Visitor numbers soar at Albert Dock in record year

Liverpool’s Albert Dock, the most-visited free tourist attraction in the North West, achieved record visitor numbers in 2016.

Around 6.3m people passed through the historic waterfront landmark during the last 12 months, marking a 8% uplift in year-on-year figures.

The number of coaches dropping people off at Albert Dock, meanwhile, leapt 29% in comparison to 2015.

In total, the Grade I-listed attraction delivered an estimated £13m to the city’s visitor economy.

The Dock has attributed the record year to its new programme of free, family-focused events, including its Steam, Folk, Vintage, Heritage and Pirate festivals – each of which will return with new additions to the schedule in 2017.

In December, Albert Dock drove Christmas visitor levels up year on year by 29% with its 4D projection ‘Countdown to Christmas’ lighting event, made possible through a collaboration between immersive tech firm Crucial FX and National Museums Liverpool.

The chief executive of Albert Dock Liverpool, Sue Grindrod, said of the results: “We knew we were heading into 2016 with the challenge of matching the spectacular Three Queens event of 2015 – which was an event that attracted unprecedented crowds to the city’s waterfront.

“We also knew there was a gap in the city’s event programme of 2016 and that as a private sector company, there was an opportunity that we could help to supplement the calendar.”

She added: “I must personally thank all the partners involved in bringing [2016’s] brilliant events to life, ensuring that Albert Dock is animated throughout the whole year, offering visitors something exciting and unique to look forward to from January right through to December.”

The Dock’s marketing manager, Clare Rawlinson, commented: “It is with great excitement that we can confirm all five flagship events will return in 2017 – even bigger and better than before!

“The city-wide event programme includes International Mersey River Festival, Armed Forces Day, 67-17: 50 Summers of Love, LightNight and British Style Collective.”

She continued: “We will continue to work closely with our waterfront and wider city partners, including Culture Liverpool and Open Culture, to ensure these are a success.”