Anyone called John as well as Jons, Juans and even John Lennon lookalikes will be able to visit Liverpool’s Strawberry Field for free this Friday as the famous site marks what would have been the Beatles legend’s 86th birthday.
Strawberry Field in Woolton is preparing a special weekend of events celebrating the life and legacy of John Lennon, beginning on Friday 9 October, the date the Liverpool-born musician would have turned 86.
To mark the occasion, anyone named John will receive free entry to the attraction’s visitor exhibition and garden tour. The offer is also being extended to Jons and Juans, while fans who arrive dressed as Lennon can also get in for free.
That means the right name isn’t essential – a pair of round glasses and a green Sgt. Pepper-style jacket could also secure complimentary admission.
The celebrations have particular significance at Strawberry Field because of Lennon’s childhood connection with the site.
He grew up nearby at Mendips, the home of his Aunt Mimi on Menlove Avenue, and would play in the grounds of the former Salvation Army children’s home as a youngster. Those memories later helped inspire one of The Beatles’ most famous songs, Strawberry Fields Forever, released in 1967.
Visitors arriving on Lennon’s birthday will also be among the first to see newly revealed pieces of Beatles history. The items will go on display in the Strawberry Field visitor experience for the first time on Friday before becoming part of its permanent exhibition.
Live music will form a major part of the birthday celebrations, with the Strawberry Field Ukuleles performing Beatles favourites in the gardens from 11am.
From 12.30pm, Cavern Club resident artists Clark and Craig will perform a special John Lennon birthday set spanning his years with The Beatles and his later career.
Entry to the performances is free, with donations welcomed.
A special tour will also give fans the chance to explore some of the places that shaped Lennon’s early life in Liverpool.
Green Badge guide Charlotte Martin will lead the tour from Strawberry Field, taking in Calderstones School – formerly Quarry Bank High School, which Lennon attended – his childhood home Mendips and St Peter’s Church in Woolton.
The church occupies an important place in Beatles history as the location where Lennon first met Paul McCartney in July 1957.
The tour will also include lunch at Strawberry Field with a special guest. Tickets must be booked in advance.
The birthday commemorations will continue throughout the weekend. From Friday 9 until Sunday 11 October, visitors will be invited to write a note, prayer or wish for world peace and attach it to Strawberry Field’s famous red iron gates.
Sue Harvey, commercial manager at Strawberry Field, said:
“What better place to celebrate John Lennon’s 86th birthday than Strawberry Field, the place that inspired him as a child?
“We’re looking forward to welcoming John Lennon fans, and hopefully lots of Johns, Jons, Juans and lookalikes, along with their friends, to celebrate his life and legacy.”
Visitors can explore the gardens where Lennon found sanctuary during his childhood, see the original red iron gates and visit the recently created Sir George and Lady Judy Martin Rose Garden.
The site is also home to the Imagine More Cafe.
Strawberry Field is operated by The Salvation Army, with profits supporting its Steps at Strawberry Field programmes. The initiative helps young people facing barriers to employment, including people with learning differences and neurodivergent conditions, develop skills and move into paid work.
For more information about Strawberry Field, visit the website.
