The Mathew Street Festival

[Kev]

THOUSANDS of music lovers have made this year's (2005) Mathew Street festival the biggest and best.

Early predictions are that this year's event had record-breaking attendances and brought more than £25m into the city.

Early morning rain gave way to warm summer sunshine yesterday afternoon and around 330,000 festival-goers enjoyed live music from chart toppers and Brit award winners McFly, Merseyside band Amsterdam, James Bourne and Lemar. Tribute bands took to the other stages around the city and live music blasted out from many city centre pubs.



Source (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=15911342%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=beatle%2dcity%2d2005-name_page.html)



Did anyone go? It looked amazing from the pics I've seen. I waited at home for news coverage of the event but it never came. Sky News was full of The Notinghill Carnival all day. A shame that :rolleyes:

[Browneyes]

I wanted to go but couldn't make it :( I had a peek at the webcams over the weekend and it was choca, made me jealous, i was quite surprised there wasn't anything on the news etc with the amount of ppl that went.

[Gnomie]

We went sunday.. it was heaving everywhere and we loved it.

[Kev]

I've seen a couple of pics knocking around - jeez everywhere it was like sardines!

I watched on the webcams (http://www.scouseology.com/?page_id=5) and Mathew Street was rammed!

[A.D.Williams]

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/mathew/05/maths14.jpg

[A.D.Williams]

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/mathew/05/maths16.jpg

[Kev]

dave u must be 8ft tall :D

[Gnomie]

Dave is that Liam Gallagher in the front of your last photo whispering to that fella?

[A.D.Williams]

Dave is that Liam Gallagher in the front of your last photo whispering to that fella?

I doubt it. :D

[Max]

Dave is that Liam Gallagher in the front of your last photo whispering to that fella?

Does look like him though.

Is that all you did there Dave, taking pictures? :p

[A.D.Williams]

Is that all you did there Dave, taking pictures? :p

More or less that's why I was down there. :)

[Max]

Didn't you have any fun there either or have a few pints? :p

[A.D.Williams]

I don't drink young Max. The fresh air is fun enough for me.

[Jock]

I was talking to a few people in Concert Square area on the Sunday, who didn't drink in Matt St. Not through lack of trying though, the bars were just too busy.

[Max]

I don't drink young Max. The fresh air is fun enough for me.


Just like me. :p

Dr Peppers the best drink. :D

[Kev]

MUCH-LOVED Liverpool band The Lightning Seeds will headline at this year's Mathew Street Festival.

Up to 20,000 fans are expected for the free afternoon concert at the Pier Head on Sunday, August 27, starting at 1.15pm.

Front man Ian Broudie said today: "I can't wait. We haven't toured for seven years and to end the run in front of a home crowd will be sensational.

"I started my musical career hanging around Eric's club in Mathew Street and then DJ-ing there. But I've never had chance to go to the festival before.

"So, for me, this will be like going full circle." The Lightning Seeds, whose hits include Pure, Life of Riley, Lucky You and possibly the best-known football song ever, Three Lions, commissioned by the FA in 1996 for the England football team's Euro campaign, have just released a 'Very Best of' album.

Ian Broudie has been involved in the Liverpool music scene for 30 years, having co-founded Big in Japan, and then going on to produce records for Echo and the Bunnymen and The Teardrop Explodes before founding The Lightning Seeds in 1989.

He is currently producing the new album for Wirral outfit The Coral and has also recently worked with top Liverpool band The Zutons.

The Lightning Seeds' involvement in the 2006 Mathew Street Festival highlights the year's wider Liverpool Performs theme.

Thirty-one of the 76 bands appearing on five open air stages during the four-day festival are Liverpool newly-signed or still unsigned bands.

Council leader Warren Bradley said: "Ian Broudie is nothing less than Mr Liverpool Pop Music.

"To have The Lightning Seeds doing this concert underlines the growing prestige and pulling power of the festival."

Already announced is another open-air Pier Head concerton Friday, August 25, by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, with their new conductor, the 30-year-old Russian Vasily Petrenko.

This is the first year the festival has been run over a four-day period.

[Paul D]

I'll have to go on the Saturday to see local legends Shack and to see these on Sunday now,wouldn't it be great if we could get loads of Liverpool bands to play the festival in 2008,I'd love to see that happen.:celb (23):

[Paul D]

A letter from Mathew Street

MILLION-selling pop folk heroes The Proclaimers are to play the Mathew Street festival.

The cult Scottish duo, twins Craig and Charlie Reid, who penned such classics as Letter from America and I'm Gonna Be 500 Miles, will play an afternoon concert (1.30pm) at the Pier Head on Saturday, August 26, the second day of this year's four-day event.

Famed for a pulsating live act, The Proclaimers have successfully blended politics, passion and pop and even helped their football club by spearheading the Hands Off Hibs campaign.

Hollywood also continues to knock on The Proclaimers door, with their songs appearing in hits such as Benny and June, Dumb and Dumber and Shrek.

The duo love playing at Liverpool and were surprise special guests at The Corals' home town end of year show.

Cllr Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool council, said: ''The Proclaimers are one of the great Scottish bands and always leave audiences wanting more and appeal to people of all tastes and ages.''


For the first time in the festival's 25-year history, the music begins on a Friday with The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra at the Pier Head for a 7.30pm concert.


This year's Liverpool Performs theme continues, with The Lightning Seeds headlining on Mathew Street Sunday.


From Saturday to Monday there will be a dedicated new band stage at the Pier Head which will feature 31 new or unsigned Liverpool bands.


The first hour on Saturday and Sunday from 11am-12noon, will be dedicated to the winners of an Xfactor style music competition called Streetwaves, held across the city's seven neighbourhoods.


Atotal of 76 bands, with some from as far as Norway to Argentina, will play live over the August Bank Holiday weekend, with Monday seeing five stages across the city centre.


More than 40 indoor venues will also be hosting free live music.


A record total of 370,000 people attended last year's festival, which was headlined by The Stranglers and Buzzcocks, and generated more than £32.5m for the local economy.


150,000 copies of the official 2006 Mathew Street Music Festival brochure will be available from Wednesday, August 9.

[Paul D]

GERRY Marsden is to play his first ever Mersey-side gig for this year's Mathew Street festival.

The 60s pop legend will headline an open air concert at the Pier Head, yards from the ferry he made world famous in song.

The free gig, at 12.30pm on Saturday, August 26, will be the first concert by Gerry and The Pacemakers on the riverside in more than 40 years of music-making.

Gerry, the first artist to claim three consecutive number ones in the British charts, said: "It's going to be great. I'm lucky to have played in front of huge crowds around the world, but coming back to Liverpool to play at the Pier Head fills us with great anticipation.


"To finally be involved in our own home festival means the gig has all the makings of an absolute cracker."


The singer also backed plans for this year's Mathew Street programme to include a show-case for more than 30 newly signed and unsigned Liverpool bands.


He said: "The Cavern was a great start for a lot of bands, and musicians still need venues and events to give them time to develop.

"It's crucial to their apprenticeship, and essential that the city provides such a platform."

Also announced today was an appearance by indie favourites The Wonder Stuff, known as The Stuffies to fans, who had a number one hit, Dizzy, featuring comic Vic Reeves. They play the Pier Head stage on Sunday, August 27.

Already revealed in the programme for the first four-day Mathew Street line-up are gigs by Liverpool cult band The Lightning Seeds and Scottish band The Proclaimers.

For the first time, classical music also gets a platform, with a Pier Head concert by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and their new conductor, the 30-year-old Russian Vasily Petrenko.

A total of 76 bands, some from South America, will appear in what is now Europe's biggest free music festival.

Five outdoor stages will be backed up by more than 40 indoor venues.

The extra day's schedule, from Friday, August 25 through to bank holiday Monday, is expected to boost last year's record total attendance of 370,000 people.

[Kev]

GERRY Marsden is to play his first ever Mersey-side gig for this year's Mathew Street festival. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17541130%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=gerry%2dto%2dstar%2din%2da%2dreal%2dlif e%2dferry%2dtale%2d%2d%2d%2d-name_page.html)

[Paul D]

On Monday 28 August,Amsterdam will headline the famous Mathew Street festival on the streets of Liverpool. The festival is being advertised this year all over Liverpool with the famous Liver building shot of Amsterdam taken at last years event. The boys will be onstage at 3:00pm.

http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/5042/indexmathewxl3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Howie]

I'm in that crowd somewhere. Really enjoyed Amsterdam last year. Check out their website here (http://www.amsterdam-music.com/). :celb (23):

See also www.myspace.com/amsterdamhq.

[Howie]

Marsden tops bill back at his riverside roots
Aug 11 2006
By Larry Neild, Daily Post

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/aug2006/9/7/F7DD5D40-DAA5-9494-029C7206FADD3ABD.jpg

THE song Ferry Across the Mersey put Merseybeat legends Gerry and the Pacemakers on the world map.

Now, 40 years after their smash hit record, Gerry Marsden and his group are to play by the river that made them famous.

The band, the first to claim three consecutive number one hits in the British charts, are to headline on Saturday, August 26, at a stage just yards from where the ferry departs.

The gig, part of the Mathew Street festival, begins at 12.30pm, swiftly followed by cult Scottish band The Proclaimers.

More (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17545652%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=marsden%2dtops%2dbill%2dback%2dat%2dhis %2driverside%2droots-name_page.html)...

[julia]

What's the best way to find out ahead of time who, what, where and when for the Mathew Street Festival? Is there a brochure or website that gives a detailed run down of everything going on? I'd like to try to plan my itinerary ahead of time. :PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[Howie]

www.liverpool08.com/Events/MathewStreet


:PDT_13:

[Paul D]

I'm going on the Sunday to take in two of Liverpool's finest bands The Lightning Seeds and Shack and I might as well take in The Wonderstuff while I'm there.:celb (23):

13:15 - 14:15 Lightning Seeds
14:30 - 15:30 Wonder Stuff
15:45 - 16:45 Shack

Santa Carla are a great local band but they clash with The Lightning Seeds so I'll only see a bit of them and I will probably hang around to see our very own Tramp Attack I've seen them before and they're great live,that's my day sorted then.:)

[julia]

Saturday will definitely be looking for Pier Head North. I'm into Gerry, Hermits, and Proclaimers. Never seen any of them live and defo plan to. Wouldn't mind listening to the Friday night classical (And fireworks), but might have to leave when they start playing elevator versions of the Beatles. :wtf: :protest:

Not seeing anything gripping on Sunday - might just wander around and catch in the scenes. :RAP:

I'm hoping Monday is a bank holiday, cause I'd love catching all the pseudo-Beatles groups in Derby Square. Only one thing missing - someone to go with. But if I'm by myself, who knows, maybe I'll meet someone interesting in the crowd of Sgt Pepper uniforms. :unibrow:

[Bob Kurac]

His only live performance in the uk so far this year, pete wylie will be
performing 'HEART AS BIG AS LIVERPOOL'
in a specially commissioned arrangement by Ian gardiner,
on Friday 25th August, the beginning of the Bank Holiday weekend,
at a free open-air evening concert on the City’s historic waterfront, at
Liverpool Pier Head.

pete says "it's a tremendous honour,a real career high,and a lifelong dream
come true"

it's a song that's dedicated to the people of liverpool,
and which is often talked of as an apposite anthem for LIVERPOOL in the
upcoming 800th birthday and Capital of Culture years.

[pete is dedicating this performance to the memory of his mother,who sadly
passed away recently.]

liverpool is central to pete's whole career and his big hits like 'the
story of the blues','come back' and 'sinful'
are all informed by his life here.
[and his contribution to the farm's 'all together now' cannot be under
estimated...]

the lyrics of 'HEART AS BIG AS LIVERPOOL' are printed below
IF YOU WISH TO DISTRIBUTE,PRINT OR DISPLAY THE LYRICS until august
30,PLEASE DO!
pete wylie holds the copyright and hereby gives permission until august 30.
PLEASE CREDIT AS WRITTEN BY PETE WYLIE.

LYRICS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON PETE'S WEBSITEhttp://www.petewylie.com
AND ON HIS MYSPACE PAGEhttp://www.myspace.com/petewylieWHERE YOU CAN ALSO
LISTEN TO THE CD VERSION

there's more on this event through the following link:
http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/capital/theatre/entertainmentnews/tm_ ob
jectid=17405205%26method=full%26siteid=50061%26hea dline=liverpool%2dphilhar
monic%2dto%2dopen%2dmathew%2dstreet%2dfestival-name_page.html

[Bob Kurac]

Mathew Street Festival Firework First for the Phil

The Phil’s new principal conductor, 30 year-old Russian, Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra will open Liverpool’s world famous Matthew Street Music Festival on Friday 25th August, the beginning of the Bank Holiday weekend, with a free open-air concert, with spectacular firework finale, on the City’s historic waterfront, at Liverpool Pier Head.

The spectacular event will be the Phil’s debut at what has become Europe’s biggest annual, outdoor city centre music festival, which last year attracted record-breaking crowds of 300,000 to the weekend musical bonanza. 10,000 people are expected to watch the Phil’s concert at the Pier Head.
The Phil’s new principal conductor, Vasily Petrenko leads this sensational programme of classical music gems which includes Shostakovich's Festival Overture and (delete ‘March’) Football from Russian River; Jupiter from Holst's Planet Suite, Rossini's William Tell Overture, Strauss's Radetsky March, (delete ‘and’) The Great Gate of Kiev from Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition. and a Beatles medley.
Orchestral arrangements of Beatles songs also feature and top names from the Liverpool music scene join the Phil as special guests; Garry Christian of The Christians to sing his poignant ballad Father, Pete Wylie of The Mighty Wah! performs his epic Heart as Big as Liverpool, Neville Skelly sings Eleanor Rigby, and Jennifer John and Thomas Lang (delete ‘will’) duet on You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Classic FM’s drive time presenter Mark Forrest will present the concert. Classic FM is the UK’s biggest classical music station with 6.4 million listeners weekly. The RLPO is adopted as ‘The Classic FM Orchestra in North West England.’
Vasily Petrenko, who opens his first season as principal conductor at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on 14th September, said: “I’m thrilled to lead the orchestra in opening the festival and for us to be part of an event that’s so full of energy and exuberance, and which and says so much about how important music of all kinds is to Liverpool.”
Michael Elliott, Chief Executive of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been invited by Liverpool Culture Company to open this year’s festival and what a way to introduce our new Principal Conductor to the City! The Liverpool Phil is an incredibly versatile orchestra, with a very broad repertoire, and Vasily will now play a pivotal role in our ambition to be at the heart of all the City’s musical celebrations as we prepare to showcase our Capital of Culture year on a world stage.”
Chief Executive of the Liverpool Culture Company, Jason Harborow said: "The number of people coming to Liverpool for the Mathew Street Music Festival is just amazing and keeps growing, year after year. Its popularity is due to the wide range of music that's on offer and the Liverpool Phil are playing a crucial role in that."
He added: "We're so pleased that the Phil is joining us to give the widest possible choice of entertainment for people visiting Liverpool. They will leave with a fantastic view of the city and its culture."
Ends
Notes to Editors

Friday, 25 August 7.30pm, FREE
Mathew Street Festival – Liverpool Pier Head Stage

There is no seating at the stage at the Pier Head. Members of the audience will however be able to bring their own seating, (e.g. garden chairs) and should aim to be seated by 7.00pm.

Concert Programme

Shostakovich Festive Overture
Tchaikovsky Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker
Rossini William Tell, Overture
Puccini Intermezzo from Act III of Manon Lescaut
Holst Jupiter from The Planets
Shostakovich Football
Traditional Johnny Todd
Rodgers You'll Never Walk Alone from Carousel
Lennon & McCartney Penny Lane
Garry Christian Father
Lennon & McCartne Eleanor Rigby
Wylie, Peter Heart as big as Liverpool
Mussorgsky/Ravel Baba Yaga and The Great Gate of Kiev from Pictures at an Exhibition - with firework finale

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Vasily Petrenko conductor
Mark Forrest presenter
Special guests: Garry Christian, Peter Wylie, Neville Skelly,
Jennifer John and Thomas Lang

[johnlemmon]

hello Bob...

as an ex-pat, i would love to be there at the weekend,

are there any plans to tape the events or have it on TV, I would love to watch all that wonderful music being played...

Thanks mate,

johnlemmon...:037:

[Paul D]

I'm not sure where but I seem to recall you could watch it online somewhere.

[Paul D]

Beatles festival tourists fly in despite airport alerts

INTERNATIONAL Beatle Week is set to deliver another tourism bonanza for Merseyside next week, with hotels in the region already 90% full.

http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17596646%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=beatles%2dfestival%2dtourists%2dfly%2di n%2ddespite%2dairport%2dalerts%2d-name_page.html

[Kev]

Beatles festival tourists fly in despite airport alerts

INTERNATIONAL Beatle Week is set to deliver another tourism bonanza for Merseyside next week, with hotels in the region already 90% full.

http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17596646%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=beatles%2dfestival%2dtourists%2dfly%2di n%2ddespite%2dairport%2dalerts%2d-name_page.html

A couple we were talking too on holiday are going, I might try and pop along!!

[Howie]

Preview: Mathew Street festival, Liverpool city centre
by Janet Tansley, Liverpool Echo

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/apr2006/5/7/B7B133A2-CA93-5662-A84F21505B0DBB0A.jpg

AS the words of a famous Beatles song say: It's getting better all the time.

Mathew Street Music Festival is now the largest free annual music event in Europe.

This year you can look forward to four days of live music with more than 75 bands performing on five stages across the city in celebration of the 2006 Capital of Culture year - Liverpool Performs. And more than 40 indoor venues will also be hosting free live music throughout this weekend.

With rock and pop talent, from the established to the emerging, young Liverpool bands to global legends, this year's Mathew Street Music Festival is set to be an unforgettable bank holiday weekend.

It all starts on Friday at 7.30pm with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra - but they won’t be alone. A host of famous name guests will join them, opening the festival for the first time.

Led by the RLPO's new principal conductor, Vasily Petrenko, the concert will feature classic music gems including Shostakovich's Festival Overture and March and Football from Russian River; Jupiter from Holst's Planet Suite, Rossini's William Tell Overture, Strauss's Radetsky, and The Great Gate of Kiev from Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition.

But they will be joined by top names from the Liverpool music scene; Garry Christian of The Christians will sing his poignant ballad Father; Pete Wylie of The Mighty Wah will perform Heart as Big as Liverpool and Jennifer John and Thomas Lang will duet on You'll Never Walk Alone.

The Lightning Seeds will be headlining the festival on Sunday - their first appearance in Liverpool since the millennium. Led by Ian Broudie, the band famous for hits such as Life of Riley, Pure, Lucky You and Three Lions, will perform a special one-hour greatest hits gig.

And from Saturday to Monday, 31 new or unsigned Liverpool bands will perform on a dedicated new band stage at the Pier Head.

The first hour on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to midday, will be dedicated to the winners of an X Factor style music competition called Streetwaves, held across the city's seven neighbourhoods.

For more information call 0151 233 2008 or visit www.liverpool08.com

Source: icLiverpool (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/entertainment/previewsandreviews/tm_objectid=17604672%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26page=1%26headline=preview%2d%2dmathew%2dstreet%2 dfestival%2d%2dliverpool%2dcity%2dcentre-name_page.html)

[Kev]

Once again, I wait in anticipation for the nation news reports on the festival being the largest in Europe and The Beatles but I won't hold my breath. Is it Nottinghill this weekend too?

[Bob Kurac]

Well, I just popped into the rehearsals at the Phil with the RLPO, Wylie, Garry Christian, Nev Skelly, Jenny John and Tom Lang. It sounds great - Petrenko is a hardcore maestro.

While I was there Womack and Womack called by too!

[Kev]

Well, I just popped into the rehearsals at the Phil with the RLPO, Wylie, Garry Christian, Nev Skelly, Jenny John and Tom Lang. It sounds great - Petrenko is a hardcore maestro.

While I was there Womack and Womack called by too!

Bob, fantastic. Did you get any pics to share? :celb (23):

[Bob Kurac]

Bob, fantastic. Did you get any pics to share? :celb (23):


No, you'll have to settle for that World Exclusive!

[Kev]

No, you'll have to settle for that World Exclusive!

lol, many thanks for sharing with us :). Now all I have to do is decide what day to attend?! Any advice?

[Bob Kurac]

lol, many thanks for sharing with us :). Now all I have to do is decide what day to attend?! Any advice?

For me, it'll be tomorrow's gig with the RLPO, a few hours on Saturday, a couple of hours of Sunday and none of Monday.

[Kev]

I'm going to be 'dropped off' somwhere over the weekend and soak up the atmosphere :)

[Bob Kurac]

I'm going to be 'dropped off' somwhere over the weekend and soak up the atmosphere :)


As you asked nicely ... the respective backs of Wylie and Garry C with Vasily Petrenko and the RLPO.

[FKoE]

:D nice one bobbie lad

[Kev]

As you asked nicely ... the respective backs of Wylie and Garry C with Vasily Petrenko and the RLPO.

Bob, they are great, many thanks again for posting them :)

[Kev]

THE largest free annual music event in Europe kicks off in Liverpool tonight.

This year's Mathew Street Festival is expected to be the biggest and best yet, with 75 bands performing on five stages across the city and free live music in more than 40 indoor venues throughout the Bank Holiday weekend.

Organisers, the Liverpool Culture Company, expect the four day event to attract in the region of 300,000 visitors.

This year, the Beatles-inspired festival has a strong Liverpool theme, showcasing home-grown talent, from the famous to the unsigned, to celebrate the 2006 Capital of Culture themed year - Liverpool Performs.

For the first time, the music begins on Friday with The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra's first Mathew Street concert at 7.30pm on the Pier Head. Pop legends The Lightning Seeds are headlining the festival on Sunday with a special one-hour greatest hits gig - their first Liverpool appearance since the millennium.

Also throughout the weekend there will be a dedicated new band stage at the Pier Head featuring 31 new or unsigned Liverpool bands.

Cllr Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: "This year's festival line-up is the strongest we've ever had. There's a fine blend of legends and unsigned bands and with musicians from Africa to Argentina - the variety for fans is fantastic.

"The addition of the RLPO on Friday is a major boost and a signpost for how we want to widen the festival's appeal as we build up to 2008. I'm sure by Tuesday the city will be partied out with memories of some outstanding performances."

Stewards aim to ensure crowd safety and traffic management, while Merseyside Police officers plan to be highly visible throughout the festival's duration.

Chief Superintendent Andrew Ward, head of the policing operation over the weekend, said: "It is our aim to respond promptly to any incidents of crime and disorder that may spoil the enjoyment of those attending. The Festival will be a glass-free event, so I would urge members of the public who will be bringing their own drink to the festival to use plastic bottles and containers."

Motorists are advised to avoid the city centre because of road closures and possible congestion. Access to the Pier Head will be restricted on Friday evening and all day Saturday and Sunday and several city centre roads will be closed to traffic on Monday, including Dale Street, Water Street, Castle Street, James Street and part of The Strand.

On Sunday and Monday, a park and ride scheme is operating every 20 minutes between Otterspool Promenade and Liver Street, from 10am and 10pm. Public transport will be limited on Bank Holiday Monday so police urge members of the public to plan their journeys home.

A record total of 370,000 people attended last year's festival, which was headlined by The Stranglers and Buzzcocks, and generated more than £32.5m for the local economy.

[johnlemmon]

my mate redvibe has gone to liverpool for the day from dewsbury, to listen to the great RLPO...

hope she has a good day out...

we used to go with school to see them , many moons ago...

lemmo...:celb (6):

[woody]

I'm going to be 'dropped off' somwhere over the weekend and soak up the atmosphere :)

Hi Kev, I will be in town on Sunday & Monday, fancy "one last pint" in Coopers on Sunday before the Pier Head concert , I will be in Coopers arond 1pm:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[Kev]

Hi Kev, I will be in town on Sunday & Monday, fancy "one last pint" in Coopers on Sunday before the Pier Head concert , I will be in Coopers arond 1pm:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

Hi Woody :). I will try and meet up for a pint, yes. Cheers :PDT_Aliboronz_24: and thanks for signing up.

Kev

[johnlemmon]

oi,

what about ny pint...
it's a long way for me to come for a pint but i wish i could, i love the atmosphere on a merseyside weekend or festival...

lemmo...:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[Kev]

oi,

what about ny pint...
it's a long way for me to come for a pint but i wish i could, i love the atmosphere on a merseyside weekend or festival...

lemmo...:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

John, I'll be going so I'll take a few pics and vids and post 'em at some point. Be sure to check out the Mathew Street Webcams (http://www.scouseology.com/?page_id=5) (Scroll down the page) too, watch the build up of crowds :celb (23):

[Kev]

Lets see how much wider media coverage our festival gets eh? Non from Sky news so far....

http://static.flickr.com/96/225056442_bf3345357c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/225056442/)

But loads on Nottinghill :rolleyes:

[Kev]

Mathew Street is getting busy. Click here and scroll down (http://www.scouseology.com/?page_id=5).....

Check it out later on, it'll be rammed!

[Howie]

Went down the Pier Head earlier and watched the sets by Gerry and the Pacemakers (http://www.gerrymarsden.co.uk/), The Proclaimers (http://www.proclaimers.co.uk/), and Doctor and the Medics (http://www.doctorandthemedics.com/). It was busy then and the TV cameras were there.

[Kev]

Went down the Pier Head earlier and watched the sets by Gerry and the Pacemakers (http://www.gerrymarsden.co.uk/), The Proclaimers (http://www.proclaimers.co.uk/), and Doctor and the Medics (http://www.doctorandthemedics.com/). It was busy then and the TV cameras were there.

I tried to get down but I could'nt get a free pass from the missus :rolleyes:.

[Howie]

I tried to get down but I could'nt get a free pass from the missus :rolleyes:.
Took the missus with me. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[Kev]

http://static.flickr.com/76/225270194_f6d2f46330.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dantl/225270194/)

The Proclaimers, a few more pics here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dantl/)....

[robbo176]

I went to see Gerry Marsden,The Proclaimers & Dr & the Medics too

heres my pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44141827@N00/225465510/

[Kev]

Great pics :celb (23):

[julia]

I was there to see the RLPO and Vasily Petrenko last night. Forgot my lawn chair, but remembered my umbrella. That song, Heart As Big As Liverpool, had me crying big time. :crybaby:

Went this afternoon and saw Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Proclaimers, Dr and the Medics, and Johnny Silver. :celb (23): The Proclaimers were the best of show, IMHO. I've only ever heard one of their songs (The one about walking 500 miles), but now I'm interested in listening to more of their music. They've also got me seriously thinking about planning a trip to Scotland next year (I've never been, but have wanted to go for a few years now).

All in all, this year is turning out to be a most excellent festival. :celb (6):

[Howie]

I've only ever heard one of their songs (The one about walking 500 miles), but now I'm interested in listening to more of their music.
There's plenty of RealPlayer streams on The Proclaimers website (link above). :)

[Howie]

Goin' to pop down the Pier Head for a couple of hours again this afternoon and see The Lightning Seeds (http://www.lightning-seeds.co.uk/) and The Wonder Stuff (http://www.thewonderstuff.co.uk/). :)

[Kev]

Goin' to pop down the Pier Head for a couple of hours again this afternoon and see The Lightning Seeds (http://www.lightning-seeds.co.uk/) and The Wonder Stuff (http://www.thewonderstuff.co.uk/). :)

Might see you round there Howie, I'll be in Coopers around 1pm.

[Howie]

Look out for a 50-yr old hoodie with half his front teeth missing and a liver bird tattoo on his arm. :unibrow:

[Kev]

Look out for a 50-yr old hoodie with half his front teeth missing and a liver bird tattoo on his arm. :unibrow:

okeedokie

[Paul D]

If you're at the Pier Head later on take in Shack who are on at 15.45-16.45 at the Pier Head North stage and the excellent Tramp Attack on the other stage at 17.45-18.15.:PDT_Piratz_26:

[Kev]

I'll see what ahppens Paul. Cheers :PDT_Piratz_26:. Never been before would you believe?

[Paul D]

If the weather turns gangster on us you might want to see the Amazing Kappa in Coopers,he's legendary on the Liverpool scene and can play the guitar behind his head and everything and yes that's his real name,anyway have a great day everyone and Kev you'll love it and I'm sure this will be your first of many i'm off now see ya.:PDT_Piratz_26:

Oh yes and if you're going to be drinking outdoors take your own ale it's about £3 a can.:eek:

[Louis]

Here are some of the pictures I took at the Lightning Seeds today

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/im_feelin_supersonic/CIMG3098.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/im_feelin_supersonic/CIMG3097.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/im_feelin_supersonic/CIMG3095.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/im_feelin_supersonic/CIMG3094.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/im_feelin_supersonic/CIMG3091.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/im_feelin_supersonic/CIMG3090.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/im_feelin_supersonic/CIMG3087.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/im_feelin_supersonic/CIMG3086.jpg

[Kev]

I'm gonna post some vids very soon, what did you think of them?

[Louis]

i really enjoyed it, i thought the crowd would have got into three lions more though

[Kev]

i really enjoyed it, i thought the crowd would have got into three lions more though

lol, me too.

[Howie]

Here are some of the pictures I took at the Lightning Seeds today
Judging from the pics you must have been stood next to me when you took 'em - 'bout 10ft behind the fella in the blue cowboy hat. :noid:

[Louis]

haha! yeah i was standing there

[petecarr]

I loved the Lightning Seeds set. I'm a big fan of their stuff and its the first time I've seen them live. I've got a press pass so I was really close. Fantastic time. I missed Tramp Attack as I've seen them before and I wanted to catch God Save the Queen who was really cool. Tomorrow will be a lot of work. 5 stages :shock:

[Kev]

I took some vids, hope you like them.............

http://sjl-static15.sjl.youtube.com/vi/0BCklJwrOQY/2.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BCklJwrOQY)
Three Lions - Lightning Seeds Mathew Street Festival 2006 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BCklJwrOQY)


http://sjl-static2.sjl.youtube.com/vi/Z28cGUc0Ri0/2.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z28cGUc0Ri0)
Life of Riley - The Lightning Seeds Mathew Street Festival (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z28cGUc0Ri0)


http://sjl-static9.sjl.youtube.com/vi/-SDP1eFD044/2.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SDP1eFD044)
Pure - The Lightning Seeds Mathew Street Festival (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SDP1eFD044)


http://sjl-static15.sjl.youtube.com/vi/ohH5QgFQvGM/2.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohH5QgFQvGM)
Sugar Coated Iceburg, The Lightning Seeds Mathew Street Fest (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohH5QgFQvGM)


http://sjl-static3.sjl.youtube.com/vi/y5x0RarVEsM/2.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5x0RarVEsM)
Marvellous - The Lightning Seeds - Mathew Street Festival (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5x0RarVEsM)


http://sjl-static14.sjl.youtube.com/vi/bNps9r7LDMU/2.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNps9r7LDMU)
Lucifer Sam by The Lightning Seeds, Mathew Street Festival (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNps9r7LDMU)


http://sjl-static5.sjl.youtube.com/vi/xOVEJCzx8So/2.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOVEJCzx8So)
Lightning Seeds Change Mathew Street Festival 2006 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOVEJCzx8So)

[Blabber]

I was down the Pier Head today with the missus. We both had a fantastic time. Wether was just right, briloiant atmosphere, the Lightning Seeds and the ones after them (-what are they called again?) were brilliant. As was the Cains tent!! :PDT_Aliboronz_24: :PDT_Aliboronz_24:

I'll upload my vids and pics tomorrow laa's :PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[Kev]

http://static.flickr.com/66/226119953_e3b8b6a12f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/226119953/)

Inside Coopers.... - Shame it closes for good next week

http://static.flickr.com/63/226119572_e05ca67521.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/226119572/)

http://static.flickr.com/60/226118819_e61c21151f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/226118819/)

Woody and gang

http://static.flickr.com/63/226119785_ec32d8f23c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/226119785/)

[Gazzab]

If you're at the Pier Head later on take in Shack who are on at 15.45-16.45 at the Pier Head North stage and the excellent Tramp Attack on the other stage at 17.45-18.15.:PDT_Piratz_26:

Hi Paul. I managed to catch the Proclaimers yesterday but missed Dr and the Medics as we were doing the Mersey Ferry Tour by then. Also nipped in to Coopers on the way but only to find out the Liverpool / West Ham score.

Where did you find out the times for all the bands performing. If I can find that out next year I can pick the best day to attend.

[Howie]

Where did you find out the times for all the bands performing. If I can find that out next year I can pick the best day to attend.
See www.liverpool08.com/Events/MathewStreet.

[Gazzab]

See www.liverpool08.com/Events/MathewStreet.

Cheers Howie. I wish I had seen the website before setting off.

[Howie]

See Amsterdam (http://www.amsterdam-music.com/) today at 3.45pm on the Pier Head South stage. :celb (23):

Any other recommendations, folks? :question:

[Paul D]

Hi Paul. I managed to catch the Proclaimers yesterday but missed Dr and the Medics as we were doing the Mersey Ferry Tour by then. Also nipped in to Coopers on the way but only to find out the Liverpool / West Ham score.

Where did you find out the times for all the bands performing. If I can find that out next year I can pick the best day to attend.

Alright Gazzab how are you mate? :) they also have people handing out schedules on the day but that site is your best bet it pays to plan ahead.

[Paul D]

See Amsterdam (http://www.amsterdam-music.com/) today at 3.45pm on the Pier Head South stage. :celb (23):

Any other recommendations, folks? :question:

Deffo Howie make sure you see The Aeroplanes 17:30-18:15 not long after Amsterdam are on.28 Costumes are supposed to be good but I've never heard them but they might be worth checking out.

Have a listen to The Aeroplanes here and see what you think.
http://www.myspace.com/theaeroplanes

28 costumes
http://www.myspace.com/28costumes

Alterkicks are getting decent reviews.
http://www.myspace.com/alterkicks

[Kev]

In 2008, according to today's Echo there could be a Beatles reunion.

[Paul D]

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/7114/santacarlaia9.jpg

I started my day off with Santa Carla a great local band who do quite well in America but are virtualy unknown here and they were excellent.
Watch them here Catcher in the Rye is one of those songs that you can't get out of your head.
http://www.santacarla.co.uk/multimedia.html

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/8161/festival2pw6.jpg

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/7357/ianbroudieas9.jpg

Then on to see The Lightning Seeds and they were quality as to be expected.

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/8062/festivalvs4.jpg

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/9042/wonderstuffwj5.jpg

Then came The Wonderstuff and they were O.K.

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/2293/festival5jf8.jpg

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/7938/shackzs2.jpg

Then I watched one of my old favourites Shack.
Listen to Shack here.
http://www.myspace.com/shacktheband

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/3470/festival4jj2.jpg

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/4384/festival1aq2.jpg

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/7596/trampattackht8.jpg

And I rounded off an excellent day with the slightly comical Tramp Attack slightly drunk and with the worst red kite you've ever seen.:)

Have a listen here.
http://www.myspace.com/trampattack

[Kev]

^^Excellent Paul^^ :celb (23):Global exposure for Liverpool!!

[Paul D]

^^Excellent Paul^^ :celb (23):Global exposure for Liverpool!!

It certainly is Kev,they'll have to make a special effort for 2008 so I can't wait to see who the have on then.What did you think of the festival as a first timer and will you be doing it again?

[Kev]

It certainly is Kev,they'll have to make a special effort for 2008 so I can't wait to see who the have on then.What did you think of the festival as a first timer and will you be doing it again?

Deffo do it again next year, was gonna go today but drank a few beers last night, Bank Holiday Monday always has the same feel to it.

I just hate the lack of media exposure for this festival, its all Nottinghill, nottinghill, nottinghill.....

[Paul D]

Deffo do it again next year, was gonna go today but drank a few beers last night, Bank Holiday Monday always has the same feel to it.

I just hate the lack of media exposure for this festival, its all Nottinghill, nottinghill, nottinghill.....

I know we don't get the exposure we deserve but we never have and as I've always said "we know we're great" and soon they're going to have to sit up and take notice.

I'm glad you'll be there next time because this thing will only get bigger and better if we the locals support it,everyone should be encouraged to go.As the organisers have always said "we know we can get people from Asia there but we not so sure we can attract people from Allerton" so spread the word.:celb (6):

[Paul D]

Excellent vids by the way Kev I must admit the Syd Barrett tribute left me with a huge lump in my throat and as Ian Broudie said he was an inspiration to misfits everywhere.:sad:

[Kev]

I must admit the Syd Barrett tribute left me with a huge lump in my throat and as Ian Broudie said he was an inspiration to misfits everywhere.:sad:

A pleasant suprise, glad I was there for that :)

[wallasey]

Today (BH Monday) was good, there was a Brian Adams Tribute band on the Strand which was exceedingly good and there was also a Paul McCartney Band too on Dale Street.

For me, the best was "Vogue" (thats a Maddona Band) as she kept the crowd alive and gave a mixture of old and new songs. I took a few images and will upload them sometime soon (have quite a few from last monday to sort too!)

Wasn't it strange though to be able to walk down the middle of Stand and Dale Street without the risk of being run over! I was really strange to be honest! and Met Quatre was all but deserted too!

All in all, I think that this year has been a success and would go again for deffo.

[Louis]

today i saw Definitely Mightbe, Pirate Radiohead, Elevation and Coldplace.

Seen all before, but Elevation were brilliant

[Kev]

....and Met Quatre was all but deserted too!

No change there then :shock: :)

[Paul D]

today i saw Definitely Mightbe, Pirate Radiohead, Elevation and Coldplace.

Seen all before, but Elevation were brilliant

My brother went today and he said Elevation were brilliant he was telling me how the crowd was singing along and jumping about a bit.He also said it was much busier today than it was on any other day of the festival,I wish I'd went now.I believe the Guns and Roses tribute were good as well.

[Howie]

The atmosphere today was great - 5 stages (some good bands), the fairground rides, the stalls, the crowds. Amsterdam were 'best of fest' for me, (might even go and see 'em at the Carling Academy). The crowd really got into 'You're a Phoney' and the play out with a 'Town Called Malice' was sound. :celb (23): Tired, sunburnt, bit deaf, more than a bit drunk, but happy. :)

[woody]

For me, the best was "Vogue" (thats a Maddona Band) as she kept the crowd alive and gave a mixture of old and new


She (Maddona) was great, :Colorz_Grey_PDT_16:

[Kev]

The atmosphere today was great - 5 stages (some good bands), the fairground rides, the stalls, the crowds. Amsterdam were 'best of fest' for me, (might even go and see 'em at the Carling Academy). The crowd really got into 'You're a Phoney' and the play out with a 'Town Called Malice' was sound. :celb (23): Tired, sunburnt, bit deaf, more than a bit drunk, but happy. :)

Great Howie :PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[julia]

I wonder what all those ladies are going to do with the frilly pink or black cowboy hats they bought today now that the day is over? I bet the hats go straight in the closet and get forgotten about.:Colorz_Grey_PDT_24:

[Kev]

I wonder what all those ladies are going to do with the frilly pink or black cowboy hats they bought today now that the day is over? I bet the hats go straight in the closet and get forgotten about.:Colorz_Grey_PDT_24:

Yes, what's with those hats? There were girls with 'em on on holiday too!

[Kev]

LIVERPOOL'S Mathew Street Festival could be replicated overseas, it emerged last night. City leaders from the Netherlands were in Liverpool over the weekend to see if they could host a similar event in Rotterdam.

It came as visitor figures broke records, with 350,000 people flocking to the city centre over four days, including an increased number of families.

Event manager Lee Fordetold the Daily Post: "The festival has come of age and a lot more people are hearing about it as word is spreading.

"The guys from Rotterdam City Council have been walking around. They love it and they would like to have one in their city. They can't believe how we do this.

"However, the festival is unique to Liverpool, so it would be interesting to see if it could be transferred somewhere else."

This year's festival was the biggest ever, with bands playing at five stages yesterday, rather than the traditional four.

Tribute acts to such artists as U2, Queen and Robbie Williams, performed at the Pier Head, The Strand and Dale Street.

Meanwhile, a stage at Derby Square played host to a series of Beatles tribute acts, who had travelled from countries as far afield as Canada, Brazil and Venezuela.

Crowds filled Mathew Street itself as pubs and clubs offered more intimate settings to enjoy live music.

And there were activities for children, with huge ferris wheels and bungee rides towering over Castle Street and Water Street.

Mr Forde said: "We've got a much bigger site this year. Because we've moved one of the stages up to Dale Street, it gives us a greater area.

"What we've noticed is there's a great change in demographics. There are a lot of families here, which is a great testament to the event being comfortable for people to come to.

"The festival has also got a lot more credibility. We started bringing in original artists last year, and that has really raised its profile.

"So people who wouldn't normally have come in the past are turning up and bringing their kids along."

Kris Donaldson, marketing director of the Culture Company, which organises the event, added: "Because of The Beatles, the festival has always had a wide audience. Bands love the opportunity of playing in Liverpool.

"We have had a lot of different types of bands here this year. It has covered every musical taste you could

possibly imagine. It has attracted people of all ages and there is a family atmosphere."

Among the bands performing at the Pier Head yesterday was 28 Costumes, a rock group from Liverpool.

Lead guitarist Tony Reilly, 28, from Cronton, said: "We have played around the world, but it's awe-inspiring to play in Liverpool, looking at all the famous buildings."

Supermarket supervisor Ceri Watkins, 32, from Ainsdale, was in the crowds at Derby Square.

She said: "It's a great chance to spend the day with friends. The atmosphere is electric, as the place is buzzing and really lively.

"It really brings Liverpool's musical heritage to the forefront."

Biology student Thomas James, 19, had travelled with friends from Warwick to see the tribute groups.

He said: "I have come here for the past two years and I wouldn't miss it now. The tribute acts are great - sometimes it's like watching the real thing, only for free."

Teacher Helen Thompson, 58, made a "pilgrimage" to Liverpool from her home in Morristown, New Jersey.

She said: "I loved The Beatles when I was growing up in America, but I never had the chance to see them live. "This is my first time in Liverpool, and I love it. The city is so vibrant and the bands are fantastic.

"It's just been a wonderful experience to see where modern pop music really began."

The festival began on Friday with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra at the Pier Head.

Saturday featured The Proclaimers and Dr And The Medics. Sunday's event was headlined by Liverpool band The Lightning Seeds, who performed alongside other local groups, including Shack, Sirenz and Blue Demon.

source (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17642721%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=liverpool%2dfestival%2dcan%2dconquer%2d the%2dworld-name_page.html)...

[wallasey]

She (Maddona) was great, :Colorz_Grey_PDT_16:

Here you go!

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/4153/28thaugust06matthewstreetfestival049kn0.jpg

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/8228/28thaugust06matthewstreetfestival056jx8.jpg

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/1865/28thaugust06matthewstreetfestival063vi1.jpg

I must say she is very talented and was a joy to watch. But, did she really come from Kirkby?

[Kev]

Its Margie Clark :Colorz_Grey_PDT_16:

[john]

:lol:

[lindylou]

Its Margie Clark :Colorz_Grey_PDT_16:

Yeah, it does look like her ! :D

[Louis]

also the airhorns and whistles! people will buy anything lol

[Louis]

heres some more pics

Elevation

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/im_feelin_supersonic/CIMG3113.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/im_feelin_supersonic/CIMG3116.jpg

Definitely Mightbe

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/im_feelin_supersonic/CIMG3103.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/im_feelin_supersonic/CIMG3106.jpg

Coldplace

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/im_feelin_supersonic/CIMG3120.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a308/im_feelin_supersonic/CIMG3122.jpg

[Paul D]

There was 350,000 people who attended the festival and the police only had to make one arrest up to Mondays Echo going to print,well done Liverpool.:PDT_Piratz_26:

[Paul D]

That lads the ringer of Liam Gallagher.

[Howie]

Magic of Mathew St boosts website hits
Sep 21 2006
Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL'S Capital of Culture website received more than 100,000 "hits" last month.

People preparing to visit this year's Mathew Street music festival are believed to have boosted interest in the www.liverpool08.com site.

It saw a 67% increase in interest for August, notching up record-breaking results of 107,606 visits and 56,378 visitors.

The rise was mostly due to music lovers surfing for information about the annual four-day festival.

Four of the top five key phrases people used to find the site related to the Mathew Street festival.

Almost 25,000 people also down-loaded the full programme featuring a map of the city, forthcoming event highlights and further information on Liverpool 08.

Jason Harborow, Liverpool Culture Company chief executive, said: "We're promoting the site more and more in all our marketing efforts and communications which seems to be proving a hit with people looking to read more about Liverpool 08 or participate in events taking place in the city.

"This year's Mathew Street festival was the biggest and best yet and it's pleasing that visitors are using the site for information."

Source: icLiverpool (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/capitalofculture/news/tm_objectid=17795798&method=full&siteid=50061&headline=magic-of-mathew-st-boosts-website-hits-name_page.html)

[Kev]

Here's our stats:

Unique Visits

February 2006: 18,178 Unique Visits :)
March 2006: 20,496 Unique Visits :)
April 2006: 22,555Unique Visits :)
May 2006: 30,531 Unique Visits :):)
June 2006: 27,035 Unique Visits :disgust:
July 2006: 33,312 Unique Visits :) (Small increase on May's total of 2,781 visits)
August 2006: 33,890 Unique Visits (A very small increase of 512 visits) :)

A unique visit/or is counted only when bringing up more than one page and taking no longer than 30 minutes between individual pages.

Page Views

January 2006: 38,405
February 2006: 98,368
March 2006: 88,171
April 2006: 211,934
May 2006: 230,155
June 2006: 224,062
July 2006: 312,539
August 2006: 358,333

A total so far this year of... 1,561,967 :):):)

These statistics show all successful page views (also known as page impressions). Only fully loaded pages are counted.

[Howie]

Festival may go live for 08
Sep 29 2006
By David Higgerson, Daily Post Staff

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/aug2003/7/7/000CAF55-1865-1F4B-9A0A80BFB6FA0000.jpg

LIVERPOOL'S Mathew Street festival could be broadcast live by the BBC in Capital of Culture year, it emerged last night.

Culture company leaders met senior staff from the broadcaster this week to try and guarantee extensive coverage of events taking place in Liverpool in 2008.

A short video shown to BBC executives was replayed to around 100 people at a public update meeting in St George's Hall last night.

The video was dominated by footage from the Mathew Street Festival, which this year attracted more than 400,000 people.

When challenged that the video included very little classical music, Culture Company chief executive Jason Harborow said it had "been created with a certain event in mind for coverage".

Mr Harborow said: "We have had a positive response from the BBC. It is important that as much as possible is given coverage by the BBC, and hopefully they are on board with that now."

The BBC has increased the number of music festivals it covers.

The Culture Company has refused to dismiss rumours it is hoping a reunion of the remaining Beatles could be the centre-piece of the Mathew Street festival in 2008, which would guarantee global publicity.

Council leader Warren Bradley said the city was determined to make sure everyone knew about 08.

He said: "In my opinion, the culture marketing is the best this city has ever had. Go to Euston station and the first thing you see is Liverpool and right across London. It's the same in Las Vegas.

The Culture Company are doing an excellent job promoting the city."

Mr Harborow confirmed that initial events for 2008 would be confirmed on November 6 with simultaneous announcements being made in Liverpool and at the World Travel Fair in London.

That will give the city the chance to make an immediate impression on travel leaders from across the globe. Mr Harborow said music, in particularly the Beatles, continued to be one of the city's best marketing tools.

He said: "After November 6, there won't be any more phoney dates. We will announce them and everything will be clearer."

Mr Harborow was the only one to mention departed artistic director Robyn Archer by name, admitting things had been "challenging" since. But he added: "The artistic programme isn't the work of one person, it is a shared vision.

"We have started listening more and finding out what people want."

But 08 ambassador Dean Sullivan, best known for his role as Jimmy Corkhill in soap Brookside, told organisers people locally still felt excluded.

He said: "I wouldn't have known about this meeting had I not seen it mentioned in my emails.

"People need to be told about meetings and be involved."

Prof Drummond Bone, chairman of the culture company and vice-chancellor of Liverpool University, said: "We need everyone to work together and talk up the city. "There have been challenges lately, and some navel-gazing, but I believe that everything will become a lot clearer after November 6."

davidhiggerson@dailypost.co.uk

Source: icLiverpool (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/entertainment/previewsandreviews/tm_objectid=17841642&method=full&siteid=50061&headline=festival-may-go-live-for-08-name_page.html)

[Kev]

Well that would be great if that happened!!

[Paul D]

Well that would be great if that happened!!

This is exactly what the Mathew Street festival needs,exposure.There's nothing like it and if it was anywhere else it would be televised,T.V coverage would lead to a whole host of bigs names making an appearence in 2008,I hope Macca and Ringo can be persuaded to play here because the World's press would be in attendance then and then there will be no looking back.

[Kev]

LIVERPOOL'S Mathew Street festival concerts may be forced to move out of the city centre next year. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_headline=mathew-street-gigs-may-switch-to-park%26method=full%26objectid=18105499%26siteid=50 061-name_page.html)

[Sloyne]

LIVERPOOL'S Mathew Street festivalI wonder why the powers that be in Liverpool are so reticent in using the word 'BEATLES'? Matthew Street is known to very few people outside the Beatles officianado group. The Beatles are probably the best known group of rock musicians of all time. I even know Beatle fans who don't know what the Cavern is or it's significance in the Beatles story. They like the music and know they come from Liverpool and that's enough. Like the name Merseyside is known to very few people outside of the area and certainly draws a blank with almost every non Brit I have ever met, Mathew Street is obscure and should be renamed the "Beatles Festival". IMHO.

[Howie]

Mathew Street gigs may switch to park
Nov 16 2006
By Mike Hornby, Liverpool Echo

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/aug2005/2/7/00038D72-450E-1314-89E90C01AC1BF814.jpg

LIVERPOOL'S Mathew Street festival concerts may be forced to move out of the city centre next year.

When the city celebrates its 800th birthday, building work at the Pier Head will be in the way of one of the event's main stages.

Organisers are considering switching some of the festivities in August to Sefton Park.

It is one of the issues which will be discussed when the city's "party leader", Cllr Mike Storey, meets licensees from all over Liverpool on Monday.

He said: "It is early days but we do want to think about moving some events away from the city centre as the reconstruction continues.

"I'm keeping an open mind about the issue as we go through the planning process.

"We are expecting a huge number of visitors in 2007 and then 2008 and the success of the party depends not only on how good the programme is but also the welcome which visitors receive.

"It is no good if people attend a fantastic concert then have a bad experience in a restaurant or fall victim to crime.

"I want to talk about these issues with the traders and I want them to give me their ideas to make the next two years a lasting success."

The main focus of the celebrations will be August Bank Holiday weekend when the international Beatles convention on the Friday and Saturday and the Mathew Street festival on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday will build up to the actual 800th birthday on Tuesday, August 28.

Peter Jones, of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, said: "The last thing Liverpool needs is a situation where the party is planned by officials in offices and forced on everybody.

"It is also important that the whole city takes part.

"I think their concern is to make sure that the type of events which are planned don't attract the wrong sort of person.

"We don't want to encourage under-age drinking for example."

mikehornby@liverpoolecho.co.uk

Source: icLiverpool (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_headline=mathew-street-gigs-may-switch-to-park%26method=full%26objectid=18105499%26page=1%26 siteid=50061-name_page.html)

[Louis]

Does anyone know how to apply to play on the new bands stage? im just wondering coz we really wanna play it, yet we can't find any information on how to apply :(

If anyone could help that would be great

Cheers

[john]

Have n't you got a manager yet to sort these things out?

[steveb]

get in touch with the organisers, and ask them

[christy]

Does anyone know how to apply to play on the new bands stage? im just wondering coz we really wanna play it, yet we can't find any information on how to apply :(

If anyone could help that would be great

Cheers

The new bands thing last year was done through a battle of the bands competition with the winners of the heats given slots over the weekend.

[Kev]

THE Mathew Street Festival is going back to basics because of Liverpool’s building works.

Famous names added to the festival bill over the past two years will not appear this year.

Canal building work at the Pier Head means there is no space for the giant main stage which has attracted big name performers.

The Pier Head also plays host to a second stage for young Liverpool bands.

This year’s festival is being cut back from the usual three days to Sunday and bank holiday Monday, and forms part of the wider Liverpool 800th birthday weekend.

The loss of the Pier Head site means festival organisers will return to the traditional stages in city centre streets and squares.

Beatles’ bands and other tribute acts are likely to perform in locations used in previous years such as the Strand, Water Street and Derby Square.

Liverpool Culture Company today declined to comment.

But a message sent out to performers by event organisers said: “Unfortunately due to having to re-evaluate the festival this year we are unable to have the big act names as in previous years.

“We have lost the Pier Head site due to the canal works, and have reduced the event to two days which has meant that there will be no main stage in 2007.”

Last year big-name performers the Proclaimers, Lightning Seeds, the Wonderstuff and Gerry and the Pacemakers drew the crowds, while in 2005 it was the turn of the Stranglers, Buzzcocks, McFly and Tony Christie.

Among those disappointed by the decision are Liverpool band Amsterdam, who have been told there is no space for them to play.

Guitarist Ian Prowse said: “'It’s very disappointing because I know fans from as far afield as the USA have booked hotels, and it's only around the corner now.”

Source (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2007/07/25/mathew-street-festival-to-be-scaled-back-100252-19516478/)

[Paul D]

I sort of expected this to happen this year,I suppose it's a small sacrafice we'll have to make to see the city centre recover.

[Louis]

that means there wil be more people available to come and see the unsigned groups on the streetwaves stage in williamson square.

[kat2]

I just hope we get some decent weather *sighs*
kat

[Howie]

THE Mathew Street Festival is going back to basics because of Liverpool’s building works.

Among those disappointed by the decision are Liverpool band Amsterdam, who have been told there is no space for them to play.

Shame! I've really enjoyed Amsterdam's performances at the last two years Mathew St. Festivals. :sad:

Check them out at www.myspace.com/amsterdamhq and www.amsterdam-music.com. :thumbsup:

[Howie]

Amsterdam will play at Liverpool's Carling Academy on Saturday 15th September to launch the fab live album that was recorded in London last summer.
The boys will hit London itself a week later for further promotion. Also the lads are happy to play in Liverpool following the disappointment surrounding the Mathew Street festival this year.

[Ged]

One of the stages will be a floating one on the Albert Dock.

[Mags75]

MATHEW STREET FESTIVAL

CANCELLED

CITY'S A ****ING JOKE!

[petecarr]

URL? Where'd you hear that?

[robbo176]

Is this true? :shock: :PDT_Xtremez_12:

[Mags75]

URL? Where'd you hear that?

me mate told me.

Are you a photographer Pete?

I've got an amazing pic of
Mick Head out of Shack
and it says Pete carr on it.

If it's you. Is right mate.
Top snapper!

[Ged]

News to me, we're playing there :):shock:

[petecarr]

me mate told me.

Are you a photographer Pete?

I've got an amazing pic of
Mick Head out of Shack
and it says Pete carr on it.

If it's you. Is right mate.
Top snapper!

Yup that'll be me. I'll be waiting for the official word before believing your mate, no offense :) I hope it isn't canceled as it'll be another silly blow to Liverpool's 800th birthday.

[Kev]

Mags announced yesterday that another festival had been cancelled and it was true.

Fingers crossed Mags is pulling our leg:PDT_Xtremez_12:

[robbo176]

I've just looked on the Echo web site,the Livefest Festi-val has been cancelled

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2007/08/02/liverpool-eco-friendly-festival-cancelled-64375-19557680/

[Ged]

Which was understandable given the ticket prices which were mocked from the off. I can't see the Mathew st festival being cancelled full on anyway because all those surrounding pubs have live entertainment whatever the weekend, in fact the Culture Co. have hi-jacked the festival and bigging it up as one of their own when as we all know, it happened every year anyway.

[petecarr]

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2007/08/02/mathew-street-festival-axed-100252-19558322/

LIVERPOOL’S 2007 Mathew Street Festival is off.

Culture chiefs today cancelled Europe’s biggest free music festival on health and safety grounds.

Gah!

[Mags75]

Mags - first with the news.

I'm absolutley gutted.

My favourite non-footballing event of the year.

One of the greatest cities in the world.
Being run by amateurs.

An absolute JOKE!

[Ged]

Who are the Culture Co. to decide that anyway, we've been having this without their intervention quite alright in the past. Everyone knew the pier head was out of bounds but as I say, it won't effect us or the pubs that have indoor entertainment anyway. Whoever organised it in the past just needs to carry on with it.

[Ged]

Well done Mags, got any good news though :unibrow::)

[Kev]

Mags - first with the news.

I'm absolutley gutted.

My favourite non-footballing event of the year.

One of the greatest cities in the world.
Being run by amateurs.

An absolute JOKE!

I never had my doubts Mags, fookin cack pardon my language :PDT_Xtremez_12:

[Mags75]

Who are the Culture Co. to decide that anyway, we've been having this without their intervention quite alright in the past. Everyone knew the pier head was out of bounds but as I say, it won't effect us or the pubs that have indoor entertainment anyway. Whoever organised it in the past just needs to carry on with it.

Deffo Ged.

The Pier Head area is just ONE part of the weekend.

I think they could mave the whole thing up
to the other end of town.
Big Stage in Abercromby Square,
few stages in the surrounding streets
and LOADS of top quality pubs up that end of town.

Obviously too late now.

What about the poor *******s who've
booked their Hotels etc coming from
literally all over the world.

This is a bad bad move.

[Mags75]

Well done Mags, got any good news though :unibrow::)

The book that I'm co-author of is out next month.

It's abar the redmen though
so may not be good news to you.
(think I saw on one of ye pics that you're a blue)

[Kev]

Tis very very bad, health and safety? The Nottinghill Carnival should be shut down due to muggings and stabbings alone!!!!!

I had a feeling this would happen after we lost Creamfields to Halton.

Whats the point in celebrating Liverpool 800?

What's the point in C O C?

:PDT_Xtremez_12:

[petecarr]

Exactly. It's a **** silly move to rebuild the Pier Head area on Liverpool's 800th birthday but I guess for 2008 it'll look great. They should have done it last year though.

[Ged]

That's quite alright Mags, good luck with it :thumbsup:

I don't see why a stage in Castle st with plenty of exits down water, dale, James and high street can't still be achievable either, it's well away from Paradise st. How about the Tithebarn st area or St. George's plateau or William Brown st, all the stage stuff must've been ordered ages ago. Even further afield like parties in the park. No imagination this lot by the looks of it.

[Kev]

Check out the posts here: Click here (http://www.yoliverpool.com/forum/showthread.php?t=951)


We'd better nail Mathew St. down

^^Howie 23/2/2006^^

[petecarr]

They manage to have Africa Oye in Sefton Park and the Brouhaha events in Princess Park. Surely they could do Matthew St in Sefton Park. Sure its outside the city centre but at least its on.

[Kev]

Great, or what about Mathew Street as the core and seeing how far it exppands during the days events making the Pier Head out of bounds?

[Ged]

Exactly, there's two other directions it can go in, staying well clear of the lanney and Paradise st.

[naked lilac]

Wow.. this is certainly bad news for my mates traveling there and spending a bundle of money to go to the Beatles Fest.. (with those tour groups..) Magical Mystery tours and Pilgrimage tour.. etc... People coming from all over the world.. wow.. what a blow to Liverpool....????? All the hotels are booked too.. NOT RIGHT to do this to fans who have saved up for the opportunity to experience a little Beatles music and fun... wow... :shock:

[Ged]

London road has moument square there where the outdoor market normally is. London road past TJ's is pedestrianised anyway, it would be easy to close off some of the non arterial routes there on a quiet sunday and bank holiday monday. There's space up at Everton Park and what a great view of the city. Bah.

[Max]

I'd agree with Sefton Park, that way It's only walking distance for me.:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

[Ged]

On yer bike :)

[Max]

Well I do cycle more these days, walking just feels sooooooooooo slow.

[Gerard]

Read all about it..


http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c60/gedfleming/BEATLES%20RELATED/DSC_0077.jpg

[Howie]

Council pulls plug on Europe's biggest street party in city's 800th birthday year

http://www.liverpoolconfidential.com/images/20070801liv.jpg

From humble beginnings in the 1980s, with a bit of a Beatles auction, and a do at the Cavern, The Mathew Street Festival has mushroomed in size and ambition.

By last year it had become “Europe's biggest street party”, attracting 100,000 people, with big name acts on big stages, and everyone looked forward to letting their hair down on the last holiday of summer.

But today, in Liverpool's 800th birthday year, when it should have been grander and more ambitious than ever, Mathew Street Festival has been called off.

The decision to pull the plug follows independent advice from London health and safety consultants Capital Symonds, employed by the Liverpool Culture Co, who highlighted the loss of the Pier Head (see Not Strictly Confidential earlier this week) and the building site that is Liverpool city centre as a major factor in the decision.

Merseyside Police are, unsurprisingly, backing the decision (see same story), saying that his reduction in capacity, combined with huge crowds in an open, licensed environment, means there is a significant safety risk to the public. The detailed planning for the event, and discussions between the city council, police and safety officials, cannot fully eliminate the risk, they said in a statement.

Jason Harborow, chief executive of the Liverpool Culture Company, said: “In many ways, the Mathew Street Festival has become a victim of its own success this year. The huge growth in the popularity of the festival, combined with the loss of the Pier Head, presented us with a massive problem.”

The council, in a statement, says: “Staff worked right to the 11th hour to try and produce a workable plan which could accommodate the festival in the city centre.”

Eleventh hour indeed. Just yesterday a tender document went out for pa and lighting companies to pitch for the festival, taking place in under four weeks time, with a deadline of today.

Many thousands of people around the world are bound to be disappointed, including acts booked from as far away as Japan.

“I'm absolutely devastated, it's one of the best days out! there isn't a better way to spend the August Bank Holiday,” said the far-more-local Manchester-based Kelly Ormesher, a regular reveller whose friends travel from all over the UK to the event.

In a statement, the Culture Company says: “The advice relates specifically to the unique conditions surrounding the staging of the Mathew Street Festival this year, and does not affect the city’s ability to stage other large-scale events.”

Source: LiverpoolConfidential.com (http://www.liverpoolconfidential.com/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwEiNw7jJaqiNwF6IHqi&realname=Mathew_Street_cancelled)

[miguel]

This really is la-la land . . . the Mathew Street Music Festival has been dropped, allegedly for health and safety reasons. Really, this country has lost the plot all together. I suppose in my line of business I should be overjoyed. Over 200,000 Brits are fleeing the UK every year now. Still not a happy bunny though. I thought it was a great occasion.

[Howie]

Mathew Street festival axed
Aug 2 2007
Exclusive by Catherine Jones and Alan O’Hare, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL’S 2007 Mathew Street Festival is off.

Culture chiefs today cancelled Europe’s biggest free music festival on health and safety grounds.

More (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2007/08/02/mathew-street-festival-axed-100252-19558322/)...

Arts Editor Joe Riley says . . .


IT’S the most spectacular own goal imaginable.

The city’s international trademark music festival cancelled at the last moment.

Hundreds of thousands of tourists with their plans ruined.

The Liverpool economy short-changed by millions.

Worst of all, Liverpool’s pride tarnished in a wholly unprecedented way in our 800th birthday year.

It’s no good the city council and its culture company puppy arguing over who takes the rap. They are jointly responsible for having less vision than a cave full of bats.

It’s a wholly red-letter year for fans - 50 years since John met Paul, 50 years since the Cavern club was launched, 40 years since Brian Epstein died, 40 years since Sgt Pepper was released.

But now trashed by incompetence.

If it weren't such an all-round tragedy it would win prizes as a farce.

[Ged]

Aye Mig. See the thread below, all of its own.

[Ged]

So why doesn't it affect the city's ability to stage 'other' large events then, what a load of old bull. Also a London Co advising on it, err now let me get my conspiracy theory cap on, oh and the police backing it so they can just sit in their cars in side streets instead like on any normal weekend :rolleyes:

[Paul D]

That's bang out of order to do that at such a late stage,people travel from all over the World to be at this,they must feel so let down.:disgust:

[Paul D]

I wasn't going to go this year anyway because they were scaling it back so much,this announcement comes as no surprise.

[Kev]

Also a London Co advising on it, err now let me get my conspiracy theory cap on, oh and the police backing it so they can just sit in their cars in side streets instead like on any normal weekend :rolleyes:

Exactly what I though, conspiracy. Its enough to bring you to tears when u read the posts, the significance of this year especially.

People should march about this, but lets be hopeful though, its not even the afternoon and the Summer Pops was saved with success. Moving the Pops was not really a problem as it had no real significant link with the docks.

Its no good canceling it for health and safety reasons, perrrrrthetic.

[Kev]

So why doesn't it affect the city's ability to stage 'other' large events then, what a load of old bull.

One off events with a corporate culture company focus, hmmm :rolleyes:

[Howie]

And...

LIVERPOOL’S first eco-friendly music festival has been cancelled after organisers feared it “would not live up to expectations”.

The Livefest festival, planned to feature a day of local and international talent, was shelved last night after being forced to move from an outdoor venue to a smaller indoor location.

The day-long two-stage family event headlined by Alabama 3, Shack, and Hayseed Dixie, was originally to take place at Aigburth Cricket Ground next Saturday (August 11).

Last week it was announced it was to move to Liverpool University’s Mountford Hall following weeks of torrential rain creating significant health and safety fears on the cricket pitch.

More (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2007/08/02/liverpool-eco-friendly-festival-cancelled-64375-19557680/)...

[Kev]

Last week it was announced it was to move to Liverpool University’s Mountford Hall following weeks of torrential rain creating significant health and safety fears on the cricket pitch.

More (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2007/08/02/liverpool-eco-friendly-festival-cancelled-64375-19557680/)...

But there's been Cricket being played there hasn't there and the suns been cracking the flags, anyway back to Mathew Street :PDT_Xtremez_12:.

Maybe Halton could rescue it, or Manchester, no - London could host it!

[Howie]

It has just been announced that this year's Mathew Street Festival has been cancelled for health and safety reasons.

Independent advice, backed by Merseyside Police states that the current regeneration in Liverpool city centre poses too much of a risk for 100,000 plus crowds that are expected to attend.

Liverpool City Council has worked tirelessly to find a solution to the problems generated by numerous building works and city centre developments. The loss of the Pier Head area, which is currently undergoing work to extend the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, has added to the dilemma.

Jerry Goldman, Director of the Beatles Story, said: "The Beatles Story is extremely disappointed to hear that Mathew Street Festival is cancelled this year. However, we fully understand the event cannot proceed if it poses a serious health and safety risk for members of the public.

Liverpool is undergoing huge regeneration in order to give all in the city an amazing bright future. If this is the price we pay - it is a small one. We have to respect the independent advice which is backed by Merseyside Police.

We have every confidence the Mathew Street Festival will return next year as one of the city's key events in the 2008 celebrations."

Source: The Beatles Story (http://beatlesstory.com/news.asp?key=2&nkey=243&archive=&nid=BEATL)

[Ged]

What about the central docks area where the summer pops were last year, it's still flat isn't it before work starts there and is an expansive area. It sounds like a feeble excuse to me with alternatives not even looked at properly, if amateurs like us can come up with ideas and I bet the Roger Phillips phone-in will be full of them from noon onwards, then what are the mega paid councillors and culture co here for exactly?

[Kev]

..and apparently they've known for months this was going to happen. So why the announcement now?

[petecarr]

Thing is, where are they going to hold it next year? The Pier Head area will have a giant river running through it. Surely thats not good for health and safety? Imagine all the drunk chavs drowning in that. Great PR.

[miguel]

When a few years ago the Summer Pops couldn't (for good reason) go ahead at Wapping it was moved to Sefton Park; a great venue. Other festivals are being held there all the time, including circuses.
Our parks are under used yet they are perfect venues for a music festival. Unfolding events convince me that we either have the most appalling bunch of incompetents ensconced in the town hall; or for whatever reason they are detemined to do a disservice to our city and its reputation. They are masters of sabotage. How do we rid ourselves of this awful council and it's carpet-bagging quangos? Are the people in this city ever listened to?

[petecarr]

Someone whip up a petition online for it to be in Sefton Park then send it to the Echo.

[Steven]

Go for it Mate ! I will sign your petition.

[petecarr]

Tell your friends, sign the petition yourself. Bring back Matthew St Festival 07! (http://www.petitiononline.com/mattfest/petition.html)

[XL391]

Liverpool City Council. Destroying our maritime heritage, now our musical heritage. They're not Mancs are they?? :disgust:

[robbo176]

Just signed :PDT_Piratz_26:

Mandy:)

[Max]

They're not Mancs are they?? :disgust:

Well the health and safety people were from London.

[Max]

I signed too.

Pencil POWA!

[miguel]

And me . . . hey, doesn't this so beautifully epitomise the saying: "You couldn't run a p*** up in a brewery." What an underscore for this shabby bunch of failures running the council and the Capital of Culture.

[Gerard]

Me Signed too..

[Ged]

From: Liam Fogarty
To: liamfogarty@amayorforliverpool.org
Sent: Thursday, August 02, 2007 1:06 PM
Subject: HEADS MUST ROLL AFTER FESTIVAL AXE

NEWS RELEASE … FOR IMMEDIATE USE…THURSDAY 2ND AUGUST 2007

HEADS MUST ROLL AFTER FESTIVAL AXE

“ The decision to axe this year’s Mathew Street Festival is a disaster for Liverpool and, for once, someone must take responsibility and resign, “ says Liam Fogarty, chair of amayorforliverpool.org

City council leaders took the decision on health and safety grounds. Building work at the Pier Head means the city centre cannot accommodate thousands of revellers and visitors in safety.

Liam Fogarty says:

“It beggars belief that the festival should be abandoned just three weeks before it was due to take place.

Did no one see this coming? These issues should have flagged up and resolved months ago. If the Mathew Street Festival was a non-starter, they should have said so.

There can be no excuses for this latest disaster. If those in charge knew all along, they have misled the City. If they were taken by surprise, they are utterly incompetent. Either way heads should roll!

The Festival, remember, was billed as the centrepiece of the city’s 800th birthday celebrations. Instead visitors will be short-changed, local businesses damaged and Liverpudlians left to marvel at the sheer incompetence of it all.”

Liam Fogarty continued:

“ The City Council and the Culture Company are happy to take the credit when things go right in Liverpool. They pass the buck or go missing when things go wrong.

In the face of this calamity someone in these organisations must do the decent thing and quit, if only to help restore some measure of credibility to our city.

The Council’s seat-of-the-pants approach to running our city has led to this latest embarrassment. “



ENDS

[XL391]

COULDN'T HAVE BEEN PUT ANY BETTER.

[Ged]

The Roger Phillips phone-in was wall to wall about this farce.

According to the council, the parks cannot be used because of licencing issues. I would say that not only have the parks been used before and only this year for instance for other festivals but isn't it the stupid council who issues the licences anyway. Someone asked where the money normally spent on this will now be channelled and is it to claw back the shortfalls announced over the last few weeks. Another person suggested that the groups will have been contracted and seating already ordered so it may even cost money to cancel.

Aintree racecourse has been suggested, lying idle, obviously capable, no H&S issues....

I'd prefer to see it still held in city centre streets that are not an issue with the big dig, Tithbarn st, Dale st etc. Bill Heckle and his partner are to hold a press conference later this afternoon with hopefully a suggestion. They managed the festival quite easily in its infancy and built it up to what it is before the council hijacked it a few years ago and before the other eejits, the CC got involved this year. Here's hoping.

[phredd]

Number 11 on the list.

Go for it lads and lasses.

Phredd

[phredd]

And me . . . hey, doesn't this so beautifully epitomise the saying: "You couldn't run a p*** up in a brewery." What an underscore for this shabby bunch of failures running the council and the Capital of Culture.

Hate to say this but isn't this 'Shabby Bunch' voted in by Liverpudlians.
We all learn by our mistakes.
Vote "OUT" next time around.

Phredd

[PhilipG]

What's the betting that COC 2008 will be cancelled, too?
Or is all this building work going to be completed in time?

Come to 21st Century Liverpool, where we've got a new canal!
Great! :disgust:

[Ged]

They even had the rhetoric ready for that though didn't they. The building won't be ready by 2008 they'd said previously, but it's about so much more than 2008 and what lies beyond, so in order words, it isn't worth visiting really until about 2010 because you'll be seeing even less than was on show last year. The new museum, Lime st and Grosvenor development won't be ready in full until 2009/2010 for instance.

[billo]

I've signed it as well. Bloody NWT are going to love running this news item @ 6.30 tonight!

[Kev]

I listened to the Roger Philips phone in and what came out was the fact that whilst Mike Storey and Warren Bradley have been away on holiday, the decsion was taken by two people - two people, without consulting anyone who should have been consulted including a commitee that sat on Monday to discuss such things, to concel the event.

The guy from the Culture Company I listened to was full of sh*te as he explained why the decision had been made.

Plus the Culture Company are a private company, not elected by the public.

Alot of good people phoning in wishing to express their disgust, plus the fact that those who made the decsion have no idea about the city they are involved.

[Kev]

I've signed it as well. Bloody NWT are going to love running this news item @ 6.30 tonight!

and Granada, lets see what the d!ckheads have to say about it, loads of 'blag' I guess.

Should heads roll? Whos?

[Kev]

They can't even say it'll be on next year! A comment was made about uusing the Chavasse Park area!!! OMG

[Cameraman]

It is beyond incompetence to cancel the Mathew Street Festival at this late stage. The reasons to cancel have been there since January so it should have been cancelled earlier. How much money has been wasted by the Culture Company promoting Mathew Street Festival. Heads should roll, but I bet no one will go.

[Louis]

gutted! my band was gonna play, very bad news for the city too

[Bevy]

signed and A BUMP!

'Some' people running this city are just utter Tosser's

You got to feel sorry for all those tourists who have booked Hotels for that weekend and all the trades that surround the mathew street festival.

Heads should defo roll for this one.

[lindylou]

MATHEW STREET FESTIVAL

CANCELLED

CITY'S A ****ING JOKE!

My son told me the news and I thought he was joking !

This is terrible news.

[David Bailey]

It now appears that the festival has shrunk from 'a smaller event' to no event whatsoever.
On a personal level this is disappointing but on the world stage this sends out the message that Liverpool couldn't organise an orgy in a brothel.

Men of vision would declare that ,no matter what,the show must go on.

We haven't any.

[Kev]

Men of vision would declare that ,no matter what,the show must go on.

We haven't any.

Councillor Bradley has been in touch aparently trying to resurect something from his hols. :PDT_Xtremez_42:

Thanks for your first post Mr B:PDT11

There's potentially a safety issue with the amount of people that will turn upp anyway, has the Culture Company (how many scousers in that) thought of that? Do they care?

Its one of the safest in the country, Notinghill goes ahead despite the bombs in London.

[Bevy]

Just watched NWT

So its a health and safety issue.

But the small events are still going ahead,I can see Matthew street turning into a crush as this is where all the tourists and scousers will head and I still believe the crowds will be huge.

surely there are sites around town they can still set these outdoor stages up?

[Kev]

You would think of St. Georges Platau for a start and the Gardens there.

[Kev]

The leader of Liverpool City Council calls for a full independent investigation into the cancellation of the Matthew Street Festival.


Councillor Warren Bradley is currently on holiday, but claims he was unaware of any difficulties before his departure just over a week ago. He said he was "adamant" the event could still go ahead.more (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/6928466.stm)

[john]

could use Lime Street and areas around St Georges Hall, we did years ago, closed the street, huge stage at one end, 100, 000 during the day, 50, 000 in the evening.
PEOPLE FESTIVAL 1984

[Max]

Like Sideshow Mel says, WHOOOOOS READY TO RIIIIOT!:mad:

[Kev]

Too easy, u see someone gets paid lots of money to make decsions like the cancelling in the first place, the whole of the Culture Company are on several years contracts and will be looking for stuff to put on the awld CV soon for they next job outside of the city.

[john]

Outsiders come in, balls the 08 celebration up, **** off and leave locals to pick up the pieces and take the s h i t from others.
If its a fiasco guess where the fingers will point, not at the outsiders

[Kev]

Outsiders come in, balls the 08 celebration up, **** off and leave locals to pick up the pieces and take the s h i t from others.
If its a fiasco get where the fingers will point, not at the outsiders

Thats essentially the way it goes. Their lives are spent going into areas on short term highly paid contracts doing the corporate 'stuff' that they do, experts in bullsh!t proclaiming their love for the area they are working in at the time, then they move on to pastures new.

Seems that the CComp has been the worst thing that has happened to our fine city and its residents in all of 800 year history :PDT_Xtremez_42:

[john]

Liverpool has put some amazing events on in the past, some will never be seen again, the Peoples Festival was organised by local people, no big outsiders. Stages all around the St Georges/Lime Street area promoting Merseyside, closing Lime Street, opening the Hall.

The cancellation of the Matthew Street Festival sends out a very negative image of Liverpool/Merseyside to the wider community.
People mus have seen this happening and could have made other arrangements just for this year.

[DaisyChains]

:disgust::disgust:I still can't believe it.
As alot of people have said on here, why not just move the venue?

Sefton Park?
Mystery Park?
St Georges/Lime St?

So many choices.

They just can't be bothered.
A very relevant point Kev mentioned....we are going to look like a laughing stock as a city, and the outsiders who are responsible will just walk away.

Just when I thought we were clearing the bad image and stereotypes!:disgust:

[Kev]

Rest assured though, those events that those employees of the Culture Company are responsible for organising will go ahead, complete with glossy presentations and corporate hospitality and not a scouse accent in the house, in the very buildings that we are so proud of in this city. :PDT_Xtremez_12:

Then they'll be applying out for other jobs else where, job done.

[RoddersUK]

Just when I thought we were clearing the bad image and stereotypes!:disgust:

Isnt not taking responsibility and blaming everythig on non Liverpudlians one of those stereotypes?


(Rodders stands back and waits for the fireworks ):shock::shock:

[Kev]

Isnt not taking responsibility and blaming everythig on non Liverpudlians one of those stereotypes?

What are you saying, that the people of Liverpool are responsible for this?

[RoddersUK]

What are you saying, that the people of Liverpool are responsible for this?

No thats not what i'm saying. It's just that this story in only a matter of hours old and already a lot of people seem to have decided exactly what happened and who is to blame already.

[iain]

I've signed the petition, and reading the signatures from all round the world, all of the same opinion, I think the people in charge of this whole culture business have made a monumental cock-up. We've been given this title, we are meant to be the European Capital of Culture for christ's sake, what a fantastic opportunity, but now we can't even manage a worldwide festival which has been an enormous success for years, for the sake of one public open space. I bet the people in charge don't know the city has other parks and spaces! I bet they've not seen outside of their executive committee rooms (probably not even in Liverpool)!

I'm seriously losing faith in this city. Well, that's not fair, I'm losing faith in the people running this city. In the last 12 months I've been wondering "where's this culture stuff then". Previous years have had more events of interest than 2008 itself.

:PDT_Xtremez_12:

[Cameraman]

We have had 800 years to get ready for the 800th anniversary and what has happened, 2007 will be remembered as the year the Mathew Street Festival was cancelled. We have not really celebrated 800 years of Liverpool have we.
Jason Harrborow, head of the Culture Company, is on more money than the Prime Minister and he is only interrested in making 2008 a success, once that is done he will be off to the Olympic Company.
He has cancelled the Mathew Street Festival because the Culture Company are running out of money and need to save some. The money that should be spent on the festival is now going to some Culture Company event in 2008, to make them look good.
Jason Harborow must be the first head to roll, pass the axe.

[Gerard]

[QUOTE=iain;72167]I've signed the petition, and reading the signatures from all round the world, all of the same opinion, I think the people in charge of this whole culture business have made a monumental cock-up. We've been given this title, we are meant to be the European Capital of Culture for christ's sake, what a fantastic opportunity, but now we can't even manage a worldwide festival which has been an enormous success for years, for the sake of one public open space. I bet the people in charge don't know the city has other parks and spaces! I bet they've not seen outside of their executive committee rooms (probably not even in Liverpool)!

I'm seriously losing faith in this city. Well, that's not fair, I'm losing faith in the people running this city. In the last 12 months I've been wondering "where's this culture stuff then". Previous years have had more events of interest than 2008 itself.


I Couldn't agree more iain..I can't believe the Incompetence of these Idiots..
This is an Absolute disgrace and has made us the Laughing stock of the whole World..
What the f*** is going on..I Just can not believe this..
How can yer let this go so far and now pull the plug.
Sefton Park MUST be used If nowhere else can be found.

[iain]

Good point about 2007 too, I thought maybe fair enough it's been overshadowed by the run-up to 2008, but both opportunities totally wasted. I bet the other cities that lost out to Liverpool for CoC 2008 are sick. I bet they wouldn't have wasted the opportunity.

I wonder if the Echo can resurrect Mathew St like they saved the Summer Pops :rolleyes:

Better start preparing now for 2207, Liverpool's 1000th Anniversary cannot be messed up :unibrow:

[SteH]

I'm so angry and embarrassed I just dont know what to say on this, apart from the city must be seen as a laughing stock and liability from outside.

[Kev]

Jason Harrborow, head of the Culture Company, is on more money than the Prime Minister and he is only interrested in making 2008 a success, once that is done he will be off to the Olympic Company.

He has cancelled the Mathew Street Festival because the Culture Company are running out of money and need to save some. The money that should be spent on the festival is now going to some Culture Company event in 2008, to make them look good.

Jason Harborow must be the first head to roll, pass the axe.

I agree, he's not a Liverpool person is he? In it for the money and nothing else.

What a selfish way to live your life.

Deffo not the scouse way of doing things. Did anyone see him (i pressume) wearing his little Liverpool 800 badge on the news? Arh, bless

[Gerard]

I agree, he's not a Liverpool person is he? In it for the money and nothing else.

What a selfish way to live your life.

Deffo not the scouse way of doing things. Did anyone see him (i pressume) wearing his little Liverpool 800 badge on the news? Arh, bless


He's just been on the telly 2 minutes ago with a smirk on his gob blaming everyone but himself....Bast***

[lindylou]

yeah, I just seen it

[Kev]

http://www.orsoc.org.uk/conf/previous/or47/images/people/jason-harborow.jpg

Jason Harborow

[SteH]

He said on Radio City its disappointing but not embarrasing. The Dickhead.

[Bevy]

http://www.orsoc.org.uk/conf/previous/or47/images/people/jason-harborow.jpg

Jason Harborow

that him,,yeah looks like your typical Big Corporate Puppet.well done sir :PDT_Xtremez_12:

http://i12.tinypic.com/67zipso.jpg

[Gerard]

""""

[Kev]

The great festival Sweep!

[SteveFaragher]

anyone else astounded by Jason Harborrow's performance on radio merseyside today, the guy is either completely thick or a sociopath.
There is absolutely no way you could dream of putting a positive spin on this one, but Jason manages to describe it as a mere hiccup.

I am afraid he has to go and I think there needs to be a mass email mike storey, and warren and jason requesting he does the right thing.

I am gutted....

[shank]

anyone else astounded by Jason Harborrow's performance on radio merseyside today, the guy is either completely thick or a sociopath.
There is absolutely no way you could dream of putting a positive spin on this one, but Jason manages to describe it as a mere hiccup.

I am afraid he has to go and I think there needs to be a mass email mike storey, and warren and jason requesting he does the right thing.

I am gutted....

SURELY THE NOBS THAT RUN THIS CITY HAVE GOT TO DO A U TURN IF THEY DONT I THINK WE SHUD ALL SEND OUR CAPITAL OF CULTURE AMBASODOR BADGES BACK AND TELL THEM WHERE TO STICK THEM

[john]

This story is a rolling feature on BBC Breakfast this morning, clearly saying canceled, even if its saved last minute alot of damage has already been damage, lots of publicity for Liverpool but for the wrong reasons (once again)

[Howie]

See today's Daily Post here (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/).

[Lady]

Gerard, :PDT_Piratz_26:

You don't beat around the bush do you...........Lol

He looks like an overgrown public school boy to me !!!

On a serious note..........I'm gutted ........

Jacky x

[Howie]

Good morning,

Since the news broke that the Mathew Street festival has been cancelled we have been inundated with disappointed bands and music fans.

It seems to me that we have bands keen to play and people keen to see them - the only thing missing is the stages.

And that’s where you come in. Do you know anyone with a music venue in Liverpool city centre who might be willing to open their doors and let any of the bands who were booked on the stages play?

We’d need venues for all or part of the two days the festival was already booked for - August 26 and 27 - and they would need to be willing to let people in for free to watch.

The Echo are backing it, and will be offering free advertising for the events - see today’s paper for details of how to get involved.

I know it won’t be like it was originally planned, but perhaps we can still make something out of it and celebrate Merseyside’s thriving music scene.

Thanks,

Jade xx
www.myspace.com/jades_music_page

[geoffrey]

Ha. The Daily Post have got the Health and Safety report.

The spin has been that it's not incompetence but Health and Safety.

It looks like the Health and Safety concern is incompetence

http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2007/08/03/exclusive-content-of-report-revealed-64375-19563250/

[Kev]

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolpost/aug2007/2/8/27F12B34-9D8D-AFEB-5CD54F343FDD0D7C.jpg

Caption Competition

[Howie]

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolpost/aug2007/2/8/27F12B34-9D8D-AFEB-5CD54F343FDD0D7C.jpg

Caption Competition

Tweedledum and Tweedledummer

[Lady]

Dumb and Dumber............

Jacky x :)

[XL391]

Prize Pr1cks... :disgust:

[Ged]

Gerard, :PDT_Piratz_26:

You don't beat around the bush do you...........Lol

Jacky x


Oh he does you know, I've seen him doing it :)

In Cleveland Square clinic the next day.

[Ged]

This appeared in the June issue of the Scottie Press, courtesy of Ron Formby.


LESS THAN POMISED?



With news of the cancellation of the Mathew Street Festival now circulating world-wide it is to be hoped that other cities (UK and world-wide) watching to see how Liverpool City Council delivers on it’s promise to showcase Liverpool as European Capital of Culture in 2008 do not accuse the city’s residents of any failures. There seems to be a growing uncertainty within the minds of Liverpool people that much less than was promised will be actually achieved for 2008 with many flagship projects no longer expected to-be-fit for view in 2008. How disappointing it could be for the many millions of people who intend to visit Liverpool in 2008 if they don’t see much more than they could in previous years. A growing worry is that they may put Liverpool people into the same bag of criticism they level at those charged with the responsibility to deliver of promises made to win Capital of Culture Given the volume of criticism levelled against those charged with delivering Capital of Culture 2008.

[Jericho]

The report in the DP about what is going on (or not going on) in the Cutlture Company is very concerning. Our culture is obsessed about Health & Safety issues, and yet the person losely designated to oversee the health and safety aspects of the MSF doesn't have any experience in this area! It's like something out of The Simpsons. Reading between the lines, I think that the author of the report can't believe that this kind of thing can happen in an established event with particular historical importance this year!

Some of the other editorialising in the DP is a bit over-the-top (for example, 'Lots of cities have skyscrapers, we have the Beatles' - it's a bit more complicated that that, I'm afraid).

IMO, the emphasis should be on sorting it out - the blaming can come later. I don't see why all the pre-arranged events that don't require a large stage can't go ahead, and for those that do - the city isn't exactly short of parks! People need to band together and put out the message that the event has not been cancelled. It will go ahead in some shape or form.

On a more positive note, I'm hoping that LCC and its poodles learn from this, and not repeat such incompetence in the future.

[Ged]

amayorforliverpool.org

SPECIAL NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2ND 2007


FESTIVAL FIASCO - NOW DOES EVERYONE GET IT?

A farce. A fiasco. An own goal.... call it what you like, this has been a black day for the city of Liverpool.
The decision to axe this year's Mathew Street Festival just THREE WEEKS before it's due to be staged is hugely embarrassing.

It also stands as a case study in how NOT to run a great city.

The shocking announcement that this landmark event would not take place was made by an unelected council officer (Chief Executive Colin Hilton.)

It was defended in public by an unelected appointee (the Culture Company's Jason Harbrow.)

Leading councillors Warren Bradley and Mike Storey were nowhere to be seen. The backbench councillors who are supposed to scrutinise things like this were kept in the dark. So too were members of the Culture Company board.

Did no one see this coming? Crucial health and safety issues should have been flagged up and resolved months ago. Dozens of local traders and tens of thousands of visitors and revellers have been short-changed.
If those responsible for organising the Festival knew all along, we have been misled. If they were taken by surprise, they've been incompetent.
These are the same people who brought us Robyn Archer, the Summer Pops fiasco, the Pier Head Festival of Building Work and a host of delayed and abandoned projects.

They also cancelled the Shanty and River Festivals, kept the Neptune Theatre dark and presided over a series of bungled appointments.
And did I mention the Capital of Culture budget crisis? Turns out the shortfall is £1.5m WORSE than first announced, and now stands at some £22 million.

THE BUCK STOPS...WHERE?
It's impossible to overstate the significance of this latest PR disaster for Liverpool.
Today's news is proof that Liverpool's "seat of the pants" style of local decision-making is bankrupt. Our city is crying out for a new form of leadership, one based on accountability and straight talking, instead of spin and bluster.
For starters, someone in these organisations should take responsibility, do the decent thing and resign, if only to help restore some measure of credibility ahead of 2008.

Then we need to press home the case for REAL CHOICE and REAL LEADERSHIP with an Elected Mayor for Liverpool.
If not this, what? If not now, when?
Liam Fogarty Chair, amayorforliverpool.org

[Jericho]

:rolleyes: Talk about trying to spin a PR disaster to your advantage! The corpse isn't even cold and the usual culprits are attempting to feed on it. It's the inability of the warring political factions to work together for the common good that holes this city beneath the bow time and time again.

[Ged]

The fact is though Jericho, you can only feed on other peoples failings if they fail and give you the opportunity to do so. People like Liam Fogarty wouldn't get a look in or in fact be bothered about putting themselves forward to be an accountable body if the place was being run correctly. Due to there being so many quangos involved, it's easy for Bradley to say, blame Harborow, Harborow says blame Hilton, Hilton says the buck stops with Bradley - it's one big merry go round p*ss take with no one wanting to take the blame and pointing the finger elsewhere. Would you get away with it in your job?

[geoffrey]

From the DP report:

Their report, exclusively obtained by the Daily Post after the Culture Company refused to release it, highlights major concerns with personnel issues at the Culture Company.

"after the Culture Company refused to release it" - There's the resigning issue right there.

[Jericho]

The fact is though Jericho, you can only feed on other peoples failings if they fail and give you the opportunity to do so. People like Liam Fogarty wouldn't get a look in or in fact be bothered about putting themselves forward to be an accountable body if the place was being run correctly. Due to there being so many quangos involved, it's easy for Bradley to say, blame Harborow, Harborow says blame Hilton, Hilton says the buck stops with Bradley - it's one big merry go round p*ss take with no one wanting to take the blame and pointing the finger elsewhere. Would you get away with it in your job?

If you feed on other people's failings prematurely (before all the evidence is in to enable real sense to be made) the danger is that you just repeat the same mistakes. In any case you sustain the kind of pre-existing animosities that lay this city low. Personally, I'm suspicious of opportunism in a crisis. I suspect that it shows poor character. This type of opportunism makes me trust this group less.

In terms of apportioning blame - in any job there is a procedure to be adhered to. I would be interested to find out what Bradley's position is on this when he gets back from leave. I'm not a great believer in jumping to conclusions.

[Kev]

PEOPLE on the streets felt betrayed yesterday; ordinary people, proud to call themselves Liverpudlians, who have always had faith in this city.

They had entrusted their faith to others, expecting these men and women to serve them well because they, too, surely shared the same beliefs and the same hopes.

In common language, betrayal is the sense felt when you have been let down by people in whom you have placed your trust.

The news that “they” had cancelled the Mathew Street Festival finally fired the doubts which had been suppressed for a very long time.

And there was anger among mothers and fathers, who buried their ancestors here and are watching their sons and daughters mature into the Liverpudlians of tomorrow.

For “they” had damaged our most precious asset, the legacy of the Beatles.

Of course, many good and true Liverpudlians resent the way the Beatles have dominated the culture of a city, which has given the world scientists, healers, prime ministers, musicians, engineers, dramatists, poets, sculptors, explorers, painters, sailors, actors, theologians, comedians, philanthropists, philosophers, architects, industrialists and brave soldiers.

But these loyal citizens know in their hearts that the global popularity of the Beatles is crucial to the regeneration of Liverpool. Some romantics have called it a renaissance.

They weren’t calling it that in the pubs last night. Liverpudlians have vituperative words for the makers of disaster.

Five years have gone since the city was designated the 2008 European Capital of Culture. “That’s a lucky break,” we thought then. It comes immediately after the 800th anniversary of King John granting the port a Royal Charter. That means we will have two years of celebrations, festivals and cultural events – a double opportunity to show the world why we are such a great city.

Yet doubts soon rose. Decent, loyal, highly-educated Liverpudlians, whose souls belong here among the stories, the songs, the books and the paintings, thought they were being ignored.

It was them and us again. Strangers were in charge – men and women on fancy salaries, carrying their job titles around on the lapels of expensive suits, as they glided from meeting to meeting, drinking coffee, eating biscuits, planning strategies and patronising local people. What have they really done?

Well, they have lost the Mathew Street Festival for one thing.

Perhaps they just don’t understand how harmful that is to Liverpool’s image, here and abroad. Maybe they have never felt the emotion known to millions of us each time we hear George Harrison sing Here Comes the Sun, his song of summer hope and optimism.

They can point at the new skyscrapers and the shops being built and say they are part of the cultural regeneration. Certainly they will help restore some prosperity to certain parts of the city. But in international terms they are nothing compared to Mathew Street.

Every city has skyscrapers and shops. Only Liverpool has the Beatles.

So many of us, seasoned in local culture, could have helped and advised those in charge, if we had been asked. But we have been ignored, dismissed as people who don’t “sing from the same hymn sheet” as them, or are “not on message”.

But our hearts are in the right place. Historians, musicians, painters, sculptors, community workers, radio presenters, and writers are among those who cannot understand why they have not been involved more in Liverpool’s cultural preparations. We have wanted to shout at them, “Some of us have a bit of culture, you know, a little talent, as well as you. Come and listen to us!”

Now, I fear, it is too late. Spectacular incompetence has combined with a profound insensitivity to the needs and desires of the people in this grand old city.

On August 28 we are 800 and they have ruined the party. This has exposed a raw nerve.

Liverpool is famed for its black humour but this is a joke too dark for laughter.

Even so, we will survive.

Aug 3 2007 by David Charters, Liverpool Daily Post

[Ged]

Having listened to all the interviews over the last 24 hours, what other conclusion is there to be had. Bradley says that before he went away 2 weeks ago 'everything was rosy in the garden'. There was even a meeting by the CC just a week ago where no danger of a cancellation was mentioned. Even Roger Phillips who was belatedly drafted onto the board to help make a success of past failings wasn't informed and is doing his best to be devils advocate during his phone in but is finding it quite difficult to sit on the fence. It would appear that alternatives put forward by mere inhabitants of the city have not been considered by the unelected powers that be and more smoke screen excuses such as licencing problems even for gigs in the park have been discounted. They couldn't have done a better job of making a mess of it all if they'd been employed to by a fellow capital of culture rival city to do so. Even Jones and Heckle who had built up this festival from nothing were shaking their heads at the incompetence of it all. The hoteliers association also said that the CC had no right to dismiss this as a cancelled event as 90% of what was going to happen will anyway and they've had to fend off calls galore from abroad from worried would be tourists who'd lose confidence in this city forever more, not to mention bands of the future that will be signed up, wondering if the same thing would happen again.

It smacks of a convenient get out clause because they're 22 million or so in debt, the Pier Head stage wasn't even a feature just a few years ago, it's all a smokescreen.

[Kev]

THE ECHO today stepped in to save the axed Mathew Street Festival.

Seven venues today agreed to host some of the dozens of bands ditched by the event’s collapse.

The ECHO, together with Mathew Street Festival directors, urged any business that can stage a concert to come forward.

Our plan will take the event back to its roots in the pubs and bars of Liverpool and accommodate bands due to play on outdoor stages.

The idea has been given support by the city culture bosses who yesterday admitted they could not hold this year’s festival because of safety fears.

And some of the city’s biggest and best nightspots have already signed up. Venues already part of our rescue plan include Korova, Barfly and Zanzibar.

Other promoters contacted by the ECHO were enthusiastic about joining – and top names are set to be confirmed over the weekend and early next week.

Today, the men who started the Mathew Street Festival in 1993 said the show must go on.

Festival director Bill Heckle, of Cavern City Tours, said: “We want to take it back to the way it was for the first three or four years.

“We’ve negotiated with the Culture Company – all the contracts are done, all the bands are paid for and it’s an opportunity free of charge for city bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants to put bands on.”

Culture Company chief executive Jason Harborow met with Cavern City Tours yesterday to discuss the rescue plan and will hold more talks today.

He said: “We have bands, events staff and volunteers lined up. It’s a matter of working out the details.”

ECHO editor Alastair Machray said: “This event is too important for the city to lose, especially in our birthday year.”

Any venue which wants to put on live music must have the appropriate licence and its own PA and backline.

Mathew Street Festival directors will visit venues and match them up with bands.

Clubs should send details, capacity, fire regulations and in-house PA and backline systems details to bands@mathewstreetfestival.com

[Steven]

Who needs weak, wobbly Liberals ?

Then festival will go ahead, 'cos we will have it.

[Ged]

Local scousers to the rescue, digging the bigwigs out of a hole again. They should be ashamed to pick up their wages. If it's a safety issue they had no control over, fair enough but people are asking didn't they know this back in January, February, March....it's not rocket science is it, even Linda McDermott read out a report they were in receipt of one year ago saying the CC were looking at parks for this years MSF in case building works resulted in an overspill.