The very first mainstream Gospel Music Festival in the UK is set to take place later this year. The event, organized by Liverpool Lighthouse, will be held on 9 September 2023 at Stanley Park, Liverpool. International performers such as Called Out Music and The Kingdom Choir are scheduled to perform at the event. This festival by Liverpool Lighthouse aligns with the efforts of the UK gospel music community to establish September as Gospel Music Heritage Month. The organizers aim to increase awareness regarding the extensive impact of gospel music. They point out that a significant amount of modern mainstream music, including various genres rooted in black musical traditions, draws its origins and inspiration from gospel music. However, these facts frequently remain unacknowledged and unrecognized.
Christian Today reports:
Liverpool is set to host the UK’s first ever mainstream Gospel Music Festival.
The event will take place in Stanley Park on 9 September 2023 and will feature The Kingdom Choir and Called Out Music who are scheduled to headline among other international artists.
The festival, organised by Liverpool Lighthouse, coincides with a drive by the UK gospel music community to make September a Gospel Music Heritage Month and organisers want to raise more awareness of the widespread influence of gospel music.
“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,” organisers said.
Anu Omideyi, Liverpool Gospel Music Festival Director and Music Director at Liverpool Lighthouse, said it had been “wonderful” to see gospel music featuring on a “national scale” recently, particularly during the King’s coronation ceremony and the 2018 wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, where the Kingdom Choir performed.
“Gospel music and musicians have significantly supported mainstream popular artists for decades and now we’re excited to build a mainstream platform that celebrates and platforms the genre itself,” said Omideyi.
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.
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