Liverpool is set to host a Gospel Music Festival featuring The Kingdom Choir and Called Out Music. The festival, which will take place in Stanley Park, has been organised by Liverpool Lighthouse
Anu Omideyi, Liverpool Gospel Music Festival Director and Music Director at Liverpool Lighthouse said: “As part of the wider vision to spread the power and joy of gospel music alongside the positive impact of black culture, the festival will be accompanied by a programme taking gospel music into schools. In partnership with music education hub Resonate, the schools programme will initially pilot the work with two secondary schools in June and will roll out to more schools in the next academic year, with the eventual aim of curriculum change that will see young people nationwide learning about the music genre.”
Gospel Music is an inclusive, joyful, music genre that, in addition to relating to the Christian faith, celebrates the stories, histories, cultures and achievements of black communities. Much modern mainstream music, as well as many genres of music of black origin, owe their origins and inspirations to gospel music. However, these roots often go unacknowledged and unrecognised. This will be the first ever mainstream UK gospel festival.
Liverpool is a city with a strong music and cultural heritage, well known for being the home of The Beatles, the European Capital of Culture, 2008 and recent host to The Eurovision Song Contest. It also has deep links to black history through its role as a slave trading port in the 19thcentury and the location of the International Museum of Slavery. Liverpool is also home to Liverpool Lighthouse, which is currently working to develop the National Gospel Music Centre, a hub for supporting and developing gospel music and gospel music artists in the North West.
Rebecca Ross-Williams, Creative Director of Liverpool Lighthouse said: “It is beyond exciting to announce Liverpool Gospel Music Festival this September, as it responds to a national need, as there isn’t an equivalent. It’s the right time for the festival, with a drive to make September Gospel Music Heritage Month, with Liverpool as UNESCO City of Music, having such a strong music heritage and because of Liverpool’s contribution to black history. Liverpool Lighthouse is committed to supporting the protection and development of Gospel Music and we aim to provide a much needed platform for Gospel Music artists, showcasing some of the best internationally, and bringing joy to our audiences.”