Holly Johnson says it’s “always special” ahead of the “amazing” event.

Legendary Liverpool musician Holly Johnson has expressed her excitement ahead of her return to the city.

Frankie Goes To Hollywood, featuring Holly as lead singer, became a nationwide sensation in the 1980s as hits such as Relax and Two Tribes soared to the top of the charts.

It was announced earlier this year that Holly will be performing at Liverpool Celebrates, the successor to the Mathew Street festival, this summer. He will be performing some of his band’s best known songs at the Pier Head.

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Holly will be part of the festival’s opening night, which will celebrate Liverpool and its musical heritage, joining festival openers The Lightning Seeds, Space, China Crisis, Tea Street Band and The Sway.

Speaking ahead of this, Holly praised Liverpool’s ever-present love of music and celebrations. He said: “I always love playing in Liverpool and I’m really looking forward to Liverpool Celebrates. There is a brilliant queue throughout the entire August Bank Holiday weekend. It’s good for the city to showcase all this musical talent at a festival of this magnitude.

“The city’s musical heritage is well known around the world. I suppose this is another event that shines a light on him and it’s great to be asked to be a part of it as a Friday headliner with an amazing Liverpool crowd. and international bands.

“I will be performing all my greatest hits on opening night in front of thousands of people outside the Liver Building. I’m sure there will be a few Liver Birds in the crowd too!

“There is a brilliant buzz around Liverpool and great energy. I felt it when I performed at the special Eurovision opening ceremony at St George’s Hall last year.

“I’ve got a few festivals this year but the biggest one will be playing in Liverpool which is always special and even more so this year as it’s the 40th anniversary of Relax, Two Tribes, The Power Of Love and Welcome To The Pleasuredome. the album is topping the charts and I have an exhibition at The Museum Of Liverpool in September.

Taking place over the August Bank Holiday period (Friday 23 August to Monday 26 August), Liverpool Celebrates marks the 10th anniversary of the last Mathew Street Festival, with The Jacksons, now made up of brothers Jackie, Tito and Marlon, who will be Saturday headlines. , alongside a spectacular 10-piece live band.

The Jacksons will perform legendary tracks such as Blame It On The Boogie, I Want You Back, ABC and Can You Feel It, after Boyzlife – Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy’s supergroup – rock the Pier with acclaimed Boyzone and Westlife numbers.

Jonny Bongo, from the popular worldwide event Bongo’s Bingo, will also be bringing his festival experience to the Dock, with N-Trance also set to take to the stage for a lively set, while bands world-class tribute The Beatles, Queen, Prince, Oasis and Elton John will perform on Sunday and Monday.

The final day of the festival will be hosted in partnership with Alder Hey’s Ronald McDonald House to help with a full refurbishment, with a recent ‘Battle of the Artists’ competition allowing two local bands or singers to perform on the main stage at the Pier Head during the Festival .

You can learn more here.

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