The Wirral music project elevating artists to the next level

A Wirral music project is revolutionising the local music scene — offering artists and bands a fair deal and taking them to the next level.

Events 471 is an exciting new events and artist development concept with an ethical ethos that has hosted no less that 15 events during its first year, with over 1,500 tickets sold.

Events 471 aims to be a ‘game changer’ for the local music scene and far more than just an events brand. Led by mother and son team, Carol Hetherington and Carrick Moran, the idea is to offer local artists 360 degree support — paying them fairly and offering support with photo and video content, social media and more. What’s more, a CIC has also been set up to create projects that will support artists further.

Since forming in January 2023, Events 471 has worked with 36 different artists and bands and each of them receives a fair split of tickets sales, additional photography and videography, social media support and a platform on the Events 471 website. The project covers all genres, with inclusivity and diversity at its heart, and there have been some amazing success stories with artists they’ve worked with.

Linking the best local up and coming talent with national and international acts, Events 471 have been a key stepping stone for many local artists and bands. The past 12 months have seen many packed shows at Future Yard, Northern Powerhouse and Molly’s Chambers in Birkenhead and there are some exciting gigs in the pipeline for 2024 — featuring big stars playing alongside local artists.

Events 471 have some big shows coming up such as Queer House Party — the multi-award winning queer club night of DJs and performers that has been praised by Time Out, BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6 Music, Resident Advisor, DJ Mag and others. Celebrated by Dua Lipa, they have performed in arenas alongside the likes of Years And Years and PVA and are coming to Future Yard on 10th Feb.

Then there’s prog rock legends John Hackett Band at Future Yard on 2nd March. Famous for their collaboration with Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett and King Crimson’s Bill Bruford, they will be performing their face melting solos and intricate opuses.

Meanwhile, renowned German drummer, composer and solo artist Anika Nilles is hosting a drumming masterclass and performing with her band Nevell at Future Yard on Mon 8th April. An innovator and one of the best drummers in the world, this will surprisingly be her UK debut courtesy of Events 471 and she will be sharing her knowledge with local artists before her performance.

Carol from Events 471 said:

“Events 471 came from a dinner table conversation and we decided to just go for it! We chatted about how it’s hard for people to break into the music industry and get work experience. If you do, it’s usually for very little or no money. We also spoke about Live music and how people do want to see local bands and artists but it’s not very accessible and we want to change that.”

She added:

“There are definitely gaps that need to be filled and more opportunities needed. We want to bridge the gap between the Liverpool and Wirral scenes (471 is a bus route between Liverpool and Wirral) and also gives up and coming artists the chance to perform alongside big names. We also want to be more than just an events company — supporting artists in many ways and helping them develop.”

Events 471 consists of Carol, her son Carrick who is a talented local musician in his own right, Imogen and a wider team of people who are passionate about music and supporting creatives. Drawing in crowds of 100+ to support local artists and bands that people might not have heard of is a difficult task, but thanks to a collaborative approach all Events 471 gigs so far have been very successful.

Carrick explained:

“It really is a team effort and we try to pull artists and bands together to all help promote shows. All 15 gigs at Future Yard, Molly’s Chambers and Northern Powerhouse have been amazing and we have an exciting programme for 2024 — with some big hitters coming to perform with local talent. We’re also starting monthly poetry and jazz nights at Start Yard in Birkenhead so it’s very much about diversity.”

A recent report from Music Venues Trust stated that the number of gigs at UK grassroots music venues was 16.7% lower than in 2019. Audience numbers were also at 89% of their 2019 level and 66 venues had closed during the past 12 months. With many factors such as the cost of living and Brexit impacting grassroots music, projects such as Events 471 are vital to bridge the gap.

Carol said:

“How many talented musicians are there out there who haven’t made it due to lack of opportunity? We must remember that all the top artists and bands started on their local scene. We want to provide opportunities and help local artists and bands raise their profile, but also help musicians develop as people too. In turn, we hope that this will also support the regeneration of Birkenhead.”

She added:

“There are big plans for our 471 Routes CIC — working with top industry professionals to provide training and development, coaching and tutoring, whilst creating projects that will better mental health and wellbeing. Art, music and literature are so important and it’s our duty to reflect what’s out there and to protect it.”

A Wirral music project is revolutionising the local music scene — offering artists and bands a fair deal and taking them to the next level. Events 471 is an exciting new events and artist development concept with an ethical ethos that has hosted no less that 15 events during the past year, with 1,550 tickets sold.