Liverpool Cathedral’s much-loved annual sleepout is set to return this April, inviting families to take part in a memorable overnight experience inside the UK’s largest cathedral – all in support of local people facing homelessness.
Delivered in partnership with The Whitechapel Centre, the event raises vital funds for both charities. The Whitechapel Centre is Liverpool’s leading homeless and housing charity, supporting people sleeping rough, living in hostels or at risk of losing their home, helping some of the city’s most vulnerable residents find safety, stability and long-term support.
Funds raised will also help care for and preserve Liverpool Cathedral, ensuring this iconic landmark can continue welcoming visitors and worshippers for generations to come.
This year’s sleepout embraces a fairy tale theme, with families encouraged to dress up as knights, dragons, princesses and other mythical characters, and to build their own magical dens for the night. The evening will be packed with family-friendly activities, including fairy-tale story time, face painting, a raffle, and prizes for the best den, the highest number of sponsors secured, and the most funds raised.
While the event can’t replicate the reality of sleeping rough, both Liverpool Cathedral and The Whitechapel Centre hope it will help participants better understand what it might feel like to not have a safe place to call home – and inspire continued compassion and action.
The Liverpool Cathedral Sleepout takes place on Friday 10 April 2026 at Liverpool Cathedral.
Registration costs £5 per person, with a suggested sponsorship target of £50 per participant. All funds raised will be split equally between the two charities.
The Very Revd Dr Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool, said:
“Our annual sleepout is an opportunity for us to come together in solidarity with those who face homelessness every day. While the Cathedral is a place of worship, it is also a place of compassion. Jesus calls us to help those who are overlooked and to respond with generosity and care. By spending the night here, we are raising vital funds for The Whitechapel Centre and the life-changing work they do across our city, as well as for the Cathedral itself, which was built by the people for the people and provides a powerful and fitting setting for this event.”
Ashley Nixon, Fundraiser at The Whitechapel Centre, said:
“There is a homelessness crisis in Liverpool, we are seeing increasing numbers of people coming to us for help. Everyone should have a safe and stable home – a comfy bed, hot food to eat, somewhere you can watch television, play games or read a book. Unfortunately, not everyone in our city has this. By taking part in the Cathedral Sleepout, you can help end homelessness for people in our city.”
You can register for the Liverpool Cathedral Sleepout here.
Photo Credit: ©Gareth Jones
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