LIVERPOOL’S Strawberry Field visitor attraction has dedicated its new bandstand.
The popular visitor attraction has thanked its benefactor and music icon, Cliff Cooper, in a dedication ceremony to officially mark its opening.
The Strawberry Field Bandstand was built thanks to the generosity of Cliff Cooper, CEO and founder of Orange Amps, who is an honorary patron of Strawberry Field. As is common with a dedication ceremony, the event saw Strawberry Field recognise Cliff’s importance to the visitor attraction. Cliff founded Orange Amps in 1968, and its range of bright orange guitar amps marked a revolution in guitar amplifier design and sound technology, endorsed by music legends such as Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin and Iron Maiden.
Major Kathleen Versfeld, Mission Director at Strawberry Field, said: "Thanks to Cliff and his generous donation, live music in the Strawberry Field gardens - the place where John Lennon once sought sanctuary and experienced one of his earliest musical moments hearing The Salvation Army band play - has been taken to a whole new level, on a bandstand that is like no other in the world. This is a new platform for emerging talent to shine and established artists to support our good work, building on both the legacy of John Lennon and The Salvation Army at this special place.”
At the dedication on September 2, Cliff was joined by Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill, Territorial Leaders of The Salvation Army, and the Liverpool Walton Salvation Army Band for a special celebration. The Liverpool Walton band have a long history of playing at Strawberry Field and used to perform at The Salvation Army children’s home garden parties in the days when John Lennon visited the grounds.
Cliff Cooper, CEO of Orange Amps and honorary patron of Strawberry Field, said: “As a patron, I thought of ideas of how I could help, and how building a bandstand would bring music back to Strawberry Field - the place where John had some of his first musical experiences. It took three years to build and already the bandstand is bringing much joy to visitors of all ages.
“I look forward to seeing the continuance of John Lennon’s legacy, promoting peace and love in the world, an ethos which also reflects the selfless dedication of The Salvation Army, whose people devote their lives to helping others who are in need and less fortunate than ourselves.”
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