A new Liverpool tradition will be born on the eve of the Randox Grand National Festival with the inaugural “The Grand Reveal”, a free public event bringing the passion and celebration of one of the world’s most famous racing events into the heart of Liverpool city centre.
The Grand Reveal is supported through Liverpool’s Accommodation BID, which seeks to attract major events to the city and encourage overnight stays, and is funded through the city’s £2 overnight visitor levy.
Taking place at Exchange Flags on Wednesday 8 April from 3pm to 6pm, the event will feature a free, family-friendly afternoon of entertainment. With a Winner’s Enclosure, Jockey Gym, Stable, and simulators, the magic of the Grand National will be brought into the historic square.
A Commentator Box will give people the opportunity to see if they are the next voice in horse racing, while a dress-up area of jockey silks and helmets will help them look the part. Meanwhile, at 8:30 pm, St John’s Beacon and Royal Albert Dock Liverpool will be lit up to celebrate the start of the festival.
Dickon White, Regional Director North West at The Jockey Club, said:
“We’re incredibly pleased to have the backing of Liverpool’s Accommodation BID and are truly grateful to be beneficiaries of the levy, which will allow us to further champion both the Randox Grand National Festival and the City of Liverpool, introducing them to wider audiences.
“The event at Exchange Flags will give more people the chance to experience horse racing up close and enjoy a real taste of the Randox Grand National.
“It’s been a fantastic team effort to create something open, engaging and celebratory, reflecting both our values and those of the city.”
Boosting the Local Economy Through Global Engagement
The Randox Grand National is a massive driver for the local economy, worth more than £60 million to the Liverpool City Region according to a study conducted in 2023.
In association with Liverpool John Moores University, The Jockey Club conducted a first-ever Grand National Economic Impact Report, which found that the total economic impact of the festival is estimated at £60,186,414.
Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool Business Improvement District, added:
“We are delighted to bring the magic of the Grand National into the heart of Liverpool city centre.
“The ambition of this fund is to attract events that will encourage people to stay overnight in the city, and we know that thousands of people come to Liverpool for the world’s most famous Steeplechase.
“The Grand Reveal is, we hope, a new tradition that encourages those visitors to sample more of the delights of the city, from its hospitality to its culture.
“It is important we keep events free and accessible in the public realm, and being able to support this means it is for everyone.”
A Loyal and Global Following for Aintree’s Finest
The report also highlighted that the festival is a deeply social event, with nearly all attendees coming with friends or family.
It boasts a loyal following, with 64.2% of people attending out of habit.
While the largest proportion of active users engaging with the festival on social media is from the UK (74%), the event attracts global interest, with significant engagement from the United States, Australia, and India.
This international reach ensures that the eyes of the world are on Liverpool every April as the festival prepares to crown another champion.
