Liverpool to Host UK-First Inclusive Sport & Culture Festival in 2027

Next year, a UK-first Inclusive Sport & Culture Festival (ISCF) will be held in Liverpool, England, to bring together elite athletes that compete in the Paralympic Games and a promote disabled-led arts and culture.

Delivered in partnership with UK Sport, ParalympicsGB, Arts Council England and Liverpool City Council, supported by Liverpool Accommodation BID, the week-long festival will take over the city’s waterfront with the goal of reimagining how sport and culture are experienced.

Taking place from May 2—8, 2027, the festival will be staged in venues across the M&S Bank Arena and Exhibition Centre in the Liverpool Experience Campus, the Salthouse and Albert Docks, and Pier Head.

The concept will highlight four international sport competitions across boccia, para athletics, wheelchair rugby and paracanoe, and will be delivered in partnership with Boccia UK, UK Athletics, Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby and Paddle UK. There will also be an arts and cultural program, commissioned by Arts Council England and delivered by Culture Liverpool, which will be led by deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists.

Sports And Funding

Wheelchair rugby will take center stage at the M&S Bank Arena from May 2—7, 2027, with six international teams competing for glory.

The World Boccia Cup, which will count towards Paralympic qualification, will be held at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool from May 3—7.

Paracanoe will head to Salthouse Dock on May 7—8, against the backdrop of Liverpool’s famed waterfront.

Finally, para athletics will take over Liverpool Waterfront, including Pier Head, for a free open-air demonstration of sprinting, jumping and throwing events.

At the heart of the festival will be a first-time Athletes’ and Artists’ Village. The space has been designed as both a venue hub for competitors, creators and audiences to come together.

The Festival received a £2.3 million contribution from The National Lottery and a £1 million grant from Arts Council England as part of its core funding.

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“It’s hugely exciting as both an athlete and a member of the Steering Group to see this groundbreaking event start to come to life,” said Emma Wiggs MBE, a five-time Paralympic medalist and 12-time Paracanoe world champion. “It has never been more important to embrace diversity and difference and to grasp opportunities to showcase a more inclusive world. UK Sport are world leaders in major events and together with National Lottery support, I have no doubt that the Inclusive Sport and Culture Festival in Liverpool next year will uniquely showcase both worlds and be a trailblazing event, setting the standard for others to follow”.

“This is an innovative, ground-breaking concept and it’s fantastic to see plans progress and the vision start to come to life,” said Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for health, wellbeing and culture. “We are well-known for our track record of delivering world-class events in Liverpool, and we are set to make history once again with this festival as the first event of its kind in the UK.

“The community we are creating as part of Inclusive Sport and Culture Festival will celebrate excellence, identity, and connection – bringing together athletes, artists, and audiences, in a truly accessible and inclusive way. Together with our partners, we want to redefine how sport and culture can be experienced collectively and amplify visibility and opportunities for people with disabilities throughout our community and beyond.”

“We’re proud to be bringing this new festival to Liverpool, creating a unique multi-sport platform for world-class Paralympic sport and a bold, disabled-led cultural programme,” said Esther Britten, head of events and external affairs at UK Sport. “Providing more competitive opportunities for Paralympic athletes is a key priority for us, and this event has been designed to support athletes on the road to LA 2028, while showcasing the depth of talent this country has to offer.

“We’re especially excited to be working alongside Arts Council England for the first time, bringing sport and culture together to celebrate excellence, challenge perceptions and open up new opportunities. Liverpool is a city known for its energy and creativity, and this event, made possible thanks to National Lottery funding, will leave a lasting impact on how inclusive sport and culture are experienced across the UK.”