04/06/2003
Liverpool named as European Capital of Culture 2008
It has been announced today that Liverpool as been chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2008.
The city's name will now go forward to the European Union who will respond next year.
Culture minister Tessa Jowell said that Liverpool was a "worthy winner" of the honour.
"Their vision, passion and enthusiasm – coupled with a really spectacular year-long programme – impressed the judges, who chose them from a very strong field," she said.
"Indeed, the judges made it clear that each and every one of the six short-listed cities would have been a worthy nomination for the title. The Prime Minister and I have now considered the panel's recommendation, and fully support it.
"Liverpool can now look forward to a great deal of hard work, making their vision a reality and, I know, hosting a truly fantastic festival in 2008."
Ms Jowell also paid tribute to the other candidate cities, adding that the government would be talking to the Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund to put all 12 bidding cities forward for a cultural programme.
It is estimated that Liverpool could net £200 million in increased tourism revenue in addition to the creation of thousands of jobs.
Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Charles Kennedy, also congratulated Liverpool, saying: "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. I look forward with eagerness to my next visit."
Since 1985, there has been a programme of Cities of Culture, selected from EU member states and ratified by the Council of Ministers, which runs until 2004. From 2005, the EU will run a series of European Capitals of Culture, with different member countries allocated years up to 2019.
(GMcG)
The city's name will now go forward to the European Union who will respond next year.
Culture minister Tessa Jowell said that Liverpool was a "worthy winner" of the honour.
"Their vision, passion and enthusiasm – coupled with a really spectacular year-long programme – impressed the judges, who chose them from a very strong field," she said.
"Indeed, the judges made it clear that each and every one of the six short-listed cities would have been a worthy nomination for the title. The Prime Minister and I have now considered the panel's recommendation, and fully support it.
"Liverpool can now look forward to a great deal of hard work, making their vision a reality and, I know, hosting a truly fantastic festival in 2008."
Ms Jowell also paid tribute to the other candidate cities, adding that the government would be talking to the Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund to put all 12 bidding cities forward for a cultural programme.
It is estimated that Liverpool could net £200 million in increased tourism revenue in addition to the creation of thousands of jobs.
Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Charles Kennedy, also congratulated Liverpool, saying: "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. I look forward with eagerness to my next visit."
Since 1985, there has been a programme of Cities of Culture, selected from EU member states and ratified by the Council of Ministers, which runs until 2004. From 2005, the EU will run a series of European Capitals of Culture, with different member countries allocated years up to 2019.
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 October 2003
Chinese films set for Liverpool showcase
Liverpool, Europe's newly created city of culutre, is set to showcase a trio of critically acclaimed films about Chinese culture for free as part of Black History Month. Earlier today, Liverpool City Council in association with BAFTA North launched Images of China, at the Odeon Cinema, London Road, Liverpool.
Chinese films set for Liverpool showcase
Liverpool, Europe's newly created city of culutre, is set to showcase a trio of critically acclaimed films about Chinese culture for free as part of Black History Month. Earlier today, Liverpool City Council in association with BAFTA North launched Images of China, at the Odeon Cinema, London Road, Liverpool.
01 August 2013
Call For Review Of Payments Made To Carers
Over 300 carers in Merseyside have been underpaid "for years", according to the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO). Following a compliant by a woman who cares for her nephew, the LGO found that Liverpool City Council had failed to pay the national minimum wage to carers of young children.
Call For Review Of Payments Made To Carers
Over 300 carers in Merseyside have been underpaid "for years", according to the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO). Following a compliant by a woman who cares for her nephew, the LGO found that Liverpool City Council had failed to pay the national minimum wage to carers of young children.
05 October 2011
Mersey Gateway Bridge Gets Green Light
£470 million of funding for a new bridge across the River Mersey has been approved by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond. The new dual three-lane bridge, between Runcorn and Widnes, will form a major new transport route improving links between the Liverpool City region, north Cheshire and the wider North West to the rest of the country.
Mersey Gateway Bridge Gets Green Light
£470 million of funding for a new bridge across the River Mersey has been approved by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond. The new dual three-lane bridge, between Runcorn and Widnes, will form a major new transport route improving links between the Liverpool City region, north Cheshire and the wider North West to the rest of the country.
13 March 2007
Premiership footballer arrested over assault
Premiership footballer Joey Barton is understood to have been arrested on suspicion of assault and criminal damage. The Manchester City midfielder is reported to have been questioned in connection with an alleged argument with a taxi driver in the Wavertree area of Liverpool earlier this month.
Premiership footballer arrested over assault
Premiership footballer Joey Barton is understood to have been arrested on suspicion of assault and criminal damage. The Manchester City midfielder is reported to have been questioned in connection with an alleged argument with a taxi driver in the Wavertree area of Liverpool earlier this month.
10 September 2009
29 UK Cities In The Running To Be 'City of Culture' In 2013
Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw today announced that 29 cities and local areas from across the UK have already put themselves forward as potential candidates to become the first ever UK City of Culture in 2013.
29 UK Cities In The Running To Be 'City of Culture' In 2013
Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw today announced that 29 cities and local areas from across the UK have already put themselves forward as potential candidates to become the first ever UK City of Culture in 2013.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.