AFTER 3 years of discovering and developing some of the North West’s most exciting musical talent, Liverpool’s charity song contest, Primal Live, is preparing for its biggest event yet. On:- Saturday, 18 July 2026, Primal Live Icons will bring together finalists from every Primal Live competition held across Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds for 1 unforgettable showcase!

Taking place at Sound Yard in Cain’s Brewery Village from 3pm, audiences are promised an afternoon of exceptional live music from some of the region’s brightest emerging artists. Audiences can expect an eclectic mix of outstanding talent, with performers ranging from rappers and acoustic singer-songwriters to full bands spanning multiple genres. If you want to discover the next big thing, this event is for you!

Since its launch, Primal Live has become much more than a song contest. The organisation has helped hundreds of artists and bands take the next step in their careers through a unique seven-week artist development programme, culminating in performances in front of hundreds of music fans and industry supporters. Meanwhile, a very special community of music artists has been created.

The platform has already produced remarkable success stories. Among them is country artist and former winner John Roche, who had never played to a crowd before but is now preparing to perform at a major festival in Thailand alongside his band consisting of Primal Live artists. Thanks to Primal Live’s recent partnership with Cisumverse, artists now have an opportunity to perform and develop a fanbase in Asia.

Alongside championing new music, Primal Live has also made a significant charitable impact. The organisation has raised more than £30,000 for homeless charities while earning recognition from BBC Radio Merseyside, BBC North West Tonight and NME for its innovative approach to supporting grassroots music.

Now, Primal Live Icons will celebrate everything the competition has achieved by bringing together the very best performers from across its previous contests. For music lovers eager to discover tomorrow’s headline acts before they break through, Primal Live Icons offers a rare opportunity to experience some of the finest up-and-coming talent the North West has to offer — all on 1 stage.

Primal Live Founder Andy Sampson said:- “It’s tough for music artists these days. They don’t get paid for their music due to Spotify and therefore have to compete for the same gigs at venues that are also struggling. Through Primal Live, our mission has been to help develop artists, give them content, a stage and raise their profile — all whilst raising thousands of pounds for charity.”

He continued:- “As an organisation we haven’t had any funding and we are in fact working on a loss — it’s thanks to our team of mentors and volunteers that we are able to do what we do. But to see the artists gain confidence and flourish is all worth it. The talent we’re showcasing is unbelievable and the Primal Live Icons event is going to be incredible — if you want to discover the next big thing, this is for you!”

Primal Live Icons is taking place at Sound Yard in Cain’s Brewery Village on:- Saturday, 18 July 2026 from 3pm and will feature the best talent from previous Primal Live song contests. Artists and bands will compete in heats, with the audience voting for winners of each group and a grand final at the end. Tickets cost just £20, with over 50 acts on the bill.

For tickets to the event, click here.