Five of the best at Fusion festival

Image: Busted

Fusion Festival comes to Liverpool between Saturday 3rd - Saturday 4th September for a chart topping extravaganza. With a line up bursting with top 40 mainstays, it's an opportunity to catch some of the biggest names in pop perform at Otterspool Promenade. 

Last year's event was hosted at Birmingham's Cofton Park and featured performances from Justin Bieber, McBusted and Jess Glynne. It's relocation to Merseyside is a celebration of Liverpool's status as a UNESCO city of music.

The festival will be split into two stages with the likes of Jason Derulo and Olly Murs delivering hit packed sets on the main-stage, while the Urban Forest gives an opportunity for emerging talent to cut their teeth in front of a festival crowd. With 27 number ones between the featured acts, we thought long and hard before choosing our top five.

Louis Berry

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Not the most obvious choice from first glances but this young man has a huge career ahead of him. He signed a publishing deal after his first gig and a record deal after his second. By his sixth gig he was playing the main-stage at Kendal Calling, so you'd imagine he must be doing something right.

With a charcoal voice and a rip roaring handling of the guitar, Berry's sound is tried and tested but no less distinctive. Recording sessions in America for his forthcoming album have broadened his influences and refined his sound too. He headlines the Urban Forest Stage on Sunday where he will doubtless weave his scouse charm upon a home crowd.

Henry Lewis

Like this? Check out Louis Berry interview: I do it for the people

Jamie Lawson

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Jamie is widely referenced as the first artist to scribble his signature on a contract from Ed Sheeran's label Gingerbread Man Records. No Pressure. Immediately he sky-rocketed to prominence with wonder-hit 'Wasn't Expecting That' that actually came prior to the record deal.

When visiting a festival teeming with huge pop acts, sometimes it pays just as much to strip down to a sensational singing voice and trusty acoustic guitar. You never know? Ed Sheeran might even just fancy a duet that weekend to make things even more special. 

Ben Smith

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DJ 2Kind

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Those in the know in Liverpool are aware of DJ 2Kind. He's been a strong player in the urban scene for over twenty years, as adept as he is holding up the rawest underground hip-hop (him and fellow hip-hop jock No Fakin' frequently warm up for touring rappers, notably Ghostface Killah) as more accessible sounds.

It's the latter he'll be no doubt peddling at Fusion, but don't think he won't be coming correct with the skills. As his old school mix above demonstrates, 2Kind brings the party with flawless precision whatever the jam.

Jimmy Coultas

Like this? Try live review: pharoahe monch @ the kazimier, Liverpool.

Labrinth

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There was a time somewhere in the distant past where Labrinth was seemingly everywhere. This exposure culminated in 2012's Electronic Earth which featured massive hits like 'Let The Sunshine' and 'Earthquake' featuring Tine Tempah.

With Tinie following Labrinth's Saturday set on the main stage, there's every chance the duo could join forces once more to really wow the crowds. Earlier this year, the singer featured on Norwegian producer Kygo's 'Fragile', hinting at a new musical direction for the 27 year old.

HL

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Busted

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It's not quite the Year 3000 (sorry), but the band have released their first song for 12 years and you guessed it, they sound nothing like that 'Busted' or even McBusted.

I mean, McBusted would be huge, because two bands are better than one right? But new synth-pop track 'Coming Home' (above) sounds absolutely epic. They've already announced a new album and they may just play some of those golden oldies too. 

BS

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