The Knowsley Music Festival returns this November with a roster of iconic artists from the borough and beyond to celebrate Knowsley’s 50th anniversary.
Knowsley Council are pleased to announce that China Crisis, Pete Wylie and the Mighty Wah!, and Deaf School will all perform at this year’s festival.
China Crisis return to their hometown of Kirkby for a special SOLD OUT gig in the spectacular surroundings of St Chad’s Church on Thursday 21 November. Song writing duo Gary Daly and Eddie Lundon emerged from Liverpool’s 1980’s musical renaissance alongside bands like OMD, Echo and the Bunnymen, Teardrop Explodes, A Flock of Seagulls and Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Racking up eleven UK Top 50 singles and three UK Top 40 albums the band have experienced global success with their distinctive sound. The night promises to be an unmissable combination of truly engaging music and a good bit of Scouse humour, peppered with tales of growing up in Kirkby.
Pete Wylie and the Mighty Wah! are set to perform another SOLD OUT show at Shakespeare North Playhouse on Friday 8November in what is sure to be an intimate and memorable performance at the timber-framed cock-pit-in-court theatre. Following a sell-out tour last year, the band are back, celebrating a storied life and career with songs that say something. From post-punk classics and transcendent hits to superb songs that have never been on vinyl before. There will be great music, tall tales (all true!), and Pete’s fantastic voice and guitar.
And art rock/new wave icons Deaf School will wow crowds in a special performance at Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park on Saturday 16 November as part of a three-night mini tour across the city region to celebrate 50 years of the band. Deaf School paved the way for the new wave scene in Liverpool, inspiring countless bands with their theatrical performances. Music journalist Paul Du Noyer once said: “In the whole history of Liverpool music, two bands matter most: one is the Beatles, and the other is Deaf School”. The band will be supported by Liverpool music collective, Disco in Sochi who bring their own distinct brand of heavy alternative pop. Make sure you don’t miss this very special show.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said: “This year’s music festival promises to be a really special one. We’ve worked hard to put together a line up of fantastic artists in our borough’s best and brightest venues to really celebrate our 50th year. Each gig is going to be totally unique so make sure you don’t miss out!”
Knowsley Music Festival began in 2022 as part of celebrations for Knowsley’s year as the Liverpool City region Borough of Culture. The annual festival and the smaller Knowsley Music Festival ‘Extra’ have welcomed artists and performers such as Craig Charles, The Lightning Seeds, Space, John Power, The Christians, Mick Head, and the Red Elastic Band, plus many more up-and-coming artists from across the Liverpool City Region.
As well as the main festival, the Knowsley Fringe Music Festival is an opportunity for local artists and venues to host music events of their own at locations throughout the Borough. You can find out more about the Fringe Festival here: Knowsley Fringe Music Festival 2024: Be part of it!
Knowsley Music Festival runs from the 8– 22 November 2024.
Tickets for Deaf School are on sale now: Knowsley Music Festival 2024 – Culture Knowsley
