LIMF launches radio station for 2016

Liverpool International Music Festival returns between 21-24 July, promising another series of free performances at their Summer Jam in Sefton Park. With this year's line-up including drum'n'bass duo Sigma, London-based singer Lianna La Havas and punk veterans Buzzcocks, the festival also launches its own radio station – LIMF Radio will broadcast between 2-29 July, providing a platform for Merseyside's artists, presenters and DJs while operating with a focus on new talent, as well as the region's rich musical history.

Over 200 original shows are promised across the 28 days, spanning as many genres as possible, with dedicated shows including LIMF Spotlight (focussed on the festival itself), LIMF Academy (looking at the city's emerging talent) and Sounds of the City, where popular Liverpool musicians will be invited to discuss their favourite records.Training will also be provided for up to 35 local young people looking to break into the radio industry, with BBC Radio 1's Adele Roberts among those leading the sessions.

Full details of the station's programme will be announced at LIMFradio.co.uk, where the station will also be broadcast. LIMF Radio will also broadcast locally on 87.7FM.

LIMF's music curator Yaw Owusu said: "The LIMF Radio project is a platform that will not just share all the good and the great of what's happening at LIMF, but will also reflect some of the great new sounds and musical movements happening in Liverpool right now."

In addition to the Summer Jam, LIMF also presents a series of curated events exploring different genres that have played a part in Liverpool's musical culture. Gilles Peterson's From The Soul event looks at three decade of British soul music, while From Eric's To Evol looks at the city's contributions to punk, new wave and counterculture. Roots, Rock, Reggae looks at the evolution of ska and reggae in Britain, as curated by BBC Radio 1Xtra's Seani B, plus Yousef heads up a special clubbing event titled House Nation. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will also reinterpret some of the more notable songs to emerge from the city, before a special evening dedicated to cult LA band Love. Full line-up details can be found at the LIMF website.