David Bartlett, Rob Merrick and Sam Parker got the political assessment on the year, on Liverpool’s half-way point as European Capital of CultureDavid Bartlett, Rob Merrick and Sam Parker got the political assessment on the year, on Liverpool’s half-way point as European Capital of Culture
LIVERPOOL’S Capital of Culture year has “surpassed all expectations”, according to the Culture Secretary.
Merseyside-born Andy Burnham has been a regular visitor since his government appointment and has enjoyed what he’s seen.
Mr Burnham said: “It’s been fantastic – especially given some of the difficulties there were – and there have been a number of events that will live long in the memory.
“I was at the opening night at the Echo Arena, a great night, and it’s just got even better since then.
“It has surpassed all expectations and I mean that in all sorts of ways – its quality, its all-round excellence, the fact that there have been more than 2m visitors and the coverage Liverpool has received.”
Mr Burnham picked out the Klimt Exhibition at Tate Liverpool, Bryn Terfel’s performance at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and even – showing his youth – indie-pop trio Scouting For Girls at Liverpool University.
However, the 38-year-old Culture Secretary said his highlight was the moment Liverpool rock giants Echo and the Bunnymen sang “Nothing Lasts Forever” at Liverpool the Musical.
Asked who deserved the greatest praise, Mr Burnham said: “Phil Redmond, Bryan Gray and the wider Culture Company deserve great credit. The pressure has been on, but they have really pulled it off.
“Also, I would pick out the established cultural organisations – the Everyman, the Philharmonic, the Playhouse and the National Museums. It has been a real pleasure to see the level of partnership.”
Mr Burnham added: “As a native of Liverpool, I find it a real lift to go back there, and a lot of other people do, too.
“I get a sense that everyone realises this has created a great momentum in the city. It will go down as the year that Liverpool really moved ahead.”
Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley said the city’s population were showing that they were “up for it”, and this in turn was helping Liverpool buck the economic downturn.
“Of course, it’s far more important than the Liverpool Sound concert or other events – for me, it’s about the future of the city.”
He said the momentum the city had built up through “Culture Year” would be maintained through preparations for the Shanghai Expo 2010, where Liverpool is the only UK city outside London to have earned a place.
Capital of Culture has also been about the city regaining its confidence.
“I think we are regaining it (confidence). There are still a lot of challenges we have got to face along the way.”
The event Cllr Bradley is most looking forward to is the Artichoke production in September that will see a mysterious creature unveiled over a number of days.
“Everybody will be able to feel part of it,” he added.
The year will culminate with the MTV Europe Awards at the Echo Arena and the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.
“I hope people will feel the year has been worthwhile, and that we have changed some perceptions of Liverpool.
“Liverpool is a different place where you can invest. We have never had a better opportunity to poach some business from the south east.”
Joe Anderson, Labour opposition leader, said: “I think our legacy will not be in terms of job creation.
“Hopefully people will have seen the city in a more positive light.”
davidbartlett
