Sefton Park
What's On in Sefton Park
Friday
09/05/2008
1:15pm - 2.00pm
Liverpool College Lunchtime concert - "Summertime"
Senior pupils who are about to leave the College play a farewell selection of their favourite music. Free Admission
Sefton Park Palm House
Saturday
10/05/2008
Women's 10k - Annual road race
Women's 10k - Annual road race - a major fixture on the sporting calendar. The main race will be the 22nd Women's 10K Worst Kept Secret race which attracted in excess of 2,500 participants last year. A 5K version for runners aged 15 or above is also being staged, as is Bullybusters' one mile race for children. Live music and other entertainment will again be provided. For details, either contact BullyBusters on 0800 169 6928 or www.bullybusters.org.uk or RunLiverpool on 0151-427 7117 or www.runliverpool.org.uk
Sefton Park
Sunday
11/05/2008
2pm
Mold TownConcert Band
A welcome back to the Palm House for Mold Town Concert Band, to play a selection of old favourites. Free Admission. Refreshments on sale
Sefton Park Palm House
Friday
23/05/2008
1:15pm - 2:00pm
Liverpool College Lunchtime concert - "Recital"
Members of the College's team of accomplished specialist instrumental tutors present an exciting programme for your enjoyment today. Free Admission
Sefton Park Palm House
Saturday
24/05/2008
1:00pm
Sefton Park's Past and Future
Discover Sefton Park's fascinating past and exciting future as regeneration work gets under way.
Lake Car Parknear Aigburth Vale
Monday
26/05/2008
12:30pm start
Unesco Day of Dance
Scottish country dancing performed to live music, including the Mersey Morris Men. There will also be an opportunity to join in! Free Admission. Refreshments on sale
Sefton Park Palm House
Saturday
31/05/2008
1:00pm
Sefton Park's Past and Future
Discover Sefton Park's fascinating past and exciting future as regeneration work gets under way.
Lake Car Parknear Aigburth Vale
Sunday
08/06/2008
2:00pm start
LiverpoolBarbershop Harmony Club
Let the soft sounds of Liverpool Barbershop Harmony Club and The Red Rose Concert Band serenade you - Entertainment with style! Free Admission. Refreshments on sale
Sefton Park Palm House
Tuesday
10/06/2008
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Tea Dance amidst the Palms
Enjoy a Summer afternoon of dancing with Neil Allcock at the regular Tea Dance. Due to popularity, we highly recommend booking in advance on 0151 726 9304 as otherwise admission cannot be guaranteed. £3 admission on the door includes a cup of tea and piece of cake.
Sefton Park Palm House
Friday
13/06/2008
1.15pm - 2.00pm
Liverpool College Lunchtime concert - "Pot-pourri"
Experience a magical blend of talents, as the pupils of the Preparatory School entertain you in the final concert of the series. Free Admission
Sefton Park Palm House
Saturday
21/06/2008
1:00pm - 9:00pm
Midsummers Night's Dream
A health & wellbeing event in Lark lane Community Centre and Sefton Park. Performances, workshops and stalls for families (children's play area available), local community, health and care workers, artists and partners - the day is about having a go and joining in. There will also be the opportunity to have a massage and a reiki session. A Love Parks Week event.
Sefton Park
21/06/2008 - 22/06/2008
AfricaOye
One of the biggest free African music festivals. A Love Parks Week event.
Sefton Park
Friday
29/06/2008
12:00 - 5.00pm
Sefton Park GardensOpen Day
As part of this National Garden Scheme Day there will be a plant sale, National Wildflower Centre children's activities, North West Flower arranging society showing displays along with demonstrations throughout the day. Performances by Just Midnight, Mostly Madrigals and Mersey Harmony Group throughout the afternoon at Sefton Park Palm House. Whilst nearby, two superb private gardens previously unseen by the public, plus Sefton Park allotments, will open their gates to celebrate '08. Free admission to the Palm House (£4 tickets for garden admission). Refreshments on sale
Sefton Park Palm House
Tuesday
01/07/2008
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Tea Dance amidst the Palms
Enjoy a Summer afternoon of dancing with Neil Allcock at the regular Tea Dance. Due to popularity, we highly recommend booking in advance on 0151 726 9304 as otherwise admission cannot be guaranteed. £3 admission on the door includes a cup of tea and piece of cake.
Sefton Park Palm House
Sunday
13/07/2008
12:00pm start
Arabic Arts Festival Family Fun Day
Sefton Park Palm House is pleased to welcome back this popular celebration day for the Arabic Arts Festival, with a mix of performances and stalls. Free Admission. Refreshments on sale
Sefton Park Palm House
21/07/2008 - 22/07/2008
Anthony Walker Foundation Festival 2008
Football & activities
Sefton Park
Wednesday
06/08/2008
1:00pm start
Peter Pan and Pirates Treasure Hunt
Children's fancy dress competition for the best pirate, Peter Pan, Wendy, Tinkerbelle or any character from Peter Pan. Pirates Treasure Hunt with Liverpool Park Rangers. Lots of activities to keep your little ones entertained for the afternoon. Free Admission. Refreshments on sale
Sefton Park Palm House
Saturday
09/08/2008
Yoga event
Liverpoolwellbeing & Yoga centre
Sefton Park, by Palm House
Wednesday
20/08/2008
12:00 noon start
Victorian Themed Funday
Old fashioned fun at Sefton Park Palm House - Punch and Judy performances, Circus entertainments, face painter, prizes to win for Victorian fancy dress, and Donkey rides for the children (note: there will be a small charge for face painter and the rides). Free Admission. Refreshments on sale. A 20/08 event.
Sefton Park Palm House
Saturday
30/08/2008
World Fire-fighter Games 2008
Orienteering Event
Sunday
31/08/2008
12:00 noon start
Family Fun Day Palm House 7 year Anniversary
Celebrate the day with us in style - Ride a donkey (there will be a small charge for donkey rides), meet eagles and owls from Cheshire Falconry, along with the RSPB. Tropical Inc will be joining us with their display of snakes, skunks, and lots more interesting creatures and insects. Have your face painted with an animal theme or what-ever you choose. Free Admission. Refreshments on sale
Sefton Park Palm House
Sunday
31/08/2008
7:30pm
Open-air theatre Production of "Peter Pan"
The little boy who never grew up. join Heartbreak Productions in Neverland with this fun-filled adventure fantasy for all the family. Event Supported by Sefton Park Palm House Trust, The Civic Trust and Caudwell Children's Charity. Please bring your own rugs or low backed seating. Audience area open at 6.30pm for picnics. Adults £12.00 Concessions £10.00 Tickets are non-refundable. The performances are open-air and will continue in all but the worst weather. Booking Line: 0151 709 4988
Sefton Park, in front of the Palm House
Sunday
07/09/2008
5km Race
Hydro Active Race
Sefton Park
Tuesday
09/09/2008
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Tea Dance amidst the Palms
Enjoy a late Summer afternoon of dancing with Neil Allcock at the regular Tea Dance. Due to popularity, we highly recommend booking in advance on 0151 726 9304 as otherwise admission cannot be guaranteed. £3 admission on the door includes a cup of tea and piece of cake.
Sefton Park Palm House
Sunday
14/09/2008
2:00pm start
Concert Series
Free Admission. Refreshments on sale
Sefton Park Palm House
Sunday
21/09/2008
2:00pm start
Concert Series
Free Admission. Refreshments on sale
Sefton Park Palm House
Sunday
28/09/2008
1:00pm
A Geological Journey
Meet Merseyside top geologist, Ken Sloan, for a geological discovery
Lake Car Park near Aigburth Vale, Sefton Park
Sunday
28/09/2008
2:00pm start
Concert Series
Free Admission. Refreshments on sale
Sefton Park Palm House
Sefton Park Restoration - Frequently Asked Questions
SEFTON PARK RESTORATION & IMPROVEMENT WORKS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Prepared by project manager Tom Duckworth
How much will the work cost and who will be paying?
The total value of the project will be over £6 million with 75% covered by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the remainder paid for by Liverpool City Council.
When will the work be done?
Work will begin in January 2008. Whilst the Heritage Lottery Fund grant is available until the end of 2009, every effort is being made to have most of the improvements complete at the beginning of that year.
Will the park remain open to the public?
Yes. The park will remain open to the public but certain paths and specific working areas will be unavailable at certain times for health and safety reasons. Advance notice, clear signage and boundary protection will be provided to inform park users of these necessary restrictions.
Will there be any events in the park whilst the improvements are being made?
Yes. Every effort has been made to allow events to continue on a regular basis. Because the temporary site compound is to be located on the large field north of the Palm House, you will find some events accommodated elsewhere in the park.
Will the Palm House be staying open?
The Palm House and associated programme of events will not be disrupted by the improvement works.
Will the anglers be able to fish during the contract?
No. Angling cannot be accommodated during the works because the water level needs to be lowered so that the banks can be repaired.
What is happening to the café?
The plan is to repair and enlarge the Aviary Café to create a more attractive central feature and make space for a community meeting room and ranger base.
What toilet facilities will be available in the park?
When the improvements are complete, public toilets will be available at the Aviary Café and at the refreshment kiosk to be built on the Boathouse site. These facilities will be available whenever the buildings are staffed.
Why are trees being cut down?
In order to repair the banks of the watercourses and enlarge the café, etc., it is essential that some vegetation is removed. However, the contract includes extensive new planting and overall the project aims to deliver a more sustainable and diverse habitat.
Will the park wildlife be disturbed by the proposed works?
In order to desilt the watercourses and repair the banks, etc., it is inevitable that some wildlife will be disturbed. However, all operations will be carefully timed and organised to minimise their impact and overall the project aims to deliver a more sustainable and diverse habitat.
What are the plans for the aviary?
The site of the former aviary is to be developed into an attractive garden and sitting area.
Are the paths being repaired?
The amount of funding available is not sufficient to pay for all the paths to be resurfaced. The Council and Heritage Lottery Fund have therefore agreed that the paving improvements should be concentrated on certain entrances plus those paths alongside the watercourses.
Some parts of the park are very wet. Is this problem being addressed?
A thorough investigation of the park drainage system has been undertaken and extensive improvements will be undertaken in the next 12 months. Particular attention will be given to preventing the flooding of footpaths in the future.
Will Eros be coming back?
Yes. The Shaftsbury Memorial is going to be completely restored and then Eros will be refixed to the top of the fountain.
Is the bandstand being restored?
Yes. The bandstand will be dismantled and taken away for repair. It will then be returned at the end of the year.
Is anything happening to the Boathouse site?
Yes. A refreshment kiosk is going to be built on the stone foundations and a new jetty will be constructed nearby.
Will boating be coming back to the main lake?
Whilst Liverpool City Council will not be providing any boats, the restoration scheme includes the demolition of the old jetty and the construction of a new jetty nearby. This is being done to create a potential business opportunity for an independent entrepreneur.
Is Peter Pan being moved again?
No. The Peter Pan statue is to remain within the Palm House enclosure.
Does the scheme include a play area?
Yes. A new play area is going to be built close to the Aviary Café.
Are we getting a new Jolly Roger ship?
There is no plan to provide a model ship within the park; however the pirate theme has been adopted in the design of the new playground.
What will happen to the terrapins?
Arrangements have been made to take them to a terrapin sanctuary where they will remain on a permanent basis.
Will CCTV cameras be installed in the park?
Yes. One camera is to be located at the end of the main lake near the proposed refreshment kiosk and another will be located close to the Aviary Café.
Is any additional lighting to be provided?
Yes. Lighting is to be provided alongside the carriage drive which links the Aviary Café with the park gateway opposite Livingston Drive North.
How can I find out more about this project?
Information will be provided at the park entrances, the Aviary Café and the Palm House - or through this web page, which will be updated during the project.
Sefton Park
Sefton Park Regeneration
Work will start this Winter on the multi-million pound regeneration of Sefton Park. Many of the familiar landmarks will be restored or improved for modern needs. The project is expected to take about a year to complete, meaning some disruption to the Park - for instance the renwal of the watercourses will mean the lake will need to be drained for a while (the fish will be rescued and 're-housed' while this goes on - more on Angling). The project has been assisted by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Approval from the Heritage Lottery Fund
The Parks and Environment Service have been succesful in securing a grant of £4.7 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The grant is for a programme of regeneration of this prestigious Victorian park, involving improvement and restoration. The improvements will maintain the character of this famous Park, while meeting the needs of today's visitors.
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Parks and Environment have developed a quarterly Newsletter![(PDF [1.9Mb] opens in new window)](/images/PDF.gif)
to keep you up to date and well informed about Sefton Park and its improvements. Please contact us if you would like to know more about the project or wish to become involved in the project development process.
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Features of the Park
View the Sefton Park leaflet
The magnificent 200-acre Sefton Park looks like a natural landscape rather than a man-made park. In spring the sight of millions of golden daffodils around the lake draws residents from across the city and carpets of bluebells give an impression of rural permanence.
The park is also home to the famous Palm House, a Grade II* listed victorian glasshouse that has been restored to its former glory. Amongst the park's other features are a boating lake and a café. The park also features many distinctive curved paths and driveways and many indigenous British trees. It was originally part of the Royal Park of Toxteth, until the city council bought the land from Lord Sefton in 1866.
Peter Pan Statue
The Peter Pan statue has been reinstated in Sefton Park following cleaning and repair by the Conservation Centre supported by European Objective 1 and City Council funding. It has been resited sited alongside the Palm House, where it remains one of the Park's most visited attractions, particulalry for children (can you spot the frog, mouse, lizard, squirrel and snail on the statue?)
The Peter Pan statue comprises of a bronze figure holding triple pipes which stands atop a tree trunk incorporating a variety of animals. Sir George Frampton (1860-1928) was commissioned by James Mathew Barrie, author of Peter Pan to create the original statue as a gift to the public. Remarkably the original statue was introduced into Kensington Gardens on May Day morning, 1912 without ceremony. By contrast the Sefton Park replica, commissioned by George Audley of Southport as a gift to the children of Liverpool, was launched with a Pageant attended by crowds of children on 16th June 1928. It proved so popular it was repeated the next month. In addition to the Liverpool and London statues there are replicas of Frampton's statue in Brussels, Newfoundland, Toronto, New Jersey and Perth (Western Australia).
Sefton Park was designed by Edouard André (Gardener in Chief, Paris) and Lewis Hornblower (a Liverpool architect) who won a competition in 1867 and a prize of 300 guineas was awarded. The winning design blended the natural undulating topography and two branches of a Mersey tributary to create a landscape in which there was a spinal ornamental watercourse, embellished with rock features including cascades, grottoes and stepping stones leading to a 7 acre lake. Carefully planted woodland clumps sought to create a spacious park landscape with framed vistas revealed from elliptical and tangential pathways.
The park is 269 acres (108 ha) and is the city's largest urban park once known as 'Liverpool's Hyde Park'. Park features include listed statuary, grottoes, gateways and buildings. Statues include full replicas of Peter Pan by Sir George Frampton and the Shaftsbury Memorial (Eros fountain) by Sir Alfred Gilbert. Both are Grade II listed.
Sefton Park Palm House, constructed in 1896, is a Grade II* listed building recently fully restored and refurbished with Heritage Lottery and European funding. The building reopened as a major botanical and events attraction in September 2001.
Access
The main parkland is open 24 hours a day 365 days a year