A Merseyside arts festival draws to a close with the singing sensation known as the ‘Voice of Liverpool’ on Sunday 30 June.
Mezzo-soprano Danielle Louis Thomas joins the Maghull Wind Orchestra for the Prescot Festival Finale, bringing to an end 10 days of arts, music, culture and entertainment in the historic Lancashire town.
Also known as Liverpool’s ‘Singer in Residence,’ Danielle shot to fame on BBC1’s Songs of Praise, performing alongside singer-songwriter Rick Wakeman when she was just 11. Since then she has sung with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and for Lord Heseltine, the Armed Forces and the late Ken Dodd.
But before Sunday’s Proms-style conclusion, the festival welcomes swing band Dr Jazz & the Cheshire Cats (Friday 28 June) and hosts musical theatre company Opera Viva ‘on Broadway’ (Saturday 29 June), among other events.
Seasoned audience members described the opening weekend as the strongest they could remember in the event’s 14-year history. The spectacular line-up included the Band & Drums of the Cheshire Constabulary and Liverpool Cathedral Choir.
Exactly 100 singers of all ages and levels of experience gathered to sing Vivaldi on Saturday, and Monday saw the first ever Prescot Primary Schools’ Choir Festival, featuring singing groups from Evelyn Community Primary School, Prescot Community Primary School and St Mary & St Paul’s CE Primary School. Wednesday sees another showcase of musical talent at Young Instrumentalists of Prescot.
“As always, we’ve aimed to provide a diverse programme that’s accessible and affordable to everyone,” said founder and artistic director Robert Howard.
“Community music-making is at the heart of what we do, so it’s been a particular pleasure to see so many people, from young to old, performing at the festival this year.”
Full programme information is online at www.prescotfestival.co.uk, and tickets are on sale via the website (booking fee applies) and in person from Poco Coffee at 30 Eccleston Street, L34 5QJ.
Photos: Band & Drums of the Cheshire Constabulary & James Luxton with the Prescot Festival Chorus at the 15th Annual Prescot Festival of Music & the Arts (credit: Alan Humphreys Photography)
