Japanese festival expected to draw thousands

A Japanese festival which drew thousands of people to Liverpool last year gets under way later.

The Japanese Summer Festival celebrates the country's culture with a range of free activities at Palm House in Sefton Park from 10:00 to 17:00 BST.

About 5,000 visitors turned up in 2025, with this year's festival expecting a similar turnout while promising martial arts displays, food stalls, kimono dressing, manga and more.

One of the organisers, the Japan Society North West (JSNW), described the festival as "a chance for people to experience traditional and modern Japanese culture".

"This is a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture which brings together not only the local community but people from across the North West," said Angela Davies, honorary president of JSNW.

"This is free to attend and the beautiful Palm House is the perfect backdrop to showcase this colourful event."

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