Music Festival Celebrates Borough's 50th Anniversary

A vibrant 17-day music festival is set to highlight a borough's 50th anniversary celebrations.

Knowsley Council is organising a year-long lineup of events—including art, theatre, comedy, dance, food, and sports—to mark its 50 years as a metropolitan borough. The Knowsley Music Festival kicks off with Liverpool’s Pete Wylie and The Mighty Wah! performing at the Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot this Friday.

The festival will bring diverse musical acts to venues across Huyton, Prescot, Kirkby, and Roby, including the Knowsley Fringe Music Festival, which will feature local talent. Headliners include rock band Deaf School at Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park on November 16 and China Crisis at St Chad’s Church in Kirkby on November 21.

The Knowsley Fringe Music Festival will also offer a mix of original music and tribute shows, covering genres from Motown and soul to R&B. Across the festival, 26 artists and groups will perform at 15 venues, including pubs, bars, church halls, and community spaces.

Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said, “The Fringe Music Festival gives talented local artists the chance to shine and offers our community access to fantastic live music close to home. We’re thrilled to host this event again and bring unforgettable music experiences to Knowsley.”