Liverpool Celebrates John Lennon's 70th Birthday and Commemorates 30 Years Since His Death

A global peace monument by American art sensation, 19 year-old Lauren Voiers, is to be unveiled in England's city of Liverpool on the occasion of John Lennon's 70th birthday, honoring the world icon and his message of peace. The monument, commissioned by California-based organization Global Peace Initiative, will be presented by John Lennon's eldest son Julian and first wife Cynthia, at a high-profile gala ceremony in Lennon's birthplace of Liverpool on his birth date of October 9, during the city's John Lennon Tribute Season. Taking place from October 9 – December 9, 2010, John Lennon Tribute Season, an extensive season of cultural events, will celebrate what would have been John Lennon's 70th birthday and also marks the 30th anniversary of his untimely death on December 8.

Named 'Peace & Harmony', the 18ft monument, incorporating a white feather in its design - which to Julian is a symbol of both his father's spirit and of peace, is to be sited in Liverpool's Chavasse Park, a five acre green space in the heart of the city overlooking the River Mersey. The monument will be received by the world's leading permanent Beatles-themed visitor attraction, the Beatles Story in Liverpool, at an event attended by two thousand dignitaries and fans from around the world, forming the most significant global birthday celebration dedicated to John's life and work.

“The UK has long needed a monument to John Lennon which acts as a counter balance to the Strawberry Fields memorial in New York's Central Park, and we are incredibly excited to have the opportunity to provide the world with a permanent reminder of John Lennon in the city where his spirit was created,” said Jerry Goldman, Managing Director of The Beatles Story, Liverpool. “Liverpool is the only ideal destination for such a remarkable monument and we feel sure that it will take on a global significance as word travels round the world that there is a place to go to in England where people can meet to contemplate peace and John Lennon's contribution to it through his music. ”

We are delighted that Liverpool and England has been chosen as the location for the Global Peace Initiative's second monument, which will act as a special place of pilgrimage for people wishing to remember one of the world's most influential icons,” said James Berresford, CEO of VisitEngland, the official tourism body for England. "Not only do we look forward to welcoming travelers during the John Lennon Tribute Season, when Liverpool will host a series of live music, film, poetry and art events, we are thrilled at the prospect of receiving hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world who will have a unique opportunity to celebrate the life and spirit of Lennon and his message of peace when the monument is unveiled."

"We have been searching for an appropriate location for the second Global Peace monument for some time," said Ben Valenty, Director of Global Peace Initiative. "The creativity and history that surrounds Liverpool make it an ideal destination for Europe's art piece. Lauren's work is exceptional and we're very excited that this commission is underway."

The John Lennon Peace Monument is the second in a series of peace monuments commissioned by Global Peace Initiative, whose aim is to place an artistic symbol of peace in each of the world's seven continents. The first monument was presented to the President of Singapore as a gift to Asia in 2005 and there are plans for a third monument to be gifted to the people of South America.