A stellar line-up of Liverpool’s most iconic musical talents will take to the M&S Bank Arena stage this summer in a powerful celebration of community spirit and resilience. A Celebration of Zoe’s Place, taking place on Thursday 17 July 2025, will honour the campaign that saved the children’s hospice from closure — while unveiling its exciting future as an independent, locally-run charity.
The one-night-only event will feature performances from Jamie Webster, Rebecca Ferguson, Ian McCulloch, The Zutons, Lightning Seeds, The Real Thing, The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and many more, in what promises to be an unforgettable moment for the city.
Curated as both a musical tribute and a public thank you, the concert also marks the culmination of Zoe’s Place’s “Same Heart, Fresh Start” campaign. During the evening, the hospice’s new name and mascot — chosen through a nationwide public competition — will be officially revealed. The event will also raise vital funds to support the charity’s move to a purpose-built new home in West Derby.
The 66-piece Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, joined by The Sense of Sound Singers, will perform a specially curated Merseyside songbook with reimagined classics and exciting collaborations. Highlights include:
- Jamie Webster in the grand finale of the event, will perform playing his anthemic “This Place” with the Orchestra and choir for a huge and truly fitting close to the show.
- Rebecca Ferguson will make a glittering return to Liverpool to perform a number of tracks specially selected for the night including a very notable Liverpool song performance with the Orchestra
- Brad Kella, winner of Channel 4’s The Piano will perform pieces from his forthcoming debut album
- Ian McCulloch in a truly unique moment, will perform together “Nothing Ever Lasts Forever” together as a duet with Jamie Webster and the full Orchestra
- Rianne Downey performs “Rotterdam” with the Orchestra, fresh from her Paul Heaton arena tour
- The Real Thing will perform live “You to Me Are Everything”, a tribute to Zoe’s Place and the people of Liverpool
- Lightning Seeds and The Zutons will each perform a couple of huge hit tracks either side of the interval with the orchestra, including the likes of “Life of Riley” and “Valerie” respectively
- Red Rum Club (returning to the Arena following their own 2024 headline show) and The Cheap Thrills – two of Liverpool’s best new bands – will each perform covers of songs made famous by The Beatles from the Orchestra’s library
- Merseyside veterans The Farm and Ian Prowse will each perform famous Merseyside tracks of their own with the Orchestra
- Pete Wylie will be one of the final performances of the evening with a fitting and powerful rendition with the Orchestra of “Heart As Big As Liverpool”
The evening will be hosted by comedian Adam Rowe and presenter Leanne Campbell Power, with special guest appearances throughout.
The concert is the result of collaboration between Zoe’s Place, Modern Sky’s CEO David Pichllingi, Liverpool Music Week founder Mike Deane, BOSS Night’s Daniel Nicolson, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic team. It was initiated by Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne, a long-time supporter of the hospice.
“This is a celebration of what Liverpool achieved together — and where we go next,” said Byrne. “Zoe’s Place was on the brink of closure, but the people of this city refused to let that happen. This event is a thank you — through music, unity and love.”
With accessible pricing — £15 for under-18s and £30 for adults — the night aims to include all who helped save Zoe’s Place.
Tickets go on general sale Friday 16 May at 11am.
Book here.
