Liverpool is awarded European Capital of Culture

Y€S WE DID IT!

Y€S to 14,000 jobs
Y€S to £2 Billion of investment
Y€S to restoring pride to Liverpool
Y€S! Liberal Democrat run Liverpool has beaten stiff competition to become European Capital of Culture for 2008.

Liverpool pipped five other cities for the title, which will create 14,000 jobs, generate £2bn extra investment and bring 1.7million extra visitors to the city.

Sir Bob Scott, Liverpool’s 2008 Bid leader, said: ‘’ Liverpool is at the beginning of a thrilling renaissance. This honour is the rocket fuel to propel us to be one of Europe’s premier cities. We have work to do, but we have the vision, desire and the belief to deliver a year of culture Britain will never forget.’’

The city highlighted its 800 year heritage, its world class galleries, museums and festivals, its crucial role in defining popular culture, its 21st century creative edge, its massive potential for regeneration and its commitment to genuine community engagement.

Lib Dem Council leader Mike Storey said: “This decision means so much to the city. It gives us the opportunity to bring real change for the better. This honour will help transform our city for good. A lot of people have worked very hard to deliver this bid and they deserve huge congratulations. But this is a day for the people of Liverpool to celebrate. We are all winners today."

‘The people of Liverpool defined our bid, they took part in culture like no other city and really brought it to life. They backed the city to the hilt, talking us up and telling everyone that we meant business and that we would deliver. Liverpool was hungry to win this title - now we will deliver a brilliant year of truly amazing cultural events and activities for our country and for Europe.’

Charles Kennedy MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, congratulated Liverpool for being named European Capital of Culture 2008 saying "I warmly congratulate Liverpool on winning City of Culture status. It is a fantastic vote of confidence in this great city and all those who contribute to its historic and ongoing vitality. "I know very well the tremendous boost which City of Culture status achieved for Glasgow. I am sure it will be the same story for Liverpool."

Liverpool's program of activities will include:

Spectacular opening and closing ceremonies – a first for a Capital of Culture
Europe’s biggest ever lighting, laser and firework Festival of Light
The opening of the stunning Fourth Grace – a new icon building for Liverpool’s world famous waterfront
The opening of a Museum of Comedy launching an international festival of comedy
The opening of a World Discovery Centre at the Central Library, offering digital access to Europe’s biggest public records archive and a link up with America’s Ellis Island Visitor Centre
The opening of an Archive Trail showcasing 90 million rare historical records
The opening of the new Museum of Liverpool – ‘‘the most interactive museum in Europe’’
A multi-million pound programme of public squares, open spaces, water features, public art, sculpture and activity throughout the city centre
First ever European exhibition of contemporary Chinese Art treasures
The 5th Liverpool Biennial featuring leading International artists
The biggest Deaf and Disabled Arts Festival ever held in Europe
Europe’s only annual American/Irish Festival, linking New York, Dublin and Liverpool
A year long African Festival involving artists from Africa, the Caribbean and South America

Find out more by visiting www.liverpoolculture.com

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