Strawberry Field is set to become a unique and authentic visitor experience. The site had a significant influence on John Lennon’s childhood, being the inspiration for the song ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’.
A unique and exciting new product is being offered to members of the travel trade; Strawberry Field, a visitor attraction with a difference, will open its gates in Liverpool late summer 2019. This significant piece of Beatles tourism in Liverpool will be open for group tours from September 2019.
Strawberry Field, the iconic site immortalised by John Lennon in The Beatles hit, ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’, was previously the site of the former Salvation Army children’s home, where John Lennon found solace as a child playing in the grounds.
In 2019, the famous Strawberry Field red gates – outside which thousands of people journey every year to have their photo taken – will open for the first time to visitors.
Strawberry Field is set to become a unique and authentic visitor experience. The site had a significant influence on John Lennon’s childhood, being the inspiration for the song ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’. Next year, it will provide work experience for young adults with learning disabilities, enabling them to learn a trade and find meaningful employment. Strawberry Field will be a place of spiritual exploration and discovery, offering the chance to explore the woods and gardens where John played as a child.
As a visitor attraction, Strawberry Field will include an authentic inter-active exhibition, complete with audio guide in multiple languages, exploring stories of the site’s history, John Lennon's childhood, the writing and recording of the song. Visits will include a tour of the garden and woods where John played as a child. A café will provide light refreshments as well as lunch and early dinner menus. A shop will stock an exciting and unique range of Strawberry Field merchandise.
Julia Baird, John Lennon’s sister and Honorary President of the Strawberry Field project said: “I am sure that John would have been thrilled that Strawberry Field is to become a bastion of hope for young adults as well as an inspirational Visitor Experience.”
Strawberry Field is owned and operated by The Salvation Army. The church and charity hopes to continue inspiring future generations to come.
Julius Wolff-Ingham, Fundraising and Marketing Director for The Salvation Army said: “Strawberry Field will weave together educational, cultural, heritage and spiritual exploration in one bold, imaginative site. It’s going to be a vibrant visitor experience, which we hope will inspire people today as much as the place inspired the young John Lennon.”
This exciting new attraction will complement other significant Liverpool Beatles attractions such as the award-winning The Beatles Story, the Cavern Club and the Magical Mystery Tour.
Chris Brown, Director of Marketing Liverpool, said: “The Beatles are and will remain a huge draw for our international visitors, underlined by the phenomenal level of interest we continue to receive from media and travel trade contacts across the world. That is set to increase even further with the opening of Strawberry Field. In knowing the concept and experience that will be delivered there, we have no doubts that this is going to be a fantastic new addition to the city’s offer, and that it will have a significant economic and social impact.”
Strawberry Field is around 15 minutes’ drive from Liverpool city centre. Drop off and pick up parking spaces will be available as well as nearby coach parking. Travel trade professionals will have access to dedicated staff who will organise all aspects of group visits and group organisers will get free access to the exhibition.
Beatles fans, supporters of Strawberry Field and the vision for young adults with learning disabilities can back the redevelopment by donating to the project or by purchasing exclusive Strawberry Field merchandise including limited edition bricks from the original Salvation Army children’s home as well as t-shirts, mugs and much more.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
