SUPERSTAR SECURED FOR JAZZ FESTIVAL

SOUTHPORT has scored a superstar coup by securing Alexander O’Neal for the town’s international jazz festival next month.

The Mississippi-born star, famous for tracks including ‘Criticise’ which was a massive hit in 1987, will perform at Southport Theatre and Floral Hall complex on the opening night of the four-day festival on the 24 June.

Alexander O’Neal was one of the best-known soul vocalists of the late 80s and over the years has sold more than 11 million albums. He is the only R&B artist to have had six sell-out concerts at London’s Wembley Arena.

Lord Fearn, Sefton’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said:- “Attracting big names like this endorses our reputation as a leading events destination. This will be a fantastic concert and a great start to the festival. It will be a rare opportunity to see this superb artist, who has a large following in the UK. Most people will have a favourite Alexander O’Neal song.”

Virgin Trains certified to tilt

VIRGIN TRAINS is delighted to announce that it has won the final safety certificate allowing its new fleet of trains to carry passengers when tilting at 125 mph.

The HMRI certificate was received on May 20 as culmination of seven years work to demonstrate that tilting trains could be designed and built to operate safely in the U.K.

Virgin Trains intends to start introducing tilt onto its existing West Coast schedules from Monday 14 June to give drivers further experience of the new technology. 

JAZZ FESTIVAL SCOOPS TOP TOURISM AWARD 

SOUTHPORT International Jazz Festival has been officially named Merseyside’s best event last year.

The festival, which this year takes place from June 24 to 27, beat off competition from the other nominations, the from Clipper 2002/03 Round the World Yacht Race and Mersey River Festival, to receive the accolade at Friday’s prestigious Mersey Partnership Annual Tourism Awards.

Last year’s festival attracted top stars including Heather Small, the voice of M-People and jazz sensation Jamie Cullum. GMTV presenter Eamonn Holmes joined BBC Radio Merseyside’s Roger Phillips to compere the event and Brian Fisher, non Executive Director Mersey Ferries. 

Lord Fearn, Sefton’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said:- “This is a real tribute to members of the tourism team who work so hard to ensure that all the events in Southport are enjoyable and a great success. The time and investment in the expanded team is certainly bearing fruit as Southport is now firmly established as one of the country’s leading events destinations.”

Southport’s Summer Classics was also one of only three events shortlisted for the best small event which was won by Liverpool Comedy Festival.

This year’s Southport International Jazz Festival takes place at venues across the resort and features artists including Alexander O’Neal, Clare Teal, Roy Ayers, King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, Snake Davis and the Suspicions, Karen Lane and John Etheridge.

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