WIRRAL chart-toppers The Coral will play Liverpool's Pier Head this summer as part of the On The Waterfront festival. 

The festival which returns to the iconic site for four days following its debut in 2021 will see the Hoylake band support Manchester legends James on Sunday, July 2. 

James' appearance coincides with the band's 40th Anniversary tour and soon to be released double album which features a full orchestra and gospel choir. 

A band entwined in the soundtrack of a generation James have sold over 25m albums with their recent ‘James Lasted’ tour selling out in a matter of hours, proveing that as they approach their fourth decade, they’re showing no signs of sitting down. 

James bassist Jim Glennie said: “We are pleased and excited to announce our performance at ‘On the Waterfront'.

What an incredible setting to do a gig.  We love playing Liverpool. The people have such heart and are always up for a good time.  A definite highlight for our 40th anniversary year.  See you there."

The Coral emerged in the early 2000s and originally signed to the lauded Deltasonic label, paving the way for a new wave of guitar bands. 

Their 2002 eponymous debut album was nominated for a Mercury Prize and over the years have bagged themselves five Top Ten UK albums and eight Top 40 singles including timeless classics Dreaming of You, Pass It On and In the Morning to name a few.  The band's  latest album Coral Island was touted as a career best and is testament to their longevity.  

“I can’t think of a better setting to play our music live than Liverpool’s Pier Head in the Summer," said The Coral's frontman James Skelly.

Another Liverpool band joining the line up is Red Rum Club. The brass infused indie sextet have garnered a huge and loyal following over the last few years, selling out numerous venues nationwide, including two hometown 4,000 capacity shows at Liverpool’s Olympia. Having supported the likes of Circa Waves and Miles Kane on their UK tours, 2023 will see the highly anticipated release of the band's 4th studio album and more UK and US tour dates to follow.

A spokesperson for On The Waterfront said: "The all-day festival forms part of a four-day weekend of entertainment with Liverpool’s iconic Three Graces and River Mersey as its backdrop, and Sunday’s session is undisputedly a Mersey paradise for live music lovers".   

Tickets are expected to sell out, presale goes live 9am Wednesday 22nd February sign up now www.onthewaterfrontfestival.com.  General tickets on sale 9am (GMT) Friday 24th February