Strawberry Field unveils vinyl of iconic single 'Happy Xmas (War is Over)’

The Salvation Army’s Strawberry Field in Liverpool has unveiled a rare, limited edition vinyl acetate of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s iconic single, ‘Happy Xmas (War is Over)’.

The new addition to the exhibition Strawberry Field is one of only 50 in existence and is on loan from The Musical Box in Liverpool, the oldest independent record shop in England, to help raise money for Strawberry Field’s Steps to Work programme.

Independently owned and operated by the same family since 1947, The Musical Box holds a special place in music history, having been regularly visited by John Lennon and original Beatles drummer, Pete Best. Celebrating its 77th anniversary in 2024, the shop is run by third-generation owner, Tony Quinn, alongside his wife Paula and son Craig. Together, they have generously loaned this iconic record to the world-famous visitor attraction.

Already home to the extremely rare ‘Give Peace a Chance’ / ‘Remember Love’, Strawberry Field provides the ideal venue to house the rare piece of Beatles memorabilia due to its connection to John Lennon, ongoing significance as a landmark of peace and love, and its reputation as a beloved destination for visitors during the Christmas season.

The record on display was gifted to The Musical Box by Yoko Ono and Sean Ono Lennon and is one of 50 limited edition acetates sent to record stores and charities to celebrate the song’s 50th anniversary in December 2021. Released on 1st December 1971 in the US and a year later on Christmas Eve 1972 in the UK, this now iconic Christmas song marked John Lennon’s seventh solo single beyond his work with The Beatles. The song’s “War is over! (If you want it)” chorus echoes an ongoing campaign of activism for peace by John & Yoko.

The record can be seen on display in the visitor exhibition at Strawberry Field where it will join many symbols of peace and rare memorabilia such as the famous piano on which John Lennon wrote ‘Imagine’ and a rare vinyl acetate of ‘Give Peace a Chance’ / ‘Remember Love’.

Proceeds from ticket sales will help support Strawberry Field’s Steps to Work programme, which helps young people with learning difficulties or other barriers to employment to achieve their goals.

Salvation Army Major Kathy Versfeld, mission director at Strawberry Field, said:

“With Strawberry Field’s deep symbolic and historical connection to John Lennon and its appeal as a place for our communities to come together around Christmas, it feels only right that this piece of history should find a home in our exhibition at a time when so many long for war to end and peace to prevail. This song reminds us that, if we want it, really, really want it, peace will come as we work together to make that a reality – in our communities, in our country and, yes, even in our broken and bleeding world. We live in hope!

“We are very grateful to The Musical Box, a place with such significance to Liverpool’s music fans, for their generous loan of the record. Strawberry Field is honoured to showcase this iconic piece of memorabilia, just in time for Christmas, providing visitors the chance to view the record in our exhibition, where they can be inspired by its enduring message of love, peace, and hope.”

Paula Quinn, owner of The Musical Box, said:

“It was a brilliant surprise and privilege to receive the gift of the vinyl from Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon in 2021. What better place to show it than where John Lennon used to play as a child? We want people to be able to see the record and enjoy it and are delighted to lend the record to Strawberry Field where it can benefit the trainees on the Steps to Work programme.”