Why Liverpool

Liverpool was just one of 11 British cities that bid for the title of European Capital of Culture 2008, and one of 6 short-listed candidates. The other short-listed candidates were Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Newcastle-Gateshead and Oxford.

Liverpool’s bid for the title promoted itself as ‘The World in One City’, and it was this that secured the city the title. The city was chosen for its magnificent public architecture (it boasts more museums, galleries, and Grade I and II listed buildings than any other British city outside of London), rich artistic and cultural history, and the participation from the public.

On top of this, Liverpool is also home to more public museums and galleries than any other British city outside of London. The city is also famous all over the world for being the birthplace of the Beatles. Liverpool was the inspiration behind many of the Beatles’ songs, and there are many sites around the city associated with and dedicated to the band. 

In 2004, Liverpool was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich cultural history and its historic role as a commercial port.

Some of the city’s cultural and architectural gems include St Georges Hall, one of the world’s finest neoclassical buildings; the Royal Liver Building, Britain’s first skyscraper and Liverpool Cathedral, the largest Anglican cathedral in Europe and home to the world’s highest gothic arches.

It also has some of the finest modern architecture in Europe, including the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, and is home to the largest Chinese Arch outside of China.