Celebrating John Lennon's 85th birthday at Strawberry Field

October 9th 2025 marks what would have been John Lennon's 85th birthday and we have put together a programme of events at Strawberry Field this month to celebrate his life and his legacy in Liverpool. From exclusive private tours, and free music from The Quarrymen, there is plenty for Lennon fans to get involved in to commemorate the life of a legend.

Lennon's Childhood Liverpool: 85th Birthday Tour - Sold out

Join Strawberry Field on a journey to explore the formative places that shaped John Lennon's early life in Liverpool, on what would have been his 85th birthday. 

Guests will embark on a journey through John Lennon's childhood places, culminating in an exclusive celebration at Strawberry Field. Enjoy an exclusive unveiling in the Strawberry Field exhibition, followed by a performance by John Lennon's first band, The Quarrymen. Enjoy a buffet lunch, accompanied by original Quarrymen Rod Davis, Colin Hanton and friends of John Lennon.

The tour will continue to Woolton village to explore St Peter’s Church, where it all began for The Beatles, and then to an exclusive viewing of John Lennon’s childhood home, Mendips. Our JL85 private tour concludes at Quarry Bank School (now Calderstones School), where guests will be the first to explore with preview access to the new John Lennon Tour.

Tickets are now sold out, but there's still plenty for Lennon fans to get involved in!

Live performance from The Quarrymen

Lennon fans are invited to celebrate John's 85th birthday with a live performance from his first band, The Quarrymen. Performing at 12pm on the bandstand for 30 minutes, the lineup includes original members Rod Davis on guitar and Colin Hanton on drums. 

£5 suggested donation. Booking not required but spaces are limited and we cannot guarantee entry. 

Please come dressed for the weather and bring a camping chair if you are unable to stand.

Leave a message of peace for Lennon

John Lennon fans are invited to celebrate his 85th birthday by leaving a message of peace at Strawberry Field. From Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th October, fans can write a note, prayer or wish for world peace and tie it to the original Strawberry Field gates. Those who can't get to Strawberry Field will be invited to share their message online.

Enjoy Strawberry Field's exhibition (afternoon only)

Our visitor exhibition is closed in the morning of the 9th October but in the afternoon you can explore the immersive exhibition which tells the story of Strawberry Field and The Salvation Army, John Lennon's early years and inspiration, and the writing and recording of Strawberry Fields Forever. You can see his Imagine piano too. Additional entry fee applies.

Sunset Supper: An evening with Julia Baird and Paul Askew, 17 October

Book your tickets for 17th October to enjoy an evening of fabulous food and excellent company, with a memorable two-course meal prepared by The Art School Restaurant's Paul Askew, in collaboration with Strawberry Field’s in-house chef Ian Corkhill . After a delicious dinner, guests will then be invited to hear from the evening’s speaker Julia Baird, sister of John Lennon and Honorary President of Strawberry Field.