Capital of Culture: Liverpool’s explosion of pride

Jan 1 2008 by Caroline Innes, Liverpool Daily Post

A FINAL chime of the world’s highest and heaviest bell and a spectacular 40ft firework heralded the start of Liverpool’s Capital of Culture year.

Thousands of people braved the cold and piled into the warmth of the Anglican Cathedral for a lively and reflective service featuring the Love and Joy Gospel Choir.

The multi-denominational service incorporated the gospel music with messages from the Bishop of Liverpool, James Jones, and Archbishop Patrick Kelly among others, before the congregation were led out of the cathedral at 11.45pm to mark the festivities with the bells and lighting of candles.

Speaking at the service, the Bishop of Liverpool said: “The one thing I tell people when I travel around the country about the people of Liverpool is their solidarity in good times and bad.

“And here we are filling the Cathedral with people – all together again.

“We all know that in this city we will never walk alone.”

It was the first time the cathedral bells – including the mighty 14.5-ton Great George, saved for the most auspicious occasions – have rung in a New Year.

As the bells tolled 12 times to mark the months of the year, 12 large Paschal candles were lit simultaneously.

The congregation all gathered outside on the Cathedral steps and shouted in unison: “Happy Capital of Culture Year.”

Director of hospitality for the Cathedral Eryl Parry said: “There was a great atmosphere of anticipation as we approached midnight as so many of us have been looking forward to the dawning of 2008 for so long.”

Nick Owen, from the Aspire Trust – an early years project in the city – attended with his mother, Mary, and wife Ria, from Wavertree.

He said: “We come here every Christmas and to big events like this.

“They add to life in the city and unlike some Culture company events that you have to pay a packet for, this is truly accessible for everyone.

“If the rest of the year goes like this it will be fantastic.”

Retirees Bill and Flo Hayes, of West Derby, said: “Events like the Capital of Culture year won’t come around for us again.

“We just love this place and when we got the chance to mark this occasion, we knew we had to come.

“It has brought back so many memories as we used to bring the children here.”

As the12th bell rang, a “2008” fire writing sign lit up the faces of the spectators and the gentle tune of Auld Lang Syne sang out loud and clear as Liverpool brought in 2008.

Harry Adeoyi, of Kensington, who attended the service with his wife and three teenage children, added: “This is a fantastic way to kick things off this year.

“I came here with the family because I wanted to worship and this event has really brought the people of Liverpool together.”

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