28.03.11 - THE GRAND NATIONAL

TV Dancers Show Off Talent at Races

March 28, 2011

TV Dancers Show Off Talent at Races

The city performers who wowed Simon Cowell on Britain’s Got Talent are dancing on the ceiling after being asked to perform at Aintree Racecourse on Liverpool Day.

Liverpool dance troupe MD Productions, who impressed Cowell and fellow judges Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan with their anti-guns routine in 2009, will be dancing at the first day of the John Smith’s Grand National Festival.

MD Productions’ company dancers reached the semi-finals on Britain’s Got Talent on two occasions – both in 2007 and 2009.

Since then, they have provided entertainment for several music videos, numerous celebrity tours, and the MTV show, My Super Sweet Sixteen.

The man behind MD Productions is self-taught choreographer Miguel Doforo, who set up the group in 2001.

He said: “Over the last few years we’ve danced all over the world, but we’re especially excited about performing at Liverpool Day. We all love doing shows in our home town anyway, but to dance as part of the John Smith’s Grand National Festival is a real honour.”

MD Productions’ performance is just one of the many events planned for the day, and the full line-up has now been announced (see Editor’s Notes).

The hilarious Ken Dodd will be opening the John Smith’s Grand National Festival, while legendary band The Farm are to headline. Other bands performing on the day include The Lady Killers, The Merseycats, The Paul Kappa Band, Alternative Radio, and a number of new artists from the Threshold Festival. West Everton Super Strings, a youth ensemble supported by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, will also be performing.

As well as non-stop performances on stage in the Equestrian Centre, lots of other attractions around the course will keep the crowds entertained throughout the day and evening.

For anyone interested in hospitality, a new offer this year is the £99 Sportsman’s Package in the Earth Summit Restaurant, which includes visits by a racing tipster to mark racing cards and give tips on the day’s runners and riders, plus appearances by some of the city’s sporting greats. Guests will have the opportunity to pose for photos with the Grand National Trophy, while each woman will receive a complimentary Matalan race day goodie bag.

Seats are still available for Thursday from £24 (West Tip) with Tattersalls Tickets at £21.
To book tickets for the 164th John Smith’s Grand National Meeting at Aintree Racecourse, visit www.aintree.co.uk or call 0844 579 3001. For details on hospitality, call 0151 522 2911.

Ends
For more information please contact Rachael Tinniswood on 0151 706 9966 or on 07846 406487.

Editor’s Notes
The full line-up for Liverpool Day is as follows:
Liverpool Day Entertainment Schedule
10am   Gates open
11am   Fashion Show until 11.15am - Red Rum Lawn
Saintsations on course
Ronan Boyle - at any time on Pavilion Stage until 12noon
11.30am  MDI Productions dance troop in parade ring
Press conference in Media Centre
Boogie Express to play in Red Rum Garden until 12noon
12noon  Boogie Express on Pavilion Stage until 12.55pm
12.15pm  Saintsations in Parade Ring
Fashion Show until 12.30pm - Red Rum Lawn
End of Fashion Show – Unveiling of Liverpool Day Hat
12.30pm  MDI Dance troop on racecourse  
12.45pm  Red Devils
1.10pm   Lady Killers on Pavilion Stage until 1.55pm
1.15pm  In Harmony Performance on Parade Ring Stage
Saintsations on course
1.30pm   Boogie Nights in Red Rum Garden until 2pm
1.45pm  Celebrity Opener – Ken Dodd on Weighing Room Steps
Royal Philharmonic to play on course by winning post
2pm   FIRST RACE – LIVERPOOL HURDLE
2.10pm  Kaya & Captain Temper on Pavilion Stage until 2.30pm
2.15pm  Fashion Show until 2.25pm - Red Rum Lawn
2.30pm  SECOND RACE – 4YO NOVICES HURDLE
2.50pm Fashion Show until 3.05pm - Red Rum Lawn
2.55pm  Merseycats presents The Memories on pavilion Stage until 3.05pm
3.05pm   THIRD RACE - BOWL
3.25pm  Stealing Sheep on Pavilion Stage until 3.40pm
3.30pm   Boogie Nights in Red Rum Garden until 4.15pm (Break for racing)
3.40pm  FOURTH RACE – FOXHUNTERS – horses to be lead by Huntsmen
4.00pm  Merseycats presents Beatclub on Pavilion Stage until 4.15pm
4.15pm  FIFTH RACE – HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE
4.30pm   Fashion Show until 4.45pm - Red Rum Lawn
4.35pm  Paul Kappa on Pavilion Stage until 4.50pm
4.50pm  SIXTH RACE – NOVICES STEEPLECHASE
5.10pm  Alternative Radio on Pavilion Stage until 5.25pm
   Boogie Express in Red Rum Garden until 5.25pm
5.25pm  SEVENTH RACE – HANDICAP HURDLE
5.40pm  The Farm until 6.30pm
5.40pm  Update Leading Rider award – Winner’s Enclosure