Sefton Park’s Palm House will mark 25 years since it was saved from dereliction by a community campaign with a series of free events.
The line-up, which includes guided talks, tours, and Mothers’ Day afternoon teas, is designed to be a thank you to the people of Liverpool who campaigned and fundraised to save the iconic building from ruin in the 1980s.
Kate Martinez, Head of Visitors & Communities at the Palm House, said: “We really want to put on a year of events that offer something for everyone.
This year also marks 130 years since the Palm House was first built. In the years that followed, the Palm House became one of Liverpool’s top visitor attractions before falling into disrepair in the 1980s.
After years of campaigning and fundraising, a £3.5 million heritage project painstakingly restored, rebuilt and fully reopened the Palm House in 2001.
A quarter of a century after its reopening, the building now has a special place in the city’s cultural life, hosting weddings, jazz events, and exhibitions.
Kate Johnson, CEO of the Palm House, said: “It’s very clear to us that its existence over the past 25 years would not have been possible without the sheer drive and determination of supporters of the ‘Save the Palm House’ campaign that started in the early 90s and resulted in a registered charity being set up, which enabled its reopening.”
Raising awareness of the value of community effort, the events programme recognises the achievements of the Palm House over the past 25 years.
“We want to pay homage and say a huge thank you to those who have kept the Palm House mission alive, to root for people, plants and place.”
For more information about events and campaigns, go to the Palm House website https://palmhouse.org.uk/
