A full rebrand of the arena, part of the ACC Liverpool complex, is now under way. The complex also includes the Convention Centre, Exhibition Centre Liverpool and the Pullman Hotel

Liverpool’s waterfront arena officially became the M&S Bank Arena on Monday – after a decade being know as the Echo Arena.

A full rebrand of the arena, part of the ACC Liverpool complex, is now under way. The complex also includes the Convention Centre, Exhibition Centre Liverpool and the Pullman Hotel.

The rebrand comes after a successful Christmas holiday period for the venue, which saw the Theraplate UK Liverpool International Horse Show return for the fourth consecutive year. 

The M&S Bank Arena is set for a busy year in 2019, which will see it host high profile artists such as George Ezra, Little Mix and Rod Stewart, as well as Strictly Come Dancing and The X Factor Tour.  The Netball World Cup is set to attract tens of thousands of global visitors when it comes to the city in July.

Sue Fox, chief executive of M&S Bank, said: “We’re very proud to have been based in the North West since M&S Bank was formed in 1985 and it’s absolutely fantastic to start 2019 with the launch of the M&S Bank Arena – Liverpool’s top venue for music, sport, comedy and family entertainment.”

The venue has hosted over 1,300 performances since it first opened its doors in 2008.  Entertainment highlights have included the European MTV Awards, the Davis Cup, Sir Paul McCartney, the MOBO Awards and BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Bob Prattey, chief executive of The ACC Liverpool Group, which is owned by Liverpool City Council, said: “Last year we marked 10 years since the venue first opened its doors and I’m incredibly excited to start the next chapter as the M&S Bank Arena.

“Based in the region, M&S Bank shares our passion for the city of Liverpool, making it the perfect naming partner for our venue.  We look forward to continuing to host a multitude of major events for visitors to the M&S Bank Arena.”