Liverpool to host new sport and culture event in 2027

Liverpool will host a ground-breaking inclusive sport and culture event in May 2027, bringing together international athletes and artists in a new festival of unity, sport and creativity.

Delivered by UKEL, a new, independent company established to host and deliver major international sporting events in the UK, the original para sport event concept was a commitment made in UK Sport’s major events strategy Making Live Sport Matter to showcase elite sport competition, drive performance benefits and deliver lasting social impact across Liverpool. Arts Council England is partnering with the event to enable the festival to feature exciting work by leading disabled and neurodivergent artists.

The festival will be delivered in collaboration with Liverpool City Council and will feature an exciting week-long lineup of four international sport competitions, ahead of the LA 2028 Paralympic Games. Integrated into the heart of the event will be a sport participation and cultural programme led by deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists – showcasing creativity, talent, and diverse perspectives through performances, exhibitions, and collaborative experiences.

The city of Liverpool will provide the iconic backdrop and will include venues such as the M&S Bank Arena, Exhibition Centre Liverpool and the Pier Head.

Recruitment for a specialist Stakeholder Board begins now to oversee the delivery of the strategic goals and objectives of the event. This will be made up of representatives of Liverpool City Council, UK Sport, Arts Council England, and Paralympics GB, plus independent board members which will include an experienced para sport athlete, a disabled artist, and an independent chair.

In addition, recruitment commences for a Creative Producer to lead the artistic direction and delivery of the culture programme. Sitting on the stakeholder board, the successful applicant will shape a bold, inclusive and disability-led experience that intersects sport and culture whilst driving greater opportunity, representation, and lasting social impact for the disabled community.

Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:

“We’re delighted to be hosting such an important and empowering event in our city – bringing together athletes, artists, and audiences, in a truly accessible and inclusive way.

“This is an innovative, ground-breaking concept and through working with UK Sport and our other partners, our vision is to create a pioneering and progressive sport and cultural event which delivers performance improvements and cultural excellence while amplifying visibility and opportunities for people with disabilities throughout our community and beyond.”

Esther Britten MBE, Head of Events and External Affairs at UK Sport, said:

“This is an incredibly exciting moment for para sport in the UK. We’re proud to be creating an event that brings elite competition and culture together, creating a powerful platform to celebrate Paralympic athletes and build momentum towards LA 2028.

“Liverpool has repeatedly proven itself to be an exceptional host city, delivering world-class events with energy and creativity. We’re looking forward to working with our partners to deliver an event that builds on the UK’s strong Paralympic legacy and reflects our ambition to create environments that support performance, inspire audiences and showcases inclusive sport at its very best. Further details on the sport programme will be confirmed in due course.”

Find out the latest in Liverpool here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.