Max SteventonLiverpool will host a week-long event combining international para sport competition with a disabled-led arts and culture programme in May next year.
The Inclusive Sport & Culture Festival (ISCF) will take place across the city’s waterfront from 2-8 May, with competitions in boccia, para athletics, wheelchair rugby and paracanoe alongside an arts and culture programme led by deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists.
Core funding includes £2.3 million from the National Lottery and a £1 million grant from Arts Council England.
The UK Sport-owned event will be staged across the M&S Bank Arena, Exhibition Centre Liverpool, Salthouse Dock, Albert Dock and Pier Head. It is being delivered in partnership with Boccia UK, UK Athletics, Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby and Paddle UK, while the arts and culture programme has been commissioned by Arts Council England and will be delivered by Culture Liverpool.
Organisers said the event will take place ahead of the 2028 Summer Paralympics and is intended to support athlete preparation while bringing together disabled athletes and artists in a single programme.
“We’re proud to be bringing this new festival to Liverpool, creating a unique multi-sport platform for world-class Paralympic sport and a bold, disabled-led cultural programme,” said UK Sport head of events and external affairs Esther Britten. “Providing more competitive opportunities for Paralympic athletes is a key priority for us, and this event has been designed to support athletes on the road to LA 2028, while showcasing the depth of talent this country has to offer.
“We’re especially excited to be working alongside Arts Council England for the first time, bringing sport and culture together to celebrate excellence, challenge perceptions and open up new opportunities.”