Liverpool will host a new international multisport and culture festival in May 2027, bringing together elite para-athletes, disabled and neurodivergent artists on the city’s historic waterfront.
The week-long event will feature four international para sport competitions in the build-up to the LA 2028 Paralympic Games, alongside a large-scale cultural programme led by deaf, disabled and neurodivergent creatives.
The festival is being delivered by UKEL, a newly established organisation created to host major international sporting events, and forms part of UK Sport’s long-term strategy to grow live sport while delivering lasting social impact.
Arts Council England is partnering on the project to place culture at the heart of the event.
Liverpool’s historic waterfront will host a new inclusive sport and culture event in May 2027, bringing together international athletes and artists in a new festival of unity, sport and creativity.
Esther Britten MBE, Head of Events and External Affairs at UK Sport, said:
“This… pic.twitter.com/FrMaa5VacA
— Liverpool City Region (@LpoolCityRegion) February 4, 2026
Liverpool City Council is working with organisers and with venues, including the M&S Bank Arena, Exhibition Centre Liverpool and the Pier Head, set to be used across the city’s waterfront.
Recruitment has now opened for a specialist stakeholder board to oversee the delivery of the event’s strategic aims.
The board will include representatives from Liverpool City Council, UK Sport, Arts Council England, and Paralympics GB, alongside independent members such as a para-athlete, a disabled artist, and an independent chair.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for health, wellbeing and culture, said the city was “delighted” to host the event.
He said: “This is an innovative, ground-breaking concept that brings athletes, artists and audiences together in a truly accessible and inclusive way.”
Exclusive to MerseySportLive, GB Para Taekwondo athlete and Paralympic silver medallist Beth Munro said: “Liverpool hosting a multi sport and culture festival is amazing. Growing up I was never aware of where to go if I wanted to access para sports.
But now this festival provides a massive platform for people of disability within Liverpool to take part and find a sport they love. You never know such an event could find more future Scouse Paralympian’s!”
UK Sport’s head of events and external affairs, Esther Britten MBE, said: “Liverpool has repeatedly proven itself to be an exceptional host city, delivering world-class events with energy and creativity.”
The event is funded by UK Sport, Arts Council England, Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Accommodation BID, with further details on the sport programme expected to be confirmed at a later date.
(Featured Image courtesy of Mylo Kaye: https://www.pexels.com/photo/pier-head-liverpool-in-england-united-kingdom-12953548/ )
