LIMF 2019: Weekend of cultural and musical celebration at Sefton Park

Nile Rodgers (Picture: Robin Clewley)

THOUSANDS of people turned out for the seventh year of Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF) watching legendary acts such as Nile Rodgers & CHIC and Sister Sledge.

Spanning over two days, 20 to 21 July, LIMF at Sefton Park welcomed festival-goers from across the UK with Saturday being a sell-out.

Cementing itself as a key cultural event, LIMF is an international platform for music in Liverpool.

Curator Yaw Owusu said: "Our seventh year has been the most cohesive in our celebration of rich music history and representation of Liverpool’s next chapter as a music city.

"2019 was a year for legends and legends in the making and attendees really came together to support that and enjoyed great music and performances in Sefton Park at LIMF.”

Kicking off LIMF in style, local artist Raheem Alameen opened the Central Stage bringing a set of R&B and Afrobeats before artists such as Sfven, Kara Marni and MiC LOWRY graced the stage.

It was then time for Maverick Sabre who treated the crowd to songs from his back-catalogue, then East London rapper Yxng Bane took to the stage to play his remix of Ed Sheeran's ‘Shape Of You’.

He then rejoined the stage during Ella Eyre's set to perform their top 10 single 'Answerphone.'

When the evening fell, revellers enjoyed a showcase from Liverpool-based 3Beat Records who celebrated their 30th anniversary at the festival.

The set included some of their classic hits with guest performances by M-22, Geko and more, before Sigma returned to LIMF to ignite the audience with their platinum-selling hits.

(Picture: Robin Clewley)

It was then time for Nile Rodgers & CHIC.

Stealing the show, the legendary outfit performed hit after hit from their career spanning 40-years. They treated crowds to the likes of ‘Le Freak’, Rodger's Daft Punk collaboration ‘Get Lucky’, and closed the main stage with ‘Good Times’.

At this point, a disco party erupted on stage, complete with samba dancers and audience members pulled from the crowd.

Deputy mayor and cabinet member for culture, tourism and events, Wendy Simon, said: “This weekend has surpassed our expectations and has been an unforgettable event appealing to audiences young and old.

"Saturday saw the main stage filled with an incredible mix of rising stars, current chart toppers and closed with a show-stopping set by the iconic Nile Rodgers & CHIC.

"LIMF combines local talent with international megastars.

"When people buy a ticket to LIMF, they are supporting the next generation of artists and that is a wonderful thing.

"Disco Classical with Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge was the perfect way to round up an unforgettable weekend as festival goers danced and sang-along to hit after hit.

"I’d like to thank the thousands of people that came out to support this incredible live music extravaganza and we look forward to seeing you in 2020!”

Disco Classical with special guests Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge (Picture: Robin Clewley)

Jazzie B, Norman Jay MBE and Bobbito Garicia played the True School Club House stage alongside an array of classic talent, whilst Ace, Snoochie Shy and Kenny All-Star played sets of all things urban in The Shubz DJ Tent.

Across the park at The Shubz DJ Tent, Manny Norte, Sian Anderson, Robbo Ranx and more played sets, while LIMF Academy alumni Pizzagirl, Sub Blue with Deliah, Gazelle and more played the Music City Stage which also featured the first UNESCO City of Music collaboration at LIMF.

A festival for the whole family and perfect for children, the LIMF Family Zone featured a retro time machine disco caravan; The Boogie Wonder Van, dance classes with House of Suarez, storytelling, a badge making pop-up with Tate Liverpool, street theatre performances and face painting.

Moving to Sunday and the main stage saw groundbreaking performances from the likes of Grace Carter, SG Lewis and NAO who brought silky smooth R&B playing tracks such as 'Complicated' and 'Bad Blood.'

Hip hop legends and Grammy winners De La Soul were introduced by boxer Tony Bellew and welcomed surprise guests Talib Kweli and Black Sheep.

The weekend was then crowed by Disco Classical with Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge with festival-goers enjoying 'We Are Family' plus many more.

With its private Liverpool Gin bar, the LIMF VIP area sold out in advance of the festival, so the lucky ticket holders enjoyed an all-female DJ line up.

There was also a ferris wheel and an Arriva bus was wrapped in artwork from Keith Haring - thanks to Tate Liverpool.