The Grand National will kick off in style with a brand new city centre event this April

A new Liverpool tradition will be born on the eve of The Randox Grand National Festival with a free public event bringing the passion and celebration of one of the world’s most famous racing events into the heart of Liverpool city centre.

The Grand Reveal will take place the day before The Randox Grand National is set to kick off at Aintree Racecourse.

The Grand Reveal is supported through Liverpool’s Accommodation BID, which seeks to attract major events to the city and encourage overnight stays. It is supported through Liverpool’s £2 overnight visitor levy. 

Taking place at Exchange Flags on Wednesday 8 April from 3-6pm The Grand Reveal will feature a free family friendly afternoon of entertainment. With a Winner’s Enclosure, Jockey Gym, Stable and simulators, the magic of The Grand National will be brought into the historic square. A Commentator Box will give people the opportunity to see if they are the next voice in horse racing, while a dress up area of jockey silks and helmets will help them look the part. 

Meanwhile, at 8.30pm, St John’s Beacon and Royal Albert Dock Liverpool will be lit up to celebrate the start of The Randox Grand National Festival.

Dickon White, Regional Director North West at The Jockey Club, said:

“We’re incredibly pleased to have the backing of Liverpool’s Accommodation BID and are truly grateful to be beneficiaries of the levy, which will allow us to further champion both the Randox Grand National Festival and the City of Liverpool, introducing them to wider audiences.

“The event at Exchange Flags will give more people the chance to experience horse racing up close and enjoy a real taste of the Randox Grand National. It’s been a fantastic team effort to create something open, engaging and celebratory – reflecting both our values and those of the city.”

Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool Business Improvement District, said:

“We are delighted to bring the magic of the Grand National into the heart of Liverpool city centre. The ambition of this fund is to attract events that will encourage people to stay overnight in the city, and we know that thousands of people come to Liverpool for the world’s most famous Steeplechase. The Grand Reveal is, we hope, a new tradition that encourages those visitors to sample more of the delights of the city, from its hospitality to its culture. It is important we keep events free and accessible in the public realm, and being able to support this means it is for everyone”. 

The Randox Grand National is worth more than £60million to the local economy (Liverpool City Region), according to a study conducted in 2023. In association with Liverpool John Moores University, The Jockey Club conducted a first ever Grand National Economic Impact Report, which found that over the three days:

• The total economic impact of the 2022 Randox Grand National Festival is estimated at £60,186,414.
• The Randox Grand National Festival is a well-attended social event with nearly all attendees coming with friends or family. A small percentage (7.2%) come alone or with colleagues.
• The event has a loyal following with the majority attending out of habit (64.2%).
• While the largest proportion of active users engaging with the Randox Grand National Festival on social media are from the UK (74%), the festival is actively engaged with globally. The United States, Australia and India all show some social media engagement to varying degrees

Get more info about the best weekend of the year here.

Well that’s your pre-Grand National plans sorted, but what are you doing after the event finishes? Find some great after-parties here.

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