Strawberry Field's honorary president Julia Baird celebrates John Lennon's birthday in Almería

15 Oct 2026

Julia Baird, Strawberry Field’s honorary president, took part in a ceremony on 9 October in Almería, Spain, to mark 60 years since her brother John Lennon started to write Strawberry Fields Forever there.

In October 1966, John Lennon celebrated his birthday whilst he was filming How I Won the War and at this time started to write Strawberry Fields Forever, inspired by his memories of Strawberry Field in Liverpool. 

Julia Baird stands with a young choir, a guitarist and two dignitaries.
Julia Baird shovelling soil

Julia joined Mayor of Almería, María Vázquez as they planted a pear tree at Santa Isabel to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the writing of the song that forever connects our two places. Julia described the former country house as a beautiful place where her brother could relax away from the pressures of international fame.

You can learn more about the writing of Strawberry Fields Forever and John Lennon's time in Almería in our visitor exhibition. Buy your tickets here.

New easyJet route sees Almeria more connected than ever with John Lennon

This morning’s inaugural easyJet service between Liverpool and the Almeria might have been the first time both cities have been linked by air, but it’s not the only connection that they both share, with John Lennon also linking the two.

Visitor exhibition

Delve into Strawberry Field and John Lennon’s history in an experience where ‘nothing is real’.