ST. GEORGE’S DAY
CELEBRATION 2007 IN LIVERPOOL...
Photographs by Patrick Trollope.
MONDAY, 23 April 2007, St George’s
Day, saw a very special series of events. Liverpool,
where its world-renowned neo-classical gem, St George’s
Hall, has had a £23 million restoration. This was
officially reopened by HRH Prince Charles, who was given
a tour of the Hall and also received a degree from the
Liverpool John Moores University. People waiting outside
in the drizzle, were entertained by the Milapfest Indian
dancers and musicians, who performed colourful and
energetic displays on the steps of the Hall accompanied
by stirring music. On leaving St George’s Hall Prince
Charles briefly met some members of the waiting public
after which he was whisked away to the Anglican
Cathedral. He was due to attend a community centre in
High Park St, South Liverpool, in the afternoon and to
return to the Cathedral, in the evening, for a special
commemorative service.
Before he left St George’s Hall, he rang a symbolic
bell, which instigated an intriguing and unique
“Symphony for St George”. This began with three
cannon blasts and then the interplay of cathedral,
church and civic bells commenced throughout the City,
plus the hooters from the Albert Dock and River Mersey.
Unfortunately, the noise from traffic all but drowned
out the sounds in the immediate environs of St George’s
Hall and the City Centre. Around Hope Street, however,
things proved very much more entertaining for those
souls who had ventured up the hill. Both cathedral peals
reverberated and a robust group aloft scaffolding
attached to a corner of the Philharmonic Hall, sounded
air horns and rang small bells with considerable vigour.
These sounds mingled with the more distant sounds of the
church bells, cannons, hooters and sirens. The whole
fascinating experience lasted for one hour.
Footage will be added to our online TV & Radio station,
Liverpool Reporter, later this week.
In the evenings throughout the week, there were Son et
Lumiere displays in St John’s Gardens, when scenes
portraying Liverpool’s City’s history were projected
onto the walls of the buildings, to celebrate the 800th
Anniversary of the granting of its Charter, by King
John.
Later on St George’s Day, the now reopened St George’s
Hall was available for public viewing and remains so.
Sights include the splendid 30,000 hand crafted, Minton
tiles mosaic floor, once again unveiled, for a short
time, to the public gaze. Also to be seen in the Hall
are the new Heritage Centre and the refurbished
ex-Criminal Court, scene of some remarkable trials in
days gone by. There is a new viewing gallery and the
Minton Tea Room is due to open in June.
The ‘Access to
the Heritage Project’ is displaying the work, up
to 23 June 2007, of
people with learning difficulties who have worked with
local artists to produce their exhibits. A further
exhibition is to be held on 4 June 2007 to 15 July 2007,
‘Seeing and Believing’, involving a multi-faith
group from South Liverpool, and centring on the work of
89 years old George Cross from Toxteth.
The Heritage Centre opening times:- Tuesday to Saturday
10am to 5pm, Sunday 1pm to 5pm. Open Bank
Holidays. Last admission 1 hour before closing.
Click
here to see more
photos of the event.
