Over 200 folk, roots and acoustic performers – from across the UK and Europe – will converge on Albert Dock Liverpool over August Bank Holiday weekend for Folk on the Dock – a free, three-day live music festival on the city’s iconic waterfront.
The Albert Dock has got quite a remarkable story. It went from of the most famous ports in all the world to drying up drastically in the 80’s. In the last couple of decades the iconic area has returned to its glory days and it shows as over six million people visited Albert Dock in 2016, thanks in part to a renewed event programme, and the Dock’s colourful array of world-class galleries, museums and attractions. Tate Liverpool, the Beatles Story, Merseyside Maritime Museum, International Slavery Museum and a Magical Mystery Tour mixed with restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels have played a major party.
Home to the largest group of Grade I listed building in the country, Albert Dock Liverpool is situated on Liverpool’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage waterfront and on August Bank Holiday Folk On The Dock will return. Headlining the Dock Stage will be Brighton-based, multi-award winning band, Moulettes; fresh from their Glastonbury stint, which gained rave reviews, Anglo/Americana trio, Wildwood Kin; former Coral guitarist, Lee Southall (in association with Bido Lito!) – who recently released his debut, solo album, Iron In The Fire; Folk Awards nominees, Pilgrim’s Way; and returning to Albert Dock after last year’s triumphant gig, Henry Priestman.
Legendary 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; with 80 years of history behind them, Norwegian choir, Risor Shantykor; and local duo, Trim Rig & Doxy, who have curated the shanty programme.
The Stan Ambrose Stage (named in honour of the famed BBC Radio Merseyside presenter and Godfather of folk), 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.
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. And 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!
The Dock’s many bars, restaurants and attractions will of course be open during the festival, giving music-goers the opportunity to make a day – or a full weekend – of it! Folk on the Dock comes to Albert Dock Liverpool from August 26-28. Visit www.folkonthedock.com for more details.