Capital of Culture: Thanks, 08, and here’s to the future...
Jan 12 2009 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post
Fireworks over the Mersey to mark the end of Capital of Culture 08 _320
* Click here to see our Capital of Culture farewell gallery
Culture Company director Kris Donaldson said that the end of the event had left him “quite choked up”.
“The evening went perfectly. That so many people came out in the freezing weather shows how this city wanted to celebrate and commemorate a great year, and look forward to next year.
“There has been a lot of confidence built up over this year and we’ve had a lot of experience of putting on big events – Liverpool really is a ‘can-do’ city now.
“It has been a great event, and it is really a testimony to the people of Liverpool that they have come out on an evening like this to show their support.”
Council leader Warren Bradley said it was no surprise that the night was such a success. “Every event we have done we have raised the bar to make it a bit more special,” he said.
“It’s such a cold night and to see so many people at the Pier Head is a great end to a great year. It’s an emotional night for me.
“Liverpool is just a different city – and the people are walking around 20ft tall.”
Culture Company deputy chairman Phil Redmond said: “The huge numbers, on what was a very cold night, indicates there is a great appetite and desire for large, family-orientated outdoor events that attract large crowds into the city and help stimulate the economy.”
All agreed it had been important to give George Harrison a place in the evening’s events after John Lennon featured in 2008’s opening.
Liverpool now moves into 2009 as Year of Environment and Innovation.
Mr Donaldson added: “We have got mixed emotions seeing this year come to a close. It’s been a rocky road – not the year, but the journey to get here.
‘‘This has been the most successful Capital of Culture, and that’s the greatest tribute the city could ever have.”
