LIMF Academy artists help launch Christmas at Liverpool ONE

Young musicians from Liverpool International Music Festival’s (LIMF) award-winning academy will officially start the city’s Christmas countdown.

On Friday 15 November, LIMF Academy alumni will be spreading some cheer as they head to Liverpool ONE for ‘Liverpool Unplugged which is part of the ‘ONE Big Christmas Street Party’.

Artists including LUNA, Tee, Podge and Sub Blue will give performances on the Liverpool ONE steps from 4pm to 8pm, which will include original tracks and covers of some festive favourites.

LIMF Academy is a nationally recognised talent development programme which is committed to honing up-and-coming, home-grown talent which can be found across the city region. It gives 16-25-year-olds access to industry experts, skills sessions as well as showcase opportunities across a 12-month period.

Many of those who have graduated from the academy have been picked up by major labels and have garnered support from the likes of BBC 1Xtra and BBC 6Music.

The artists performing at Liverpool ONE include LUNA, Tee, Podge, Lydiah, Sub Blue, Mary Miller, Remee, Gazelle, Daisy Gill, New Junior, Shak Omar and Michael Aldag.

LIMF Academy was cited as one of the reasons Liverpool was named a UNESCO City of Music in 2015.

LIMF Curator, Yaw Owusu, said: “The standard of talent which comes through the LIMF Academy is incredible and they really represent the diverse cream of the crop of the local music scene.

“Watching them grow is massively rewarding – live performances are always a key element of honing skills and growing a performer’s confidence, so we’re delighted to be part of Liverpool Unplugged and to showcase this talent to new audiences.”

Liverpool’s Head of UNESCO City of Music, Kevin McManus, said: “Liverpool’s music heritage is impressive, but nurturing new talent and bringing live music to the city’s streets is a really exciting for our future.

“Working with Liverpool ONE at such a special time of year as Christmas gives real energy to the industry and offers music lovers something fresh to enjoy.’

Marketing Director at Liverpool ONE, Donna Howitt, said: ‘Enjoying live music and getting together with your friends and family makes Christmas really special.

“We’re thrilled to partner with LIMF Academy to offer visitors a truly magical evening on 15 November as we kick start our festive celebrations.”