Welcome to the LIMF Academy class of 2024/25!

THE highly anticipated cohort of emerging music creators for the 2024/25 LIMF Academy programme has been revealed.  The LIMF Academy is an award winning initiative dedicated to enhancing the creative and professional skills of young, aspiring music creators aged:- 16 to 25 based in Merseyside. Since its inception in 2013, the Academy has become a cornerstone of the Region's music scene, providing a platform for over 5,000 young artists to develop their talents and gain a foothold in the competitive music industry.

The LIMF Academy has nurtured a host of successful artists, including:- R&B / Soul band Mic Lowry, who signed with Universal Records, won a MOBO Award, and toured Europe with Justin Bieber. Retro-Soul artist Jalen Ngonda signed with the legendary Daptone label, performed at festivals such as:- Glastonbury, sold out his tour dates all across the globe and had been co-signed by everyone from:- Snoop Dogg to Elton John. Michael Aldag, known for his Electro Pop sound, rapidly gained a large following, signed with 3 Beat Music/Universal, and sold out multiple national tours. Tonia, another rising star, captivated audiences with her debut single Flux and has since signed to 3Beat / Universal Records.

This latest set of music creators to join the LIMF Academy are:-

• Immi Dash - Immi Dash delivers introspective and eclectic music, blending Latin, jazz, and classical influences into her moody, dark sound.
  

• Jazmine Johnson - Liverpool's Jazmine Johnson, known for her powerful voice, gained acclaim with a hit collaboration and continues to craft resonant, soul-driven music.
  

• Bethane - Alternative R&B singer Bethane, inspired by Amy Winehouse and Beyoncé, blends soulful influences into her music while embracing Liverpool's vibrant scene.
  

• Danelia - Mexican singer-songwriter Danelia merges indie and alternative pop into a high-energy sound with Latino flair and Dua Lipa vibes.
  

• The Kowloons - Liverpool's The Kowloons revives Britpop with jangly harmonies and an acoustic garage vibe, crafting catchy, chorus-driven songs.
  

• Maddie Lara - Merseyside singer-songwriter Maddie Lara creates ethereal folk music with dreamy lyrics and a unique blend of dark, distorted textures.

For full biographies of each artist, please visit the LIMF Academy website.

This year's 6 chosen music creators will enjoy a range of benefits, including:-

• A personalised talent development programme featuring masterclasses, coaching and networking.
  

• Financial support via career development bursary.
  

• Professional press assets.
  

• High profile performance opportunities.
  

• Ongoing creative development including:- free rehearsal time, performance, collaboration and showcase opportunities.
  

• Mental health and well being support with specialised training and courses.

For 3 members of the cohort:- Immi Dash, Jazmine Johnson, and Bethane, who are currently considered the:- 'Most Ready' to launch nationally, there will be additional exclusive opportunities. These include:- extra career funding, mentoring, extensive performance coaching, free PRS for Music and Musicians' Union membership, and a collaborative performance with the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company Session Orchestra as part of the annual LIMF Academy Orchestrated.

In addition to this talent development programme, the LIMF Academy will host 2 industry events; one in October 2024 and another in March 2025. These events will feature:- masterclasses, showcases, ideation sessions, networking opportunities, and more, all aimed at benefiting the wider music and creative community.

To stay up to date with the LIMF Academy on:- Instagram and LIMFAcademy.Com.

Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:- "LIMF Academy continues to be a vital component of Liverpool's thriving music landscape and serves as a crucial springboard for our City Region's emerging artists. What the Academy offers is truly exceptional—access to top-tier industry guidance, unique performance opportunities and a network that's essential for breaking into the music world. It's this kind of support that helps our local talent not just survive, but thrive on both the national and international stages. The Academy's impact on our City's musical heritage over the past 11 years has been profound, and I'm excited to see how it continues to shape the future of Liverpool's diverse music landscape. I wish all our new cohort of musical talent the very best of luck for the year ahead and in their future success."

Creative Consultant and LIMF Academy Programme Director, Yaw Owusu, said:- "Over the years, the LIMF Academy has evolved from a promising initiative within the Liverpool International Music Festival into a cornerstone of our region's music ecology. It's now recognised as 1 of the premier talent development platforms in the UK, and rightly so. We take pride in the diverse and exceptional artists who have emerged from this programme, leveraging the Academy's resources to elevate their careers to new heights. As we look to the future, our commitment remains strong to fuel the creativity, growth, and aspirations of every music creator who has been a part of the Academy."

Southport Comedy Festival 2024 has launched its search for the next Southport New Comedian of the Year

ASPIRING comedians from all over the country have been invited to apply to win 1 of 8 places in the grand final which takes place on:- Sunday, 6 October 2024, as part of the 13th Annual Southport Comedy Festival Under Canvas, at Victoria Park, Southport.

This year's event is sponsored for a 3rd year by Dragon Soop, a caffeinated alcoholic beverage that comes in a range of flavours.

The Southport New Comedian of the Year competition is open to all comedians who have less than 4 years' experience of performing before a paying audience.

Applicants are asked to upload a short promo video onto YouTube. You can find more details on the New Comedian Competition page on the Southport Comedy Festival website.

The winner will be selected by a panel of judges and will be awarded the coveted title of:- 'Southport New Comedian of the Year 2024′ in addition they will also receive a cash prize and a trophy kindly provided by Dragon Soop.

Southport Comedy Festival Director Brendan Riley said:- "We are thrilled to have Dragon Soop onboard as our sponsor for a third year. The New Comedian competition has always been a highlight of our festival. With so many big names performing at this year's festival it is great to offer a night that promotes and encourages new comedians who are starting off in their career. A lot of comedians have gone on from this competition to enjoy full professional careers. They come and enter the competition from all over the UK."

2023's winners The Halls of Ridiculous made up of Phil Allan-Smith and Chris Lumb said:- "The Southport New Comedian of the Year competition is without doubt 1 of the most fun and well organised competitions we've been involved in. It's a great springboard for new acts, and being in the final was a great experience in front of a brilliant, large, comedy savvy audience. We'd encourage any acts breaking into pro line ups and paid work to enter this comp."

Since their win The Halls of Ridiculous who merge quick fire improvised comedy with high energy character based sketches have gone from strength to strength on the comedy circuit to include supporting multi award winning comedian and star of TV Russell Kane on his current national tour. Russell has called the comedy duo:- "Absolutely ace."

Isabelle Kent, Dragon Soop Sales and Marketing Director said:- "Dragon Soop is once again delighted to support the hugely popular Southport Comedy Festival. We wish all acts a Sooper Festival experience!"

The Southport New Comedian of the Year event is part of the 17 day Southport Comedy Festival in association with:- Halliwell Jones MINI with a star studded lineup to includes:- the undisputed godfather of modern stand Up Ben Elton, TV superstar Jason Manford, German Comedy Ambassador Henning Wehn, American Comedy Legend Rich Hall, Festival favourites Jason Byrne, Jimeoin, Godfather of Political Comedy Mark Thomas, Star of ITV'S The Chase Paul Sinha 'The Sinnerman,' comedy stars of TV Jo Caulfield ,Hal Cruttenden, Ria Lina, Patrick Monahan,Comedy Circuit favourites The Raymond and Mr Timpkins Review, Rising local star Katie Tracey, host of smash hit podcast 'Have a Word', Dan Nightingale and 1 of the UKs most treasured entertainers Mick Miller.

Courtesy of Elite Marquees, this year's festival will be staged once again in a giant luxury heated and seated marquee in Victoria Park, home of the world renowned Southport Flower Show, between:- 27 September and 13 October 2024.

The Southport New Comedian Grand Final will take place on:- Sunday, 6 October 2024. Tickets are just:- £5 each which are kept low to make the events as accessible as possible. Tickets for all shows are available from the festival website.

The final is always a great night with sell out shows in the past. So come along to encourage new talent and help them become the stars of tomorrow!

* Dragon Soop should only be consumed by adults aged 18+. Please enjoy responsibly.