Meet The Judges
Tony Woof
Tony Woof, now retired , was the founder of West Kirby Arts Centre, and is a true champion of original music. He programmed WKAC for over 10 years and built a strong reputation for booking the very best acoustic acts whether they be legends of the folk music world or unsung local artists.
The Arts Centre under Tony’s guidance was a big champion, through music, of both local, national and international charities such as; Clare house, the foodbanks, Amnesty International and the RNLI. Many thousands of pounds have been raised due to Tony’s support and encouragement of the amateur musicians staging such fund raising concerts over the years.
The legacy of Tony’s work lives on in the local music scene generally and in Friday Live specifically.
Jim Pearson
Jim is an indie songwriter who has been an active performer in the North West for more than a decade. He has eleven solo albums to his name – his most recent “MONO” is his first all acoustic recording. Of it, Tom Robinson said “Ah nice one Jim – I love your way with words and a tune. Just sorry I don’t have a radio show anymore with which to spread the word…”
Jim is twice winner of the Liverpool Acoustic Songwriting Challenge 2023 and 2024.
Katie MacGregor
Katie MacGregor is a singer-songwriter and classical pianist from Wrexham, North Wales, known for blending folk-pop with classical elegance. As one half of the acclaimed duo Igloo Hearts, she has captivated audiences nationwide with emotional performances and intricate compositions.
Her talent gained national attention on Channel 4’s The Piano, where Mika described her audition as “one of the best piano and vocal performances they had ever seen.” She also appeared with Igloo Hearts on the Welsh version of S4C’S The Voice (2026).
With Igloo Hearts, Katie has performed at prestigious stages including the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, Focus Wales, and Purbeck Folk Festival, where the duo were finalists in the Purbeck Rising competition. They also collaborate with Chester’s Storyhouse Theatre to curate unique live events, working with artists such as Michele Stodart (The Magic Numbers), Mark Radcliffe (BBC Radio 2), and Welsh Music Prize winner The Gentle Good.
Katie is also an advisor for Wrexham’s City of Culture 2029 bid, supporting the development and celebration of the local arts scene.
Her passion extends beyond performance. She recently composed and performed a commissioned piece with Wrexham Choir and George ‘Guitar’ Borowski for World Peace Day, held at one of the Seven Wonders of Wales.
Classically trained, she achieved Grade 8 piano distinction at 16 and weaves this influence into her songwriting. Her music is marked by goosebump-inducing melodies, unusual chord progressions, and deeply personal lyrics, including reflections on her IVF journey.
She is also passionate about nurturing emerging talent and is delighted to support this year’s Friday Live Songwriter Challenge, celebrating creativity within the local community.
Caroline England | Singer, Songwriter & Vocal Coach
Critically acclaimed and award-winning, Caroline England is a powerhouse of musical versatility and vocal expertise. With a career spanning over 2000 global performances and a discography of more than 50 releases, she has cemented her reputation as both a prolific creator and a dedicated mentor.
Caroline recently achieved significant chart success through her collaboration with Andy McCluskey of the iconic Merseyside band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD). Their work on the album Bauhaus Staircase saw it debut at Number 2 on the UK charts—sharing the top tier with legends like The Rolling Stones and Taylor Swift. The evocative lyrics to their track “Healing” now serve as the creative heartbeat for OMD’s spellbinding stadium productions currently touring the world.
Beyond the charts, Caroline’s artistry often intersects with unique cultural moments. Her quirky, spirited track “Ginger” stands as the official anthem for Red Head Day UK, famously performed while she led a successful world record attempt for the most redheads on a single flight.
As a passionate vocal coach, Caroline views music through a lens of empowerment. She is a firm believer in the healing power of song and its ability to transform everyday life. This philosophy drives her extensive work with community projects, including The Soundbreathe Choir, group coaching classes and breathwork sessions where she creates inclusive spaces for vocal discovery and connection through song and breath.
Building on the momentum of the Friday Live Songwriter Challenge, Caroline continues to bridge the gap between high-level industry success and the soulful, grassroots impact of music.
