Major summer music festival plans Liverpool comeback after eight years away
The return of a large-scale music festival to Liverpool for the first time in eight years has taken another step closer. Back in 2018, Fies, the Irish music event, took over the Pier Head as the city celebrated its heritage links across the Irish Sea.
There had been hopes the music festival would return, particularly given more than three-quarters of Liverpool’s population have links to the Emerald Isle. However, plans for a 2019 celebration fell flat and didn’t go ahead.
Now, organisers have confirmed they will revive the event, to be known as Fields of Éire Irish Music Festival. Ahead of the two-day event this summer, officials have sought permission from Liverpool Council for their proposed venue.
In 2018, Van Morrison, the late Shane MacGowan and The Dubliners wowed crowds at the Pier Head and in June, thousands are expected to descend on Newsham Park for live shows from country singer Nathan Carter and musical band The Whistlin Donkeys. Rounding off the talent are also the likes of The Kilkennys, Aslan, Gary Óg, Jake Carter, and The Highstool Prophets.
The city council has confirmed it has received a limited time premises licence application for the park for June 5 to 6. This would allow live music to be played from midday to midnight across both days.
Alcohol sales would be able to commence from midday to 11.30pm. Gates have been requested from midday to midnight on both the Friday and Saturday.
It is understood the event is to begin at 5.30pm on June 5 until midnight. Festivities will run for the duration on Saturday, June 6 from 12pm to 12am.
Fields of Éire Ltd is a UK-based organisation dedicated to celebrating and preserving Irish culture, heritage, and community spirit across Liverpool, Britain, and beyond. The event hopes to showcase Irish food and drink alongside traditional Irish dance and cultural performances alongside the live music.
On its website, the organisation said: “Fields of Éire brings together generations to celebrate the sounds, stories, and spirit of Ireland. Alongside the music, festivalgoers can enjoy authentic Irish food stalls, craft traders, cultural displays, and family-friendly entertainment throughout the weekend.
“More than just a festival — Fields of Éire is a homecoming, a celebration of shared roots and the enduring Irish spirit in Liverpool.” A date has yet to be confirmed for the plans to be considered by the city council’s licensing officials.
Representations can be made on the plans up until February 24 via the Liverpool Council website.