800 reasons to be cheerful

Aug 28 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

KING John couldn’t really have timed it better, could he? Here we are today, 800 years on from Liverpool’s birth, and the city finds itself on the cusp of a resurrection and revival equally as important as when our co- operative monarch helpfully put quill to vellum all those centuries ago.

It is only by sheer coincidence that Liverpool is celebrating this momentous anniversary as it approaches its spell in the limelight as European Capital of Culture next year – but the city’s PR machine could hardly have wished for a better launchpad for all that is to come.

Hopefully, there will be many in Britain and beyond today taking note as what was once the Second City of the Empire parties like there’s no tomorrow.

Except, of course, there is a tomorrow – and one that promises so much.

Today’s festivities provide us with the ideal opportunity to showcase what has been happening here over the past four years or so, since the Culture title was bestowed on us – and what is yet to happen here in the not-too-distant future.

We already have a new and exciting 21st-century skyline, thanks to the innovative developments that have taken place close to the river in recent times.

But soon we will have the long-awaited cruise liner terminal, bringing eager visitors flocking into the city. And, to follow soon after, there’s the £1bn Liverpool One complex, which will catapult the city into the premier league of shopping destinations (again).

And it may be controversial, but the X- Museum on the waterfront, coming soon, will add to the allure of the city’s many appealing tourist attractions

Meanwhile, Liverpool John Lennon Airport continues to add to its routes. Those who want to visit Liverpool should have little trouble getting here.

In short, today’s special birthday tells the world that we’re open for business, and a warm welcome awaits. All the pre- sents we’ve awarded ourselves may not be here yet, but they’re not too far away.

Happy birthday, Liverpool. If you thought the last 800 years was spectac- ular, just watch what we can do in the next 800.