A major new festival combining Paralympic sport and disabled-led arts will take over Liverpool’s waterfront in 2027. Organisers say it will showcase inclusion, creativity and elite performance on a global stage.
Liverpool's iconic waterfront is preparing to host a landmark event that promises to redefine inclusivity in the worlds of sports and culture. From May 2 to May 8, 2027, the city will stage the first-ever Inclusive Sport and Culture Festival, an event hailed by UK Sport as a groundbreaking moment for British society. The festival will span several of Liverpool's most famous landmarks, including the M&S Bank Arena, the Exhibition Centre, Salt House Dock, Albert Dock, and the Pier Head.
These locations will be transformed into venues capable of hosting world-class competitions and performances. The sports program is a significant component of the festival, featuring six international wheelchair rugby teams competing within the M&S Bank Arena.
Additionally, the event will host the WellBocher Cup at the Exhibition Centre, alongside para-canoe racing at Salt House Dock and a major open-air para-athletics showcase along the waterfront. Beyond the sporting arena, Culture Liverpool will curate an arts program commissioned by Arts Council England. This program will be led by deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists, ensuring that the festival's creative offerings are deeply rooted in inclusive perspectives.
According to UK Sport, the event is designed to support athlete preparation ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games. Organizers also view the festival as a unique opportunity to elevate the profiles of disabled talent across both sporting and artistic disciplines. The initiative is backed by a substantial financial commitment, including 2.3 million pounds from the National Lottery and 1 million pounds from Arts Council England. Liverpool City Council has emphasized that the festival builds upon the city's proven reputation for staging successful, world-class public events. Ultimately, organizers hope the festival will serve as a catalyst for changing how audiences experience and perceive inclusion, creativity, and elite performance.
