Liverpool has a long and interesting history as a maritime city.  The last century has seen the largest area of employment move from shipping and warehousing to travel and tourism. 

Today Liverpool is home to many hundreds of thriving, modern businesses, but the city remains in touch with its historic roots. 

The city centre boasts some of the country's finest examples of modern day architecture, as well as a great number of traditional buildings.  Many of these buildings date from the late 19th century.

It was announced in June of 2003 that the winning bid for European Capital of Culture for 2008 would be Liverpool.

The decision to crown Liverpool as Capital of Culture means that up to 15,000 new, sustainable jobs will be created on Merseyside, and that the region will secure up to 14 million pounds worth of extra spending during the first year after holding the title in 2008.

"Life for scousers will never be the same.  It is guaranteed to be brighter and better."

2008 will mark Liverpool’s achievements as the people of Merseyside celebrate the fact that this beautiful city is indeed...

European Capital of Culture 2008

"The aim of this website is to promote what we, and many others, believe to be the most beautiful city in the world."

Cathedrals

Liverpool has two magnificent cathedrals. The Anglican cathedral has just celebrated its centenary. The catholic cathedral, locally known as 'Paddy's Wigwam' was built in the 1960s and still looks very modern. The cathedrals are both in the city centre and are easy to find - one at either end of Hope Street.

Football Stadia

As well as two cathedrals, Liverpool is also home to two Premiership football clubs.  Anfield, the home of Liverpool Football Club and Everton's Goodison Park are only seperated by Stanley Park.

The Three Graces

The three buildings at the Pier Head are collectively known as the three graces.  The most well known of the three is the Royal Liver Building, with it's two Liver Birds perched on top.  The other two buildings are the Cunard building and the Port of Liverpool building.  They are recognised by sailors across the globe.

SuperLambBanana

This 7.5 tonne bright yellow sculpture has the head of a lamb and blends into a banana.  The sculpture was designed by Japanese artist Taro Chiezo and cost 35,000 pounds.  At first, locals and visitors were mystified.  What was this strange thing that had appeared in the city?  Fittingly,   SuperLambBanana is situated outside Joseph Lamb's chandlers, Wapping.

Mersey Ferries

The history of the Mersey Ferries can be traced back hundreds of years.  The ferries were made famous across the world thanks to Gerry Marsden's hit "Ferry 'Cross The Mersey".  The song is still played on the ferries which run daily services between Liverpool's Pier Head and Woodside and Seacombe on the other side of the river.

Local Radio Stations

Radio City 96.7 FM broadcasts from the top of St. John's Beacon.    

Magic 1548 MW plays non stop hits from St. John's Beacon. 

Juice 107.6 FM is Liverpool's new music mix.

BBC Radio Merseyside 95.8 FM is broadcast live from the city centre.

Roll on 2008... 

Things can only get better. 

New developments in the city centre

In the run up to 2008, there are a number of major developments being undertaken around the city centre.  The most noticeable of these are probably the redevelopment of Paradise Street and Williamson Square.

Look out for features about these developments in the coming months.

St. Johns Beacon

This is the 450ft tower that dominates the Liverpool skyline. The tower is situated in Houghton Street, just off Williamson Square. The tower was completed in 1961 and started life as a rotating restaurant. A fire in the shopping centre below forced the closure of the tower. It then stood derelict for twenty years before being taken over by Radio City and Magic 1548.

This is a picture of the new fountain in Williamson Square, Liverpool.  Around the fountain is a poem, written by local poet Roger McGough