00:00Liverpool's world-famous waterfront is set to become the stage for what UK sport describes as a groundbreaking moment for
00:06inclusive sport and culture in Britain.
00:08From 2nd to 8th May 2027, the city will host the first inclusive sport and culture festival,
00:15bringing together four international Paralympic sports competitions alongside a disabled-led arts and culture programme.
00:22The festival will stretch across the M&S Bank Arena, the Exhibition Centre, Slothouse Dock, Albert Dock and Pier Head,
00:28transforming some of Liverpool's best-known landmarks into spaces for world-class competition and performance.
00:33The sporting programme includes wheelchair rugby with six international teams competing inside the arena,
00:39the World Bocher Cup at the Exhibition Centre, Paracanoe Racing at Slothouse Dock and a major open-air para-athletic
00:46showcase along the waterfront.
00:48Alongside that, Culture Liverpool will deliver an arts programme commissioned by Arts Council England and led by deaf, disabled and
00:55neurodivergent artists.
00:56UK Sport says the event will support athlete preparation ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games,
01:03while also creating new opportunities to raise a profile of disabled talent across both sports and the arts.
01:10The festival is backed by £2.3 million from the National Lottery and £1 million from Arts Council England.
01:18Liverpool City Council says the event builds on the city's reputation for staging world-class public events,
01:23while organisers hope it will redefine how audiences experience inclusion, creativity and elite performance.
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