Leading visitor attraction Strawberry Field unveils programme for International Beatleweek in Liverpool. Tony McDonough reports
One of Liverpool’s most famous visitor attractions, Strawberry Field, has unveiled its calendar of activities for International Beatleweek.
Running from Wednesday, August 24, to Tuesday, August 30, International Beatleweek provides Beatles fans the opportunity to enjoy a series of live music events at different venues. These include the famous Cavern Club.
Strawberry Field, in south Liverpool was immortalised in the 1967 Beatles hit Strawberry Fields Forever. It is a property in the Woolton area of Liverpool and included a Victorian house that was originally built as a private residence. It was acquired by the Salvation Army in the 1930 and converted into a children’s home.
Growing up nearby, John Lennon had played in the grounds of the house, which was eventually demolished in 1973. It was replaced with purpose-built units. Its red-painted entrance gates became a place of pilgrimage for legions of Beatles fans.
During Beatleweek Strawberry Field will host a performance from local pianist Emma Weeks, a variety of Beatles covers from local band, There’s Moo, and a solo set from John Lennon tribute, Jimmy Coburn.
This is as well as other activities and performances from the likes of Tom Corfield, the Lockdown Ukulele band, and a community choir, Sing Your Socks Off. Visitors can also watch Shannon MacDonald, known as “the world’s greatest Beatles artist” for her photo-like Beatles portraits, who will be creating one of her artworks live on site.
Sue Harvey, commercial manager at Strawberry Field, said: “International Beatleweek is something our city should be hugely proud of. I am so excited to welcome everyone from local families to fans from across 40 different countries to Strawberry Field – a place of huge significance in the history of The Beatles.
“For almost 70 years, our grounds have been filled with the sounds of joy, laughter and music from the young people who lived and played here – including John Lennon. Let’s keep that tradition alive during International Beatleweek.”
While enjoying the live performances at Strawberry Field, visitors can also take in the interactive visitor exhibition. They can learn more about the history of the site and how it inspired John Lennon to write the iconic Beatles hit.
Visitors can also explore the Lennon Wired art exhibition by renowned pop artist, James Wilkinson, which features artwork created using the microphone leads John Lennon used to record ‘Imagine.’
Owned and operated by The Salvation Army, every ticket sale or donation made to Strawberry Field goes toward its Steps to Work mission. This provides sustainable employment opportunities for young people with learning difficulties and other barriers to employment, through training skills and valuable work placements.