Liverpool’s pubs join in Capital of Culture fun

May 15 2008 by Mike Chapple, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL’S pubs were cited as a cornerstone to the city’s cultural heritage as a new campaign was launched at a special ceremony at the Lion Tavern, in Tithebarn Street.

Entitled Around the City in 80 Pubs, it involves four months of pub-based cultural activity showcased in a free new brochure published by the Culture Company.

It gives details of the 83 local pubs which have signed up to take part in the scheme and the activities which will be taking place.

These will range from organised walks and pub treasure hunts to sea shanty sessions and performances by professional magicians.

The first event takes place next Monday, starting at 6pm. It’s a two-hour guided walk taking in pubs with literary links, with free tickets available from the 08 Place in Whitechapel. The celebration culminates in September, 2008, with a two-week festival which coincides with the CAMRA festival and Heritage Open Days.

“We’ve always wanted to do this project as so much of any city’s culture, and not just Liverpool’s, revolves around what’s happening in its pubs,” said Eilleen Wilshaw, the Culture Company’s Heritage and historic environment manager, before guests enjoyed the magical tricks of Alan Singleton, co-founder of the Liverpool Magic Circle, and a short, irreverent performance by comedian Keith Carter, in his guise as Scouse scally Nige.

“It’s shaping up to be a great programme, but with more than four months to go we’re still developing some aspects of the festival so the brochure is really just the beginning.”

Around 15,000 copies of the 28-page brochure have been distributed to pubs throughout the area.

* THIS week also sees the publication of Daily Post writer and pub columnist Mike Chapple’s new book, The Great Liverpool Pub Crawl. Featuring 30 of the city centre’s most historic public houses, it’s priced at £8.99. It can be ordered direct by phoning 0845 143 0001 or emailing www.merseyshop.com

mikechapple@dailypost.co.uk