Liverpool launches its year as a cultural icon

Liverpool: European Capital of Culture 2008 (Image © Adam Davy/EMPICS Sport/PA Photos)
Liverpool started its year as European Capital of Culture with a bang in January with the likes of Ringo Starr, Dave Stewart, Echo and the Bunnymen, Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra taking part in a free open air show on St George's Plateau. To commemorate the launch event, MSN UK News presents a guide of what to expect from the city’s landmark year.

What's it all about?

The European Union designates an annual European Capital of Culture and that city is given a chance to showcase its cultural life and cultural development for one year. Liverpool fought off stiff competition from Bristol, Birmingham, Cardiff, Newcastle-Gateshead and Oxford to win the coveted prize. Glasgow, in 1990, is the only other British city to have held the status.

Why did Liverpool win?

Liverpool’s cultural strengths include the largest collection of Grade II-listed buildings outside London, the fifth largest cathedral in the world and one of the best collections of European art outside London. In The Beatles and Liverpool Football Club the city boasts two world-famous exports that have put it firmly on the map.

Highlights of the coming year

• The Turner Prize at the Tate Liverpool. The UK’s most prestigious annual art competition, the Turner Prize, is being held outside London for the first time since its launch in 1984.
• Liverpool Sound. It is being promoted as a once-in-a-lifetime concert and will feature Sir Paul McCartney at Liverpool Football Club’s ground Anfield in June 2008.
• Liverpool Comedy festival. In May and June with some of the best names in comedy.
• Gustav Klimt.  The Austrian Symbolist painter’s work will be at the Tate Liverpool from May top August. It will be the first comprehensive exhibition of his work ever staged in the UK.
• In November Liverpool will be the host city for the 15th annual MTV Europe Music Awards at the Echo Arena.
• Over one million people are expected to watch the start of the Tall Ships' Races 2008 in July when more than 100 vessels will grace the great port.
• On the sporting front, the Grand National takes place at Aintree in April and golf’s Open returns to The Royal Birkdale Golf Club in July.

For a full list of events visit the Liverpool 08 - Capital of Culture website

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More on Liverpool 08 - Capital of Culture

MSN's Liverpool 2008 blog (Image © Laurence Kilgannon)
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Live and direct from this year's city of culture, our blogger brings you the zeitgeist from Liverpool's front line.

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Windows Live Maps presents a geographical guide to the city's main landmarks in its special year.

Calendar of events (Image © MSN)
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For the full list of cultural events taking place this year in Liverpool visit the official Capital of Culture website.

Have your say (Image © AP Photo/Patrick Gardin)
Have your say

What do you think about the accolade? Will it make a difference to the city? Will you visit Liverpool in 2008? Have your say on the MSN message boards.