Big Number Celebrate MTV Unplugged
Fri 6 November at 7.30pm
Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot
Tickets: from £13 +booking fee
A night of live music celebrating some of the greatest MTV Unplugged performances, featuring some of the most iconic artists of the 1990s.
The 1990s were a pivotal time in music. As glam rock faded and grunge rose to prominence, the decade also saw the launch of MTV Unplugged – a series of live acoustic sessions that would go on to influence a new generation of musicians and produce some of the most memorable performances by some of the world’s most revered artists.
The band will perform on 6th November as part of Knowsley Music Festival, alongside some very special guests and featured artists. The show will feature music from legendary acts including Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Nirvana, Alanis Morissette, Eric Clapton, The Cranberries and many more.
Big Number is a newly formed ensemble fronted by Liverpool musicians Thom Morecroft, Mike Blue and Dylan Cassin, with Joseph Griffin, Sam Rabbette and Will Brown completing the band’s core line-up.
Their first performances earlier this year were two back-to-back sell-out shows celebrating the 60th anniversary of Bob Dylan’s landmark album Blonde on Blonde at the Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room. This will be the band’s second show and promises to be a truly special evening of live music, celebrating some of Liverpool’s finest musicians.
Q&A Sides Ft. Frank Turner
Sat 7 November at 7.30pm
Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot
Tickets: SOLD OUT
Acoustic and in-conversation, hosted by Chris Hawkins (BBC 6 Music).
Frank Turner is one of the UK’s most successful artists. He released his tenth studio album ‘Undefeated’ in May 2024 which debuted at Number 3 in the Official Album Chart and Number 1 in the Independent Album Chart. His album ‘FTHC’ (Feb 2022) became his first #1 hit with the previous four albums all peaking in the Top 3. With over a million albums sold worldwide, he has three gold-certified albums and one silver status.
Since his first solo gig in 2004, Frank has played his3000th show in Feb 2025 at Alexandra Palace, London, which sold out within 24 hours of being on general sale. His biggest UK headline shows include Alexandra Palace, O2 Arena and Wembley Arena. He has performed at almost every UK venue imaginable, from tiny clubs to stadiums as well as the opening ceremony of 2012 London Olympics.
Internationally, Frank has played headline shows in all continents with big followings across Europe and North America. He completed the ambitious 50 States in 50 Days touring 2022–the first non-US citizen to do so. His award-winning 4-day festival, Lost Evenings takes place in a different city each year-this year in Edinburgh, Scotland, and next year in Dallas, TX.
During the pandemic, Frank raised almost £300K for grassroot music venues with a weekly series of livestreams resulting in the Music Venue Trust awarding him the Outstanding Achievement for Grassroots Music Venues. Building on this, Frank completed a Music Venue Trust World Record of playing 15 shows in 24 hours–all in grassroot venues and in conjunction with independent record shops.
Alongside the headline programme, the Knowsley Music Festival Fringe will celebrate local talent, grassroots music and community creativity across the borough.
Full details will be announced soon.