Liverpool City Council (LCC) is seeking an Operator to deliver high-quality, destination enhancing, festive activation. under a ‘License to Occupy’ at two iconic locations, to create a distinctive and memorable festive experience that attracts visitors, supports the local economy, and reinforces Liverpool’s status as one of the UK’s leading festive destinations.
The tender seeks an Operator (or Operators x 2) relating to the design, provision, installation, and operation of a festive attraction(s), seasonal market stalls and food and beverage outlets, delivered at St George’s Plateau and the Pier Head from the 2026/27 season onward.
LCC seeks to procure an experienced Operator to take full responsibility for the end-to-end design, build, management, and delivery of all activity within each allocated site(s), including but not limited to: –
• Full end-to-end operations, incl. Site design, layout, infrastructure, site build, site management, and site de-rig
• Completion of Event Management Plans, representation at JAG and SAG
• Management and curation of all traders
• Provision and oversight of all attractions and activations
• Food and beverage strategy, planning, and delivery
• Coordination and arranging utilities requirements
• Back-of-house coordination
• Comprehensive health & safety, crowd management, and security plans
• Front-of-house delivery visitor experience
• Accessibility planning and inclusive visitor experience
• Sustainable and environmentally responsible practices
Liverpool City Council role and responsibility will be:
• To issue a Land Use Agreement to the appointed Operator on a commercial basis (the Council will enter the agreement as the landowner)
• To set the standards, parameters and define the desired outcomes
• To monitor operator performance and ensure compliance with all regulatory and contractual requirements
Bidders are encouraged to submit proposals with a mix of high‑quality, free and paid for festive activations that enhance Liverpool’s seasonal offer and create memorable experiences for residents and visitors, while remaining complimentary and sensitive to the unique character and heritage of both Pier Head and St George’s Plateau.
There should be a festive centrepiece at the heart of the offer which will attract footfall and create dwell time.
Activations should contribute positively to the overall festive atmosphere, elevate the city’s Christmas programme, and integrate seamlessly within these culturally and historically significant spaces.