Features

The Opening Weekend: January 11-13, 2008 at St George’s Plateau and Liverpool Echo Arena

All the city will be a stage during the weekend of events celebrating Liverpool as European Capital of Culture.

The weekend begins Friday 11th January with a free open air event on St George’s Hall Plateau.

On Saturday 12th, Ringo Starr, Dave Stewart, Vasily Petrenko and a host of stars will come together for a unique performance of ‘Liverpool - The Musical’.

Celebrations will continue throughout the city on Sunday 13th.

Akram Khan – Bahok: March 7-8, 2008 at Liverpool Playhouse

Bahok is the new group choreography by Akram Khan that will open the Leap Festival ’08.

Ringo will play on St George's Hall roof

Featuring the National Ballet of China, with music composed by Nitin Sawney, this show brings together a company of nine dancers from different cultures, traditions and dance backgrounds to represent a present day version of the tale of Babel.

Dreamthinkspeak – One Step Forward One Step Back: April 7-May 10, 2008 at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral

Dreamthinkspeak offers a journey for intimately sized groups through previously unseen areas of the Cathedral.

Throughout the ‘voyage’, the visual language of film, music, installation, models and live performance combine for a vivid experience.

Liverpool Streets Ahead Weekend: May 24-26, 2008 at St George’s Hall

A weekend of street theatre, music, dance and puppetry featuring leading artists from all over the world.

Klimt Exhibition: May 30-August 31, 2008 at Tate Liverpool

Tate Liverpool present the first comprehensive exhibition of Gustav Klimt’s work ever staged in the UK.

The exhibition will include over 100 decorative, ornamental works.

Liverpool Sound: June 1, 2008 at LFC, Anfield

Oneof the highlights of the year a unique once in a lifetime festival celebrating Liverpool’s global status as the World Capital of Pop.

The event features Sir Paul McCartney leading a spectacular show at Liverpool Football Club’s Anfield ground.

Expect appearances from world famous stars who have been inspired by the Liverpool music scene.

Go Superlambananas: June-August, 2008 at various venues across Liverpool

Follow a dedicated trail around the city to find up to 100 superlambananas.

The superlambanana is one of Liverpool’s best-loved pieces of public art.

These new superlambs have been painted, decorated and adorned by local and regional artists, community groups and celebrities.

The Beat Goes On: July 12-November 1, 2008 at World Museum

Showcasing Merseyside’s vibrant music scene and paying tribute to bands that have played a major part in the city’s life over the past 60 years.

From the Cavern to Creamfields, from Billy Fury to the Zutons, this exhibition documents Liverpool’s unique place in popular culture.

Tall Ships

The Tall Ships’ Races: July 18-21, 2008 at Liverpool Docks

A four-day free maritime jubilee celebrating the port's 800-year history on a spectacular World Heritage waterfront.

The start of the Tall Ships’ Races is expected to attract a million spectators to the banks of the River Mersey.

Carnival Weekend: August 1-2, 2008 at various venues

Highlights of the Carnival Weekend include; the Emperor and the Tiger - a firework folk story and the Brouhaha Carnival Procession – the region’s largest multicultural parade.

The Samba School will bring a Rio style carnival parade to the streets of Liverpool on the Saturday night.

Imagine: August 1-10, 2008 at St George’s Hall

For ten days at the beginning of August, an imaginary city will mysteriously appear, transforming the area around St George’s Hall into a fantastical fairytale world.

Sir Simon Rattle – Berliner Philharmoniker: September 4, 2008 at Philharmonic Hall

Sir Simon Rattle’s worldwide reputation for compelling orchestral concerts makes this an eagerly anticipated return.

Rattle will return to his Liverpool home to conduct the Berliner Philharmoniker at the Philharmonic Hall where he began his stellar music career.

Sir Simon Rattle

Outdoor Spectacular: September 26-28, 2008 at various Liverpool locations

The company that brought the spectacular Sultan’s Elephant event to London is planning a magical new show, created especially for Liverpool 2008.

This two day event is billed as an unforgettable piece of live theatre played out against Liverpool's landmarks.

Eric’s -The Musical: October at Everyman Playhouse

How did a Liverpool punk club spark a cultural revolution and inspire a generation?

Mark Davies-Markham, Liverpool-born author of the hit musical Taboo, turns his attention to the notorious Eric’s club.

Le Corbusier: October 2-January 18, 2008-2009 at The Crypt, Metropolitan Cathedral

Le Corbusier is considered the most famous and influential architect of the 20th century.

Now his life and work will feature in a major international exhibition premiering in Liverpool.

MTV Europe Music Awards: November 6, 2008 at Liverpool Echo Arena

Liverpool will be the host city for the 15th annual MTV Europe Music Awards in 2008 at the Liverpool Echo Arena.

This will be the third time that the UK has hosted the Awards.

Public Art: Throughout 2008 at various venues

A year long programme of public art throughout the city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods.