Emotional scenes at UK’s first post-lockdown gig in Sefton Park

Indie pop band Blossoms took over Sefton Park today at what was the UK’s first live music gig in more than a year.

It was an emotional night for many as 5,000 people turned up, having had to first have a negative covid test, to enjoy a mini festival experience with no face masks and no social distancing.

Blossoms performed in a giant tent reminiscent of the circus in the beautiful Sefton Park, which hosted the new music festival as part of the national Events Research Programme (ERP).

The events research programme (ERP) will be used to provide key scientific data into how events for a range of audiences could be permitted to safely reopen as part of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

Pictures of the UK’s first post-lockdown gig in Liverpool’s Sefton Park:

The line-up also included BBC 6 Music-championed The Lathums and Liverpool singer-songwriter Zuzu.

Here’s what our reporter Jess Flaherty had to say about this monumental night for Liverpool.

Stockport-born indie pop band Blossoms took over Sefton Park today in Liverpool’s first live music gig in more than a year.

The retro quintet – made up of Tom Ogden, Charlie Salt, Josh Dewhurst, Joe Donovan and Myles Kellock – offered a taste of normality with crowds permitted to gather without face masks or social distancing requirements.

Blossoms performed in a giant tent reminiscent of the circus in the beautiful Sefton Park, which hosted the new music festival as part of the national Events Research Programme (ERP).

The events research programme (ERP) will be used to provide key scientific data into how events for a range of audiences could be permitted to safely reopen as part of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

The line-up also included BBC 6 Music-championed The Lathums and Liverpool singer-songwriter Zuzu, who kicked off tonight’s action.

When Blossoms took to the stage, the crowd was united in its joy and excitement.

The band opened with their hit single Girlfriend, which the crowd revelled in singing along to.

After a few songs, lead singer Tom Ogden spoke to the crowd and said: “Good evening, you beautiful, beautiful people.”

The crowd erupted into cheers. He added: “These things are meant to be spontaneous… you’re going to have the best night you’ve had for a very, very long time.”

And he was right.

Blossoms delivered retro-sounding, nostalgia-inducing hit after hit, maintaining a connection with the crowd by regularly engaging and encouraging us to sing along.

Being in Liverpool, the band delivered an intoxicating cover of The Beatles’ Paperback Writer, sending the crowd into a frenzy of excitement.

Get a Liverpool Echo newsletter today

The Liverpool Echo sends newsletters on a wide range of topics – including our daily news bulletin, now going out three times a day.

There are others on what’s on, politics, court news, Knowsley, Wirral, and arts & culture, as well as both Liverpool FC and Everton FC.

Signing up is free and it only takes a minute for you to get the biggest stories, sent straight to your inbox.

How to sign up for an Echo Email Update

1) Go to our dedicated newsletter page at this link.

2) Put your email in the box where indicated

3) Tick as many boxes as you like, for each newsletter you want.

4) Press Save changes and that’s it!

Blossoms’ incredibly talented and energetic delivery of their catchy, distinctive songs was the perfect way to signal the recommencement of live music in our city.

The atmosphere was electrifying; people were constantly singing, cheering and smiling – even hugging and lifting one another up.

Seeing people unafraid to dance together and celebrate with each other after more than 12 months of restrictions was incredibly moving.

The band closed their riotous set with the phenomenally popular Charlemagne, with the crowd singing along in synch, iPhones in the air to capture the moment.

Today’s event was a joyous, momentous occasion that offered music lovers a taste of what life used to be like – and what could come this summer.

Liverpool Echo – What’s On