Liverpool’s Albert Dock has unveiled its 2017 schedule following a record-breaking 12 months.
The iconic waterfront landmark was visited by 6.3 million people in 2016, an 8% mark-up on the previous year, which delivered £13 million to the local economy.
Bosses at the North West’s most popular free tourist attraction also reported a sizeable 29% year on year growth of coach numbers visiting the venue.
December saw the spectacular 4D projection ‘Countdown to Christmas’ lighting spectacular resulting in a 29% uplift against the same period of December 2015.
The projection was brought about thanks to a unique collaboration with immersive technology specialists Crucial FX and National Museums Liverpool.
Exhibitions at the Dock’s other venues including the Tate, the Beatles Story, Merseyside Maritime Museum, International Slavery Museum and Mattel Play! helped further boost visitor numbers.
Figures have also been significantly enhanced by the launch of an exciting new programme of free family events, including Steam, Vintage, Folk, Heritage and Pirate festivals.
All five events will be returning to the Albert Dock and will build on last year with exciting new additions to the schedule.
Sue Grindrod, chief executive at Albert Dock Liverpool, said: “We knew we were heading into 2016 with the challenge of matching the spectacular Three Queens event of 2015 – which was an event that attracted unprecedented crowds to the city’s waterfront.
“We also knew there was a gap in the city’s event programme of 2016 and that as a private sector company, there was an opportunity that we could help to supplement the calendar.
“Therefore, a significant investment was made in revitalising our annual event programme for 2016, which included bringing back some favourites with a new twist, like Pirate Festival and Vintage with Wayne Hemingway, and new commissions never-before-seen on Liverpool’s waterfront.
“It is wonderful to see that they have really resonated with our visitors.
“I must personally thank all the partners involved in bringing these brilliant events to life, ensuring that Albert Dock is animated throughout the whole year, offering visitors something exciting and unique to look forward to from January right through to December.”
Events confirmed for 2017:
Steam on the Dock (May 6-7)
The UK’s only inner-city steam rally will return to the Albert Dock as trains, boats and engines of the industrial age make it their home for a weekend of toots, whistles and fun for families and steam enthusiasts alike.
The Clothes Show (July 7-9)
British Style Collective will take its iconic Clothes Show outside of Birmingham for the first time in its existence. As part of the city-wide takeover, this will be an exciting new event in the festival calendar celebrating fashion.
Folk Festival on the Dock (August 26-28)
BBC’s Janice Long hosted the inaugural 2016 event, which celebrated Liverpool’s rich music and maritime heritage. Over 100 folk, roots, acoustic and sea shanty acts and almost 450 performers – many of them local – performed over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Heritage on the Dock (September 7-10)
This is a legacy event from the HLF-funded programme that invites the local community to embark on a journey of discovery over four days, celebrating the unique heritage and unlocking the secrets of this iconic Liverpool landmark.
Pirate Festival on the Dock (September 16-17)
This now legendary swashbuckling pirate adventure brings the whole family, dressed up as their favourite pirates and mermaids, to join in the ship-shape shenanigans of our longest-running event, with live cannon battles and thrilling action under sail.