Creative Director Wayne Hemingway MBE has accepted an invitation from the city of Liverpool to curate a weekend of celebrations to mark the city’s 175th anniversary of its transatlantic links.
And as part of the event a world-record breaking attempt will be made, it can be exclusively revealed today.
The world record attempt is being organised by Culture Liverpool and is sponsored by Liverpool-based online retail giant Very.co.uk. It will take place in front of the Three Graces as part of the ‘One Magnificent City’ celebrations which mark Liverpool’s important historical links with North America.
The event, which is attempting to smash the Guinness World Record for ‘most models on a catwalk’, is likely to result in the UK’s biggest ever 4th July celebrations.
Every aspect of Liverpool’s diverse DNA, from schools and community groups to families and fashionistas will join together to take part in ‘The Very Big Catwalk’, which is expected to see more than 3,500 people getting involved.
The Very Big Catwalk, hosted in partnership with Very.co.uk, is part of a programme of events which will run for seven weeks across the city.
Wayne Hemingway MBE, said: “Liverpool’s cool roots and well-documented heritage will play out on the catwalk as the heart and soul of the city come together, from dance troops to twins, from pensioners to the police, from couture to cadets in this once in a life time public celebration of all that’s fashionable.
“This once in a lifetime record-breaking carnival will be an audio, visual feast designed to showcase the city’s diverse, welcoming, expressive, humorous and fun-loving spirit that characterises it around the world. But, we need people to make it happen, thousands of them. So, this is a shout out to all the city’s folk from every aspect of life to come and help us make history.”
Thanks to the collaboration with Very.co.uk, some famous faces are expected to be seen in the line-up, showcasing the retailer’s latest collections.
Very.co.uk marketing director Kenyatte Nelson said: “Being Liverpool-based is an important part of Very.co.uk’s DNA and we’re thrilled to help put on this massive show in the city. Like our brand, the catwalk attempt is fun, fresh and bold.
“Liverpool girls love clothes so I’d like to urge all of you to come out in your best dresses and strut down the catwalk to help put this city on the fashion map.”
Renowned TV and live event fashion producer Jane Galpin from BBC’s Clothes Show and Channel 4 shows such as How to Look Good Naked will help coordinate the mammoth catwalk show.
Jane Galpin said: “This is going to be a magnificent and unforgettable moment for the city. People from all walks of Liverpool life will join forces and sashay down the Pier Head runway. It’s history in the making and a fashion show and carnival that will reflect Liverpool’s passion for fashion, along with its musical links with America. This incredible once in a lifetime opportunity is not to be missed, and one that we want everyone, no matter who you are, to be part of”
Under the shadow of the RMS Queen Mary 2, which will be docked at Liverpool Pier Head preparing to recreate its inaugural voyage to Boston, ‘The Very Big Catwalk’ will be followed by ‘The Very Big After Party’, where everyone is invited to a huge free disco on the docks.
The party, which Merseyside legend Greg Wilson will DJ, will help relive Liverpool’s musical history playing influential sounds the city first heard from across the pond, including the authentic American sounds of R&B, Motown, northern soul, disco and funk.
And once the party is over and Queen Mary 2 departs Liverpool’s shores, the vessel, its passengers and the Pier Head audience will be part of a stunning and unforgettable patriotic send-off which is not to be missed.
The finale weekend of Liverpool’s ‘One Magnificent City’ will also see the glitz and glamour of bygone ages come to life as a bespoke version of Wayne Hemingway MBE’s highly acclaimed Vintage Festival comes to town.
‘Vintage on the Docks’ hosted at The Albert Dock will celebrate the fashion, music, film and food that have travelled across the Atlantic over the ages – from the decadent dresses of the 20s to the swinging songs of the 60s.
Peter Cronin, director of development and marketing for Albert Dock Liverpool, said: “We are very excited to be working with the city council, Wayne Hemingway and our waterfront partners in making One Magnificent City an unforgettable event for all our visitors this summer.”
