Liverpool 08

The European Capital of Culture is a city designated by the European Union for a period of one year during which it is given a chance to showcase its cultural life and cultural development. A number of European cities have used the City of Culture year to transform their cultural base and, in doing so, the way in which they are viewed internationally.

Conceived as a means of bringing citizens of European Union (at that time the European Community) closer together, the European City of Culture was launched on June 13, 1985 by the Council of Ministers on the initiative of the Greek Minister of Culture Melina Mercouri. Since then, the initiative has been more and more successful amongst European citizens and has had a growing cultural and socio-economic impact on the numerous visitors it has attracted.

The Official Opening of 2008

Two of the biggest events Liverpool has ever experienced officially launched Liverpool's European Capital of Culture year. Tens of thousands gathered on St George's Plateau for the People's Opening on Friday 11 January 2008 and the sell-out concert spectacular, Liverpool - The Musical, the following evening. A cast of hundreds joined Ringo Starr on the roof of St George's Hall while The Musical featured Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, The Wombats and many more.