Following on from last year’s inaugural event, Folk on the Dock – the festival showcasing the very best in folk, roots and acoustic music – returns to Albert Dock this August (26-28).

The first artists confirmed to appear on the free Dock Stage include the Brighton based, multi-award winning band, The Moulettes, former Coral guitarist, Lee Southall, and Anglo/Americana trio, Wildwood Kin.

Radio presenter and LIPA patron, Janice Long will be returning to host the Dock Stage. Each day she will be introducing one new act of her own choice in the newly launched feature, ‘Janice Long Presents…’.

Folk on the Dock will bring together the city’s music and maritime heritage with a celebration of live music over the three days.

Folk on the Dock also incorporates The Liverpool Sea Shanty Festival, which continues to attract performers from around the globe. These include Belgium duo, 2sheets2thewind, all female Dutch choir, Viswjvenkoor, and Norwegian choir, Risor Shanty. Making a welcome return to Folk on the Dock is local duo, Trim Rig and a Doxy, who will lead the Shanty Festival.

Folk on the Dock is produced by Martin and Marina Blore of Fit the Bill, in association with Albert Dock. Fit the Bill delivers large scale events and West End shows.

Promoters and curators for the festival include Shanty UK and Bido Lito.

Marina Blore of Fit the Bill, said: “Albert Dock’s unique intersection of canals and waterways played an integral role in importing and exporting folk music and it is fitting that folk, roots and acoustic music is celebrated at this beautiful waterside attraction. We are really excited to be welcoming so many ground-breaking performers and we will continue to add to the line-up over the coming weeks.”

Clare Rawlinson, marketing manger at Albert Dock Liverpool added: “Seeing the audience’s reaction to Folk on the Dock last year was incredible, and to have it return to Albert Dock for a second year with a bigger programme and a really wide-range of talent is amazing. Liverpool is an UNESCO City of Music and as such, we are showcasing the next generation of talented artists. From celebrated names to up-and-coming musicians, it really offers something new and exciting for the August bank holiday weekend.”

Fit the Bill are now calling on artists and promoters that fall within the folk, roots and acoustic genres to get in touch and join the party – whether you’re a busker, part of a choir or even a spoken word performer, you can apply to play and register for the newsletter via the website www.folkonthedock.com.