The UKs only mainstream Gospel Music Festival will take place on 4th May 2025 at Liverpool Olympia. The event will feature internationally known artists, including headliners London Community Gospel Choir, Michelle John, Volney Morgan & New-Ye, Love and Joy Gospel Choir, Triple O, Reblah, Lighthouse Choir, Wayne Ellington and Manchester Inspirational Voices, Tofunmi Adorna, Sharyn, Natalie Okri, BIMM Birmingham Gospel Choir, Liverpool Youth Gospel Choir.
The first Liverpool Gospel Music Festival took place on the 9th of September 2023. The event featured internationally known artists, including headliners The Kingdom Choir and Called Out Music. The festival had to be postponed in 2024 following the summer riots and this year will be held indoors.
The festival organised by Liverpool Lighthouse; a charity based in Anfield working to create thriving communities of people living more fulfilled lives, is the only National Portfolio Organisation covering gospel music funded by the Arts Council.
The festival is sponsored by Arts Council England, PPL, World Vision, Souter Trust, VistaPrint, Love & Joy Ministries, Liverpool Lighthouse. Supporters are Gospel Music Industry Alliance and Nothin But The Music.
Gospel Music is an inclusive, joyful, uplifting, moving music genre that celebrates the stories, histories, cultures and achievements of black communities. Much modern mainstream music, as well as many genres of music of black origin, owe their origins and inspirations to gospel music. However, these roots often go unacknowledged and unrecognised. The Gospel Music Industry Alliance identifies UK Gospel Music as derived from the African, American and Caribbean musical experience relating to the Christian faith. It had a profound impact on the development of popular music throughout the 20th century. As the festival develops over the next few years, it will also include panel discussions with artists, meet the artist events, participatory activities for families and the community and wider celebrations of black culture. This year the festival has expanded to include an artist development programme, sponsored by PPL, aiming to help gospel music artists make progress in their careers and make the jump to mainstream music stages, including the festival itself.
Whilst acknowledging and valuing the roots of the genre in Christianity, black culture and spirituality, the festival welcomes people of all faiths, ethnicities and identities. An important part of the festival is its aim to foster appreciation, connection and understanding between communities, especially following the riots last year.
Ticket Information
Date: Sunday May 4th 2025
Tickets start at £9.25 and children under 7 are free:
To book tickets visit: https://www.liverpoollighthouse.com/lgmf
Location: Liverpool Olympia. The event is alcohol free
