100 Singers to Mark 100 Years since World War 1

MORE than 100 singers are expected to join the Prescot Festival Chorus to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War 1, in June. The 'Come and Sing' choir gathers, on Saturday, 16 June 2018, to perform Gabriel Fauré's stirring Requiem under conductor James Luxton, of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. The 19th Century choral composition is a prayerful plea for eternal rest, and is among the most popular classical works of its genre.

The evening concert also features Fauré's Cantique de Jean Racine and Ave verum corpus, a short work by festival director Dr Robert Howard. In the 2nd ½ of the programme, Haydock Male Voice Choir continues with the theme by including wartime songs among its varied programme.

Robert commented:-"6000 soldiers were stationed at Prescot before leaving to fight in the Great War and many of the Town's own sons gave their lives for their country. It is only right that a century later we remember them in this way."

The performance, as part of the 10 day Prescot Festival, takes place in the Jacobean church of St Mary the Blessed Virgin, a stone's throw from the UK's 1st WWI war memorial, erected in 1916.

Robert added:- "All soprano, alto, tenor and bass singers are invited to join us for this special occasion. We regularly attract a hundred or more choristers for the yearly 'Come and Sing,' and you're welcome whatever your ability or experience."

More details are online, along with the full programme for the 14th Annual Prescot Festival of Music and the Arts, which runs from Friday, 15 June to Sunday, 24 June 2018, within the historic Town of Prescot, in Merseyside.

Appeal for soldier stories to commemorate WWI

TRINITY Arts is appealing for anyone who had a relative in WW1; or subsequent wars; to get in touch if they have a photo or story which can be used in a major exhibition in Southport, in November 2018.

To commemorate 100 years from the end of WW1 Trinity Arts is hoping to run a multi media exhibition featuring:- photos, stories, artwork, memorabilia, drama, poems, song and more.

Although the main focus of the exhibition will be WW1, there will also be a creative space to remember others in subsequent wars Britain has fought.

If you have a Bible used by a soldier in the trenches, they would love to display it. If you have a ½ torn photo, or letters, postcards, or word of mouth stories of what they endured and what happened, contact Trinity Arts today. It doesn't just have to be a relative who fought, it could be someone who helped the war effort from home, or even how housewives managed with their loved ones overseas.

Trinity Arts is over 50 years old and, along with running Southport Young Musician of the Year, also runs an annual art exhibition in May, regular Lunchtime music events and other arts events throughout the year. It is based at Holy Trinity Church, Hoghton Street, Southport, Merseyside.

If you have an image, item or story, please contact:- Marketing@TrinityArts.Org.UK as soon as possible, to ensure time for research and presentation.

Record Number of Applicants 'For Folk On The Dock' Festival in Liverpool

THE annual Liverpool music festival 'Folk On The Dock,' has attracted a record number of applicants through the 'Apply To Play' section on the festival's website Over 600 singer songwriters have submitted their music, hoping to be included in the 3 day event over August Bank Holiday weekend, that runs over 24 August to 27 Aug 2018, at the iconic Albert Dock. Artistes from as far as America and Australia have applied as well as hundreds more, closer to home.

Martin Blore, Executive Producer of Folk On The Dock said:- "We have listened to every artiste who has applied and we are overwhelmed with the level of talent that is out there. We intend to have most artistes, including headline acts programmed within the next fortnight and we will be announcing the full line up shortly. There will be a mix of local, national and international performers, award winning singer songwriters and an emerging talent stage for Liverpool artistes. This is our third year and previously we have programmed some of the greatest talent around and for many, Folk On The Dock was their 1st Liverpool performance. Wildwood Kin headlined at the festival, in 2017, just before they performed at BBC Radio 2's Live From Hyde Park, but you saw them here 1st."

'Folk On The Dock' is the perfect fit for Liverpool as it not only promotes the waterfront as a UNESCO world heritage site, celebrating the role that the City's waterways played in the export and import of folk, roots and acoustic music around the world, it also endorses Liverpool's status as a UNESCO City of Music.

in 2017 'Folk On The Dock' attracted 90,000 visitors to enjoy the various music stages in the spectacular Albert Dock setting that is home to Tate Liverpool, museums, attractions, hotels, independent retailers and a diverse restaurant and café culture that enables festival goers to wine and dine overlooking the dockside at the height of summer.

The main Dock Stage, which is free to watch, will once again be hosted by the legendary Janice Long and will showcase contemporary and headline singer-songwriters. There will be a mix of free and ticketed events throughout the weekend with over 200 artistes performing live. Folk On The Dock also incorporates The Liverpool Shanty Festival with artistes singing on the boats around the water's edge, as well as in the Liverpool Maritime Museum and on a dedicated stage whilst diners enjoy the street food from specialist traders.

Clare Rawlinson, Marketing Manager of Albert Dock said:- "The popularity of urban festivals is growing and we are perfectly placed to take advantage of that at Albert Dock. We are the North-West's most visited free attraction and a music event like this just enhances the existing offering. The festival starts at 12 noon daily, so visitors can stay in local accommodation without the need for outdoor camping. We are close to the train and coach stations and opposite Liverpool's main shopping centre, so when the festival finishes at 7pm, festival goers can stay on site, visit the ticketed festival events and take advantage of Albert Dock's vibrant night life."

'Folk On The Dock' starts at 12 noon daily, until 7pm, on the 25 August and 26 August 2018, and from 12 noon until 5pm, on the 27 August 2018. There will be a ticketed launch event at the Museum of Liverpool, on Friday, 24 August 2018, that will be announced soon. Albert Dock's website.