The new bandstand in the garden of the Strawberry Field visitor attraction encapsulates the brilliance of everything John Lennon and The Beatles were, and we are 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.

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.

Artist James Wilkinson took his inspiration for the mural which features on the back of the stage from the work that has been done by The Salvation Army and the John Lennon. He explains, "The backdrop of the painting is of the original house where the story began. The overall message of the painting is the continuation of Strawberry Field and the Salvation Army 

The painting merges images, incorporating  the circle of the four seasons. Starting from winter where the scene depicts John Lennon as a schoolboy coming in from the coldness of his situation in life to find the sanctuary of Strawberry Field. He watches the Salvation Army band that brought him such joy and excitement as a child who are leading the way to the hopefulness of a new life in the springtime. Summer is depicted by a fully fruitful tree of life and a busy garden party full of people that have been inspired by the work at Strawberry Field and those who were equally inspired by Lennon's work, musically,  immortalising the place in Strawberry Fields Forever, with the Beatles heading up the brass band to take centre stage. The painting then moves into autumn time, reminding us that although Strawberry Field will be around forever, helping young people in difficult stages of their early life, there may still be difficult times coming. The iconic red gate is, however, always open to those that need to enter."

The bandstand features exciting technology such as advanced computer lighting and sound technology including a high-powered, computerised grazing LED lighting system which can provide a variety of coloured light washes, and a control system which can queue numerous sequences. It is linked to the main building with digital recording facilities and has full internet video streaming capabilities, and will feature a second, more traditional stage lighting system which includes pin spots, moving lights and Fresnel lanterns and a high-quality digital sound system. Visitors will also be able to enjoy musical and theatrical performances from the bandstand via wireless headphones as they roam the grounds of Strawberry Field.

We are very grateful to Strawberry Field Honorary Patron, Cliff Cooper, CEO of Orange Amps who donated the bandstand which sits in the original Strawberry Field garden in Liverpool as an enduring message of peace and hope, a beautiful new addition to our attraction.