Liverpool ONE's iconic Liverpool Sign gets a festive makeover

Today, Friday 8 November, Liverpool ONE officially kicks off its Christmas season with a brand-new yuletide look for the iconic Liverpool sign on Thomas Steers Way.

This year, the sign in Liverpool ONE has been reimagined in a festive design by local artist Candy Sinclair-Ford, whose creative vision draws inspiration from Liverpool’s rich maritime history.

Liverpool ONE commissioned West Derby artist, Candy, with the support of Culture Liverpool, to transform the famous Liverpool sign with a unique festive design inspired by the city’s maritime heritage.

The innovative design concept draws inspiration from Liverpool’s historic ‘dazzle ships’ and combines this distinctive pattern with playful festive elements to create a celebration of the city’s culture and yuletide spirit.

Taking visual cues from Sir Peter Blake’s famous ‘Everybody Razzle Dazzle’ ferry, the design incorporates traditional Christmas colours with a modern twist, featuring geometric patterns alongside festive imagery including wreaths, candy canes, and seasonal characters.

Christmas - © Liverpool ONE — Christmas – © Liverpool ONE

The Liverpool sign, placed between the iconic Royal Albert Dock and the city centre, serves as a popular selfie spot for international visitors and locals alike.

The sign’s new look comes as the much-loved Bar Hütte also returns to Chavasse Park at Liverpool ONE, offering visitors the opportunity to sing their hearts out in karaoke booths with a festive glass of fizz, underneath the giant Christmas tree.

And, new for this year on Chavasse Park there will be festive food and entertainment including an authentic German grill offering visitors a host of traditional Christmas flavours.

Candy Sinclair-Ford, said:

“I’m absolutely delighted that my artwork has been chosen to decorate the Liverpool sign for the festive season. I work as a graphic designer but I’ve never done anything on this scale before. I really hope that anyone who sees the artwork will be given a magical feeling of festive joy. My aim is to put a smile on people’s faces and spread some Christmas cheer!”

“The significant maritime history is something that distinguishes Liverpool from other city break destinations across the UK, and I wanted to draw on that history to strengthen the creative concept for this festive design. My family also has a history of seafaring, with my father and grandfather both having worked in the Merchant Navy, so drawing inspiration from the water felt fitting to me.

Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said:

“This festive transformation of our Liverpool sign beautifully marks the arrival of Christmas in city while celebrating our maritime heritage, giving our visitors another opportunity for a magical picture-perfect moment with us.

“We are proud to work with local talent allowing us to showcase the city’s creative spirit while delivering something unique for the most magical time of the year. We’re excited about the packed festive programme at Liverpool ONE and we can’t wait to welcome visitors in the coming weeks.”