The city’s waterfront will welcome international para athletes and disabled and neurodivergent artists, combining elite sport and creativity in a week-long festival designed to inspire, engage and showcase talent.
In May 2027, Liverpool will debut an inclusive festival designed to bring elite para-athletics and the arts together on a single stage. Organized by the independent company UKEL, which specializes in hosting major sporting events, the week-long festival is aimed at increasing the visibility of para-athletes and fostering positive social impact through performance.
The event will feature four international sporting competitions held at several prominent venues across the city, including the M&S Bank Arena, Exhibition Centre Liverpool, and the iconic Pier Head. Beyond the athletic components, the festival will also highlight the contributions of deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists. This cultural program will offer a variety of performances, exhibitions, and collaborative experiences for the public.
Funding for the event has been provided by Arts Council England, which is supporting this creative strand to ensure that inclusion remains at the core of the festival. Liverpool City Council is also committed to supporting the delivery of the event, working in partnership with UKEL, UK Sport, and ParalympicsGB.
To manage the logistics and development of the festival, a stakeholder board is being assembled. This board will include both government officials and independent experts to oversee the planning process. Additionally, a creative producer will oversee the artistic direction of the event, with the primary goal of creating new opportunities for the disabled community and fostering a lasting social legacy.
According to event officials, the festival serves a dual purpose: it will help prepare athletes for the LA 2028 Paralympic Games while simultaneously creating a platform that celebrates creativity, diversity, and inclusion. By providing audiences with both competitive sports and artistic participation opportunities, the organizers hope to inspire and unite communities, ultimately advancing the UK's long-term Paralympic legacy.
