The Salvation Army’s Strawberry Field, the Liverpool landmark immortalised in song by John Lennon and The Beatles, has revealed a packed programme of events for summer 2026.

The programme includes the return of its iconic Summer Fete and a celebration of the 90th anniversary of The Salvation Army children’s home that opened on the site in 1936.

The much-loved Summer Fete returns on Saturday 4 July 2026, celebrating the 90th anniversary of the children’s home that opened in July 1936, an event a young John Lennon regularly attended with his Aunt Mimi in the 1940’s and 50’s. 

This free event showcases all that Strawberry Field has to offer, with live music from Macclesfield Brass Band, Liverpool Rock Choir, and Strawberry Field’s very own Ukulele Band. 

Visitors can browse stalls from local makers, enjoy summer specials from the Imagine More Cafe, and take part in arts, crafts and family activities throughout the day.

The fete also offers the public a first chance to visit the new Sir George and Lady Judy Martin Rose Garden, featuring tributes to the late Beatles’ producer Sir George Martin and Strawberry Field patron, Lady Judy Martin. 

To mark the milestone anniversary, Strawberry Field is launching its ‘£90 for 90 Years’ fundraising campaign, inviting supporters to raise at least £90 to help continue The Salvation Army’s work on the site.

Visitors can also learn about the charity’s Steps to Work programme, which supports young adults facing barriers to employment, as well as volunteering and community opportunities. 

The Salvation Army’s Recycles Merseyside will be on hand offering bike maintenance and refurbished bikes for sale. Entry is by a suggested donation of £5.

Summer at Strawberry Field Exhibition and Play Activities

Beyond the main garden celebrations, the site has scheduled a series of targeted event days and interactive sessions to run throughout the school holidays.

All You Need is Love this year for Global Beatles Day, and Strawberry Field is sharing the love by offering 50% off entry to the visitor exhibition on 25 June. 

Discover why Strawberry Field was so inspiring to a young John Lennon and learn more about the writing and recording of The Beatles’ hit song Strawberry Fields Forever through the media-guided tour exploring the history of the children’s home, the gardens where John sought solace as a child, and the piano on which he composed ‘Imagine’.

For younger families, the Get Back to Play initiative runs from 21 July. Running every Tuesday throughout the school summer holidays, Get Back to Play offers eco-friendly arts and crafts, and traditional toys on the lawn for children aged 4-11.

International Beatleweek Schedules and Booking Details

The summer calendar concludes with a series of specialised historical tours and exclusive guest appearances timed to coincide with the city’s largest annual musical pilgrimage.

International Beatleweek returns to Liverpool for a week of Beatlemania, and no Beatleweek is complete without a trip to Strawberry Field. Highlights include:

• 25 August – Childhood Memories Tour, guided tour exploring places that shaped the Beatles including George Harrison’s home at Upton Green, Quarry Bank School and Strawberry Field.
• 28 August – In Conversation with Adolfo Iglesias – a talk about John Lennon’s time writing ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ in Almeria, plus a Beatles-themed ukulele music group.
• 31 August – Meet and greet book signing with Julia Baird and Beatles artist Shannon, plus music in the garden.

The Salvation Army’s Michelle Lovegrove-Huggins said: 

“Strawberry Field has a long and much-loved history of hosting summer fetes in these famous gardens, where John Lennon and residents at the children’s home once found sanctuary. 

“This year is particularly significant as we mark 90 years of The Salvation Army’s work on this site, reflecting decades of community, care and opportunity. 

“Our summer programme brings that heritage to life, and we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to come together for a joyful season of family fun, music, connection and community spirit.”

Strawberry Field is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 5 pm, when visitors are welcome to visit the Imagine More café, gardens and extensive gift shop. 

For a small additional charge, people can also explore the history of Strawberry Field and John Lennon’s early years through the media-guided tour. 

All profits support Strawberry Field’s work in the community and programmes empowering young people facing barriers to employment to access paid work.

You can find out more about the Strawberry Field summer programme here.

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