Visitors urged to plan journeys carefully on Grand National day

Liverpool and Sefton are preparing for a particularly busy weekend as the Grand National Festival approaches, with multiple major events taking place simultaneously on Saturday, April 11. Due to this convergence, visitors are being advised to carefully plan their journeys and allow extra travel time to navigate potential delays in and around the city.

The city will see a large influx of visitors who will be attending several key events. These include the Randox Grand National at Aintree Racecourse scheduled for 4 pm, the Liverpool FC match against Fulham at Anfield kicking off at 5:30 pm, and the “James and Go Your Own Way” Fleetwood Mac tribute concert at the M&S Bank Arena starting at 6:30 pm. With these major attractions happening within a few hours of each other, public transport is highly recommended to ease congestion and ensure smooth travel.

To accommodate the increased demand, additional rail and bus services will be available for transport to and from Aintree. Support staff will also be stationed at critical points throughout the event to assist passengers and help manage crowd flow. This year marks the debut of the Tap & Go smart ticketing system on the Merseyrail network, simplifying travel for those using contactless payment methods. Furthermore, the Soccerbus service will operate from Sandhills station to Anfield for three hours before the football match and return services for 90 minutes after the game, subject to availability.

Local authorities and officials are working closely to manage the anticipated crowds and traffic pressures. Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, emphasized the importance of preparation, noting that “Grand National weekend is always special in Liverpool as thousands of people visit the city to enjoy the world’s greatest steeplechase, providing a huge boost for the city region economy.” Merseyside Police Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton highlighted the extensive planning undertaken to ensure safety and a positive experience for all attendees, advising that parking near the racecourse is limited and encouraging car sharing or drop-offs within walking distance. Additional reminders from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Sefton Council stress the benefits of utilizing public transport and remaining patient amidst expected road closures and heavy traffic, as the city manages one of its largest annual events alongside significant sporting and entertainment occasions

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