THE Summer Pops music festival in Liverpool has been  downsized to a handful of  gigs at the Philharmonic  Hall – after organisers said  they would  struggle  to find  acts to perform.

In the past, the concerts  have attracted names like   Diana Ross, The Who, Sir  Elton John, Paul Simon,  Brian Wilson, Bob Dylan,  James Brown, Deep Purple,  Simple Minds, Pink, Tom  Jones and Amy  Winehouse.

Organisers CMP have  vowed to continue the  festival, despite problems  signing up high profile  artists.

Chas Cole, from CMP  Entertainment, said: “The  Summer Pops continues,  but it’s unlikely there will  be any Summer Pops ECHO  Arena shows this year, due  to lack of availability of  appropriate artists.

“We will have a few  shows at the Philharmonic  Hall, including Jools  Holland and Brit Floyd.”

The annual event began  in the big top on Kings  Dock. CMP Entertainment  were first associated with  the Summer  Pops in 2001,  working with  Liverpool City  Council.

In 2005, the  tent was  moved to  nearby  Trafalgar Dock to make  way for the construction of  the ECHO arena on the  King's Dock site.

In 2007, the Pops were  controversially scrapped  after a council row about  costs.

But, days later, the ECHO  came to the rescue –  helping CMP seal a deal so  that the event could be held  at Aintree racecourse.

In 2008, the concert  series moved to the 11,000-  capacity ECHO arena, built  on the tent’s former home  on Kings Dock.

Each year  there would be  upwards of 20  shows,  bringing in  some of the  world’s biggest  names.

But, in recent years,  there has been a decrease in  the amount of shows put on.  Last year, there were just  three arena events – Jools  Holland and his Rhythm  and Blues Orchestra, Dea-  con Blue and Pink Floyd  tribute act, Brit Floyd.

This year, the shows will  move to the Philharmonic  Hall, which seats only one  fifth of the ECHO arena  crowd.

Plans for next year’s  Summer Pops are unsure,  and will be decided nearer  the time depending on the  economy and availability of  artists.

But 2014 could see a  return of the big top, which  proved popular with  audience and acts alike, and  could prove a middle  ground with around half  the seats of the ECHO  arena.

Mr Cole said: “Everyone  still asks me about the Big  Top every year.  I'd love to  bring it back.

“For 2014, we are looking  to bring the big top back for  a special Summer Pops  anniversary series of  shows. Watch this space.”