Bandstand brings music back to Strawberry Field


Bandstand at Strawberry Field design based on Sgt. Pepper's drum with a black and white mosaic floor and mural on back wall
3rd May, 2023

The Strawberry Field Forever bandstand is now open for visitors to see in the gardens of the South Liverpool tourist attraction.

The opening of the Strawberry Field Bandstand took place in Liverpool on 2nd May 2023. The new bandstand in the garden of the Strawberry Field visitor attraction encapsulates the brilliance of everything John Lennon and The Beatles were. Strawberry Field is proud to present the Strawberry Field Bandstand as a continuation of John Lennon’s legacy and a celebration of music and a desire for peace.

As a young boy who lived locally, John Lennon cited one of his earliest musical memories as hearing The Salvation Army band playing in the gardens, a beautiful full circle moment for the Strawberry Field Forever bandstand that aims to become one of the newest Beatles attractions in Liverpool. A homage to The Beatles, this unique attraction will also belong to the community, as we look forward to welcoming audiences to see musicians and artists showcasing their talents, boosting tourism in Liverpool by providing an attraction for families to visit, explore and enjoy.

Aerial view of bandstand based on Sgt. Pepper's drum set in gardens of Strawberry Field Liverpoo. Image credit jg_dorones

Based upon the drum featured on the iconic album cover, Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, the Strawberry Field bandstand features a beautiful display of artwork painted by renowned pop artist James Wilkinson. The Bandstand floor features a mosaic similar to the John Lennon Imagine memorial in Strawberry Fields, Central Park, New York. The mosaic is made from more than 390,000 pieces of marble!

Black and white tile mosaic floor with word Imagine in the centre as tribute to John Lennon at Strawberry Field Liverpool

Designed to be one of the most technologically advanced bandstands in the world it features cutting edge computer lighting and sound equipment with facilities for broadcasting, multi-track recording, streaming and full internet use. It also incorporates Bluetooth technology which allows visitors to enjoy performances via wireless headphones.

Owned by The Salvation Army since the 1930s, Strawberry Field is now open as a visitor attraction. Profits made support the Steps at Strawberry Field programmes, which empower those with barriers to employment to achieve their goals of paid employment.  The Bandstand has been donated by Honorary Patron, Cliff Cooper, CEO of Orange Amplification. The Salvation Army helped Cliff Cooper’s late father gain employment following the First World War, so is a cause close to his heart.

A line of officials stand on the bandstand at Strawberry Field for official opening event

The opening of the new Strawberry Field Bandstand was attended by Cliff Cooper, along with Vice Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Robert Owen, High Sheriff of Merseyside, Dr Ruth Hussey, CB OBE and other dignitaries including the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Roy Gladden, Julia Baird, John Lennon’s sister and Major David Taylor, The Salvation Army’s divisional leader for the North West. Performing on stage were Ruby J, Brooke Combe and Logan Paul Murphy.

Brooke Combe performs at the opening of the Strawberry Field Bandstand in Liverpool

Strawberry Field looks forward to welcoming audiences to see musicians and artists showcasing their talents, boosting tourism in Liverpool by providing an attraction for families to visit, explore and enjoy. Visitors to Strawberry Field can see the bandstand in the gardens, which can be accessed free of charge during opening hours.

 

“I truly believe this is a wonderful and important project.”

Peter Hooton, Chair of the Beatles Legacy Group