Everything you need to know about Zoe’s Place celebration concert

The city stormed into action raising more than £5m in 30 days when baby and children’s hospice Zoe’s Place was threatened with closure – and now Liverpool is coming together again to celebrate its survival with a very special concert.

Musicians, comedians and more from across Merseyside are preparing to mark a brand-new future in its history, so here’s everything you need to know about A Celebration of Zoe’s Place.

When is the concert?

The concert is taking place on Thursday, July 17 at 7pm (doors open at 6pm).

Where is it being held?

A Celebration of Zoe’s Place will be held at the M&S Bank Arena Liverpool.

Who is hosting the concert?

Comedy legend Adam Rowe – a committed supporter of Zoe’s Place since he was a schoolboy – and former radio presenter, now one half of Leanne and Dave’s Daily Dose podcast, Leanne Campbell will be guiding everyone through the evening.

Why is the concert being held?

The concert is being held to celebrate the story of Liverpool’s Zoe’s Place and everyone who came together to save it. As organisers say: ‘It’s a celebration of community, compassion, and resilience – the very spirit Liverpool is built on’.

They reckon it will be a ‘once-in-a-generation Liverpool night’ to raise further funds for the West Derby hospice and support its move to a new purpose-built home.

New beginnings

During the concert the hospice’s new name, chosen from suggestions by the public, and its new mascot will be revealed.

Who is appearing?

More than 20 acts are appearing at the waterfront venue with loads of legendary names from past and present.

The full line-up is: Adam Rowe; DJ Billie Clements; pianist Brad Kella; indie band Circa Waves (who’ll perform a special version of ‘There She Goes’ with the Phil); Cody Urban Dance; Ian McCulloch; Ian Prowse; Jamie Webster; Jonny Bongo; Joseph Roberts; Leanne Campbell; LIPA Dance; Lightning Seeds; Paul Smith; Pete Wylie; Rebecca Ferguson; Red Rum Club; Rianne Downey; Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra; Sense of Sound Singers; The Cheap Thrills; The Farm, The Real Thing and The Zutons.

Local poet Joseph Roberts will begin the night with a spoken word piece, and another highlight will be a specially curated Liverpool soundtrack led by the 66-piece Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra paying tribute to the city’s musical heritage and the collective effort that secured the hospice’s future.

Surprise guests

Although that’s a pretty full line up of acts, organisers have hinted that there could be a few surprise names and faces on the night.

How much are tickets and are they still available?

Prices start at £15 (£16.20 with fees) and tickets are still available to buy.

Getting there

By train: M&S Bank Arena’s a 20-minute walk from Lime Street or you can transfer onto the underground Wirral Line trains to James Street station (10 minute walk) or catch the CityLink Route C4 (7am – 8pm) directly to the venue. If travelling from outside Merseyside, you can catch an underground train to James Street station from Lime Street station, inclusive of the cost of your train ticket.

By bus: Most Liverpool city centre bound buses will call at either Queen Square bus station (a 15-minute walk) or Liverpool ONE Bus Station, which is only a five minute walk to M&S Bank Arena.

By car: Follow the brown tourist route signs for the Waterfront. From the North, leave the M6 at junction 26 and follow signs for M58 Liverpool. Follow to end of M58 and then take signs for A59 Liverpool. Continue to follow Liverpool City Centre until picking up signs for the Waterfront.

From the South leave the M6 at junction 21A and take the M62 to Liverpool. At the end of the M62 follow signs for Liverpool City Centre along Edge Lane, picking up and following signs for Waterfront.

Parking

There’s parking at Kings Dock Car Park right next to the arena as well as Q-Park, NCP and other car parks nearby.