Liverpool Theatre Festival will return to St Luke's Bombed Out Church for a second year after being one of the few theatrical events to take place in 2020.
The outdoor festival was created by theatre producer Bill Elms after venues nationwide closed their doors in March as part of the Coronavirus lockdown.
It gave actors, writers and technicians much needed work at a time when their income had been suddenly cut off - as well as bringing entertainment to audiences who had been unable to attend a theatre production for many months.
It will return for two weeks in September with a new sister festival, Little LFT, focusing solely on new work, taking place this summer.
Festival director Bill Elms said: "We were so inspired by last year’s event that we are determined to return and take it to the next level, and the addition of Little LTF will do just that. We are sure the public appetite for live theatre and entertainment will be stronger than ever after a very challenging year for everyone.
"Both of this year’s events will be held in the open air and like last year, any necessary measures will be in place to ensure the safety of our audience, performers and those working at the festival."
The main Liverpool Theatre Festival, featuring more established acts, artists and productions, will run from Wednesday, September 1 to Sunday, September 12. The line-up will be announced soon.
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Little LTF will run from Monday, July 12 to Sunday, July 18, giving writers and performers a platform and opportunity to present new work in front of a live audience.
Bill said: "Little LTF is critical to encourage and provide a platform for new work and it will sit incredibly well alongside the more established work and artists in the main festival programme.
"This is an extraordinary platform to showcase dynamic and innovative new work. The North West has an amazing pool of creative talent and this is a rare chance for writers and performers to premiere work to a live audience in a festival environment, it could springboard their show to the next level."
The inaugural Liverpool Theatre Festival last year welcomed almost 2,500 people across nine days and featured 19 performances of 12 productions.
It was named Liverpool Echo Awards Community Event of the Year 2020 and was also a finalist in two categories at the Liverpool City Region Culture & Creativity Awards 2020.
The festival featured Liverpool actor Andrew Lancel in Swan Song from award-winning city playwright Jonathan Harvey, directed by BAFTA award-winning director Noreen Kershaw; Shakers by John Godber; Matinee Musical Classics; and Judy & Liza; Hurrah!.
Full details and criteria to apply for Little LTF will be available on the festival website from 10am on Tuesday, April 6 at 10am.
