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LIVERPOOL’S ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC…AND LAUGHTER

It’s already been a busy year for Liverpool under the banner of Capital of Culture but the last week proved to be a definite highlight in the cultural calendar, with two major events taking place – Liverpool Sound City and the Liverpool Comedy Festival.

The very first Liverpool Sound City, running from 27th to 30th May, proved to be an incredible success, attracting tons of publicity as well some of the most exciting musical acts ranging from the up-and-coming to the more familiar. Among those gracing the massive line up were acts such as Reverend and the Makers, Mystery Jets, Hadouken and Hercules and Love Affair.

It’s wasn’t just all about live music however – Sound City has also played host to a number of music centred conferences and fiercely contested debates, one of the most lively based upon who should hold the much coveted title of the ultimate musical city – Liverpool or Manchester (as it turns out, the result was a draw – so expect that one to rumble on for a few more decades). Friday’s quite frankly star-studded closing saw a host of events extending across the city centre, leaving any music fan quite frankly spoilt for choice. As well as acts such as The Dykeenies, Robots In Disguise and Hot Club De Paris, a range of unsigned talent entertained the crowds for absolutely free in Metropolitan and Bumper. Liverpool’s very own indie darlings, The Wombats, headlined an exclusive show at the breathtaking St George’s Hall while dance lovers were well catered for with Felix Da Housecat lining up for Chibuku’s closing party. It’s hoped that Sound City will go onto rival such prestigious events like Texas’s South by Southwest festival and with it being the first event to be simultaneously webcast on the hugely popular Second Life online platform, its sure to be making waves for years to come.

The Liverpool Comedy Festival is altogether a more familiar affair – 2008 sees its eighth year, perhaps not surprising for a city that many consider full of comedic talent. Starting on 28th May and going on until 8th June, the festival boasts what is perhaps its most impressive line up yet. Highlights have already included Simon Amstell performing at the Royal Court and upcoming shows see Jimmy Carr, Frankie Boyle and Reginald D Hunter take to the stage, with home-grown acts such as Brendan Riley and John Bishop also performing. As well as a vast range of professional stand ups to savour, there’s also been the chance to enjoy some more slightly unconventional comedy, such as riding upon the Comedy Bus at Bus Stop Stand Up and the hybrid of pub crawl and comedy feast that is the Drink Up Stand Up tour. Things are rounded off in style by a special show at the Echo Arena featuring the ‘Three Fellas’ – Dylan Moran, Ardal O’Hanlon and Tommy Tiernan, who perform together for the first time - on Saturday 14th June.

For more information on all upcoming shows in the Liverpool Comedy Festival, check www.liverpoolcomedyfestival.co.uk

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