Folk on the Dock festival to return to city

Folk on the Dock (Glyn Akroyd)

Over 200 folk, roots and acoustic performers from across the UK and Europe will come together on Liverpool’s Albert Dock next weekend.

Taking place over August Bank Holiday weekend, Folk on the Dock is a free, three-day live music festival on the city’s iconic waterfront.

Headlining the Dock Stage will be Brighton-based, multi-award winning band, Moulettes, fresh from their Glastonbury stint. Also taking to the stage will be Anglo/Americana trio, Wildwood Kin and former Coral guitarist, Lee Southall who recently released his debut, solo album.

Folk Awards nominees, Pilgrim’s Way are also returning to Albert Dock after last year’s triumphant gig, Henry Priestman.

Radio presenter, Janice Long, will also be returning to host the Dock Stage, as well as introducing one new, up-and-coming act of her choice from LIPA (Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts), each day, as part of “Janice Long Presents…”.

Other acts to look out for include Two Ways Home, Pete Riley, Paul Walker & Karen Pfeiffer, Mondegreen, Hayley McKay, and Rob Lear.

The Shanty Stage, Merseyside Maritime Museum, Frances Hayhurst tugboat and The Baltic Fleet pub will host the popular Liverpool Sea Shanty Festival, that boasts an impressive line-up of international artists, including the 30-strong, all-female Gouda Viswjvenkoor choir from the Netherlands, Belgium duo, 2sheets2thewind, Norwegian choir, Risor Shantykor; and local duo, Trim Rig & Doxy, who have curated the shanty programme.

The Stan Ambrose Stage will showcase the best of acoustic and emerging talent, with the likes of Dorothy Bird, Mike McDermott, Alex Early and Marc Vormawah taking the mic.

Of their very first performance in Liverpool, Wildwood Kin, whose debut album, Turning Tides, also lands this month, said: “We are very much looking forward to playing at Folk on the Dock in Liverpool this month. This will be our first show in the city and we are very excited to share our music with a new audience.”

Marina Blore, festival organiser, Fit the Bill, said: “From international celebrated names and seasoned festival acts, to up-and-coming, local musicians, we’ve got the very best of folk, roots and acoustic performing live here at Albert Dock over the August Bank Holiday. And what’s more, it’s free. Liverpool Acoustic will also be programming artists indoors in the Dr Martin Luther King Junior Building.

“It really is an incredible line-up, so if you love your music, get down to the Dock and see the summer out with great music on our world-famous waterfront… and bring the whole family along for the ride.”

Elsewhere during Folk on the Dock, the Merseyrail Sound Station stage will present music from Limerance, Tori Cross, Jack McAllister, with more acts to be announced.

The Dock’s Revolucion de Cuba will have DJs, samba dancing and live music all weekend, including Mr. Wilson’s Second Liners, where New Orleans meets 90s club classics.

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