Liverpool - Always the Capital of Culture!
800 years since getting its charter from King John, Liverpool has become a truly world class city. In the mid 19th century many thousands arrived here to escape famine in Ireland. Most set sail for America but those who stayed became the ancestors of today's Scousers.
Great hardship was endured building the great victorian city, dockers in Liverpool in 1900 were responsible for 10% of all the world's shipping. At the same time the city had the second highest infant mortality rate in the world.
The architectural wonders we can still see today were built by oppulent merchants just because they could. What made the city great is what shaped its people into the sharp, feisty and downright funny folk they are today. Fiercely proud of their city and its independence, THEY'RE NOT ENGLISH, THEY ARE SCOUSE.
Those who recall the devestation heaped upon the city by Margaret Thatcher's government in the 1980s will look in delight at the groovy place Liverpool is today. It will not escape their notice that her philosopy is in tatters wherever it was practised.
On a night out in Liverpool you will see people of all ages having a great time. Many in their seventies on the dancefloor, still in the game. Life is not always easy but they know how to party! A Dutch friend noted on a visit to the Liverpool bar in James St. that nobody had given up on life."Everyone has a chance in Liverpool", he observed. Savour a night in Liverpool, it is unforgettable.
City of Culture.
There is so much for visitors to enjoy in Liverpool:
More national museums than any city in the UK outside London.
More Georgian architecture than the city of Bath, the layout of which can be seen from the roof of the Anglican Cathedral, itself the largest in Britain. The Catholic Cathedral is at the other end of Hope Street, making it the only street in the world with a Cathedral at either end. The magnificent Anglican Cathedral was built by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott who also designed the famous red telephone box. Before leaving the Cathedral visit the very moving Hillsborough memorial inside.
Albert dock retail therapy.
Though many of Liverpool's docks are still active, some have been converted to serve today's leisure pursuits. The most famous is the beautiful Albert Dock, now Britain's most visited tourist attraction. Across the road can be seen Liverpool One, Europe's biggest retail development of the last few years. Here you'll find the LFC shop, the biggest supporters shop in Europe.
Another place by Antony Gormley.
Antony Gormley, creator of The Angel of The North, has an exhibition on Crosby beach in the north of the city. It features figures (moulds of his own body) standing on the beach. They are submerged every high tide and reappear at low tide. It is a great spectacle as there are many figures, spread over a wide area. It doesn't take long to get to Crosby and you will not be disappointed. The figures were to have moved to New York, having already been exhibited in Germany and Norway. However, Antony Gormley wanted them to remain permanently in Liverpool as did the local people. The council agreed and the city has a new landmark. Pictures are on the photo page.
Richard Wilson - Turning the place over.
This daring piece of outdoor art, commissioned for the Liverpool Biennial, is located above the former Yates Wine Lodge in Moorfields. Pictures can be found on our photo page.
New links to contemporary Liverpool culture:
www.jegsydodd.com Writer of that great song, His name's not Solshinitskin, Robbie Keane. So just buy the bloody record.
www.yoliverpool.com Yo! You thought you knew Liverpool?
www.swinemagazine.co.uk Funny enough, this'll make you laugh.
www.awaydaysthemovie.com Kevin Sampson's brilliant book, on screen at last.
http://www.citytalk.fm/ Tune in to Brian Reade, every Saturday morning at 11am c.e.t.