Event type: Music

James Grant is one of the most renowned and respected performers Scotland has ever produced. Drawing from a broad palette of pop, folk, soul, country and blues influences, and interweaving his solo compositions with Love and Money favourites, James twins darkly literate, melodically lush songcraft with his richly potent vocals and virtuoso guitar work, leavening his performances with dashes of wickedly acerbic humour. Music to stir the heart and soothe the soul.

Liverpool is set to host a celebration of Afrobeat and new music from across the globe in the Baltic Triangle this May.

Afro Explosion at District on 24th May 2025 is a show is set to be filled with ‘electrifying beats, vibrant dances, and unforgettable vibes’.

Bubez Productions who are presenting the show, say that the event will ‘reflect the universal nature of music as an international language, spoken and understood by all who love it’.

Headlined by the brilliant DJ Edu, the packed line-up of artists and selectors will be a dynamic platform that celebrates not only Afrobeat and other genres of the continent’s music, but also embraces other genres from around the world.

The ‘AfroBoss’ DJ Edu is an African music ambassador, cultural expert, broadcaster, DJ & producer, host of This Is Africa on the BBC World Service and The AfroSounds show on BBC Radio 1Xtra. Representing music from all corners of Africa has been at the heart of his career for over two decades. Liverpool audiences will also recognise him as a regular main stage DJ at the Africa Oyé festival.

Joining him on the line-up are the likes of Rudebone, Yoruba British, Malam Spicey, DJ CHENTO, Okuku Scott, RVDXO, Chantal, Liverpool ‘s Finest Hypeman AGB JOSE, and many more.

Paul Joe, CEO of Bubez Productions, said: “Afro Explosion will promote community cohesion, welcoming people from diverse backgrounds and cultures to unite through music. Let the rhythm move you as we celebrate the rich culture and music of Africa!”

The Afro Explosion Music Festival is a creation of Bubez Productions Ltd, in a joint venture with a Liverpool-based social enterprise, Leading Support For Humanity (LSFH) — the parent project to Tigon Music. Tigon create, design and develop cross-sector collaborations with the commercial sector, providing emerging artists with the opportunity to improve their live performance and stage skills and help them grow their fan base. They are dedicated to the sourcing, nurturing, supporting and developing talented youths and young adults with a’ passion and enthusiasm for music’.

Ayotunde Falana, Volunteer Founder of Tigon Music, said: “This alliance between Tigon Music and Bubez Productions reinforces a shared belief that businesses have a greater responsibility to society than simply providing jobs or generating profit. It showcases how collaboration between the third sector and the commercial sector can drive philanthropic corporate responsibility and create meaningful change in our communities.”

Beyond entertainment, the event is a concept of trade and transformation; designed to benefit communities through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts of the participating organisations.

Afro Explosion takes place at District, 61 Jordan St, Liverpool, L1 0BE on 24th May 2025, kicking off at 5pm. Tickets are available now via bubezproductions.com.

Mark and David are singing, songwriting, strumming, and swigging buddies from the badlands of the Cheshire Plain.

Radcliffe has been on BBC national radio since the early nineties and currently hosts the Radio 2 Folk Show and weekend breakfast on 6Music. He is also the author of five bestselling books, the latest being Crossroads – In Search Of The Moments That Changed Music. Previously a member of folk-rock bands The Family Mahone and Galleon Blast, he is currently one half of electronic duo UNE and drummer and lyricist for Americana band Fine Lines whose lead singer and guitarist is…..

David Boardman. A consummate guitarist and guitar teacher, Boardman cut his teeth on the rock circuit with Darktown Jubilee touring not only the UK but also North America and Canada. A gifted visual artist, Boardman met Radcliffe in their hometown of Knutsford where their writing partnership soon began to flourish.

Their act is one of classic simplicity: two voices, two guitars, some great original songs, the odd carefully chosen cover and the occasional rambling anecdote. They have recently recorded their debut duo album First Light and have somehow managed to hit the sweet spot between David wanting to do dozens of takes before carefully selecting the best bits and Mark thinking it was alright the first time!

Forged from the political disillusionment of a generation of Tory rule,folk-rock cult hero and queer icon Grace Petrie returns to UK venues this year with the protest song firmly back in her heart.

Long renowned forher razor sharplyricism and the joyful, welcoming nature of her stunninglive shows, Petrie smashed the UK charts with latest album Build Something Better. Produced by Frank Turner and packed with full-hearted modern folk anthems, it shot to the top of both the folk and the UK download chart, cementing her status as one of Britain’s most beloved song writers.

Tickets for this event include a £1 venue restoration levy, included in the ticket price. This fee supports building investment at the Grade II-listed Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Music legend and global LGBTQ+ icon Holly Johnson has announced the Welcome To The Pleasuredome 40th Anniversary Tour celebrating four decades since the iconic debut album by Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

Following his critically acclaimed 2023 shows, Holly Johnson returns to the stage with a brand-new production featuring the timeless hits that made Frankie Goes to Hollywood one of the most influential bands of the 80s. Fans can expect to hear iconic anthems like the chart-topping “Relax,” “Two Tribes,” and the ethereal “The Power of Love.”

To coincide with the tour, the exhibition, “The Holly Johnson Story”, is open at the Museum of Liverpool until Sunday 27 July 2025.  This landmark exhibit explores the life and career of the iconic singer, from his Liverpool roots to international fame.  It will feature costumes, memorabilia, personal stories of those impacted by HIV, and Holly’s own artwork.  The exhibition promises a journey through his triumphs and struggles, showcasing him as a groundbreaking LGBTQ+ icon.