08 fever!

Liverpool gets 08 fever!

Feb 12 2008 by Catherine Jones, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL attractions are continuing to reap the rewards of Capital of Culture year.

Last month the ECHO revealed how the city’s museums, galleries and other tourist spots had reported a massive boom in business with visitors being lured by the city’s culture title.

Numbers have more than doubled at some venues since the start of 2008.

Now the good news is carrying on, with churches, sporting and musical venues and historic sites also reporting benefits from the cultural bonanza.

Figures revealed today show the Metropolitan Cathedral saw its visitor numbers soar by 38.5% last month compared to January 2007, while at the other end of Hope Street, Liverpool Cathedral saw a 22% rise.

Visitors to LFC’s Anfield museum are up 34.8%.

Museum curator Stephen Done, who is deputy chairman of the Liverpool attractions group, said: “I think the 08 factor is kicking in.

“We’re doing ludicrously well and it’s very exciting.

“The attractions group met last week and did an informal ‘state of 08’ survey. Every single person said their figures were up roughly 30% on the previous year.

“Certainly from our point of view it’s quite scary, but in a good way. It’s a phenomenal start for 2008 and, particularly in school holidays, I’d suggest people book in advance so they’re not disappointed.”

Numbers at the Beatles Story are also up.

Director Jerry Goldman said: “We’re delighted with the rise in visitor numbers which is now close to 30% compared with last year.

“This is fantastic news ahead of the opening of the first phase of our new expansion next month which will only see visitor numbers increase again.”

And the National Trust is reporting a 600% rise in online bookings for its tours of John Lennon and Sir Paul McCartney’s childhood homes.

Liverpool Culture Company director Kris Donaldson said: “It’s only one month in but these figures prove people like what they hear about Liverpool 08 and are voting with their feet.”

‘Rough’ sketch

LIVERPOOL’S rough sleepers inspired a new artwork on display in the city as part of Capital of Culture year.

The Empty Tomb by Ghislaine Howard will play a central role in Liverpool Cathedral’s Easter celebrations and will remain on show until the end of 2008.

It went on display yesterday as part of the artist’s Stations of the Cross installation which runs until March 30.

Last Easter Howard spent a number of early mornings walking Liverpool’s streets sketching and photographing the spaces left by rough sleepers - empty doorways, damp cardboard boxes and bundled blankets.

The result of her work is the 4ft by 8ft painting.

Diary

Feb 12: Stanley Spencer, Tate Liverpool (until April 27). 0151-702 7400.

Feb 12: Clifford Sayer, John Jennings & Dave Donnelly, The People’s Centre Gallery, Mount Pleasant (until Feb 22).

Feb 12: Beatles Hard Day’s Night exhibition, Central Library (until Feb 15).

Feb 12: Move-Me.com Dance Booth, FACT (until March 15). 0151-707 4450.

Feb 12: Out of Body, Open Eye Gallery, Wood Street (until March 22).

Feb 12: 7.45pm - Three Sisters on Hope Street, Everyman (until Feb 16). 0151-709 4776.

Feb 12: Ben Johnson Residency, Walker Art Gallery (until March 7). 0151-478 4199.

Feb 12: Niki de St Phalle, Tate Liverpool (until May 5). 0151-702 7400.

Feb 12: sk-interfaces, FACT (until March 30). 0151-707 4450.

Feb 12: Five Chinese Artists, Egg-Space, Egg Cafe, Newington (until march 2).

Feb 12: 8pm - Stags and Hens, Royal Court (until March 1). 0870 787 1866.

Feb 12: Ghislaine Howard - Stations of the Cross, Liverpool Cathedral (until March 23).

Feb 12: 7.30pm - Testing the Echo, Playhouse (until Feb 16). 0151-709 4776.

Feb 12: 7.30pm - Gabrielle, Philharmonic Hall. 0151-709 3789.

catherinejones@liverpoolecho.co.uk