Welcome to Liverpool!

Welcome to Europes Capital of Culture for 2008, to the

World Heritage city, the city renowned for its passion and
style in music, arts and sport. Welcome to a living, vibrant
and exciting city, welcome to Liverpool.
Tourist
Information
+44 (0)151 233 2008
Accommodation
Hotline
+44 (0)844 870 0123
www.
visitliverpool.com

Few cities are as recognisable throughout

the globe as ours. Perhaps its because
its a place associated with good times.
Our musicians and sports stars might
have conquered the world in living
memory, but long before the heroes of
the hit parade and league were born, the
citys name on a ship in some far-flung
port meant trade and prosperity.

Our waterfront region was awarded

World Heritage Site status in 2004 by
UNESCO. It came as little surprise to
Liverpudlians when our city was chosen

as a European Capital of Culture for 2008,

the year after our 800th birthday
celebrations. These honours officially
place Liverpool among esteemed cities
and wonders of the world, and reflect a
living, vibrant and exciting city whose
present and future look is just as
impressive as its past.
So with worldwide recognition in place
and a fantastic spectacle of culture and
performance in prospect, could there be
a better time than 2008 to come and visit
Liverpool?

WELCOME TO
LIVERPOOL

A host of luminaries from stage, screen

and conductors podium will be making
appearances, along with the countless
performers of theatre, dance and music.
One of the musical highlights will be
Liverpool Sound, a concert of the citys
greatest music that will be broadcast to
the world.
The citys galleries will hold exhibitions
featuring the works of Klimt, Monet,
Hopper and Turner, among others.
A full programme of events can be
downloaded from liverpool08.com
The cultural greats of tomorrow
2008 sees the opening of the 10,600-seat
complex called ACC Liverpool. With its
own multi-purpose arena, ACC Liverpool
plays host to sports as diverse as
motocross to darts. The venue will also
see comedy, conferences and concerts
so is sure to become a cornerstone of
Liverpools community.

Beyond the expected

When you visit Liverpool you will see a
thriving and dynamic city whose people
know exactly what were about, and youll
know why tens of thousands of people
choose Liverpool as a place to set up
business, study, have fun and live.
Liverpool City Region is so diverse.
We have a rich coastline offering over
30 miles of beaches. The surrounding
countryside includes Englands largest
community forest, not to mention its own
unique National Wildflower Centre!
Local hospitality
Our hotels, bed and
breakfasts and hostels are
open for business. It wont
be long before youre
experiencing that
exceedingly rare accent as
we say Welcome to
Liverpool.

The Liverpool One development will be

open in 2008. An area of the Paradise
Street quarter in the heart of Liverpool
has been undergoing a major
redevelopment and its completion will
give the citys retail and
city living sectors a
huge boost.
Liverpool has also
regained its maritime
links thanks to the
massive development
of the docks that now
accommodate cruise
liners once again.

Clockwise from top left

Albert Dock,
Clipper,
ACC Liverpool,
Liverpool One

Capital of Culture 2008

As European Capital of Culture in 2008 Liverpool is about
to embark on arguably the greatest, most momentous
12 months in its amazing history.
Tourist
Information
+44 (0)151 233 2008
Accommodation
Hotline
+44 (0)844 870 0123
www.
visitliverpool.com

2008 is Liverpools European Capital

of Culture year!
Already renowned throughout the world
for its World Heritage status, music,
architecture, literature, arts and sports,
in 2008 Liverpool will stage the cultural
party of a lifetime. Its European Capital of
Culture status will see the city hosting a
spectacular range of events across the
whole year in galleries, museums,
theatres, streets and parks. There will be
hundreds of events and with most of
them free of charge there will truly be
something for everyone.

And dont forget that the word culture

doesnt refer only to art, architecture and
performance. Its a reference to eight
world-class museums and galleries, a
contemporary arts festival to rival Venice,
a dedicated centre for arts and creative
technology, (FACT), among other worldclass venues. Liverpool has also created
one of the largest funding packages for

community art in the UK in the Creative

Communities programme. Thats why
were opening our doors to our friends
from all over the country, continent and
planet to come and celebrate with us
just as we have always done.
Weve got performances, tours, talks,
debates, exhibitions and gigs coming
together to create a year long festival.
And big names who have graced screens
and trodden boards, whove made you
scratch your head and tap your feet, are
booked and eager to play their parts in
the celebrations.
Those who visit Liverpool this year will be
constantly reminded of the spirit and
vivacity that has made the region such a
success. Take a look at a taster of what
you can expect over the next few pages
you can download details of all of the
events from liverpool08.com

CAPITAL OF CULTURE
2008

What is the European Capital of

Culture?
The European Capital of Culture is an EU
project designed to highlight the culture
of the continent selecting a city that
illustrates and deserves the title of
Capital of Culture. Competition is always
fierce, as every city bids to showcase its
contribution to the worlds cultural
landscape. As of 2000, the award has
often gone to two or more cities, and in
2008, Liverpool shares the title with
Stavanger in Norway.
Whats happening in 2008?
Just when we think weve got a full
schedule, another stimulating suggestion
surfaces and 08 gets a bit fuller. The best
place to find the most up to date details
on the events programme is at the official
website liverpool08.com, where events
are laid out down to the minute and all
the latest news can be sourced.

From April until the end of July, the

Walker Art Gallery hosts the only
European showing of Art in The Age of
Steam celebrating the art of Turner,
Monet, Van Gogh and Hopper.

From May until the end of August,

Gustav Klimt will be bringing the bling
to the city at Tate Liverpool.

Liverpool Sound, in June, will be a

once in a lifetime concert attracting
some of the biggest names in music
and will be beamed live around the
globe.

In September Liverpool-born conductor

Sir Simon Rattle will return together
with his Berliner Philharmoniker
Orchestra to the Liverpool
Philharmonic Hall.

Over one million people are expected to

watch the start of the Tall Ships Races
2008 in July when over one hundred
vessels will grace this great port once
again.

At the end of September the city will

become a stage as Artichoke, the
company that brought the Sultans
Elephant to London, will bring a
magical new show to Liverpool.

For a flavour of the calibre of events were

hosting, heres a quick list:

The year will start with an amazing

weekend of Opening Events with a free
open air spectacular at St Georges
Plateau on Friday 11th January.

Clockwise from top left

Fireworks 3 Graces,
Tall Ships Race

In November Liverpool will be the host

city for the 15th annual MTV Europe
Music Awards at the Echo Arena
Liverpool.

For more details on the full 2008

programme visit liverpool08.com
7

Music
As European Capital of Culture 2008 Liverpool has been
able to harness its musical talent to create a truly
inspirational programme.
Tourist
Information
+44 (0)151 233 2008
Accommodation
Hotline
+44 (0)844 870 0123
www.
visitliverpool.com

Music resonates throughout Liverpools

past and present. Like the Mersey itself,
music weaves its way into the fabric of
the city, from that brought centuries ago
into the dockland dives and bars by the
seafarers who entered the port, to the
enormous achievement of The Beatles
and beyond to the contemporary vibe of
the number one club phenomenon,
Creamfields.
THE OPENING WEEKEND
11-13 January 08
Various venues including St Georges
Plateau and Echo Arena Liverpool
The city will become a stage with an
amazing weekend of events starting on
Friday 11th January with a free open
air spectacular on St Georges Plateau.
On Saturday a host of stars will come
together for a one off performance of
Liverpool The Musical. The
celebrations will continue throughout
the city on Sunday.

EMILIA DI LIVERPOOL
31 December 07 6 January 08
St Georges Hall
The European Opera Centre has
prepared an entirely new version of this
opera. Performances will be held in
the stunning Small Concert Room in St
Georges Hall.

SIR JOHN TAVENER REQUIEM

28 February 08
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Vasily Petrenko conducts a world
premiere of Sir John Taveners new
requiem. Specially commissioned for
2008 and performed by the Royal
Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and
Choir in the magnificent setting of the
circular nave of the citys Metropolitan
Cathedral.
ALED JONES & LIVERPOOL
WELSH CHORAL
1 March 08
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
0151 709 3789
www.lwcu.co.uk
Come and celebrate St. Davids Day!
VIENNESE BALLS
12 and 13 April 08
St Georges Hall
A weekend of Viennese balls with the
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
Orchestra playing live at the recently
restored St Georges Hall.

INTO THE LITTLE HILL

17 and 18 April 08
Pacific Road Arts Centre, Birkenhead
George Benjamins Into the Little Hill
is a political updating of the Pied Piper
story, with a libretto by the playwright
Martin Crimp. An economical, yet
perfectly formed opera, this Simple,
small, enchanting and under-yourskin production is a must-see for any
serious opera lover.

INTERNATIONAL BEATLES WEEK

FESTIVAL
20-26 August 08
Liverpool City Centre
0151 236 9091
www.cavernclub.org
Cavern City Tours present a week long
celebration of The Beatles including
music by bands from all over the world,
an auction of memorabilia and special
guided tours.

LIVERPOOL SOUND
1 June 08
Liverpool Football Club, Anfield
A unique once in a lifetime festival to
celebrate Liverpools global status as
the World Capital of Pop, featuring
Sir Paul McCartney. A spectacular
show at Liverpool Football Clubs
world famous ground, Anfield, with
contemporary stars from around the
globe who have been inspired by the
Liverpool music scene.

SIR SIMON RATTLE BERLINER

PHILHARMONIKER
4 September 08
Philharmonic Hall
Sir Simon Rattles worldwide
reputation for impassioned, compelling
and memorable orchestral concerts
across the classical repertoire means
that his return to his Liverpool home
will doubtless be an eagerly
anticipated event of 2008.

LIVERPOOL SUMMER POPS

July 08
Echo Arena Liverpool
0870 151 4000
www.cmplive.com
Attracting audiences of over 100,000,
the Pops is held every July, this year
in its new home of the Echo Arena
Liverpool, in the heart of the 2008
European Capital of Culture, and
among the world's most famous
music cities.
MATHEW STREET FESTIVAL
August Bank Holiday
Liverpool City Centre
0151 233 2008
www.liverpool08.com
Legendary August Bank Holiday weekend
music festival held in Liverpool city
centre.

MTV EUROPE MUSIC AWARDS

6 November 08
Echo Arena Liverpool
Liverpool will be the host city for the 15th
annual MTV Europe Music Awards at the
Echo Arena Liverpool.

For more details on the full 2008

programme visit liverpool08.com

Clockwise from top left

St.Georges Hall,
Sir Simon Rattle

Visual Arts
Liverpool is a city rich in the arts and is undoubtedly one
of the best places in England to view and explore all
things creative, visionary and historic.
Tourist
Information
+44 (0)151 233 2008
Accommodation
Hotline
+44 (0)844 870 0123
www.
visitliverpool.com

One of the first things any visitor to

Liverpool sees as they step from Lime
Street train station is the majestic
frontage of its Walker Art Gallery,
which houses a collection of art that its
civic fathers believed would demonstrate
not only their wealth, but their
advanced artistic taste. Similarly, the
Lady Lever Gallery in Port Sunlight
retains the artistic legacy of Liverpools
affluent past. Move across the city to
the waterfront and theres the Tate
Liverpool, not just a northern satellite
of its feted sisters in London, but an
important gallery in its own right,
featuring exhibitions that are
significant to the art world at large.

10

TURNING THE PLACE OVER

Throughout 08
Cross Keys House, Moorfields
2007 saw the installation of the most
daring piece of public art ever
commissioned in the UK. Turning the
Place Over is artist Richard Wilsons
most radical intervention into
architecture to date literally turning a
building inside out. Make sure that you
visit Moorfields Station to experience
this dramatic public art piece.

THE TWENTIETH CENTURY: HOW IT

LOOKED & HOW IT FELT
October 07 Spring 09
Tate Liverpool
A major new display of some of the
best pieces from the Tate collection
including Rodins Kiss and almost 200
key works, the largest number of
works from the collection ever seen at
one time at Tate Liverpool.
PUBLIC ART
November 07 January 09
Various venues
A year long programme of public art
will surprise and inspire throughout
the city centre and surrounding
neighbourhoods. Elements include;
Winter Lights, Pavillions and visible
viruses utilising the citys transport
systems, parks and urban spaces.

For more details on the full 2008

programme visit liverpool08.com

BEN JOHNSON
24 May 2 November 08
Walker Art Gallery
Internationally renowned artist
Ben Johnson has been specially
commissioned to produce a huge
portrait of Liverpool to commemorate
the city becoming European Capital of
Culture in 2008. The Liverpool
Cityscape 2008 painting will be shown
for the first time alongside other
examples of his work and historical
views of Liverpool at the Walker
Art Gallery.
ART IN THE AGE OF STEAM
18 April 10 August 08
Walker Art Gallery
This major exhibition for 2008 includes
some of the great names of European
and North American art such as

Manet, Monet, Van Gogh and Hopper.

It will show how artists and
photographers of the 19th and 20th
centuries responded to the railway.
KLIMT EXHIBITION
30 May 31 August 08
Tate Liverpool
To celebrate 2008 as European Capital
of Culture Tate Liverpool present the
first comprehensive exhibition of
Gustav Klimts work ever staged in the
UK. The exhibition has been described
as bringing the bling to Liverpools big
year and will include over 100
decorative, ornamental works.
PHIL COLLINS
September 08
A Foundation
Phil Collins art investigates our
ambivalent relationship with the
camera as both an instrument of
attraction and manipulation, of
revelation and shame. One of the
Liverpool Commissions this new work
by Collins will see the artist making a
new film piece made in collaboration
with the people of Liverpool.

Clockwise from top left

Pavilions (artist
impression),
Gustav Klimts Portrait
of Hermine Gallia

LIVERPOOL BIENNIAL
INTERNATIONAL
September November 08
Various venues
Liverpool Biennial is the UKs only
International Festival of Contemporary
Art using unique existing structures to
showcase large scale artworks. Many
of the worlds most exciting artists are
invited to create new pieces in dozens
of locations throughout Liverpool
throwing an international spotlight on
the city and attracting an estimated
half a million visitors.
11

Performance
The heart of Liverpools cultural life is its venues, they act
as a catalyst for amazing writing and brilliant
performance.
Tourist
Information
+44 (0)151 233 2008
Accommodation
Hotline
+44 (0)844 870 0123
www.
visitliverpool.com

Key to Liverpools cultural life are its

performing arts venues. The Empire
Theatre, Liverpool Everyman and
Playhouse, the Philharmonic Hall, the
Royal Court, Unity and newly
redeveloped Bluecoat and the
Blackie, are all a product of the citys
immense talent and have consistently
been the catalyst for great
performance annual festivals bring
further vibrancy, in events and
performances that reflect the citys
energy and diversity.

12

THREE SISTERS ON HOPE STREET

25 January 16 February 08
Liverpool Everyman
Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse
presents the premiere of Three Sisters
on Hope Street by Diane Samuels and
Tracy-Ann Oberman. This vibrant new
take on Chekovs classic relocates the
story from Russia to the Liverpool
Jewish community of 1946-8 and
creates a powerful and witty new drama
specially commissioned for 2008.

AKRAM KHAN bahok

7-8 March 08
Liverpool Playhouse
bahok is the long awaited new group
choreography by Akram Khan that will
open the Leap Festival 08 in
spectacular style. In collaboration with
Chinas classical ballet flagship
company, The National Ballet of China,
Khan brings together a company of
nine dancers from different cultures,
traditions and dance backgrounds to
represent a present day version of the
tale of Babel.
DREAMTHINKSPEAK
ONE STEP FORWARD ONE STEP BACK
7 April 10 May 08
Liverpool Anglican Cathedral
One Step Forward, One Step Back will
weave a magical journey for intimately
sized groups through the spectacular
Anglican Cathedral utilising areas
previously unseen by the public
creating a vivid and rich voyage through
this remarkable building.

AN AUDIENCE WITH SHANKLY

24 April 08
Liverpool Olympia
Bill Shankly was arguably the greatest
football manager in the history of the
game. A man of humble origins, he
rose to become an icon for an adopted
city, a focal point for the ambitions
and dreams of millions of people.
One of the Liverpool commissions,
An Audience with Shankly is a new
piece of interactive multimedia
documentary theatre.
ONCE UPON A TIME AT THE ADELPHI
July 08
Liverpool Playhouse
1930s Liverpool, and the glitz and
glamour of Hollywood pour off the
luxury liners for their first taste of
England; a night in the citys most
fashionable hotel. Amidst the chaos
and decadence, no-nonsense Alice
from reception has fallen for the
dashing Thompson from accounts
but fate, Hollywood, two world wars
and a dizzying array of staff and guests
intervene in an epic Liverpool love story
spanning 60 years.

ERICS THE MUSICAL

October 08
Everyman
Mark Davies-Markham, Liverpool-born
author of the hit musical Taboo, turns
his attention to the notorious 70s
Liverpool punk club, which sparked a
cultural revolution and inspired a
generation.
HOMOTOPIA
LIVERPOOL IS BURNING
THE ULTIMATE DANCE OFF
November 08
Liverpool is Burning is a large scale
site-specific vogue ball. The show will
blur the boundaries of dance, and live
art fused with club culture, connecting
with lesbian, gay and transgender
communities and contemporary dance
movement.
LIVERPOOL COMEDY FESTIVAL
29 May 15 June 08
City wide
0870 443 0955
www.liverpoolcomedyfestival.com
Liverpool Comedy Festival is an
international celebration of world comedy
including some of the best comedians in
the business. As well as presenting the
best in stand-up, the Festival celebrates
Liverpools unique comedy and wit
through events such as Drink-Up, Stand
Up a pub crawl with comedians and
Bus Stop, Stand Up a bus ride with
comedians.
Clockwise from top left
Dreamthinkspeak,
Erics the musical

For more details on the full 2008

programme visit liverpool08.com
13

Animating the Streets

Liverpool is a city that knows how to party! In 2008 will be
no exception, offering a programme of free events to
everyone in the city.
Tourist
Information
+44 (0)151 233 2008
Accommodation
Hotline
+44 (0)844 870 0123
www.
visitliverpool.com

From its annual Lord Mayors Parade

to its celebrations for Chinese New
Year and fantastic outdoor festivals,
Liverpools cultural life isnt just
confined to its theatres and concert
halls but will spill out onto its streets,
parks and public spaces throughout
the year.
Even if youve just come into the city for
one of our world-class attractions,
shopping or sport, you may chance
upon a theatre, or even join the crowds
to enjoy the spectacle of something
really special.

14

LIVERPOOL STREETS
AHEAD WEEKEND
24-26 May 08
St Georges Plateau and city centre
Welcome to Liverpool Streets Ahead
a weekend of fantastic street theatre,
music, dance, puppets, booth shows
and spectacle, featuring leading artists
from all over the world, the UK and
Liverpool itself.

GO SUPERLAMBBANANAS
June August 08
Various venues across Liverpool
Up to 100 Superlambbananas, one of
Liverpools most iconic and best loved
pieces of public art will be painted,
decorated and adorned by local and
regional artists, community groups
and celebrities.
THEATRE IN THE PARKS
June 08
Liverpool, Knowsley and Halton Parks
Spike Theatre presents the classic
Lewis Carroll tale, Alice in Wonderland.
Performed by a cast of 40 utilising
puppetry, live music and song to
transform some of Merseysides parks
into magical wonderlands.

For more details on the full 2008

programme visit liverpool08.com

AFRICA OY
21-22 June 08
Sefton Park
0151 708 6200
www.africaoye.com
Africa Oy (listen to Africa) is the largest
live free African music festival in the UK
and brings to Liverpool the best artists
from Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin
America. As well as the world class
musicians on view at Oy, there are stalls
trading in the Oy village where you can
sample food and arts and crafts from
Africa and beyond.
BROUHAHA INTERNATIONAL
STREET FESTIVAL
14 July 3 August 08
City Wide
0151 709 3334
www.brouhaha.uk.com
The 2008 Brouhaha International Street
Festival will host three weeks of arts
festivals and cultural events, taking place
on the streets, in parks, on stages, inside
buildings, in schools and community
centres across the Northwest of England.

IMAGINE...
1-10 August 08
St Georges Hall
Imagine... will see an imaginary city
mysteriously appear at the beginning
of August, transforming the area
around St Georges Hall into a fantastic
fairytale world.
OUTDOOR SPECTACULAR
26-28 September 08
All over Liverpool
This two day event will be huge in scale
and utterly unlike anything seen in
Liverpool before: an unforgettable
piece of live theatre, played out against
the landmarks of a great city.
Artichoke, the company that brought
the spectacular Sultans Elephant
event to London, is planning a magical
new show, created specially for
Liverpool 08.
Clockwise from top left
Outdoor Spectacle,
The Original
Superlambbanana,
The Emperor and
the Tiger

THE TALL SHIPS RACES 2008

18-21 July 08
Liverpool Docks
The spectacular start of the Tall Ships
Races expected to attract a million
spectators to the banks of the
River Mersey.
CARNIVAL WEEKEND FESTIVAL
1-3 August 08
Various venues
Highlights of the Carnival Weekend
include: the Emperor and the Tiger
a beautiful firework folk story, the
Brouhaha Carnival Procession the
regions largest multicultural parade
and the Samba School bringing a Rio
style carnival parade to the streets of
Liverpool on the Saturday night.

15

Architecture & Heritage

Culture is everywhere in Liverpool and no more than in its
bricks and mortar. After The Beatles and its football clubs
Liverpool is renowned for its architecture.
Tourist
Information
+44 (0)151 233 2008
Accommodation
Hotline
+44 (0)844 870 0123
www.
visitliverpool.com

Liverpool is a city that could re-invent

itself as a living museum and you dont
have to go far to immerse yourself in
the architecture and heritage of the
city. The Three Graces on its docks,
the Walker Art Gallery, the magnificent
Anglican Cathedral and modernist
Metropolitan Cathedral, the
Philharmonic Hall, with its amazing
interior, the newly refurbished
St Georges Hall the list goes on.
The city also strengthens its relevance
with contemporary architecture by
staging the 12th RIBA Stirling Prize
in November.

16

ANNE FRANK & YOU EXHIBITION

5 January 7 February 08
Liverpool Anglican Cathedral
Anne Frank is a name we are all
familiar with and her diary has inspired
millions the world over, including
Nelson Mandela during his own years
of imprisonment. Liverpool will host a
major Anne Frank festival alongside
the commemoration of Holocaust
Memorial Day. The centrepiece of the
festival will be the presentation of the
Anne Frank & You Exhibition at
Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.
.

THE BEAT GOES ON

12 July 1 November 08
World Museum Liverpool
Liverpools unique place in popular
culture is the inspiration behind
this exhibition. It will showcase
Merseysides vibrant music scenes,
bands and fans that over the past
60 years have played a major part in
the citys life. From the Cavern to
Creamfields, from Billy Fury to The
Zutons, the exhibition will pay tribute
to our very own Capital of Pop.
LE CORBUSIER
2 October 17 January 08
The Crypt, Metropolitan Cathedral
The life and work of the most famous
and influential architect of the 20th
century, Le Corbusier, will feature in a
major, new international exhibition
premiering in Liverpool in 2008 and will
be exhibited in one of the most
distinctive and dramatic spaces in
Britain the crypt of the Metropolitan
Cathedral.

THE RIGHTFUL OWNERS OF SONG

November 08
The Rightful Owners of Song is a
simple ideait will bring together a
group of Liverpool pub-singers, and
karaoke-hosts; professional or semiprofessional singers for a one-off
performance, with the Royal Liverpool
Philharmonic Orchestra.

PORTRAIT OF A NATION
December/Finale 08
Young people from 17 cities across the
UK are taking part in this intriguing
project, based around notions of their
heritage, identity and their future.
Their work culminates in an epic
adventure which will close our year as
European Capital of Culture.

For more details on the full 2008

programme visit liverpool08.com
Clockwise from top left
Anglican and Metropolitan
Cathedrals,
The small Concert Room,
St Georges Hall

17

Sport
Few would dispute that Liverpool is one of the
worlds sporting capitals.

Tourist
Information
+44 (0)151 233 2008
Accommodation
Hotline
+44 (0)844 870 0123
www.
visitliverpool.com

JOHN SMITHS GRAND NATIONAL

3-5 April 08
Aintree Racecouse
0151 523 2600
www.aintree.co.uk
The 2007 Grand National witnessed
new facilities, new sights and new
experiences for all racegoers in
attendance and our commitment to
constantly improving the experience of
visiting Aintree will continue into 2008
with the opening of The Platinum County
Lounge in the County Stand.
INTERNATIONAL TENNIS
TOURNAMENT
10-15 June 08
Calderstones Park
0151 227 5940
www.liverpooltennis.co.uk
The event grows in size and reputation
every year and is now one of the biggest
tennis exhibition events in the world.
A 4000-seater stadium will be built in
addition to a tennis village with bars,
restaurants, merchandise facilities and a
superb corporate hospitality area.
CLIPPER 07 08 RACE FINISH
5 July 08
Mersey Waterfront
The return of the Clipper 07-08 Round
the World Yacht Race. As the final race
finishes at the entrance to the Mersey
a flotilla of smaller boats will follow the
fleet up the river to a heros welcome
for all.

18

OPEN GOLF
17-20 July 08
Royal Birkdale, Southport
The Open returns to The Royal Birkdale
Golf Club in July. One of Britains finest
golf clubs and among the best in the
world, Royal Birkdale will host the
event for the ninth time in 2008.

WORLD FIREFIGHTER GAMES

26 August 3 September 08
Echo Arena Liverpool
The World Firefighter Games come to
the new Echo Arena Liverpool, which is
transformed into an Olympic-style hub
for this thrilling event. Get set for real
action-hero stuff as the Toughest
Firefighter Alive competition tests the
stamina and strength of competitors
to the very extreme.
TOUR OF BRITAIN FINALE
September 08
Liverpool will stage the Tour of
Britains showpiece finale event in
2008. The national cycle race has
traditionally ended in London but
Liverpool will take the honours to
coincide with the city being awarded
the title of European Capital of Culture.
NORTHWEST RACING MASTERS
22 November 08 at Haydock
Park Racecourse
23 November 08 at Aintree Racecourse
www.visitliverpool.com/northwestmasters

For two days of premier racing at two of

the best racecourses in the UK over one
weekend come to the Northwest Racing
Masters.

Best in Class
Celebrating excellence in tourism.

When someone chooses to visit the

Liverpool City Region, we want their
stay to be outstanding in every sense.
Thats why The Mersey Partnerships
Annual Tourism Awards reward hotels,
restaurants, attractions and staff in the
achievement of excellence.
Take a look below at the proud winners in
our 14 different categories, ranging from
Bed & Breakfast of the Year to Best
Tourism Experience.
Indicates the winners of the most
recent Mersey Partnership Tourism
Awards. Look for the symbol in this guide.
Excellence in the Northwest:
Seven of Liverpool City Region's foremost
tourism businesses and events have

been judged to be the best in the Northwest.

The 2007 England's Northwest Tourism Awards
prizes went to:
Small Hotel of the Year
Hillbark Hotel, Wirral
Visitor Experience of the Year
2006 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, Wirral
Tourism Website of the Year Liverpool Philharmonic
www.liverpoolphil.com
Excellence in Customer Service
Lynn Taylor, Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port
Sunlight, Wirral
Taste of England's Northwest
The London Carriageworks
Excellence in Sustainable Tourism
The National Wildflower Centre, Knowlsey
Tourist Information Centre of the Year
Liverpool 08 Place

Tourism Awards
Outstanding Customer Service
Apprentice of the Year
Tourism Website of the Year
Performing Venue of the Year
Small Tourism Business
Business Tourism Award
Best Bar
Taste of Merseyside
Bed & Breakfast of the Year
Best Small Hotel
Best Large Hotel
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Best Tourism Experience

Lynn Taylor, Lady Lever Art Gallery, Wirral

Terry Hesketh, The London Carriageworks, Liverpool
Liverpool Philharmonic www.liverpoolphil.com
Liverpool Everyman and Liverpool Playhouse
National Wildflower Centre, Knowsley
The Foresight Centre, Liverpool
Thomas Rigbys, Liverpool
The London Carriageworks, Liverpool
At Peel Hey Guest House, Wirral
Hillbark Hotel, Wirral
Holiday Inn Liverpool, city centre, Liverpool
The National Wildflower Centre, Knowsley
Big Art for Little Artists, Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool
2006 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, Wirral

19

Essential Guide to
48 hours in Liverpool
Here is your essential guide to Liverpool.
Tourist
Information
+44 (0)151 233 2008
Accommodation
Hotline
+44 (0)844 870 0123
www.
visitliverpool.com

The events of the Capital of Culture year

are drawing even more people to our
exciting city in 2008, but while theyre
here theyll no doubt want to experience
the citys more permanent charms.

20

Take a tour
Youll get much more out of Liverpool on
a guided tour, picking up fascinating
gems of information and soaking up the
big stories. Sports fans can be shown
around Anfield, Goodison Park or Aintree,
and Fab Four fanatics can take the
Magical Mystery Tour. The Walker and
Tate galleries have regular guided tours
and talks to enhance your experience.

Families simply must go on the Yellow

Duckmarine, an amphibious vehicle
thats equally at home navigating the
tarmac as it is splashing down into the
water. And wherever you are in Liverpool,
you can probably see St Johns Beacon or
the Anglican Cathedral, so get yourself
up there for some stunning views of the
city and the country beyond.
Watch midnight pass by
Liverpool doesnt need to come alive
at night its been perfectly active all
day long.

ESSENTIAL GUIDE
TO 48 HOURS
IN LIVERPOOL

Our selection of pubs and bars starts with

traditional English pubs serving real ales
and fine wines to connoisseurs of the hop
and grape. We also have plenty of
vivacious Irish bars, often with traditional
live music. The smart set might choose
to go the more modern route, socialising
in the sophisticated bars where cocktails
and continental beers are the order of the
night. Jazz? Blues? Folk? Swing? We
have a bar for you.

VAQAS
These attractions have reached the
standards set by the Visitor Attraction
Quality Assurance Service (VAQAS).

With so many comfortable bars open way

beyond midnight, the decision to go on to
a club could be a difficult one. But if you
know what you like, be it rock, indie,
electronic or plain cheesy, and youre in
the mood to party, youll be right at home
in Liverpool.

Look out for the

Find a peaceful spot

Liverpool has plenty to offer you but if you
want to discover the region why not head
out of the city for a few hours? Were
connected by rail, road and ferry to some
unique places.
The Mersey Ferry has survived several
tunnels for road and rail and remains as
popular with sightseers as it does with
commuters from Birkenhead and
Liverpool. The Wirral is also home to
some wondrous scenery, happening
coastal towns, sandy beaches and neatly
trimmed golf courses.
North of the city lies more coastline,
including Southport, a pretty resort with
Victorian influences and yet more golf.

Look out for the

GREEN TOURISM
These companies uphold the environmental
policies of the Green Tourism Business
Scheme (graded bronze, silver and gold).

24 HOUR GUIDE tips, to help you

get the most of Liverpool in a day!

symbol in this guide.

YOUR TICKET FOR LIVERPOOL

Liverpool's only visitor card provides you with
free entry into the Citys top attractions and
tours. The card is also packed with exclusive
offers on dining and leisure, not forgetting
unlimited free city centre loop bus travel.
To see more and do more for less go to
www.yourticketforliverpool.com
Look out for the
symbol which shows
just some of the top attractions, restaurants
and tours where Your Ticket for Liverpool can
be used.
DISABLED GO
Indicates venues and attractions which
have been visited by access professionals.
For more information go to page 134.
Look out for the

symbol in this guide.

TOURISM AWARDS
Winners of the most recent Mersey
Partnership Tourism Awards. See page 19
for more information.
Look out for the

Look out for our

symbol in this guide.

symbol in this guide.

TRAVEL BUDDY
Travel Buddy is a fantastic SMS information
service that sends text messages straight
to your mobile. For more information go to
page 42.

21

Tours Around the City

The best way to explore the Liverpool City Region is
undoubtedly in the company of one of our experienced
and qualified tour guides.
Tourist
Information
+44 (0)151 233 2008
Accommodation
Hotline
+44 (0)844 870 0123
www.
visitliverpool.com

VAQAS

Green
Tourism

Your
Ticket for
Liverpool

Disabled
Go

Tourism
Award
See page 21

To explore the City Region why not book a

guide for a walking, car, coach or minibus
tour or a group talk on a host of
fascinating topics.
The following three agents are approved
Official Tourist Board guide booking
agents for the Liverpool City Region.
LIVERPOOL TOUR GUIDE SERVICES
Tel: 07964 515 681/ 07918 655 113
Email: ltgs@hotmail.co.uk
Liverpool is a city with a history and a city
of today. Make sure your group
dont only visit Liverpool, but that they
experience Liverpool with the help of a
tour guide, who will entertain and
inform in a way that will leave your party
wanting to return for more.

22

POOL OF LIFE TOURS

Tel: 0151 283 4349 / 07762 769 296
Email: info@pooloflifetours.com
Contact Renee Browning or
Tim Hemmings. Qualified Guides
available from Official Booking Agent.

We offer individual or group tours on foot,

by minibus or coach (including hopon/hop-off service). We specialise in
Beatles tours, bi-lingual guides and
conference entertainment. We place
special emphasis on matching the right
guide with the right tour.
LIVERPOOL TOURIST
Tel: 0151 259 2112
Email: info@liverpooltourist.com
Official Guide Booking Agent and
Independent Travel Agent. Offering city
tours, attractions, theatre tickets, car
hire, international flights, hotels,
private taxis, ferries and cruises.

TOURS AROUND
THE CITY

ANFIELD EXPERIENCE
Liverpool Football Club, L4 0TH
0151 263 7744
www.liverpoolfc.tv/anfieldexperience
These offer you the perfect choice of two
exclusive VIP days at Liverpool FC in the
company of our legendary former
players. These can be purchased as an
open voucher (great gift idea) or on a
specific date.
BEATLES FAB FOUR TAXI TOUR
0151 601 2111
www.thebeatlesfabfourtaxitour.co.uk
All vehicles are wheelchair adapted.
35 per tour (1-5 people). Flexible
and friendly.

CITY SIGHTSEEING
LIVERPOOL TOURS
0151 203 3920
www.city-sightseeing.com
Hop on and off open top double decker
bus. Stops at all city centre attractions.
Tickets valid for 24 hours.

Get information to your mobile. Simply text

TOURS to 82345. See p42 for details.

BEATLES MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR

0151 236 9091 or 0151 233 2459
www.cavernclub.org
Tours depart daily from Albert Dock,
2.10pm. Advance booking. This two-hour
long coach tour introduces you to the
lives of The Beatles, visiting their homes,
schools and places that inspired some of
their most memorable songs. Operated
by Cavern City Tours.
CAINS BREWERY
Stanhope Street, L8 5XJ
0151 709 8734
www.cains.co.uk
A splendid Victorian brewery producing
a range of award winning beers.
Tours include buffet and two pints in the
Brewery Tap public house, next to the
brewery. Advance booking essential.
CITY EXPLORER
0151 933 2324
www.maghullcoaches.co.uk
Sightseeing Tour of Liverpool's famous
landmarks. See the historic waterfront,
Chinatown, cathedrals, museums and
galleries. Tours last approx 50 mins.
Live commentary on board.

Clockwise from top left

Magical Mystery Tour,
Signpost on Waterfront,
Graces on Liverpool,
Tate Liverpool

23

Tourist
Information
+44 (0)151 233 2008
Accommodation
Hotline
+44 (0)844 870 0123
www.
visitliverpool.com

EXPERIENCELIVERPOOL.COM
07905 896 565
www.experienceliverpool.com
experienceliverpool.com is a tourist
information website launching late
2007 promoting events, tours and places
of interest to visit in the greater
Liverpool region.

LIVERPOOL BEATLES TOUR

0151 281 7738
www.beatlestour.co.uk
Personalised Beatles tours in an
executive Ford Galaxy taking customers
to the favourite Beatles places, with
the flexibility to tailor the tour to
meet requirements.

FABCABS OF LIVERPOOL
0151 643 1949
www.fabcabsofliverpool.com
This is the tour that comes to you.
When you arrive in Liverpool just call
this number 0151 909 1964 and one of
our fleet of Fabcabs will collect you from
within the city limits or John Lennon
Airport. You will then be taken on a tour
of your choice through Liverpools
Beatles wonderland.

LIVERPOOL BICYCLE HIRE

0151 512 6046
www.liverpool-bicycle.co.uk
Liverpool Bicycle are a specialist cycle
hire and tour co-operative. Carrying a
large range of well maintained, quality
bikes to suit all your needs. and delivering
bikes to where you want to ride.

HILARY OXLADE
(BLUE BADGE GUIDE)
0151 931 3075 or 07803 206 599
Enjoy personalised tours of Liverpool and
Beatles sites with a fully qualified guide.
Travel in my car or your coach.
Experienced working with cruise liner
shore-ex handlers. Talks given.
LANDROVER EXPERIENCE
Halewood Operations, L34 9BJ
0151 448 4023
www.landroverexperience.com
Whether you simply want to experience
the thrill of driving the latest Land Rover
products in their natural environments,
or to tackle some of the most challenging
terrain you'll ever encounter you've come
to the right place.

24

LIVERPOOL CAMPER VANS

0845 051 0310
www.liverpoolcampervans.com
Liverpool Camper Vans offer classic
vehicle restoration, rental, sales
and services.
LIVERPOOL ENTENTE
CORDIALE TOURS
0794 4617 477
www.geocities.com/liverpool08guide
Tour guiding services in Liverpool and
surrounding areas in English or French.
Offering coach guiding services, guided
walks, conference delegate services
and talks.
LIVERPOOL SOCCER CITY TOURS
0151 909 1974 (Booking Line)
www.liverpoolsoccercitytours.com
Take the LFC tour in a Liverpool Taxicab.
From former players homes and
birthplaces to the site of the new stadium
with much more in between, 75 per cab.
Manchester and Liverpool Airport pickups available.

MERSEY GUIDES
01928 566 969
www.showmeliverpool.co.uk
Professional qualified guides who offer
tours and walks on a wide variety of
topics.
PHIL HUGHES (BLUE BADGE GUIDE)
0151 228 4565 or 07961 511 223
Qualified tourist guide, Beatles tours in
8 seat mini bus or coach/walking tours,
also Ale-Trails. German and Danish
spoken.
RED JACK TOURS
07940 144257
www.redjacktours.com
Come and join us on an exciting Red Jack
walking tour of the city of Liverpool.
From the historic waterfront, through
the city centre, including Mathew Street
of Beatles fame, and up to the city's
two Cathedrals.
THE SHIVERPOOL GHOST TOUR
0151 709 2030
www.shiverpool.co.uk
The Shiverpool Ghost Tour is a blend of
dark humour, street theatre, supernatural
accounts, local history and murder!
The tours comprise of a 1hr 15min
guided walk through Liverpool's
creepiest corners run 7 nights per week.

TAKEAFLYER
0151 643 1949
www.takeaflyer.co.uk
Takeaflyer offers an ever-changing
range of Liverpool tourism print. You
will find Takeaflyer tourist information
displays at all rail stations and hotels.

WILLIAMSON TUNNELS
Smithdown Lane, L7 3EE
0151 709 6868
www.williamsontunnels.co.uk
A 45 minute guided tour through part of
the unique labyrinth of tunnels beneath
Edge Hill created by 19th century
philanthropist Joseph Williamson.
YELLOW DUCKMARINE
0151 708 7799
www.theyellowduckmarine.co.uk
The historic city of Liverpool, with its
waterfront built around the most famous
docklands in the world, is steeped in
maritime tradition. You have to see it all,
and the only way is to ride The Yellow
Duckmarine! The fun begins the second
you board your DUCK an authentic
World War II landing vehicle at the
Albert Dock, where else?

VAQAS

Green
Tourism

Your
Ticket for
Liverpool

Disabled
Go

Tourism
Award
See page 21

Clockwise from top left

Liverpool Cathedral,
Albert Dock,
Yellow Duckmarine

25

Architecture
Liverpools diverse and distinctive architecture makes it a
popular location for film and TV directors.

Tourist
Information
+44 (0)151 233 2008
Accommodation
Hotline
+44 (0)844 870 0123
www.
visitliverpool.com

VAQAS

Green
Tourism

Your
Ticket for
Liverpool

Disabled
Go

Tourism
Award
See page 21

Liverpool has always been a city thats

been proud of its architecture. We have
a waterfront thats as recognisable as
New York, Hong Kong or Sydney, so
get yourself on the Ferry and revel in
its splendour.

St Johns Beacon, soaring over 100 metres

from the pavement, is visible for miles
around and not surprisingly offers
exhilarating views of the Northwest,
Snowdonia and the streets below. Its now
home to Radio City.

The Liver Building, with its iconic Liver

Birds perched atop, is probably the most
famous of the Three Graces, the other
two of which are the Cunard Building and
the Port of Liverpool Building. They
occupy a grand area of plazas, statues
and opulence that really give a feel for the
early 20th century of their construction.

Liverpool has two cathedrals, the gothicstyle Anglican Cathedral and the more
modern looking Catholic Metropolitan
Cathedral (often dubbed Paddys
Wigwam).

The whole docklands area, which

includes the Three Graces and Albert
Dock, has been given UNESCO World
Heritage Site status thanks to its
evocative architecture and its place in
maritime history.
26

St Georges Hall is an impressive

neo-classical masterpiece of the mid1800s, which has recently undergone a
multi-million pound refurbishment.
Liverpool is also home to some fine
examples of stylish Victorian and
Edwardian terraced housing, much of
which is still inhabited or used as offices
or restaurants.

ALBERT DOCK
Liverpool, L3 4AF
0151 708 7334
www.albertdock.com
The Albert Dock is the largest collection
of Grade I listed buildings in the UK with
award winning attractions, stylish bars
and restaurants, all in a stunning World
Heritage setting.
CHINESE ARCH
Chinatown
0151 233 2008
www.visitliverpool.com
Liverpool's Imperial Arch is the largest
outside of China. It stands 15 metres or
some 50 feet tall and spans the street it
stands on (Nelson Street). It has to rank
as one of the most spectacular sites in
Liverpool. Free viewing.
LIVERPOOL CATHEDRAL
St James Mount, L1 7AZ
0151 702 7274
www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk
Open daily, the country's largest
Cathedral offers a perfect day out for
awesome views and architecture. Climb
the tower, see "The Great Space" film
and audio tour or arrange group visits for
adults and children alike. Excellent shop
and catering.

Clockwise from top left

St Georges Hall,
Chinese Arch,
Albert Dock,
Liverpool Cathedral,
Liverpool Metropolitan
Cathedral

LIVERPOOL
METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL
Cathedral House, L3 5TQ
0151 709 9222
www.liverpoolmetrocathedral.org.uk
Roman Catholic cathedral with impressive
interior lantern tower of multi-coloured glass.
Get information to your mobile.
Simply text MUSTDO to 82345.
See p42 for details.

24 HOUR GUIDE
AM
Metropolitan Cathedral
Liverpool Cathedral

PM
Albert Dock

Lunch
Ego

Dinner
Blue Bar

27

Tourist
Information
+44 (0)151 233 2008
Accommodation
Hotline
+44 (0)844 870 0123
www.
visitliverpool.com

VAQAS

Green
Tourism

Your
Ticket for
Liverpool

Disabled
Go

Tourism
Award
See page 21

Clockwise from top left

Princes Road Synagogue,
Liverpool Town Hall

28

LIVERPOOL TOWN HALL

High Street, L2 3SW
0151 225 5530
www.liverpool.gov.uk
Liverpool Town Hall is a magnificent 18th
century Grade I listed builiding situated in
the heart of the cultural quarter close to
Mathew Street. Its high dome, topped by
a statue of Minerva, Goddess of Wisdom,
is the centre piece of a sumptuous
architectural assemblage.
PIER HEAD & THE THREE GRACES
Pier Head, L3 1ET
0151 233 2008
www.visitliverpool.com
For nearly a century the Three Graces
The Royal Liver Building, The Cunard
Building and the Port of Liverpool
Building have defined one of the world's
most recognised skylines.
PRINCES ROAD SYNAGOGUE
Princes Road, L8 1TG
0151 709 3431
www.princesroad.org
The Old Hebrew Congregation's Grade II
listed building (1874) with spectacular
interior. Probably Europe's finest example
of the Moorish Revival or Saracenic style
of synagogue architecture. Guided talks
(one hour) outline the architecture, the
history of the building and of the local
Jewish community and include a
demonstration of the artifacts and their
place in religious traditions.

SEFTON PALM HOUSE

Sefton Park, L17 1AP
0151 726 2415
www.palmhouse.org.uk
Sefton Park Palm House is a Grade II
listed Victorian glasshouse, with an
octagonal three tiered structure,
showcasing the Liverpool Botanical
Collection. Open to the public seven days
a week with a varied arts and events
programme. Also available for private
and corporate hire.
SPEKE HALL
Speke, L24 1XD
0151 427 7231
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
One of the most famous half timbered
houses in Britain, dating from the 15th
century, owned by the National Trust.
Roof tours and Victorian and Tudor
costumed tours bring the house alive.
Plus beautiful gardens and woodlands.
ST. GEORGE'S HALL
William Brown Street, L1 1JJ
0151 225 6909
www.liverpool.gov.uk
St. George's Hall, Liverpool, the finest
neo-classical building in Europe and
one of the most impressive buildings
in the world!
SUPERLAMBBANANA
Tithebarn Street
www.superlambbanana.com
Representing the potential dangers of
genetic engineering, SuperLambBanana
is one of the most popular and instantly
recognisable pieces of public sculpture in
the city. Purchase your own online or at
Liverpool's Tourist Information Centres.

29