Travel advice for opening weekend ceremonies

Jan 11 2008

THOUSANDS of revellers expected for the spectacular opening of Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture are being warned to plan their journey to the festivities in advance.

Large crowds are expected to attend the open-air People’s Opening tonight featuring Ringo Starr, while a capacity audience will attend ‘Liverpool – the Musical’ at the Echo Arena tomorrow, which also features the former Beatle.

People are being urged to use public transport to get to the events, which both start at 8.08pm.

Today, several city centre roads will be progressively closed off depending on the number of people who attend the event at St George’s Plateau, and travellers are warned bus routes could be diverted as a result.

People wanting to see tonight;s concert are advised to use rail services and to exit at Lime Street, Central or Moorfields stations.

Free park and ride facilities are available at several Merseyrail and Northern Rail stations, and passengers can plan their journey by going to www.merseytravel.gov.uk or contacting Merseytravel’s Traveline team on 0871 200 22 33.

For tomorrow's star-studded show, people are also urged to use public transport where possible. Paradise Street Bus Station, James Street and Liverpool Central Merseyrail stations are within walking distance of the venue.

Parking is limited at the Arena’s multi-storey car park, which will fill up quickly for the capacity event.

Arena bosses are requesting people arrive early for the concert, for which doors will open at 6.00pm.

Those travelling to either event by car should follow the advice on the electronic variable messaging road signs that are sited on main routes into the city.

Andy Barr, head of traffic management at Liverpool City Council, said: “We are asking people to allow plenty of time to arrive at both events.

“Tonight, people should be aware there will be roads closed as crowds arrive and the best option will be to take the train.

“There will be limited parking provision at the venue for tomorrow's event so we would encourage ticket-holders to use public transport where possible.”

Kris Donaldson, acting chief executive of the Liverpool Culture Company, said the opening weekend would be exciting but people needed to plan their journey into the city centre.

He said: “We are looking forward to a spectacular opening weekend for Liverpool’s European Capital of Culture year and the people of Liverpool will play a vital part in proceedings.

“We expect thousands to turn up for the People’s Opening so it will be important for people to think about travel arrangements in advance.”

Bob Prattey, chief executive of ACC Liverpool, said: “The advice to people is to use public transport but if people must come by car, they should plan their journeys carefully, follow the highway signage and allow plenty of time to reach the venue.

“When they come to the Echo Arena, they should also consider using other car parks in the city centre, including the Q Park on Liver Street, next to the new Paradise Street bus interchange.”