The 9th October is John Lennon’s birthday! He was born John Winston Lennon in the Oxford Street Maternity Hospital, Liverpool, in 1940, and went on to grace the world with his timeless talent and endearing sense of humour. From his humble beginnings in an industrial Northern English city to the heights of Beatlemania and beyond, John’s music has captivated generations, and continues to spread peace and love across the universe.
Here are our top suggestions for marking John’s special day, and keeping his legacy alive.
Attend the ‘Dear John Concert’
The 4th Annual Dear John Concert for War Child UK will celebrate the music, legacy and birthday of John Lennon. Streaming online for the whole world to enjoy, the Dear John Concert begins at 7pm (BST) on Sunday 9th October, and offers a fitting way to celebrate the birth of one of music’s greatest icons. Launching the ‘Dear John’ concert series in 2019, Osley along with partner and British singer/songwriter Mollie Marriott, have invited legendary artists, film stars, current noise makers and up and coming acts from a variety of genres and backgrounds together to celebrate the legacy of John Lennon.
“With some incredible new artists on board and some blasts from the past, we bring this to you, to celebrate a legend. This year we have teamed up with the award winning exhibition and Liverpool museum The Beatles Story in support of War Child UK to celebrate the Birthday of our beloved John Lennon.” – Dear John Concert
The concert is held in support of War Child UK, a charity that, in their own words, “are driven by a single goal – ensuring a safe future for every child living through war.”
Donate to charity
John dedicated much of his life to peace and charity, and a charitable act or donation would be a fitting tribute to him on his birthday. If you’re in a position to donate, consider supporting WarChild, UNICEF, Aid Still Required, Jerry Garcia Foundation, Playing For Change Foundation, or WhyHunger, whose missions align perfectly to John’s hopes for a better world.
John and Yoko’s ‘Bed-in for Peace,’ 1969.
Immerse yourself in his story at The Beatles Story
‘The Beatles Story’ celebrates the illustrious careers of all four Beatles. With dedicated areas for each of the Fab Four, why not pop down and learn about the life and times of John Lennon on what would have been his 82nd birthday?
As well as gaining access to lots of insightful information within the exhibition and on our audio guides, you will have the opportunity to visit key pieces of Lennon memorabilia. John’s piano, on display at The Beatles Story, was instrumental in his later music. He loved it so much that those closest to him renamed it as the “John Lennon Piano” due to his insistence on moving it to every studio he was working in. Its distinctive sounds can be heard on albums including “Walls and Bridges” and “Double Fantasy”. He even used it to compose “Fame” with David Bowie and “Whatever Gets You thru the Night” with Elton John.
John’s last piano, at The Beatles Story, Liverpool.
Another must-see piece of Lennon memorabilia is a pair of his spectacles. Orange in colour, the pair of spectacles were worn by John whilst he composed his legendary song ‘Imagine.’
What is a birthday without sweet treats?! Head to the free-to-enter Fab4 Cafes (located at The Royal Albert Dock and Liverpool Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal) for a John Lennon coffee and a slice of birthday cake, or to a Fab4 Store to pick up some Beatles and Lennon souvenirs.
A Lennon coffee, available at The Fab4 Cafe, Liverpool.
Continue John’s legacy
The Discovery Zone at The Beatles Story invites you to celebrate John Lennon’s birthday on Sunday 9th October! They’ll be playing John’s songs on their record player and carrying out a range of different activities for children. Why not pay them a visit and give your kids the opportunity to learn all about John and his work?
This workshop will be held in the Discovery Zone at The Beatles Story, on the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool between 11am and 3pm. All materials will be provided and tickets are not required.
From everyone at The Beatles Story, we’d like to wish John Lennon a happy heavenly birthday, and extend our love to Yoko and the family.