Work begins on uniquely designed bandstand to be installed in the grounds of Strawberry Field, Liverpool

When one thinks of Strawberry Field, John Lennon or the Beatles, it is music that comes to mind. For many that is what they also first associate with The Salvation Army. The team at Strawberry Field are therefore delighted work has begun on the installation of a uniquely designed bandstand in the grounds of Strawberry Field, where John Lennon played as a child.

When Honorary Patron of Strawberry Field, Cliff Cooper, CEO of Orange Amplifiers, learnt about plans to develop the Strawberry Field site as a training and work placement hub for young people with learning disabilities, he had an idea to donate and build a bandstand in the grounds.

Cliff said:

"One of John Lennon’s earliest musical experiences was hearing The Salvation Army band playing in the gardens of Strawberry Field. How appropriate is it now to reintroduce music into the gardens! I hope the bandstand will bring immense joy to visitors from around the world and will provide a performance space to help with the development of the students of the Strawberry Field training hub. I look forward to seeing the continuance of John’s legacy, promoting Peace and Love in the world, an ethos which reflects the selfless dedication of The Salvation Army, whose people devote their lives to helping others who are in need and less fortunate than ourselves."

After over a year of planning, the construction team have broken ground. Kathleen Versfeld, Mission Director at Strawberry Field said:

“We are thrilled to have seen work begin on the long-awaited bandstand. We are looking forward to celebrity performances, performances by our Step to Work students and of course by Salvation Army bands. We are very conscious of the fact that we are in a residential neighbourhood, so our plans include significant steps to avoid noise, crowding or other forms of disturbance. We want the bandstand to bring great joy to our local community as well as to our visitors from around the world”

The anticipated opening date of the bandstand will be April 2022. For more information on Strawberry Field, visit the website.