Previously held at Camp and Furnace in Liverpool the Laces Out! ‘trainer festival’ is now so popular it is relocating to the ACC Exhibition Centre on the waterfront. Tony McDonough reports
A festival celebrating trainers and sneakers is having to relocate to a bigger Liverpool venue due to its surging popularity.
Laces Out! was previously held in Camp and Furnace in the city’s Baltic district. However, this year’s event, taking place on Saturday, June 17, is now being held at the ACC Liverpool Exhibition Centre.
This new venue offers ample space to accommodate the extra visitors whilst offering an impressive lineup of traders and sneaker brands.
Rob May, Laces Out! founder, explained: “We’re proudly now one of the longest running and largest trainer festivals in Europe with our move to the ACC Exhibition Centre and it’s nice to have built that in Liverpool.
“UK trainer culture continues to grow unabated, ranging from casual enthusiasts to people who dedicate their lives collecting some of the rarest sneakers out there.
“We have cultivated a loyal following who come from all over the UK to buy, trade, and just generally link up with like-minded people.
“This is as well as developing our wider programme at each Laces Out! around guest speakers, music and culture. Our ninth year is going to be one to remember.”
This year’s Laces Out! will have double the number of traders compared to previous events. So-called ‘sneakerheads’ can expect an unparalleled selection of rare and exclusive trainers, limited editions, and sought-after collaborations.
Attendees can immerse themselves in sneaker culture, engage in conversations, and gain knowledge from industry insiders. The day will feature live music performances, guest appearances by renowned sneaker experts, panel discussions and giveaways.
Guests include photographer Lawrence Watson, who caught the early days of hip-hop culture in NYC in the 1980s capturing Run DMC, Public Enemy and LL Cool J.
He has worked with many iconic artists including New Order, Grace Jones and Pet Shop Boys.
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Earlier this month, some of this work featured as part of Beyond The Streets London, a graffiti and street art exhibition at Saatchi London commissioned by Adidas Originals.
There will also be an after party at 24 Kitchen Street celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop with DJ Mr Thing, Konny Kon (Children of Zeus) and more guests to be announced, taking place from 8pm.
Main event takes place at ACC Liverpool from 12 noon to 5pm. Click here to book or get more info.