Strawberry Field, Liverpool’s Small Visitor Attraction of the Year, is marking the date of a headline event that turned heartache into new opportunity.

25 years ago on 11 May, the attraction, which celebrates John Lennon’s legacy of peace and kindness, hit the news following the theft of its iconic red gates. In broad daylight, thieves struck the former Salvation Army home, making their getaway with the 1860s metalwork.

By chance, a local scrap dealer, who had bought the metalwork without understanding its significance, reunited The Salvation Army with the original item. To protect the gates, a replica was installed and the original remained hidden until the Strawberry Field attraction was opened in September 2019.

The original gates are on display inside the historic gardens of Strawberry Field where visitors can admire and photograph the authentic metalwork in a tranquil setting. The fully accessible site comprises an interactive visitor exhibition with media guide/languages, peaceful gardens, plus the Imagine More Café and shop. All profits go to Steps at Strawberry Field, the training/work placement programme for young people with learning difficulties.

Strawberry Field is designed to accommodate coach groups. For further details and bookings, contact Ginette Goulston-Lincoln, Travel Trade Consultant at Strawberry Field, at ginette@goulston-lincoln.com or call 07958 448 002. Find out more at www.strawberryfield.salvationarmy.org.uk