Liverpool locals might notice something unusual about their public transport as this summer draws to a close.
Arriva Merseyside has transformed four of its buses to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ iconic album, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The buses are also a nod to Liverpool’s UNESCO City of Music status and the upcoming 10 year anniversary of European Capital of Culture, which will be marked in 2018.
The brightly coloured double decker buses will be in service from Monday 11th September.
Each member of the Beatles has been given their own dedicated bus, with the psychedelic colour schemes matching the outfits the band wore on the album cover.
And Arriva’s bus drivers have come together to join in on the action, with four members of staff dressing up as John, Paul, Ringo and George in a bid to recreate the iconic Sgt Pepper album sleeve.
Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, which was released in 1967, is recognised as one of the most pivotal records in musical history.
The album contributed to one of the most important cultural shifts in the twentieth century and documents the swinging sixties with tracks such as Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds and When I’m 64.
Arriva’s new buses are the perfect way to see out Culture Liverpool’s 50 Summers of Love, which has seen a string of world premiers, artistic installations, events and performances rolled out across the city.
Councillor Wendy Simon, Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “Our 50 Summers of Love has been a huge international success and as a UNESCO City of Music, Liverpool can be immensely proud of the way it celebrated the creative spirit of 1967 and the Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
“Since The Beatles followed up Sergeant Pepper with the Magical Mystery Tour I can’t think of a better way to see out our 50 Summers of Love than with these new fab four Arriva buses. We can’t wait to see these psychedelic double deckers journeying their way through Liverpool.”
Howard Farrall Managing Director Arriva Merseyside said: “The Beatles are arguably one of the most important bands in history, and we wanted to honour the 50th anniversary of the Sgt Pepper album.
“With a little help from our friends at Culture Liverpool, bus travel with Arriva is getting better all the time.”