Toffee Lady Returns To Matchdays At Hill Dickinson Stadium

Supporters attending Saturday's match against Newcastle United will see the return of a much-loved Everton tradition, as a familiar figure takes her place at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

From this weekend onwards, an official Toffee Lady will be present at every home fixture – greeting supporters in the Budweiser Plaza, pitchside and in the Family Stand, handing out Everton mints and posing for photos as part of the matchday welcome.

The adult Toffee Lady will occasionally be joined by a Toffee Girl, selected at random from our junior Official Members and junior Season Ticket Members aged 5-12. Families chosen to take part will be contacted by email ahead of the relevant fixture.

Reintroducing the Toffee Lady and Toffee Girl at Hill Dickinson Stadium allows the Club to honour and protect one of football’s most timeless and iconic matchday traditions, ensuring a treasured symbol of Everton’s identity continues into a new era.

The roots of the tradition stretch back to the 19th century, when Ma Bushell’s famous Toffee Shop helped put Everton Village on the map. Located close to the Queen’s Head Hotel – where Everton Football Club was formed – the shop’s success quickly earned the team its nickname, The Toffees.

After the business passed from the Bushell family to Noblett’s in 1894, a company artist created a logo inspired by local descriptions of Molly Bushell. Over time, the Nobletts developed the striped mint that encased the original toffee, giving rise to the Everton Mint familiar to generations of Blues.

The first official Toffee Lady was lifelong Evertonian Mary Morgan (née Gorry), who proudly served between 1953 and 1956. As this cherished tradition makes its home at the new stadium, Jazz Barnes will take on the historic role. Jazz previously performed as the Toffee Lady during the Farewell Goodison ceremony and on Goodison Park stadium tours.

Ahead of her first matchday at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Jazz said: “Taking on the role of the Toffee Lady is an incredible honour. It’s a tradition that means so much to Evertonians, and being able to carry it into our new stadium feels very special. I’m looking forward to meeting supporters of all ages - and welcoming the next generation of Toffee Girls who will help keep this piece of our heritage alive every matchday.”