A new Liverpool tradition will be born on the eve of The Randox Grand National Festival with the inaugural The Grand Reveal, a free public event bringing the passion and celebration of one of the world’s most famous racing events into the heart of Liverpool city centre.

The Grand Reveal is supported through Liverpool’s Accommodation BID, which seeks to attract major events to the city and encourage overnight stays. It is supported through Liverpool’s £2 overnight visitor levy.

Taking place at Exchange Flags on Wednesday 8th April from 3.00-6.00pm The Grand Reveal will feature a free family friendly afternoon of entertainment. With a Winner’s Enclosure, Jockey Gym, Stable and simulators, the magic of The Grand National will be brought into the historic square. A Commentator Box will give people the opportunity to see if they are the next voice in horseracing, while a dress up area of jockey silks and helmets will help them look the part.

Meanwhile, at 8.30pm, St John’s Beacon and Royal Albert Dock Liverpool will be lit up to celebrate the start of The Randox Grand National Festival.

Dickon White, Regional Director North West at The Jockey Club, said: “We’re incredibly pleased to have the backing of Liverpool’s Accommodation BID and are truly grateful to be beneficiaries of the levy, which will allow us to further champion both the Randox Grand National Festival and the City of Liverpool, introducing them to wider audiences.

“The event at Exchange Flags will give more people the chance to experience horseracing up close and enjoy a real taste of the Randox Grand National. It’s been a fantastic team effort to create something open, engaging and celebratory - reflecting both our values and those of the city.”

Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool Business Improvement District, commented: “We are delighted to bring the magic of the Grand National into the heart of Liverpool city centre. The ambition of this fund is to attract events that will encourage people to stay overnight in the city, and we know that thousands of people come to Liverpool for the world’s most famous Steeplechase.

“The Grand Reveal is, we hope, a new tradition that encourages those visitors to sample more of the delights of the city, from its hospitality to its culture. It is important we keep events free and accessible in the public realm and being able to support this means it is for everyone.”

The Randox Grand National is worth more than £60million to the local economy (Liverpool city region), according to a study conducted in 2023. In association with Liverpool John Moores University, The Jockey Club conducted a first ever Grand National Economic Impact Report, which found that over the three days:

*The total economic impact of the 2022 Randox Grand National Festival was estimated at £60,186,414.

*The Randox Grand National Festival is a well-attended social event with nearly all attendees coming with friends or family. A small percentage (7.2%) come alone or with colleagues.

*The event has a loyal following with the majority attending out of habit (64.2%).

*While the largest proportion of active users engaging with the Randox Grand National Festival on social media are from the UK (74%), the festival is actively engaged with globally. The United States, Australia and India all show some social media engagement to varying degrees.

Notes to Editors

Founded in 1750 The Jockey Club is today the largest employer and commercial organisation in British horseracing and one of the leading sports businesses operating in the UK.

The Jockey Club is governed by Royal charter, ensuring all profits are reinvested back into racing, which is Britain’s second biggest spectator sport.

The Jockey Club runs 15 of the UK’s racecourses – large and local – and is charged with looking after some of the nation’s biggest events, including the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree, The Cheltenham Festival, The Betfred Derby Festival at Epsom Downs and the Betfred Guineas Festival at Newmarket.

Thousands of racehorses also use The Jockey Club’s training centres in Newmarket, Lambourn and Epsom every year, while the organisation also runs The National Stud in Newmarket and the charity, Racing Welfare, which makes help available to everyone in racing.

The Jockey Club’s joint Patrons are His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen.

For more information, please visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk

Liverpool Business Improvement District is a private, not-for-profit organisation, representing the interests of 800+ levy paying businesses in Liverpool city centre, across three BIDs (Business Improvement Districts) - Retail & Leisure BID and Culture & Commerce BID and the Accommodation BID.

Liverpool became the first city to have an operating Accommodation BID after a successful ballot from the city’s hotels and serviced accommodation providers. Managed by Liverpool BID and overseen by a board of industry representatives and an Executive Board, the Accommodation BID works to provide a voice for the sector, to invest in destination marketing, improvements to the public realm and security that helps to drive forward the city’s tourism economy.

The aim of Liverpool Business Improvement District is to:
Bring added value to levy payers and build on the core services already provided by Liverpool City Council and Merseyside Police

Ensure both BID areas are clean and secure for businesses and visitors, and have the right environment for the private sector to succeed - whether a retailer, restaurant owner, or legal and financial service

Work with the city and charities to tackle street dwellers

Drive footfall and develop activity where needed

Champion the voice of the levy payers it represents, pushing forward their agendas and making things happen
The Liverpool BID areas cover some iconic locations in Liverpool city centre:
The eclectic and diverse independents of Bold Street

The thriving restaurant and hotel scene of Castle Street

Liverpool’s ever-evolving high street - from the iconic brands on Church Street and Williamson Square, to the high-end boutiques of Metquarter

The professional and financial services around Old Hall Street

Mathew Street and Cavern Quarter - the birthplace of The Beatles, a focal point in the city’s music heritage, and a colourful nightlife scene

The famous Waterfront and Royal Albert Dock, Three Graces and Pier Head St George’s Quarter and St John’s Gardens and William Brown Street.