As a continuation of John Lennon’s legacy, Summer Sounds is inspired by the nostalgic echoes of Lennon’s past summers, where Salvation Army bands played at summer fetes in the famous gardens. Strawberry Field invites families and friends to relive these moments by pulling up their deckchairs and immersing themselves in a summer-long celebration of music at the iconic Strawberry Field Bandstand.

Strawberry Field has collaborated with several esteemed partners to curate a diverse music programme including Talentbanq, who are bringing the Black Deer Festival, Caffè Nero Presents and London and Liverpool Rising to Liverpool for the first time.

To commence the Summer Sounds schedule on Sunday 2 June, Black Deer Live will showcase the best of the americana music genre, placing a spotlight on country music. The lineup features local band Motel Sundown, made up of singer-songwriters Karen Turley, Naomi Campbell and Robert Johnson. Formed in 2018, together they combine the sounds they grew up with such as The Beatles, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, with three-part harmonies inspired by the likes of Fleetwood Mac and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Sharing the stage is rising star Katy Hurt, born in London and raised in the US. She was drawn to the sounds of country, americana and southern rock from a young age and was inspired by artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, The Eagles, and Patsy Cline.

Tickets for Black Deer Live are available now.

Throughout the summer, the Strawberry Field Bandstand will feature free events taking place every weekend, hosting some of the north west’s finest brass bands, including the Liverpool Walton Salvation Army Brass Band, a beloved band from the days of John Lennon’s visits, as well as bands from Liverpool, Eagley, Blackburn and Haydock.

Alongside the famous brass bands, audiences can expect performances from string quartets and choirs such as the Hope Street Harmonies, an all-female a capella choir with a diverse repertoire; Penny Lane Jazz, a local quartet delivering a dynamic yet beguiling mixture of swing and latin; and the Liverpool Harmonic Gospel Choir, who are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year and have performed with the likes of Nina Simone and Cliff Richard.

Complementing Summer Sounds, Strawberry Field will host a craft fair on Saturday 6 July, showcasing independent traders in the picturesque gardens. Families are also invited to partake in the ‘Get Back to Play’ days every Tuesday throughout the summer holidays, offering traditional play and craft sessions.

As the music from the Summer Sounds programme fills the air, visitors to Strawberry Field can immerse themselves in the year-round exhibition to explore the history of the site, learning about its connection to John Lennon as well as visiting and reflecting in its tranquil gardens and indulging in a selection of delicious treats at the on-site cafe.

Later in the programme, Strawberry Field will also be hosting both Caffè Nero Presents on 14 July, Liverpool London Rising on 2 August, and live music for International Beatleweek in August promising more memorable moments. More details of these will soon be announced.

Major Kathy Versfeld, mission director at Strawberry Field, said:

“Many people are familiar with Salvation Army brass bands, and the spiritual connection many associate with that music, so it is wonderful to welcome them and other musicians to Strawberry Field. We’re delighted to offer free events all summer, allowing the local community to come together for traditional summer celebrations. It’s also exciting to offer something different with our three partner events, each with their own individual flavour and giving local and upcoming artists an opportunity to perform at the famous Strawberry Field.”

For more information about the Strawberry Field attraction and to book exhibition tickets and cafe reservations, visit the website, and social media – X, Facebook and Instagram.