Liverpool John Moores University is planning to mark the bicentenary of its foundation next year with a series of city-wide celebrations throughout 2023.

The university traces its roots back to 1823 when the Liverpool Mechanics’ and Apprentices’ Library opened, marking the start of an evolving mission to educate the working people of the city.

Now, in preparation for its 200^th year, the famous Liverpool-based institution is developing a programme to involve partners, students, graduates and friends in a rolling celebration of the LJMU community.

'The University for Liverpool'

“That theme of transforming lives through education which our founding fathers held so dear remains at the heart of our ethos today,” said Vice-Chancellor Mark Power.

“Ever since the Apprentices' Library first opened its doors to the city’s working men and women, this institution has striven to be to be socially-engaged, entrepreneurial and inclusive for all – to be at the heart of our communities, the University for Liverpool.

"We can start to look forward to a fabulous year in 2023 when we shall salute those past and present who have made this such a proud and transformational institution."

The university is welcoming ideas on how to celebrate the year from the community, its students, staff and alumni and, in the coming months, will create a Bicentennial Programme to include:

• Bicentenary Cultural Programme – a year-long artistic and cultural celebration of LJMU’s 200-year record of transforming the lives of students, communities and business across the Liverpool City Region.
• The Bicentenary Design Challenge – inviting past and present students to develop a creative interpretation of LJMU’s identity across the last 200 years, including branding, fashion and film.
• Humans of LJMU – in partnership with the popular Humans of Liverpool, we will give a voice to the real faces behind our inclusive LJMU community.
• A new Roscoe Series – giving a unique insight from some of the world’s most influential figures in politics, business and science.
• Recognising Bicentenary Alumni Fellows – celebrating LJMU students who have changed the face of Liverpool City Region and are helping new and existing students forge their own paths to success.

Current LJMU staff and students with ideas and suggestions for bicentenary activity should email press@ljmu.ac.uk with their ideas, heading them LJMU Bicentenary.