Beatles fans being invited to recreate special John Lennon moment

The Beatles Story, located at the Royal Albert Dock, is set to launch a re-enactment of the famous 'bed-ins' staged by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, who first crossed paths on November 7 1966. The attraction's 'bed-in' is in aid of local children's cancer charity Liverpool CHICS and will kick off on November 30.

Visitors are encouraged to donate new pyjamas and other essential items to bring comfort to local children and teenagers this festive season. In early 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono initiated the two week-long 'bed-ins' for Peace - one at the Hilton Hotel in Amsterdam and the other at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal.

Aware that their wedding on March 20 would draw significant media attention, the pair used their honeymoon as a chance to engage in these peaceful, experimental protests and spread their anti-war message worldwide, amid news of the Vietnam war dominating the headlines.

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Sat in bed and dressed in pyjamas, John and Yoko welcomed the global press into their hotel room every day from 9am to 9pm. Echoing a similar campaign the award-winning attraction ran in 2023, staff at The Beatles Story will take turns participating in a John and Yoko-inspired Bed In at the Albert Dock's Fab4 Cafe throughout the day on November 30 and December 1.

Visitors are invited to join, snap selfies with the bed (generously provided by Holiday Inn Express Liverpool) and make donations. Donations of new pyjamas in all sizes, from newborn to adult, are being sought.

Children’s Cancer Support (CHICS) is a charity that was founded in 1986 to help support children who have been diagnosed with cancer, while providing support to their families. The charity was established by a group of parents whose children were being treated at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, who felt there was a need for parents to discuss their situation with other people who were going through similar circumstances.

The charity has grown in recent years, and they now actively support approximately 350 families. Elaine Lang, Chairperson of Liverpool CHICS, said: “On behalf of all our families we would like to say a very big thank you. We are incredibly grateful to The Beatles Story for choosing Liverpool CHICS (Children’s Cancer Support) to support.

"We are grateful for the trust they have placed in our collaboration. Their generous support will have a major impact helping on both fundraising and in raising our profile across the Merseyside area. The work we continue to do is only possible with the kindness and generosity of people and businesses like The Beatles Story.”

Victoria Leyshon-Matthews, The Beatles Story’s Guest Experience Manager, added: “By chance, I met Elaine, one of the Charity’s inspiring champions, during a visit to our café, and I was truly moved to learn about the incredible work CHICS does. Elaine and Chem, who lead the charity, bring such a profound impact to the families they support.

"I can hardly imagine the heartbreak of learning that your child has cancer, and then having to summon the strength to keep fighting for them while supporting your entire family through that journey. The stories they’ve shared with me have left a lasting impression, and I am genuinely in awe of the strength, compassion, and unwavering dedication they bring to help these families.

"The work that CHICS does is absolutely essential. They provide emotional and financial support while also creating opportunities for families to find moments of relief and escape.

At The Beatles Story, when we announced that we would be supporting CHICS, we discovered that one of our own team members had experienced childhood cancer and received support from CHICS during those difficult times. It is a true honour for The Beatles Story to contribute to the amazing work that this charity does.”

In addition to donations of pyjamas, CHICS is also accepting kind donations of toiletries, activity books and stationery. CHICS can only accept donations of new, unopened and unused items. If you can’t make it to The Beatles Story to drop off donations, you can donate funds to CHICS. For more information, or to donate money, visit www.beatlesstory.com/CHICS.