Jeremy Corbyn made a surprise on-stage appearance at Wirral Live yesterday (May 20) as he addressed the crowd ahead of The Libertines‘ headline slot at the festival.
The Labour leader gave the unexpected speech at Prenton Park, the home of Tranmere Rovers FC. Other acts on yesterday’s bill included The Coral and Reverend & The Makers.
Taking to the stage prior to The Libertines’ headline show later in the evening, Corbyn was met with a rapturous reception from the crowd of thousands in attendance. The MP then proceeded to give a rousing speech that aimed to encourage people to come out and vote in the upcoming General Election, which takes place on June 8.
“This is a fantastic chance and opportunity,” he said. “Merseyside has a history of music, and is the music capital of our country. I want a country where everybody can play sport if they want to, every child can learn music, and society is brought together by that. Do you want housing, do you want care, and do you want a society coming together? Or, do you want selective education and fox hunting?”
Watch highlights of Corbyn’s speech below.
This election is about you. It's about what we can achieve together.
The Labour Party: #ForTheMany, not the few.#GE2017 pic.twitter.com/weyKa82fy4
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) May 20, 2017
Corbyn’s appearance at the festival took many punters by surprise, though many later registered their approval of his speech on Twitter.
I'm watching The Libertines and actual Jeremy Corbyn has just rocked up on stage. Now that's how you do politics.
— Laura Cullen (@Lo_Cull) May 20, 2017
Jeremy Corbyn at the libertines, my mate pic.twitter.com/UWKltCFXLa
— Joe (@jbowly1) May 20, 2017
https://twitter.com/tomfarrell50/status/865990056649076737
The Libertines have brought out Jeremy Corbyn in front of 20,000 people.
We've never seen anything like this!pic.twitter.com/QkhpStyZ6z
— LFM (@LFMmag) May 20, 2017
Libertines drummer Gary Powell was similarly won over by Corbyn’s speech, while the band’s Twitter account later urged fans to register to vote before the imminent deadline.
Was a pleasure to see and hear @jeremycorbyn at #tranmererovers last nite. Wise words were said, time for us to do our bit! #voteforchange pic.twitter.com/Pn6KReGdjR
— gary powell (@gdogg27) May 21, 2017
Remember to register to vote today: https://t.co/K3QxaPp4yB
— Libertines (@libertines) May 21, 2017
Earlier this month, Carl Barat promised fans that they’d hear new material from The Libertines “soon.”