People’s Opening: Fireworks, the Wombats, people seemingly carried by a crane in a cargo container, Ringo Starr and endless lines of children carrying lanterns celebrated the launch of Liverpool’s year as Capital of Culture. The crowds gathered (desperate for a sing-a-long, and disappointed they didn’t get one) but the buzz in the air was fantastic. No doubt the event will have its critics, but this was a great night for Liverpool. The eyes of the world were on us. Liverpool was the fifth most popular Google search and millions of people watched on TV in America. A momentous start to 2008. ..Presentations Galore: Bursting with information gathered on my ‘Grand Tour’, I have made a number of presentations to the Arts Council, SMAC (Small & Medium Arts Collective), LARC (Liverpool Arts Regeneration Campaign), and have been invited to speak at two conferences, to a delegation from Stavanger and a delegation of journalists and politicians from Graz… Official Guide: An impressive book, a wonderful souvenir, but a shame it is peppered with mistakes and needed to be re-printed…

So, after a five-year build up, it’s here… Liverpool is the Cultural Capital of Europe 2008 (proudly sharing the title with Stavanger, Norway).

On New Years’ Eve it suddenly hit me that tomorrow, Liverpool would be the Cultural Capital of Europe. So much expectation, so much build up and so many opportunities. I was in Zagreb over the new year and felt distanced from the celebrations that would herald this momentous year.

I have no doubt that the year will be a great success. There are many arts organisations that will produce excellent projects and programmes to ensure a varied and exciting year for local people and for visitors from the UK and the rest of the world. The Culture Company team has also worked enthusiastically amidst many controversies and setbacks. They should be commended for their efforts.

As you enter Liverpool’s city centre from every direction, you will be aware of its status as Cultural Capital of Europe 2008, but are visitors to Manchester and other cities aware…? I returned to the UK via Manchester Airport and saw no sign that only 30 miles away; the city of Liverpool was celebrating this accolade. Where are the banners and 08 logos? They should be in the entrance hall of this and other airports…

And what of 2009, 2010 and beyond…?

My research during my Grand Tour has left me feeling apprehensive about Liverpool’s future. We are way ahead of other cities in our long term strategic planning, but are we really prepared for the future…? I think not. I will also be continuing my research visiting more cities that have been Cultural Capitals. This additional research will be supported by Impacts 08, the company charged with the task of evaluating the impact of 2008 on Liverpool. In the meantime, I’ve got a year long of programme of activity to work on, details of which can be found at www.hope-street.org

Happy New Year. I wish you an enjoyable and memorable time if you visit Liverpool.