Pokémon Go Safari Zone at Sefton Park: Everything you need to know about the October experience

Hundreds head to Sefton Park every weekend to run, picnic and play – but this month one of the city’s favourite green spaces is set to welcome some new visitors – Pokémon!

The park was chosen to host an official Pokémon GO event after Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team joined forces with software giants Niantic Inc to bring it to the UK for the first time ever.

So between Friday, October 16 and Sunday, October 17, it will become the Pokémon GO Safari Zone, in what will be a massive global event.

Two other locations – Philadelphia and St Louis in the US – will also host the event which was originally due to take place in 2020 but had to be cancelled due COVID-19.

Trainers will be able to hunt for the popular augmented reality characters while exploring the popular park.

A spokesman said: “We know how meaningful and rewarding it is to connect and explore together in the real world through our live events.”

Ticket holders can play wherever they are in the world, either by going to the in-person live event or playing globally online.

* Featured Pokémon will be appearing in the wild and will be attracted to Incense.

* Ticket holders will be able to complete event-exclusive Special Research and Field Research tasks.

* Incense activated during event hours will last for eight hours, and Lure Modules activated during event hours will last for four hours.

* As part of the event special 2km Eggs will be available.

Organisers says all ticket holders joining an in-person event must have RSVP’d to ensure a safe, distanced gathering.

The City Explorer Pass experience, which was sold as an additional experience for the original event, has been removed from the event with refunds for anyone who purchased it.

Where is the entrance to Pokémon GO Safari Zone in Liverpool?

There will be two entrances to Pokémon GO Safari Zone Liverpool: North Gate & South Gate.

North Gate: Aigburth Drive, L17 3BD. South Gate: Mossley Hill Drive, L17 0ES.

What time will it start?

There are two starting times, 10am and 12 noon – trainers will not be able to check in before their assigned time.

Do I have to wear a face mask?

This event follows UK Government guidance. Face masks are not mandatory but are recommended. Organisers are asking trainers to practice healthy hygiene during their visit and, wherever possible, keep socially distanced from other players. There will be signage in place to help guide visitors.

What extra features will be available in-person at Sefton Park?

Trainers attending will be able to enjoy photo opportunities, giveaways, merchandising and lounge areas as they take part in the event.

Is this an all-ticket event?

Yes. Ticket holders are invited to either join the in-person Pokémon GO Safari Zone event hosted in Sefton Park or participate in event gameplay from wherever they are in the world! In-person attendees will need to RSVP ahead of the event.