LIVE GIG AT SEFTON PARK LIVERPOOL
Yesterday, 2nd May 2021 saw a monumental step towards the return of normality in the live music world when a 5,000 people strong crowd gathered in a non- socially distanced, non- mask wearing gig, in a big top tent in Sefton Park Liverpool put on by Festival Republic and Culture Liverpool.
This was a trial live music event and was open to Liverpool residents only and if it proves successful, it will be one small step for Liverpudlians and one giant leap for mankind in live music terms.
The gig had been billed as the first “near-normal” mass gig to take place since the start of the pandemic with a mini-festival feel, the line up consisted of three acts, Zuzu, The Lathums and Blossoms, plus DJ Katie Owen. The audience were all Covid-19-tested prior to the show and promoter Melvin Benn told gig goers to– “go for it as if coronavirus never happened”.
The day started out with singer-songwriter Zuzu, coming out onto the stage to be met by a mass of cheering and chanting from adoring music fans. The PVC clad Liverpudlian herself was perhaps taken aback by such a rapturous reception after only a few single releases, but the reception she received was testament to the united desire of music fans everywhere who are simply desperate to see the return of artists, musicians and bands to our stages.
Next up were undoubted rising stars The Lathums. Having appeared on Later With Jools Holland and Soccer Am, as well as their remarkable live stream from Blackpool Tower, it was no surprise that these lads went down with the eager crowd an absolute storm. They may not have been able to perform live as much as they would of liked due to the pandemic, but I think this gig, went a long way to make up for that!
By the time headliners Blossoms hit the stage, the atmosphere in that tent must of been at near boiling point. The 5,000 strong audience absolutely lapping up every single strum of the guitars and beat of the drums. Tom Ogden lead singer of the band was heard to yell “this will be the best night out in a very long time” and he wasn’t wrong. The crowd went wild in total, unadulterated, pure ecstasy enjoyment. This was needed, this was much overdue and this was actually happening!!!
DJ Katie Owen took to her personal Instagram after the event to thank everyone for the love and support they gave her. Saying “thank you for every single person who sang and danced along to the tunes I played last night with me. Still feels like a dream”
We pray with every fibre of our being that this trial proves to be a MASSIVE success and that yesterday heralds the start of many, many more live music events in the coming months.
Finally, we would like to congratulate at thank everyone involved in yesterday’s trial non socially distanced gig at Sefton Park – you lot absolutely rock !!!
Words by SALLY NEWMAN
The songbird 