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European Capital
of Culture People’s Opening
Photographs by P
Trollope, report by L Trollope.
...continued... The rapidity of presentation, however, meant
that there was always something to see. It was also difficult
not to miss some of the items, as things were happening, seemingly
simultaneously, in all directions.
The culmination of the show saw Ringo Starr appear in a highly lit,
cut-out container, stage-set complete with drum kit, perching high
aloft near the roof of St George’s Hall. He pounded out iconic
music, his dedicated song, “Liverpool I left you, but I never
let you down”, accompanied by former Eurythmics star, Dave
Stewart on a guitar, as giant cannons blew a snow storm of confetti
flowers all around.
The tremendous crowd, well entertained and happy, dispersed safely
and the transport systems coped well. The Museum, Art Gallery and
Heritage Centre all stayed open for the public after the event and
many chose to wet their cultural appetites with brief visits to
these, also to satisfy their needs at the cafés.
The Museum had a stimulating Jazz group playing within, whilst a
gaily dressed troupe played and entertained outside as a welcome
extra.
Within the Heritage Centre, students from the John Moores University
served as actors, role playing the prisoners of the past held within
the cells of St George’s Hall. All these attractions will play their
part in the year to come.
It was an interesting evening, very varied if sometimes a bit
bewildering. Obviously much thought has gone into its presentation
and it was certainly different. It was well received by the crowd as
a whole; something to remember for the future. However,
Liverpudlians can be a sceptical lot, prone to knocking themselves
and others, and factors like the sudden diminution of the highly
popular and acclaimed Mathew Street Festival last year, and the
widely advertised wrangling at the top, have caused a certain
wariness and suspicion. Phil Redmond likened it to a “scouse
wedding”. Rows before but a great party on the day. Nevertheless, the promised programme of events ahead, seemingly
bodes well for this year. There is something for all tastes:
theatre, art, music and myriad community events. The mood of
the majority is, hopefully, to capitalize on our chance to display
our magnificent city and its attributes to the world. Scousers are
renowned for their quirky humour, friendliness and generosity. To
quote Ringo, “Power to the people”. Let’s party, LETS
GO FOR IT!
One afterthought __ it seems a pity no one on the night thought to
acknowledge that we share our position as European City of Culture
with Stravanger in Norway, who allegedly are using their time to
develop their cultural interests, rather than infrastructure, which
is not so necessary for them. Let’s all wish them well for their
2008, year as Capital of Culture too.
Saturday, 12 January 2008, saw the continuation of the Capital of
Culture festivities with the Official opening in the new Echo Arena. A full capacity audience of 10,000 watched a spectacular programme,
which evoked the rise of the City to wealth and power and influences
upon it. A variety of artists performed from the Royal Liverpool
Philharmonic Orchestra to rap, to choirs, to pop and of course Ringo
Starr. There was enthusiastic audience participation.
Again this City shows it is ready for a great year ahead.
To find out what Liverpool has to offer this year visit the
official 08 website at
www.liverpool08.com and also keep an eye on our
event calendar
on Mersey Reporter. |
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