Grosvenor has announced that Liverpool ONE is to host over 10 weeks of placemaking and experiential activations in a ‘Summer of Fun’ to deliver additional footfall and sales.
The additions cement the destination’s position as a vibrant hub at the heart of the city, which was recently named best large city break destination in the UK by Which?, as Liverpool prepares for a series of large-scale events expected to attract visitors from across the globe, including a series of sell-out Taylor Swift concerts.
First to launch is the Upside Down House, currently the only location in the North West. The attraction, which opened over the late May bank holiday, is situated on Thomas Steers Way near to the popular Liverpool sign and John Lewis. The illusional installation is designed to immerse visitors in an array of themed upside-down rooms, including Candy Land and a Pac-Man arcade room.
Chavasse Park will be home to a free basketball tournament from May 31 to June 2, marking the return of Toxteth El8te CIC’s LVP 3×3 Tournament. Supported by Liverpool ONE and funded by Merseyside’s Violence Reduction Partnership (MVRP), the purpose-built court is bringing together young people of all ages to play basketball.
From June 8, Liverpool ONE will feature on the city’s ‘Taylor Town Trail’ as Liverpool celebrates the arrival of Taylor Swift for her sell-out concerts at Anfield Stadium on June 13, 14 and 15. Liverpool ONE will be home to some of the custom-made installations around the city, as ‘Swifties’ are encouraged to make the most of their time in Liverpool
Liverpool ONE has also been named as an official Team GB & Paralympics GB Fan Zone for the summer Olympic and Paralympic Games and will host a giant screen on Chavasse Park from July 1 for 10 weeks. Brought to life in partnership with Ocean Outdoor, the screen is one of nine official Fan Zones across the country and will stream major sporting events including Wimbledon and more. Grosvenor is also hosting an official Fan Zone in Grosvenor Square, London.
Tickle the Ivories Festival, one of Liverpool ONE’s most successful enlivenment initiatives and one of the largest piano festivals in the North West, is now in its 14th year and set to return to the destination in July for nine weeks.
Donna Howitt, place strategy director at Liverpool ONE, said: “Liverpool ONE’s packed schedule of immersive placemaking initiatives will create new reasons to visit and more moments of joy, helping to drive the destination’s performance over the summer. Paired with our leading line-up of global retail brands, F&B concepts and unique leisure operators, Liverpool ONE offers an unmatched experience in the North West.”
These experiential activations build on an established programme of additional reasons to visit Liverpool ONE, including the return of The Bus Yard to Chavasse Park, partnering with the unique pop-up for a third time. The Bus Yard has installed its converted vintage Bedford Truck bar, which will serve visitors until September. Other placemaking initiatives include the regularly transformed Liverpool sign, recently unveiled with a new design inspired by the patterns of vintage football kits from Liverpool FC and Everton FC as a celebration of the city’s passion for football.
