Full programme announced for John Lennon Tribute Season

Marking 70 years since Lennon’s birth and 30 years since his untimely death, the tribute season will bring together organisations in Liverpool to celebrate the life of one of the world’s most influential and legendary musicians and one of the city’s most famous sons.

* Famed for being the first professional photographer to photograph The Beatles, Astrid Kirchherr – A Retrospective opens at the University of Liverpool’s Victoria Gallery and Museum (24 Aug 2010 – Jan 2011). The curators have had unparalleled access to Kirchherr’s photographic archives and the exhibition contains a wealth of previously unpublished photographs showing Astrid Kirchherr and her contemporaries including the Beatles.

* The Bluecoat will honour Lennon’s commitment to peace and freedom in Bed-In at the Bluecoat. Taking inspiration from Lennon and Yoko Ono’s 1969 bed-ins for peace staged in Amsterdam and Montreal, Bluecoat will invite artists and associates to present their work from a bed on display to the public throughout the duration of the John Lennon season.

* The world’s leading permanent Beatles-themed visitor attraction, the Beatles Story will accept a John Lennon Peace Monument on behalf of the city and Europe, gifted by USA organisation Global Peace Initiative. Unveiled by his son Julian, this stunning 18 foot high piece of art will celebrate John Lennon’s life and the messages of peace he stood for (Oct 9).

* Judged by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, the first international ‘Liverpool Lennon Poet’ Competition has been launched by the Beatles Story, with a live poetry slam final on 6 Nov. Poets from across the world including secondary school pupils from Liverpool City Region are encouraged to write and perform unpublished verses, celebrating the life of John Lennon.

* Discover intimate details of John’s early life in a one-hour discussion with Rod Davis and Colin Hanton. Talking about Quarry Bank School and the early days of the Quarrymen Group, this is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Lennon fans (2 Nov). The lecture series An Evening With… continues with Tony Bramwell, the Beatles Manager and friend (9 Nov).

* Tracing Lennon’s steps from Woolton Church Fete to New York, stopping in Hamburg and at The Cavern, Lennon by Bob Eaton celebrates the music of Lennon and McCartney in this smash hit show (15 Oct – 13 Nov).

* The Cavern Clubs’ daily John Lennon Tribute Show featuring Marcus Cahill will ensure that all visitors to Liverpool experience the magic of Lennon (9 Oct – 9 Dec).

* Shopping and Leisure complex Liverpool One will be hosting a series of musical tributes to John Lennon performed by musicians and street entertainers throughout the streets of Liverpool ONE. Liverpool ONE loves Lennon – a Musical Tribute takes place from 9 – 15 Oct. The shopping complex will also host an art competition giving children and adults the chance for their Lennon inspired artwork to go on display in Liverpool One from 9 – 31 Oct.

* The Cavern Club will host a number of John Lennon 70th Birthday Celebration Gigs (8 – 9 Oct). In the unique atmosphere of this world famous venue, Lennon fans can enjoy the music of their Liverpool hero.

* The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra revisits its popular John Lennon Song Book especially for Lennon’s 70th Birthday (9 Oct). In this special evening of song, audiences will have a rare opportunity to hear classics including Imagine, Women, I am the Walrus and Jealous Guy, sung by some of the UK’s top vocalists.

* White Feather: Spirit Of Lennon, an exhibition about life with John Lennon by his son Julian and former wife Cynthia is extended at the Beatles Story Pier Head. This emotional story is told on screen by Julian and Cynthia and is illustrated with family photos, personal postcards and the Lennons’ unseen collection of memorabilia (until 31 Dec).

* People visiting the City during the John Lennon Tribute Season can enjoy a number of specially designed sightseeing tours, allowing visitors to experience John Lennon’s true Liverpool. Walk around the city with: Magical Mystery Tours – Lennon Special and Walking Class Hero Tour and if your feet get sore then hop in a taxi for the Fab4 ‘John Lennon’ Taxi Tour, all running throughout the season (9 Oct – 9 Dec)

* Music stars of all eras will unite in a unique and emotional season finale at the Echo Arena. Lennon Remembered, a charity concert, will see musicians congregate on stage to perform versions of Lennon’s most famous songs (9 Dec)

Jerry Goldman, Managing Director of the Beatles Story said: “The Season is already shaping up to be a fitting tribute of music and culture and we expect even more events to be announced next month including the location of the John Lennon Peace Monument’.

Councillor Wendy Simon, Cabinet member for Culture and Tourism, said: “A whole host of organisations and venues are working very hard to make this John Lennon Tribute Season a success. It’s great for the city and a fitting way to remember and celebrate the life of John Lennon”.