The roadmap out of lockdown has lifted the hopes of the nation that some sense of normality will soon be restored. It was announced by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson that as of April 12 restaurants and pubs will be able to offer al fresco dining without the need for customers to order a substantial meal.
Taking full advantage of the announcement is Liverpool’s Exchange Flags who will be hosting ‘Spring In The Square’, an outdoor floral themed event packed with live entertainment, soul & funk music, DJ’s, Veuve Clicquot champagne, cocktails and street food! The event will be running every Friday, Saturday and Sunday 12pm until 10pm for six weeks starting on April 16.
Organiser of Spring In The Square, Sarah Syvret has been an asset manager at Exchange Flags for two years. Ms Syvret had planned a full events calendar for the square last year but everything was put on hold due to the pandemic. However, with restrictions lifting in April, Ms Syvret jumped at the chance to bring her spring event idea to life.
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Ms Syvret has partnered with local coffee and cocktail provider Bean Coffee who have been crucial in the organisation of the event having managed the booking system and will be operating the Exchange Bar.
Offering a helping hand organising the six week long event has been Georgie Betts. Ms Syvret said: “Georgie has many local contacts given her knowledge in the industry and with her team they have put together the branding and marketing campaign for the event.”
Ms Syvret told JMU Journalism what an event like Spring In The Square mean’t for the city:
“It is Liverpool’s largest outdoor space and we want to capitalise on this and host a Welcome back to the city event for everybody to enjoy. It is about time that Liverpool got it’s sparkle back and the city is so excited to enjoy some form of social interaction in an idyllic location. Our aim is to also bring the business community of exchange flags and the city centre together again to remind them of our brilliant city after what seems like such a long time.“
Spring In The Square has already proved popular with over 2,500 tickets already being sold. Ms Syvret said: “We are so pleased at the response and support from everyone. Ticket sales increase week-on-week which is really positive.”
People can expect to see a range of performances from Ally Mac, a singer/songwriter who featured on ‘The Voice’, international Sax star Ellie Sax, local sax player Luke Ledger, DJ’s from ANTC Events and more performers are yet to announced.
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Ms Syvret explained how she has had the vision of the Square being used for al fresco events for over a year, she said:
“We have been working closely to our friends at the council who have been hugely supportive of us and we can now finally see some light at the end of the tunnel and also positive news with how incredible the UK has been for the vaccine we thought we would go for it and give people something to look forward to! Of course, if restrictions and rules ended up changing again we would be compliant with the new restrictions. Our suppliers and partners for the event have been totally understanding of this so with everyone being on the same page, it has been a joy to plan!”
Abiding by government social distancing restrictions the event will require that customers wear masks until seated at tables, of which there will only be tables of 6 people or less available. Each table is positioned one metre apart and when queuing to enter the square parties must be two metres apart from one another. Spring In The Square will also be serving food by using table service only, where customers can order food and drinks via an app.
To book your day out click here. Visit Exchange Flags Instagram page to keep up to date with Spring In The Square.