Lost Liverpool summer event loved by thousands and celebrities
It's been 30 years since the event began
From past events still fondly remembered to recent moments that continue to make the city proud – Liverpool knows how to put on a party.
This month, Liverpool was buzzing as it transformed into a sea of blue, yellow and glitter for Eurovision 2023 – hosted on behalf of Ukraine. Over the years, we've held many much-loved events and Summer Pops is definitely one of them.
The festival was set up in 1993 by Royal Liverpool Philharmonic conductor Carl Davis as a way to give the orchestra somewhere to play while the Philharmonic Hall was being refurbished between 1993 and 1995. But it was so popular it carried on, with other artists coming on board, with music legends like Paul McCartney, Diana Ross, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, James Brown, The Who, and Elton John gracing the famous green and yellow big top.
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First set up on Kings Dock on the future site of the M&S Bank Arena, The Pops temporarily moved to Trafalgar Dock and Aintree Racecourse as the Arena was built, before they made a triumphant return to Kings Dock and the Arena in 2008.
Many will remember comic Peter Kay also packed the tent for five nights in a record-breaking sell-out run. But by the early 2010s, the event ceased to be. Here, we take a look back at the days of Summer Pops, from 90s photos unseen for years to the famous faces who were part of the popular event and more.
For beautiful, historic images from the past have a look at memorylane.co.uk/ and see what you can discover
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Carl Davis conducting the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic in rehearsals for the Summer Pops concert at the Big Top, Kings Dock. July 1993
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Carl Davis conducting the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic in rehearsals for the Summer Pops concert at the Big Top, Kings Dock. July 1993
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Conductor Carl Davis at the Philharmonic Hall for the launch of Summer Pops 1996 which will be held under the Big Top at Liverpool's King's Dock. March 1996
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The Summer Pops concert. Pictured the Big Top where the concert is held. Liverpool, Merseyside. July 4, 1996
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The Summer Pops concert, conducted by Carl Davis, in the Big Top to celebrate the Philharmonic's Fourth Season of Summer Pops. July 4, 1996
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Conductor Carl Davis with a rail of clothes from his colourful wardrobe. He will be wearing a different waistcoat for every performance of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic's at the Summer Pops. July 1994
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Liverpool Philharmonic conductor Carl Davis and his seven dwarfs take a break from rehearsals for the Summer pops season. July 1996
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Workmen start to dismantle the big tops used for the Summer Pops at Kings Dock, Liverpool
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Fans at the Kop at the Dock celebration of Liverpool FCs triple winning season at the Summer Pops
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Fireworks finale after the last night of the proms at the Summer Pops, Kings Dock, Liverpool
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Fans singalong during the Westlife concert at The Summer Pops at The Kings Dock, Liverpool
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Atomic Kitten members Natasha Hamilton, Liz McClarnon and Jenny Frost pictured outside the 2003 Summer Pops tent at the Kings Dock in Liverpool
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Heidi Range born in Liverpool (right), Amelle Berrabah and Keisha Buchanan, the Sugababes, at the Liverpool Summer Pops 2006
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Aerial view of the tents housing the 2003 Summer Pops at the Kings Dock
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Westlife fans show their support before the concert at The Summer Pops Kings Dock, Liverpool. Megan Flemming, age 10, with her mum Ann, (centre) and friends Catherine Walker, (left) and Stella King, from Vauxhall. It was their 8th Westlife concert
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Tom Jones on stage at Summer Pops Kings Dock, in Liverpool in 2004
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Elton John at the Liverpool Summer Pops in 2002
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Bryan Adams in full song at the Summer Pops in 2006
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Diana Ross on stage at The Liverpool Summer Pops in The Liverpool Echo Arena. July 2008
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Alice Cooper at the Liverpool Summer Pops in 2003
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The Summer Pops concert, conducted by Carl Davis, in the Big Top to celebrate the Philharmonic's Fourth Season of Summer Pops. July 1996
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The Summer Pops concert, conducted by Carl Davis, in the Big Top to celebrate the Philharmonic's Fourth Season of Summer Pops. July 1996
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The Summer Pops concert, conducted by Carl Davis, in the Big Top to celebrate the Philharmonic's Fourth Season of Summer Pops. July 1996
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The Summer Pops concert. Pictured outside the Big Top where the concert is held is conductor Carl Davis and his wife, actress Jean Boht. July 4, 1996
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James Brown on stage at the Summer Pops in 2006
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The Who play to a packed crowd at The Summer Pops, with Roger Daltrey, and Pete Townsend, with Zak Starkey on drums entertaining the fans in 2006
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Eric Clapton at the Liverpool Summer Pops with John Mayall and Chris Barber in 2003
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The Pet Shop Boys at the Liverpool Summer Pops in 2006
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Busted during Liverpool Summer Pops 2004 – Busted in Liverpool
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Renee Olstead and band at Summer Pops
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Gloria Estefan performs at The Liverpool Echo Arena on July 27, 2009 in Liverpool, Summer Pops
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Amy Winehouse performs at the Summer Pops July 18, 2007 in Liverpool
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Russell Brand performs at Summer Pops 2007 on July 8, 2007 in Liverpool
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