The second ever Liverpool Music Awards returns to the city on Sunday 25th August and will become part of the new Liverpool International Music Festival.

Last November’s red-carpet event, hosted by Liverpool born Radio 2 D.J. Janice Long included performances from Lawson and M.O.B.O. Unsung award winner Esco Williams, whilst Rebecca Ferguson picked up the award for best female and was presented by Widnes born singer Melanie C.

Organisers promise the event, which will be held at Liverpool St. George’s Hall, this year will be the biggest and best yet and with 16 awards being presented on the night. “We’ll be featuring some really off the wall live performances and collaborations and it will be a massive celebration of musical talent from and inspired by our wonderful city.” says awards organiser Ellie Phillips.

Performers and judges will be announced in coming weeks. Ali Ingle (male performer of the year 2012 winner) and Ian McNabb (album of the year 2012 winner) will be performing at the launch and Stealing Sheep who won an award for band of the year but were on tour during last year’s ceremony will collect their gong from Janice Long at the awards launch in May.

The awards night is also dedicating its one to watch award to 18 year old Michael Molloy. The up-and-coming guitarist was one of three people who lost their lives in a coach crash when returning from the Isle of Wight event Bestival last year.

Michael Molloy’s band Hostile Radio were one of 12 Liverpool bands who were part of the Roscoe Project 2012 funded by Youth Music, the charity partner of the Liverpool Music Awards and one of the bands who took part in the competition to perform at the inaugural ceremony.

Michael’s mum Frances said, “Michael has always made us so proud, and this has got to be the most fitting tribute to date. He never doubted in his short life that he would be recognised for his musical talent.” Michael’s brother Joe said, “It’s very moving to see your brother recognised in such a fitting way. He always made us proud in life with his music and everything else he did, and he still does and always will do.”

Organiser Ellie Phillips said: “It’s really important that the Liverpool Music Awards is not elitist or part of clique, we want to celebrate all musical tastes and represent people at different stages of their careers. Last year we had newcomers and L.I.P.A. graduates Stealing Sheep pick up best band and legendary Icicle Works singer Ian McNabb beat some of the new kids on the block to pick up the award for best album.”

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “Liverpool International Music Festival is a brand new, fresh celebration of all things music and it’s wonderful this popular awards ceremony is now part of the programme.”

Entries for the Liverpool Music Awards 2013 will open on Wednesday May 1. For further details go to www.liverpoolmusicawards.com