Liverpool shows solidarity with twin culture capital

May 14 2008 by Phil Key, Liverpool Daily Post

MULTI-CULTURAL Liverpool has regularly celebrated other countries’ special days.

There is Chinese New Year, St Patrick’s Day and Burns Night among others.

Now it is about to mark Norway’s National Day, or Constitution Day as it is more officially known. With the Norwegian town of Stavanger celebrating this year as the other European Capital of Culture, it seems only apt.

The idea comes from the city’s Picket Club which will mark the day on Saturday, the actual National Day and a public holiday in Norway.

There, thousands parade through the streets. The long- est parade is in Oslo, where 100,000 people travel each year to join the festivities.

The parades have marching bands and there will be one in Liverpool with a parade starting from LIPA on Mount Street at 3.30pm and proceeding to The Picket in Jordan Street. Along the way, there will be traditional Norwegian games – and numerous Norwegians.

It will end at The Picket where there will be an all day do from 4.30pm.

Bands due to appear include Jo Bywater, Kristian Park, Towanda, Kaya, Ogo Band, Dog With Human Skills, The Crew, The Drellas and Emma Janes Monkey Mind.

Picket owner Phil Hayes explained: “In Norway the National Day is a big thing so we are making it a big thing here in Liverpool.”

Tickets for the live music event are £6 (£4 in advance).