Cultural step forward as new arena hosts first event

Jan 4 2008 by Samantha Parker, Liverpool Daily Post

TONIGHT will see the public unveiling of the completed Echo Arena, Liverpool as it hosts its first-ever event at the Kings Dock.

Several thousand people who have signed up to be Capital of Culture Ambassadors will get a sneak preview before its official launch on January 12.

They will be treated to a tour and an hour-long performance which will include the musical talents of The Farm and newly-signed Liverpool girl group Sweetxx.

More than 700 construction staff have worked day and night to ensure Liverpool’s new waterfront arena is ready for tonight.

The workers were only allowed to take off Christmas Day and Boxing Day to make sure the Echo Arena, Liverpool, was complete.

Last night, Bob Prattey, chief executive of ACC Liverpool, said: “We have worked extremely hard to get to this point and I am very proud of the contribution made by all of our partners, including the construction team and of course the staff of ACC Liverpool itself.

“We have had people on site working around the clock to ensure the Echo Arena is ready for Friday’s event, and most importantly for the opening event of the European Capital of Culture next Saturday.

“The arena will be a world-class music and entertainment venue, bringing major international artists to Liverpool and helping to put the city on the international entertainment map.

“The build programme is what one would expect with a project as challenging and as complex as this has been.

“It is a testament to the skills and commitment of everyone involved that we are ready and prepared for tomorrow night.”

Cllr Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool City Council and Deputy Chair of the Liverpool Culture Company, said: “The completion of the Echo Arena represents a fantastic milestone in Liverpool’s development and I am delighted our 08 Ambassadors will be among the first to take a glimpse inside the building at this special event.

“It’s an extremely exciting time, especially as we approach the formal launch of our year as European Capital of Culture 2008 – and the official launch of the arena – next weekend.

“Not only will the Arena be a fantastic addition to our World Heritage skyline, it will also enable Liverpool to attract some of the biggest names in music.”

The Echo Arena, Liverpool will be officially opened with Liverpool – The Musical.

Dubbed The Greatest Story Ever Told, Liverpool – The Musical will see the history of the city brought to life with what is promised to be the most unusual line-up ever to set foot on the same stage.

Ringo Starr, Dave Stewart, Echo and the Bunnymen, Pete Wylie, Ian Broudie, Shack and The Christians will all be featured.

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will also play, with conductor Vasily Petrenko on a scissor lift.

The Liverpool Daily Post revealed before Christmas that costs have risen by another £9m on the original estimate for ACC Liverpool, made up of the Echo Arena and the BT Convention Centre. The total cost now stands at around £164m – £18m more than the original budget.

* LOG on to www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk tomorrow morning to watch footage from the arena’s opening.

samanthaparker@dailypost.co.uk