Local musicians have won a paid opportunity to play the same stage as The Jacksons at the Liverpool Celebrates the Mathew Street Festival in August.

Liverpool Celebrates hosted the final of its ‘Battle of the Artists’ contest at Content in Cains Brewery Village on Wednesday (22 May), with 10 hopefuls performing in front of a live studio audience and judges including BBC DJ Dave Monks, Rheana Forrester, MOBO Award winner Esco Williams and Kevin McManus, head of UNESCO City of Music.

After the artists performed, the judges declared Motel Sundown and Georgie Weston as winners, meaning they will play the main stage on the Saturday of the four-day summer festival.

Weston, who delivered a passionate performance on the night, has been commended for his “tantalising glimpses of the future with a soulful spin”, while Motel Sundown, a folk-rock harmony band, consists of three songwriters, Karen Turley, Naomi Campbell and Robert Johnson, with their songs inspired by Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles and Bob Dylan.

Left – Right: Dave Monks, Kevin McManus, Esco Williams and Rheana Forrester.

The two artists will now open the stage for legendary artists The Jacksons, now comprised of brothers Jackie, Tito and Marlon, who will be joined by a 10-piece live band on Saturday 24 August at Liverpool Celebrates Mathew Street Festival.

The Jacksons will play famous tracks such as ‘Blame It On The Boogie’, ‘I Want You Back’, ‘ABC’ and ‘Can You Feel It’ after Boyzlife – the Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy supergroup – perform a selection of Boyzone and Westlife number ones.

Dave Monks, BBC Music presenter and Liverpool Celebrates judge, says: “This was an incredible night of live music with an electric audience and I am absolutely delighted for Georgie Weston and Motel Sundown.

“It was one of the most difficult decisions myself and the other judges have had to make. Every single artist was fantastic and continued the proud musical heritage of Liverpool as a city.

“I was honoured to be part of the Liverpool Celebrates judging panel and I am so excited to see Georgie and Motel Sundown raise the curtain for The Jacksons at the festival!”

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