Liverpool set to warmly welcome thousands of visitors for a busy weekend

Liverpool is set to welcome large crowds to the city this Saturday 26 July, as it hosts a variety of events for Pride.

As with all major events, public safety is the main priority for Merseyside Police which has been working closely with organisations and businesses to ensure everyone visiting the city has a safe and enjoyable time.

Chief Inspector Dave Morgan said: “Liverpool is renowned for warmly welcoming thousands of people to the city, and this Saturday is no exception as we are anticipating high volumes of people travelling to the area to enjoy everything it has to offer.

“Whether it is sightseeing, attending an event or celebrating Pride, our main priority is to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time – and it is memorable for all the right reasons.

“The public will see plenty of officers patrolling in the city centre but should feel reassured and not alarmed by this. These high visibility patrols are just one of a variety of tactics we use to disrupt any potential criminality and keep people safe. Less visible measures include the use of plain-clothes officers and city-wide CCTV.

“As with any large event, we remind the public to be vigilant, trust their instincts and report anything that they see that doesn’t feel right – this would be anything that seems out of place, unusual or doesn’t seem to fit in with day-to-day life.

"Saturday is expected to be a warm day, so we urge people to be prepared for the weather, drink sensibly and please look out for each other.

“We would like to remind people of some simple advice that applies to any busy event, and that is to keep your valuables close and secure personal belongings including bags, purses and mobile phones – do not leave them unattended.

“Please plan your journey and give yourself plenty of time if you are attending a specific event. Road closures will be in place surrounding the waterfront and Pier Head area during the day, so we advise people to use public transport and use alternative routes to ease traffic congestion around the city centre.

“Ultimately, we hope everyone has a fantastic and memorable time, enjoys the experience and activities the city has to offer.”

In addition to Liverpool’s Pride, there are a number of Pride events taking place across Merseyside.  Merseyside Police will have an operational presence at these events to ensure they are safe and enjoyable events for all who wish to attend.

Report suspicious activity immediately to a police officer or member of staff. Or call the police on 101. In an emergency, always call 999.