800th birthday: Thousands of street revellers party in Liverpool’s 800th birthday

Aug 28 2007 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

THOUSANDS of people turned out for street parties to beckon in Liverpool’s 800th birthday.

A total of 300 community parties were organised to mark the milestone ahead of a pageant today and the city’s biggest ever fireworks display.

But a planned celebration in Chiltern Close, Croxteth, was cancelled as a mark of respect for 11-year-old Rhys Jones, who was murdered 10 minutes’ walk away. Organisers said they did not feel it was right to party in such close proximity to the murder scene.

Across the city, streets were decked with bunting, balloons, and banners to celebrate the milestone birthday. Richard Adamson, 45, of Plattsville Road, Mossley Hill, who helped organise a party for his street, said the event had been in the planning since Easter.

“We have closed off the top half of the road and have got tables, chairs, umbrellas and bunting out and hundreds of balloons. It’s an old-fashioned street party with sandwiches and cakes.”

The street was one of 10 that won free street entertainment provided by the Culture Company. The performances included comic accident-prone first-aiders, a Beatles choir and puppets, an artist who paints giant portraits in minutes, and a jazz band.

Three new commissioned acts were also created for the event – a down-on-his-luck boxer preparing for a big fight, the new street craze of urban golf, and an interstellar love story.

“It’s really great to see the community spirit and everybody getting involved,” said Mr Adamson.

“It’s quite a long road so normally we don’t get to meet everyone, but we thought with it being the 800th birthday is would be a good idea. Now that we have had one we might have more in the future, as it’s a great way to get everybody together.”

But, at the other end of the city, Lynne McKenna, of Chiltern Close, said the residents of the street had been looking forward to a street party but felt they should cancel it.

She said: “What happened is just devastating, you can’t explain it when it’s on your doorstep.

“We just could not go through with the party, it’s didn’t feel right. We just didn’t feel like throwing a party. It’s definitely not a party atmosphere round here.”

Today’s celebrations start at 10am with a civil service at Liverpool Parish Church for invited guests.

This will be followed by a procession through the city’s streets by the Lord and Lady Mayor and a huge colourful pageant, featuring the Liverpool Giant and two Big Heads, created especially for the event.

Culture Company chief executive Jason Harborow officially unveiled the giant yesterday and revealed its name, Jude.

davidbartlett