Macca leads LIPA celebration

Jul 27 2007

Sir Paul McCartney today led the graduation celebrations at the Fame school he set up in his home city.

Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (Lipa) opened in 1996 after a long campaign by the former Beatle.

Alongside the graduating students, celebrities Ben Elton and Anita Dobson were being made honorary Companions of the Institute.

Other Companions this year included Culture Club producer Steve Levine and Olivier Award-winning stage producer David Pugh.

Sir Paul, 65, who remains lead patron of Lipa, gave a speech to the graduates before they were presented with their certificates.

Lipa offers degree qualifications in acting, dance, music and theatre studies.

mfl

2 SHOWBIZ McCartney

The ceremony took place at Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall.

Sir Paul told the graduates he loved them and spoke of his pride that the former derelict building was now “turning out so many good kids”.

He added: “Be clear what you want and believe you are going to get it, work hard and you will get it - you are all brilliant.”

end

2 SHOWBIZ McCartney

The ceremony took place at Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall.

Sir Paul told the graduates he loved them and spoke of his pride that the former derelict building was now “turning out so many good kids”.

He added: “Be clear what you want and believe you are going to get it, work hard and you will get it - you are all brilliant.”