The stage is quite literally set as The Knowsley Social prepares to welcome more than 17,000 people for six weeks of live music and performances.

A purpose-built big top tent which holds 1,000 people has been installed ahead of the festival which will see double-BRIT Award winning artist Heather Small headline on Friday, 21 May.

Bongo’s Bingo kicks-off proceedings with a sold out event on Thursday, 20 May, before the M People star takes to the stage the following night with Sam Divine and international dance-duo The Shapeshifters continuing the party on Saturday, 22 May.

A huge stage inside the tent is adorned by big screens, an interactive lighting rig, and a sound system designed to help performers entertain guests at what is being billed as “the most innovative festival of the year”.

The production will use lighting and surround-sound speakers across the 1,000-capacity venue to create an “unforgettable roof-raising atmosphere underneath a world-class festival tent”.

There are a number of other collaborations and international artists performing including from The Ibiza Philharmonic and Liverpool’s Hot Water Comedy Club while star DJ Majestic will play alongside the likes of Kideko, Anton Powers, Artful Dodger and Sweet Female Attitude.

The UK’s first major LGBT+ event is also taking place on 5 June with performances from Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK star Cheryl Hole, S Club and Amelia Lily – while fans can also see FIVE, Nathan Dawe and Jaguar Skills, Danny Ramplin or Craig Charles on various nights across the festival.

A programme for families has also been put in place with the likes of Milkshake Live! and Jurassic Earth Live performing during the six-week extravaganza.

Danny Thompson, organiser of The Knowsley Social, says: “We have worked incredibly hard to bring a proper festival atmosphere to the event.

“The world-class sound system, lighting and screens have been set up to make sure there is an unbelievable atmosphere.

“We’ve got an army of staff ready to serve drinks and make sure everyone has the ultimate time here at The Knowsley Social.

“It is the first time in almost 15 months that people have been given the chance to have a genuine party and we’re promising that is absolutely going to happen.

“The event has been set up in a completely secure way in regards to Covid-19 regulations, there is a one way system in place and socially-distanced pods so everyone can feel safe while having the best time possible.”

Some of The Knowsley Social events are already sold out but you can see the full programme and what tickets remain here: https://theknowsleysocial.co.uk/spring-series

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