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Liverpool 08
13 January 2008. Okey-Dokey checks out what Liverpool has to offer and why 2008 is a special year for this great city. Videos at the bottom of the page!
Without doubt, one of the best UK cities to visit in 2008 will be Liverpool. Why? Because it's this year's European Capital of Culture.
Each year, the European Union gives this status to two cities (the other one in 2008 is Stavenger in Norway). It is a chance for each city to showcase its cultural life and cultural development.
So, what's special about Liverpool?
Mention Liverpool to anyone outside the UK and two things may spring to mind - Liverpool Football Club and the Beatles. However, the city has many more treats.
Liverpool has a long history as a major port. Its waterfront area, which has some incredible archiecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Liverpool also has more museums and art galleries than any other UK city outside of London.
Let's discover some of its highlights...
The Beatles
John, Paul, George and Ringo put Liverpool on the map in the sixties and became one of the biggest pop/rock acts of all time. You can visit the Beatles Story Museum, see the Cavern Club where they first played and visit places that inspired their songs, such as Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields.
Beatles Liverpool - other places to visit
Football
Liverpool Football Club are England's most successful football team and have been champions of Europe five times. There is a strong rivalry between Liverpool FC and the city's other Premier League club - Everton.
Museums & Galleries
The city's impressive museums and galleries include the Merseyside Maritime Museum, World Museum Liverpool, Tate Liverpool and Walker Art Gallery. 
Architecture
You will see some amazing buildings in Liverpool. Perhaps most famous are the 'Three Graces' (see right) - the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building, all of which were built around 100 years ago.
Other famous buildings include St George's Hall, Liverpool's two cathedrals, Albert Docks and the Chinese Arch (Liverpool's Chinatown is the oldest in Europe).
People
People from Liverpool are called 'Liverpudlians' and are informally known as 'scousers'. The accent is quite different to other parts of the UK.
2008 Events
A great programme of events is planned, to celebrate being the European Capital of Culture. Highlights include the Klimt Exhibition, the Tall Ships Race and the Liverpool Sound festival.
Liverpool 08 Events Highlights
Videos of Liverpool
Liverpool Telly video 
- high quality | low quality
More Information
Download Liverpool Visitor Guide (pdf)
