Two homecomings, a soul legend and a soap star – just some of the line-up for one of the city’s most popular outdoor festivals.

The full line-up has been revealed for this year’s free musical extravaganza Music on the Waterfront event which is in partnership with Albert Dock Liverpool.

The music marathon is part of the International Mersey River Festival in partnership with Wild Thang branded clothing & merchandise experts.

The event will take place from the evening of Friday 5 June until Sunday 7 June at the Pier Head.

On the Friday, as part of the first ever BBC Music Day, 6 Music will be joined by BBC Introducing and Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF), to create seven hours of extraordinary music.

Hosted by Janice Long (BBC Radio 2) and Dave Monks (BBC Radio Merseyside), the event will kick off with some ambitious commissions from Liverpool based Resonate Music Hub in partnership with LIMF.  Members of Resonate’s Youth Orchestra and Choir guided by LIMF’s professional musicians will create an original composition, a mash up of old and new, Mozart to Drum and Bass.

The event will go on to showcase a range of emerging talent from Merseyside and the wider region with the night culminating with a performance from Craig Charles and the specially formed band, Fantasy Funk Band.

Craig Charles said:

“Last year’s Homecoming show was incredible, and this year is going to be even better. We have a brilliant line up, and my Fantasy Funk Band are a dream collection of soul and funk heroes. It’s a good job there’s no roof on this venue as this show would tear it off!”

The Saturday will see a variety of acts including Collabro, Sam Bailey and Kym Marsh, hosted by a selection of Smooth Radio presenters.

On Sunday, the festival will be all about celebrating Liverpool’s homegrown talent and will include performances from Rebecca Ferguson, Connie Lush and Asa Murphy.

Assistant Mayor and Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Events, Councillor Wendy Simon, said:

“We’re delighted with this year’s line-up and it feels like a real celebration of music.

“The response to Craig’s set last year was phenomenal and we’re delighted to welcome him home once again and he is certain to kick the party off in style!

“This festival is one of our most popular events, and the music element always attracts big crowds. By bringing together our experienced events team, the BBC, Smooth Radio and those behind the Liverpool International Music Festival, we can make sure visitors experience extraordinary live music in the amazing surroundings of our World Heritage Waterfront.”

Peter Cronin, Director of Development and Marketing, Albert Dock Liverpool, said:

“Albert Dock Liverpool is proud to support Culture Liverpool in delivering a fabulous itinerary of waterfront activity by sponsoring Music on the Waterfront – part of the International Mersey River Festival taking place in June this year.

“This year’s action-packed festival will continue to foster links between Culture Liverpool and Albert Dock through this internationally acclaimed festival.”

The latest information can be found at www.liverpoolonthewaterfront.co.uk.

This year’s event forms part of One Magnificent City, a seven week programme of activities celebrating Liverpool’s internationally renowned maritime history and transatlantic links.

It began on Friday 15 May with the cultural celebration that is LightNight and will run until the weekend of the 4th July when Liverpool will host the UK’s biggest Independence Day celebrations under the banner Transatlantic 175.  Throughout the seven weeks various activities will be held which mark the 175th anniversary of Cunard.

For more information visit www.onemagnificentcity.co.uk or follow @OMCLpool on Twitter and One Magnificent City Liverpool on Facebook.  Up-to-date details can also be found at www.cruise-liverpool.com, @cruiselpool or Liverpool Cruise Terminal on Facebook.

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