Deacon Blue named as first headliners of On The Waterfront music event

Taking place at Liverpool’s Pier Head from Thursday, June 20 until Sunday, June 23 2024 last year's gigs attracted over 45,000 people to the city's historic waterfront surroundings. 

First up is multi-platinum selling Deacon Blue, headlining Sunday’s show and forming part of their hugely successful UK tour ‘All The Old 45s – The Very Best of Deacon Blue’. 

Charting the bands multi-million selling history, from bringing Dignity and Chocolate Girl to life in the corner of a Glasgow basement, to stadium filling hits like Real Gone Kid and Wages Day via their swoon-inducing tribute to Bacharach and David's I’ll Never Fall In Love Again to the one that knocked Madonna off the top of the charts, When The World Knows Your Name.  

A spokesperson for On the Waterfront, said: "There are few acts with such a renowned repertoire as Deacon Blue and combined with the legendary act returning to the city which has long held a special place in the bands collective heart this is sure to make this a show not to be missed."

Commenting on their return, songwriter and vocalist Ricky Ross, said: “We’re excited to return to Liverpool for a very special show, a city that carries a special place in our heart and what better location to perform, see you all in June! 

Next up to headline his biggest show to date on Saturday, June 22 is one of electronic music’s hottest breakthrough artists - Ben Hemsley. 

Ben Helmsley (Image: Live Nation)

The DJ/Producer whose musical productions have turned the heads of some of the biggest names in the scene including Calvin Harris, Patrick Topping and Fatboy Slim with his debut single Caress Me becoming an instant hit, topping the Beatport charts, quickly followed by his biggest release to date, Through 2 You. 

Outside of the studio, he has established himself as one of the most exhilarating breakthrough DJs on the circuit, garnering a huge devoted fanbase, no more so than at Creamfields which this year saw him performing on the Arc stage to over 25,000 people and becoming one of the most talked about acts of the weekend.     

The spokesperson added: "The all-day festival forms part of a long weekend of entertainment for On the Waterfront, with Liverpool’s iconic Three Graces and River Mersey as its stunning backdrop.  More acts to be announced! 

"Tickets are expected to sell out. Sign up now to be first in line for tickets www.onthewaterfrontfestival.com/signup. Tickets go on general sale 9am (BST) Friday, October 27."