Happy Birthday, George

To mark what would have been George's 77th birthday (Tuesday 25 February), Liverpool City Council and the George Harrison Estate can proudly announce that a new memorial woodland in his honour will open in Liverpool.

The George Harrison Woodland Walk, will be located in south Liverpool close to where George was born and grew up. The 12-acre Greenland site opposite Allerton Towers is currently a mixture of mature woodland and meadow.

When it officially opens in 2021, it will be landscaped in order to be accessible, combining garden and woodland with a number of artistic installations inspired by the life and lyrics of the much-loved Beatle. The city council and the Harrison family want to encourage artists to design new artworks which will take pride of place in the garden. More information on submitting an expression of interest can be found at cultureliverpool.co.uk/harrison.

The longer term aim is for a 'nature classroom' to be opened on the site, allowing school children from across the region to spend time learning about nature and the environment. The site was acquired by Liverpool City Council in 2018 and work is set to begin in the coming months. The George Harrison Woodland Walk will formally open to the public in spring 2021.

Olivia Harrison, George's wife, said: "'George was an avid gardener who found solace and joy in being in the outdoors. I don't think there is any better way to commemorate him in Liverpool than with a garden which can become a place of tranquillity and reflection for everyone. I am really looking forward to watching it change and grow over the coming years."

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said: 'It has been one of my ambitions as mayor to find an appropriate way for us as a city to celebrate one of our most-loved sons, so I am overjoyed that at last we can announce the George Harrison Woodland Walk. The site is beautiful, and the plans for the area in the coming months are really exciting. It feels right that at last we have a permanent memorial to celebrate George's life, loves and influence."

For more information visit cultureliverpool.co.uk/harrison/