BBC Big Screen Liverpool and 6 Music mark the 25th anniversary of John Lennon's death on Thursday, 8th December, with a day of programming and a free outdoor event dedicated to his life and music.
The loss of one of the world's greatest musicians continues to reverberate; most noticeably in the wealth of local talent who strive to match not just his success but high benchmark in innovation and integrity.
On Thursday, 8th December, we do that the only way we know how by reaffirming John's lasting legacy, and offering a platform for the city's finest musicians to shine. Live Music
 | | Live music on the Big Screen |
The place to be is Clayton Square in the city centre from 17.30 when the live music will begin. At 18.30 this will be followed by an exclusive screening of rare documentary footage courtesy of digital radio station BBC 6 Music featuring videos, interviews, performance and even John's poetry, under the banner of 'Lennon Remembered'.
The film will last approximately one hour. This exclusive peek into the BBC vaults will not be repeated, nor will it appear on television or radio. It's a rare, one-off opportunity, which will also feature a live link into Steve Lamacq's drivetime radio show on BBC 6 Music. Steve Roberts: 17.30 - 18.00
Acoustic troubadour Steve Roberts has gigged with Ron Sexsmith, Ian McNabb, Glen Tilbrook and Martin Stephenson. He even ended up on Parkinson with Ricky Tomlinson.Formerly with 16 Tambourines and now a solo artist, Steve's latest album 'Shake It, Make It & Don't Fake It' is another largely acoustic based offering; only rootsier and more melodic, combining samples, banjos, fiddles and 12 string guitars. Santa Carla: 18.00 - 18.30
Intrepid traffickers in scallyfornia art-pop, Santa Carla were brought together by their mutual appreciation of Deaf School, XTC, and Todd Rundgren. The band have been scratching the cognitive itch on the UK circuit for just over two years now. Their cinematic approach that has attracted airplay from both Huw Stephens at BBC Radio One and Jonathan Ross at BBC Radio Two since its release. BBC Radio Merseyside Merseyside Breakfast broadcasts live from 6am at St Peters Village Hall in Woolton where John met Paul for the first time in 1957. Lee Bennion and Claire Hamilton will be airing the last ever interview Lennon did with Rolling Stone magazine and they will be hearing listeners memories of where they were when they heard the news Lennon had been killed.
 | | Children from Dovedale School |
BBC Radio Merseyside's Tony Snell will be running a Lennon Jukebox throughout his show on Thursday 8th December. Tony will be inviting listeners to ring in a request their favourite John Lennon tracks to be played during the morning. Children from Dovedale School in Mossley Hill have recorded a special new verse for Imagine which will be aired during the programme. Tune in to Snelly from 8.30am on 95.8FM. At 11.30am Roger Philips will be speaking with David Harvey the executive producer of the Channel 4 documentary "I killed John Lennon". From 2-5pm Billy Butler will be playing covers of Lennon Songs and linking up live to radio station WABC in New York. Other events on the day include a service of remembrance from 16.30 at St Nicholas Parish Church of Liverpool, often known as the Sailors Church, at the rear of the Royal Liver Building.
The Liverpool Beatles Appreciation Society hopes hundreds of people will flock to Mathew Street and the Beatles Monument in Cavern Designer Shopping Centre and the Lennon statue in Mathew Street, where shrines will be set up and messages left by fans. | 
