John Lennon exhibition extended in Liverpool until 28 Feb 2010

White Feather: The Spirit of Lennon is extending its stay at the Beatles Story, Liverpool by an additional eight weeks to accommodate public demand. Originally scheduled to close on 31 December 2009, the exhibition has now been extended until 28 February 2010.

The Beatles Story has already attracted over 100,000 visitors since it launched White Feather: The Spirit of Lennon in June 2009. The exhibition charts the emotional family story of John Lennon, one of the world's most iconic figures.

Through a personal narration of life with John by his son Julian and first wife Cynthia, visitors witness the emotional roller coaster of the Lennon family. The exhibition is illustrated with family photos, personal postcards and the Lennons' unseen collection of memorabilia including:

 Paul McCartney's handwritten lyrics for Hey Jude, composed for Julian Lennon
 John Lennon's Honda ‘monkey bike' motorbike which he rode with Julian
 Electric guitar with inscribed plaque reading ‘To Julian from Daddy Christmas 1973'

Liverpool has seen a reduction in visitor numbers compared with its European Capital of Culture year in 2008. Bucking this trend, and the effects of the recession, the Beatles Story has witnessed a growth of 5% in comparison to its 2008 visitor figures.

This increase can be attributed to the opening of the attraction's second site at Pier Head and the world premiere of White Feather: The Spirit of Lennon there. This achievement is significant when most other North West attractions are reporting an average downturn of 20% in visitor numbers, year-on-year, according to a report by England's Northwest Research Service.

Jerry Goldman, Managing Director of the Beatles Story, comments: ‘‘We are delighted to be able to extend this exhibition into 2010, a landmark year for the Beatles. 2010 will mark the 50th anniversary of the Beatles forming and we are very proud to give those people who've not yet had an opportunity to visit White Feather: The Spirit of Lennon, the chance to find out about life with John Lennon, told by those closest to him."

Julian Lennon says, "White Feather is, in part, a tribute to my father and I'm delighted that so many people have already enjoyed sharing in our time together as a family. The public response so far has been overwhelming and I'm excited that more people will have the opportunity to learn about our family's extraordinary life. It is fitting that the exhibition remains in Liverpool for a little while longer - after all, this is where the story began."

White Feather: The Spirit of Lennon is on display at the Beatles Story's second site at the new Mersey Ferries terminal building on Liverpool's Pier Head until Sunday 28 February 2010. This will be the last chance to enjoy the exhibition before it goes abroad to embark on a worldwide tour.

ENDS
Media enquiries: Rowan Atkins M: 07834 158 725 E: rowan@rowanatkins.co.uk