All For Musicians

         One of Liverpool’s most famous sons has kicked off the European Capital of Culture celebrations. Ringo Starr performed on the roof of St George’s Hall in The People’s Opening tonight, along with Dave Stewart and 600 locals including guitarists, choirs and schoolchildren and 40 aerial performers. The event will be followed by The Musical on Saturday night at the 10,600 capacity Echo Arena with a cast of 700 people, including 100 schoolchildren. Starr, Echo and The Bunnymen, The Farm, Riuven, The Wombats, Pete Wylie, and Stewart will also be performing. The Prime Minister sent a message to the city and said he hopes the celebration “inspires more people from all walks of life to try out new and different cultural activities”.  More than 350 events are due to be held in the culture capital in 2008.

       Regional events planned to coincide with Liverpool’s 12-month reign include the RHS Flower show at Tatton Park, the Boodles Legends Tennis at Adlington Hall, Cheshire and Taste Lancashire 08, a celebration of local food and drink. Sporting highlights include the 9th FINA World Swimming Championships, the UCI Track Cycling World Championships and the Hi-Tec World Squash Championships in Manchester. Liverpool Culture Company, organiser of European Capital of Culture, estimates that an extra 1.7 million tourists will flock to Merseyside and spend £50m in 2008.  And the year-long title will bring in another £50m from visitors across the region, according to the Northwest Regional Development Agency.  Business and tourism leaders in the Northwest are working with the NWDA and the Liverpool Culture Company.

The Source - http://news.sky.com/