Industry News

Echo Arena events to proceed after fire

Liverpool’s Echo Arena will proceed with its events programme following the fire that engulfed its multi-storey car park on New Year’s Eve.

The final performance of the Liverpool International Horse Show, which was due to take place in the evening in the arena following a successful three-day event, was cancelled.

All people and horses were safe and secure, though the fire destroyed more than 1,400 vehicles.

All vehicles left in the 1,600-capacity car park have been destroyed, police said. The outside of the multi-storey car park next to the Echo Arena is blackened and charred and the inside of the building was collapsing.

Bob Prattey, chief executive of The ACC Liverpool Group, said: “We can confirm that our future events will be able to proceed as planned following the serious fire which was contained in the Liverpool Waterfront Car Park on New Year’s Eve.

“We will continue to communicate with all our clients who are organising forthcoming conferences, exhibitions and entertainment events as well as customers and delegates. We ask for everyone’s patience and understanding while we work through these plans.

“The Liverpool Waterfront Car Park is closed until further notice and so as part of our contingency plans we are looking at alternative parking arrangements for forthcoming events.

“We ask for everyone’s patience and understanding while we work through these plans.”

Prattey added: “We are sorry to customers who were due to attend the evening performance of the Liverpool International Horse Show, which was cancelled as a result of the fire, as well as those people whose vehicles were in the car park and who have been affected by this terrible situation.

“We are extremely thankful to the emergency services for their efforts. We would also like to thank the people who kindly provided transport for customers to enable them to travel home, as well as Liverpool City Council for establishing a relief centre for those needing shelter.”

Fast and Furious Live preview performances will take place at Echo Arena next Thursday and Friday, followed by Celebrating Sgt Pepper: Live on January 13, which also marks the venue’s 10th birthday.