Ten talented songwriters have won a coverted spot at the Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge 2025 Showcase Final
This prestigious event takes place in its new home at the British Music Experience on Saturday 7th February 2026.
During the September entry period songwriters were invited to submit brand new songs inspired by works of art on public display across the Liverpool City Region.
Judges Kaya Herstad Carney, Robert Vincent, Jon Lawton, Luke Moore and Alison Benson listened to all of the entries and scored each one on lyrics, melody, composition, and originality.
After the marks were totalled the writers of the top ten placed songs were awarded places at the Showcase Final where they’ll perform their song with the work of art that inspired it projected on a screen for everyone to see. At the end of the evening the Judges’ Award Winner will be announced, and the Audience Favourite will be revealed.
The Showcase Final will also feature performances from Operation Lightfoot and guests.
The finalists are (in alphabetical order by first name)
- Chloe Ferguson – Queen of the Hive
- Chris Whitfield – Charabanc to Blackpool
- Derek King – Face Off
- Ed Jones – Nursery Rhyme For our Time
- Helen Maw – A Million Dreams
- James Chetter – Fires At Night
- Jim Pearson – Flightless Birds
- Mal Price – Embrace
- Mike Ryan – Forever 20
- Nathan Stephens – The Wrestler And The Wren
Doors at the British Music Experience on 7th February open at 7.00pm. The show starts promptly at 7.30pm and finishes at 10.30pm. Tickets are £12 from Skiddle, but they’re limited so you’ll have to be quick if you don’t want to miss out.
Proceeds will be split between Marie Curie Cancer Care and Garston Animal Rescue in memory of former Liverpool Acoustic team member Sharon Jones.
Event Details:
- What: Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge 2025 Showcase Final
- When: Saturday 7th February 2026
- Times: 7.00pm doors, 7.30pm start
- Where: British Music Experience, Cunard Building
- Tickets: £12 from Skiddle