LIVERPOOL’S favourite building of the people, St Luke’s bombed-out church, is to be given a roof - of sorts.

A large glass marquee, with transparent walls and ceiling, is to be installed within the church to see off April showers, to host a 10-day-long programme of cultural events.

It will give campaigners determined to save the building for community use a chance to see how the church at the top of Bold Street could chart out its future.

On its Facebook page today the bombed-out church team said: “We're excited to announce a very special installation coming soon to the Bombed Out Church.

“Between the 17th and 26th of April we're erecting a large marquee within the walls of the church, with uniquely transparent walls and ceiling.

“We're currently scheduling a series of events to take place within the marquee, which look to be of great artistic and cultural diversity.

“This will be an opportunity to experience the church like never before - check back here for more details nearer the time.”

The marquee, resembling an giant, oblong-shaped fishtank, will stand inside the walls of St Luke's about two meters in from the brick to ensure there is no risk of damage to the structure

 “We feel it's an excellent compromise to get the best of both worlds. One of the beauties of the space is the fact there is no roof and the view just looking up is remarkable and we would never want to lose that. This being said we are excited to show everyone that if it's needed a few phone calls and a bit of careful planning and this amazing space can do anything!  We've ensured there is something for everyone in the programming.”

Ambrose Reynolds, who runs the Leece Street church, shelled by the Luftwaffe during the Blitz, described to Liverpool Confidential how the idea came about.

“We were discussing a wedding ceremony and the mother of the bride was saying she was concerned in case it rained. So we spoke to Elite Marquees and it was obvious we could hire a suitable installation on a temporary basis.

“We’ve already hosted nine weddings at the church and have four more booked in.

“This led to us hiring the marquee for 10 days in April. It will provide raincover, but will also enable that remarkable open view of the sky to be maintained

 

We want to make the most of those 10 days and are working on a programme of events. The most important for me will be holding a public forum to give people a chance to have their own say on what should happen to the bombed out church.

“There will be a performance by LIPA students of music called Bombed Out Does Broadway, a performance of the Greek tragedy Medea, a wedding fair and a party to thank all of the volunteers who have helped us. We are thinking of a film show.

“We have got working starting on the structure in June thanks to the £75,000 from English Heritage and a similar amount from the city council. Things can only get better for the bombed out church.”