2017 was a bit of a golden year for festivals in Merseyside, with established festivals expanding and new festivals added to the mix.
This year the festival calendar is more subdued, with many festivals scaling back or taking a year off.
One festival to buck this trend though is Positive Vibration which just gets more immense with every announcement.
The initial lineup was already very impressive and there were several bands I’d pay £20-£30 to see on their own, so the early bird tickets were a no-brainer.
I was surprised when they released a second wave of artists, which took an already superb lineup and took it into orbit.
But the latest announcement – Lee “Scratch” Perry as headliner? Talk about a dream lineup! When I saw him earlier in the year, I believe tickets were around £35, so £40 for an adult weekend ticket with THAT lineup is a serious bargain.
Roni Size too?
And I’m not happy about it..!
….because I’m at a wedding that weekend so will miss out on all the fun! It’s like the organisers are taunting me with every announcement!
Whilst I go off to sulk, I’ll leave you with the press release!
Seriously though, if you are around that weekend, do yourself a favour and get a ticket – it promises to be an incredibly memorable festival!
Press Release
The UK’s award-winning festival of reggae, Positive Vibration, continues to impress, as it adds legendary producer & innovator, Lee “Scratch” Perry to this year’s festival line-up. The Godfather of dub, who kickstarted the career of Bob Marley, will be backed by New York-based collective, Subatomic Sound System (Emch, Screechy Dan and Larry McDonald) for a special one-off UK performance.
As well as the Godfather of Dub, the festival will also play host to the Godfather of Drum ‘n’ Bass, as Roni Size makes his long-awaited return to Liverpool. The Bristol-born DJ & producer, who won the 1997 Mercury Prize for his album ‘New Forms’, will be bringing the heat and showing why, even after 20 years, he’s still at the top of his game.
There will also be live performances from the Queen of Lovers Rock, Carroll Thompson, prolific drummer & MC, Horseman and the exceptionally gifted vocalist, King Lorenzo, all of which will be backed by one of the UK’s finest reggae bands, The Upper Cut Band.
Taking place over the 8th & 9th June across the Baltic Triangle, Liverpool, the festival will also feature performances from:
Macka B & The Roots Ragga Band, Sister Nancy & Legal Shot Sound System, Adrian Sherwood & Creation Rebel, Mungo’s Hi Fi with Eva Lazarus, Dub Pistols, Iration Steppas with Murray Man, Misty in Roots, Don Letts, Channel One, Dreadzone, Manudigital with Parly B & Bazil, Capital Letters, BrukOut featuring Seani B & Rory Stone Love, Radikal Guru with Echo Ranks & Cian Finn, Tru Thoughts Records with Rodney P, DJ Skitz and Wrongtom, Sinai Sound System, Dubkasm with Solo Banton, Count Skylarkin’ presents ‘Derek’s Island Discs’, Resonators, Samson Sounds, The Majestic and Baked A La Ska.
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Reggae Q&A
One of the most engaging aspects of the festival, the Reggae Q&A, is a panel discussion which focuses on the impact of reggae on British music, culture & society.
This year’s panel will feature Brixton-based DJ, producer & star of his own BBC 2 documentary, Blacker Dread, prolific singer/songwriter & the Queen of Lovers Rock, Carroll Thompson and highly respected lecturer, poet & community activist, Dr William ‘Lez’ Henry. The panel will be led by award-winning music journalist & punk musician, John Robb.
The Q&A is in association with the Reggae Research Network.
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In addition to the live music, Positive Vibration will also play host to:
For the Family
Over the festival weekend, there will be a plethora of activities & workshops for all the family, including dub poetry classes with Levi Tafari, Jamaican dance classes with Merseyside Dance Initiative, arts & crafts with Square Pegs, screen-printing with The Paper Moon, Capoeira & drum classes with Capoeira For All, face painting, a soft play area, plus loads more.
Children & young people are welcome to the festival on both days, with those under 12 years old being granted free entry.
Art of Reggae Exhibition
A highlight of the festival, this incredible exhibition, which supports the Alpha Boys School in Jamaica, will showcase 100 reggae-inspired posters, designed by illustrators & artists from over 70 countries. All of which can be bid on via silent auction.
The launch of the exhibition will take place at Constellations, Liverpool on Wednesday 6th June from 7pm – 11pm.
Entry is free, but you will need to confirm your attendance by ordering a free ticket via Skiddle: skiddle.com/e/13155962
Jamdown Market
Over 40 open-air traders offering a diverse selection of food, drink, records, clothes, arts & crafts, jewellery, health and well-being.
Tickets are on sale from here costing £40 for an adult weekend ticket, £10 for teenagers, under 12’s free with an adult. (Plus Booking Fees)
Lee “Scratch” Perry picture by John W. King
Other images standard PR images.
