Important Announcement
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the postponement of Liverpool Gospel Music Festival 2024, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday 7th September 2024.
Liverpool Gospel Music Festival is more than just a gospel music event; it is also a celebration of unity, hope, and community spirit. One primary aim this year was to bring people together in a moment when it is needed the most. However, following the recent riots which have created an ongoing sense of unease in North Liverpool communities and concerns for the safety and well-being of our attendees, artists, and volunteers, we have taken the difficult decision to postpone the festival to 2025.
The recent riots have had a profound impact on communities in Liverpool and the wider region, leaving deep scars on the local fabric of our society. Businesses have been damaged, communities have been disrupted and families are grappling with a sense of grief and unease. Participation in cultural events has been impacted along with escalating costs of creating a space where people can feel safe and happy on top of what was already a difficult year for festivals across the country.
While the postponement is undoubtedly disappointing, it also allows us to take the necessary time to heal as a community. To deliver a festival in which, as a city, we stand together in unity as a beacon of hope and a platform for healing.
Liverpool Gospel Music Festival will return in 2025 with an even stronger resolve to promote harmony, bring joy and foster a sense of togetherness that transcends all barriers as we celebrate the power of gospel music. We remain hopeful and look forward to celebrating with you all next year in a peaceful and joyful environment. We will shine brighter than ever in 2025, reminding us all of the power of gospel music to heal, especially in challenging times.
Further details on the rescheduled dates and lineup for Liverpool Gospel Music Festival 2025 will be announced as soon as we can. We appreciate your understanding and support during this time and encourage everyone to stay safe, support one another, and keep the faith alive.
We thank the community for their continued support and look forward to welcoming you all next year for a truly special celebration of Gospel Music.
2024 ARTIST LINEUP
What is gospel music?
The Gospel Music Industry Alliance identifies UK Gospel Music as derived from the African, American and Caribbean musical experience relating to the Christian faith. It had a profound impact on the development of popular music throughout the 20th century.
The Liverpool Gospel Music Festival, whilst acknowledging and valuing the roots of the genre in Christianity, black culture and spirituality, welcomes people of all faiths, ethnicities and identities.
The first Liverpool Gospel Music Festival took place on the 9th of September 2023. The event was held in North Liverpool and featured internationally known artists, including headliners The Kingdom Choir and Called Out Music.
The festival is currently sponsored by Vistaprint, Arts Council England and Liverpool City Council. As the festival develops over the next few years, it will also include panel discussions with artists, meet the artist events, participatory activities for families and the community and wider celebrations of black culture.
Tens of thousands have already been raised for the Festival, including support from Liverpool City Council, Vistaprint, LFC, the UK government's Shared Prosperity Fund and the Arts Council England among others.
However, to help bring gospel music to the mainstream and keep the Festival affordable for all in 2024, we need your help to make it happen. Give £5, £10, £20 or £50 to bring this vital cultural event to life and keep it accessible for the whole community.
How you can help
Why a Gospel Music Festival? Why Now?
Gospel Music is an inclusive, joyful, uplifting, moving music genre that celebrates the stories, histories, cultures and achievements of black communities.
Much modern mainstream music, as well as many genres of music of black origin, owe their origins and inspirations to gospel music. However, these roots often go unacknowledged and unrecognised.
Gospel musicians are fantastic, talented artists, and gospel music is a popular artform, particularly among black communities, but there is no mainstream UK gospel music festival.
Our Sponsors
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How can I get to the Festival?The location for our 2024 festival is Stanley Park, Walton Lane, Anfield, Liverpool L4 2SL
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Can I bring my own food and drink?Food and drink will be available to purchase at the park with a range of stalls and varieties of cuisine on offer. However, you are welcome to bring your own food and drink to the Festival. We would ask that you not bring alcohol however, the Festival is a family-friendly day out and therefore a 'dry' event. If you bring a picnic, make sure to put your litter in the bins provided and recycle where you can!
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I have additional needs related to a disability or health condition, can you provide support?The Festival will be wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets will be provided. Unfortunately we will not be able to provide seating at this year's Festival, but you are able to bring your own chairs. If you need help with bringing seating or equipment into the park, or have any other additional needs related to a disability or health condition, please contact us on info@liverpoollighthouse.com or when you buy your tickets and we will discuss how we can support you to attend. Guide dogs and support animals with appropriate identification are welcome.
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Will there be seating?There will be no seating in the park, but you are free to bring your own chairs and blankets.
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What else is there to do at the Festival?There is a funfair for children to enjoy on the day and lots of organisations providing stalls with activities and information you might find interesting.
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Will there be Festival programmes and merchandising?A limited amount of programmes and merchandise for the Festival will be available on the day, please buy your items early to avoid missing out. Are dogs allowed at the Festival Dogs will be permitted but please keep them on leads at all times.
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Do children need a ticket? Can I buy a ticket on the day?Children under 5 are admitted for free and do not require a ticket. Tickets must be purchased in advance online, cash on the gate will not be accepted. However you will be able to use your phone at the gate to buy a ticket if they are still available.
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Can my group arrive separately if we booked with a group ticket?Tickets are good for one entrance, at which point you will receive a wristband that allows you to enter and leave as you want. For group bookings all people on the booking must arrive together to scan the group ticket and receive their wristbands as once the tickets are scanned they cannot be re-used.