New Hope Street trail brings Liverpool’s history to life

A family friendly interactive trail will encourage children to discover the history of one of Liverpool’s most famous streets.

Unpack Hope, delivered by Hope Street CIC and Liverpool Business Improvement District, weaves venues along Hope Street into a trail to explore the stories of the figures behind theatres, cathedrals and more. 

Unpack Hope takes inspiration from artist John King’s sculpture, A Case History, which stands on Hope Street, at the top of Mount Street. Featuring over 30 suitcases, each named for a famous person in the city, the piece was commissioned by LIPA in 1998. 

Starting at Liverpool Cathedral, with a worksheet, the trail travels to Blackburne House, Hope Street Hotel, Fredericks, Free State Kitchen. Victoria Museum & Gallery, The Metropolitan Cathedral, Liverpool Everyman theatre, and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Along the way, the trail reveals the people behind the places, like Sir Giles Gilbert Scott who designed Liverpool Cathedral, Lady Maragret Simey and June Henfrey, community and social activists at Blackburne House, Charles Dickens, Dr Malcolm Sargeant, Henry Booth and the Liverpool railway, Josephine Butler, a pioneering social reformer, and the Mersey poets, Roger McGough, Brian Patten and Adrian Henry. 

With ten locations along the trail, and a story at each one. Families can check each off their list and enjoy offers and a prize draw if they complete it. Along the route there are also collectibles like stickers, pots of paint and other things. 

Unpack Hope is part of Liverpool BID’s Celebrating Summer, a programme of free events across the city, from Bold Street, along the waterfront, Hope Street, St George’s Quarter, Derby Square, the Commercial District and more. With an events programme organised and supported by Liverpool Business Improvement District, you can visit a new place in the city centre for a free event designed to help you relax and get outside in the city.

The Very Revd Dr Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool said:

“Unpack Hope is a wonderful invitation for people to discover not only Liverpool Cathedral, but also one of Liverpool’s most iconic streets, celebrating the rich history, culture and community that make it so special. With Liverpool Cathedral standing proudly at one end and the Metropolitan Cathedral at the other, Hope street is more than a destination – it’s a symbol of the hope and partnership that have long defined our city. We look forward to welcoming visitors through our doors this summer as they begin their journey exploring everything this city street has to offer.”

Bill Addy, CEO Liverpool BID Company said:

“Hope Street is not only one of Liverpool’s most famous streets, it is also one rich in history. We’re always on the lookout for things to do during the summer holidays, and a chance to delve into the heritage of Hope Street is both fun and free. Thank you to those businesses who have developed special offers to make it even more affordable for those planning days out this summer. We always believe as much as we can offer for everyone on the doorstep, the better it is for everyone in the city”. 

Find out more on the events programme.

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