A John Lennon-inspired mosaic features as the centrepiece of Strawberry Field's new bandstand.
The high-tech bandstand opened on the grounds on Beaconsfield Road in Allerton earlier this year. Shaped like a bass drum, it features artwork inspired by The Beatles' eighth studio album - the seminal 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' - on its roof.
In May, the bandstand had its grand opening. It is designed to be among the most advanced bandstands in the world, with state of the art lighting and sound equipment.
READ MORE: 'Sad irony' at closing theatre that is a 'little home from home'
Since opening, it has played host to Strawberry Field's spring and summer cultural programme. This has included live music, poetry and dance, with some events to mark the Eurovision Song Contest, which was held in the city last month.
Strawberry Field lent its name to the band's 1967 track 'Strawberry Fields Forever', which featured on the Sgt Pepper album. The grounds, which were once a Salvation Army children's home, were visited regularly by a young John Lennon.
A key part of the bandstand's design is a replica of New York's 'Imagine' mosaic is at the heart of the bandstand. The original Imagine mosaic is found in Central Park and is a tribute to John Lennon, who was fatally shot in New York City in 1980.
The mosaic is around 21 feet in diameter. It was constructed using almost 400,000 marble tiles and took over 15 weeks to install.
In April, about the bandstand's opening Major Kathleen Versfeld, mission director at Strawberry Field, said: “Our beautiful new bandstand provides a platform to continue John Lennon’s legacy and message of peace, hope and love for all, and we cannot wait to share it with our guests from the local community and further afield. It’s right that The Quarrymen should be the first act to perform on it knowing the part they played in the history of John and The Beatles.
“We are bringing music back to the Strawberry Field gardens – the place where John experienced one of his earliest musical experiences when hearing The Salvation Army band play. Join us as, together, we make a stand for peace.”
Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here
READ NEXT
Liverpool's Epstein Theatre to close its doors for good
Woman 'cried into her corn flakes' after Uber Eats' £90 error
Claim your FREE National Trust and RSPB family day pass - we've got 50,000 to give away!
