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One
Magnificent City lives up to its name
LIVERPOOL'S 7 week programme
celebrating its relationship with Cunard, links with the USA and its cultural
gems attracted an estimated 1.6 million visitors.
One Magnificent City (OMC) has been hailed a huge success with a packed
programme which ran from Friday, 15 May 2015, until Sunday, 5 July 2015.
Many cultural venues, attractions and businesses saw a massive increase in the
number of visitors as a direct result of events held as part of the programme;
with increases of up to 180% during the Three Queens weekend, and over
300,000 people visiting Liverpool ONE.
Highlights included:-
► National Museums Liverpool: For the Three Queens weekend, Merseyside Maritime
Museum (MMM) received 24,245 visitors, an increase of 142 per cent on the same
two days in 2014. The Museum of Liverpool (MOL) received 19,565 an increase of
180% on the previous year. Increases were seen at both venues during the
International Mersey River Festival; MMM 11,323 (up 35% on 2014), MOL 12,679
(up 29% on 2014); and at MOL during the T175 welcomed 13,373 visitors, an
increase of 45% on 2014.
► Albert Dock Liverpool: A huge boost in business was experienced during the OMC
programme, and during the T175 weekend alone footfall exceeded 75,000.
► Three Cunard Queens: Officially named as one of Merseyside's most successful
free events, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral attracted a massive 1.2million people
from Saturday 23 until Tuesday, 26 May 2015. With Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and
Queen Victoria meeting on the River Mersey for the first time and three nights
of the stunning projection show, Amazing Graces, taking place on the Pier Head,
it boosted the local economy by nearly £33million and the media coverage it
received was worth £30million.
► LightNight: With the theme Looking to the New World, this was the first OMC
event and saw 137 free events take place on the night of Friday 15 May. It
attracted more than 65,000 visitors; the highest in LightNight's history – who
flocked to 56 cultural venues and spaces in the city.
► Timeliners: Located in the Cunard Building as part of LightNight, Timeliners
brought to life the stories of Cunard workers from medical officers to the heavy
gang, through a brand new installation by Make Space Create. An audience of
2,537 came to see the memories and forgotten images of those who worked on the
world famous liners throughout the one night it was on display.
► Look/15 Women In The City: Look/15 ran a photographic competition which would
be a celebration of Liverpool's female population. More than 160 entries were
received, with judges being bowled over with how the brief was interpreted. Work
was exhibited at venues including The Open Eye Gallery, Liverpool ONE and The
Bluecoat, attracting an impressive 475,000 visitors, some of whom were
international visitors hailing from St Petersburg, Paris and New York. These
figures mean LOOK/15's audience has grown by 46 per cent from 2013.
► The Crossing, Liverpool ONE: A world first in an outdoor shopping destination,
surrounding visitors to the City with the sounds synonymous with the special
relationship between Liverpool and New York. It used unique 3D sound techniques
developed by Heaven 17's Martyn Ware and his company Illustrious to create an
audio journey across the music, fashion and culture Liverpool shares with New
York
► Cunard Connections Walking Tours - The stories of Cunarders were brought alive
with 6 special 1.5 hour tours around the waterfront. Demand for the 25 spaces
per tour was high, and all were booked up within days of going on sale, which
meant 150 visitors benefitted from tour guide's Deborah Mulhearn's knowledge.
► International Mersey River Festival - Taking place from Friday 5 June to Sunday, 7
June 2015, the waterfront welcomed 220,000 visitors who enjoyed a weekend of boats,
live music, street entertainment, air displays and a raft race. Kicking off in
conjunction with BBC Music Day on the 5 June, homecoming performances from DJ
Craig Charles and Rebecca Ferguson were a highlight for many. The City also
played host to the first ever Northern Boat Show which was enjoyed by visitors
and exhibitors alike. Boat sales were made and organisers are already planning
their return in 2016 when the festival takes place on 3 June to 5 June 2016.
► Rock n Roll Marathon - A riot of music and culture took over the City on 14
June and
15 June, with 12,000 runners enjoying the 2 day festival.
► Subterranean Theatre - The Mauri - Written by Writing on the Wall's Mike
Morris, the play was based on a 1920's short story by rediscovered Liverpool
seafarer and writer George Garrett. It celebrates the mighty 'scouse boat' The
Mauretania, and the lives of those who worked below decks. The 11 night run
which took place in the atmospheric Cunard building was a sell out and in total,
600 people saw the production.
► An evening with Walter Mosley - The acclaimed American author entertained 115
people at a unique Town Hall event during which the novelist read extracts from
his books and answered questions from the audience.
► Tate Liverpool - Although figures for the Jackson Pollock exhibition won't be
released until after it finished on the 18 October, Tate Liverpool reported a
40% increase in visits to the gallery on Saturday, 4 July and Sunday, 5 July
2015.
► Transatlantic 175 weekend (T175) - An independent economic impact report due
out in a couple of months will reveal the full effects of the weekend, but
without a doubt it was a hugely successful couple of days. Liverpool created a
new Guinness World Record; 3651 for the most people modelling on a catwalk,
smashing the record by 568 people and celebrating with a huge disco on the dock.
It also hosted its first ever classic car cavalcade along with a vintage and
food festival. The weekend was curated by designer Wayne Hemingway and at this
stage is believed to have attracted 250,000 people to the waterfront across the
two days.
► Gianni Russo events - The Godfather actor took part in a Q&A session at
Liverpool ONE's Odeon Cinema on Saturday, 4 July 2015 prior to a screening of the
Oscar winning film to an audience of 150 people. The following night, his sold
out show One Night Only, entertained an intimate audience of 120 with many
Sinatra songs and stories.
Some of the events already formed part of the
City's cultural calendar, the rest were new commissions funded through the
Mayor's Fund. Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said:-
"The achievements of the last seven weeks are astounding. Not only have we
had a series of major events pulling in huge crowds, but interspersed with these
have been unique cultural commissions giving some of our arts organisations the
opportunity to be part of this special programme. A full analysis of the 7
weeks will take some time to compile, but we already know that we've attracted
more than 1.6 million visitors alone during this short period of time and the
economic benefit is in its 10s of millions. I'm proud to be Mayor of a City that
values its cultural offering and understands the boost it can give, not only in
monetary terms, but in the pride that it engenders in the people who live in
Liverpool. When it comes to events the ambitions of this City are unrivalled –
with a programme of challenging and mostly free activities, Liverpool has
without a doubt raised the bar. And it's important to remember that our events
season isn't over yet - Liverpool International Music Festival returns in August
and the always popular fireworks displays will take place in November."
To look back at One Magnificent City visit:-
OneMagnificentCity.Co.UK or follow @OMCLpool on Twitter
and One Magnificent City Liverpool on Facebook.
Chris Bliss, Estate Director at Liverpool ONE:- "One Magnificent City was
a 7 week wonderful City wide celebration. Liverpool ONE enjoyed footfall growth
of over 7% during the May half term week, thanks in large part to the arrival of
the Three Cunard Queens. Over the May bank holiday weekend, a over 300,000
people visited Liverpool ONE and the centre of the City was vibrant and
exciting. The Crossing, a pioneering soundscape based on South John Street is
estimated to have entertained around a million visitors over the seven weeks it
ran. The first of its kind in an outdoor shopping destination, The Crossing took
Liverpool ONE visitors on a journey through sound from Liverpool to New York
spanning the 175 year history of transatlantic travel. One Magnificent City was
an incredible testament to the city, and we are proud to have contributed to
such a historic event for Liverpool."
Charlotte Corrie, Director of Open Culture:- "It was wonderful for
LightNight to kick-start the entire One Magnificent City programme. In the run
up to the 15 May there was a real buzz about the City; people were planning
what they were going to see during LightNight, but also looking ahead to the
other events coming up, and there was the real feeling of people embracing all
these amazing cultural opportunities on offer. LightNight this year had over
65,000 visits which was fantastic and they are our best visitor figures in LightNight's
six year history."
Deborah Mulhearn, Liverpool Literary Walks, "It was wonderful to be part
of One Magnificent City. I loved meeting all the people who came on the Cunard
Connections walking tours. Many of them shared their own Cunard connections, and
their stories gave the walks an extra dimension. I had done a lot of research,
but the memories and anecdotes people shared were fascinating and often very
moving, and a reminder that we are still connected to people and events that
happened many years ago."
Madeline Heneghan, Co-Director, Writing on the Wall:-
"Being able to showcase the
work of Writing on the Wall during the OMC City celebrations was a real bonus
for WoW. We've championed the links between Liverpool and New York for many
years and appreciated the opportunity to bring our festival to a wider audience.
Well done to the Culture Liverpool Team; it's been a really special couple of
months."
Mike Morris, Writer and Producer, The Maurie:- "I felt it was hugely symbolic
to be able to feature, alongside the magnificence of the great liners, my new
play, 'The Maurie', celebrating the lives of those who worked below decks in the
engine rooms; the Stokers. The life of George Garrett, who wrote the original
short story from which the play was adapted, can tell us so much about
Liverpool's development. It was a real pleasure to work with Culture Liverpool
to bring the story to life in the unique surroundings of the Cunard Building."
Emma Smith, Executive Director Look/15:- "LOOK are proud partners of
Liverpool City Council and have enjoyed being a part of the One Magnificent City celebrations. Their support of our cultural programme helps us to reach
audiences, develop new work and share it with the people of the City and beyond.
This year's Women in the City competition has been a great success, with entries
submitted from Russia, America and Africa as well as those from closer to home.
People's interpretation of our brief; to positively portray females; generated
some incredible art, exposed some historic images, revealed amazing personal
stories and collectively provided an interesting centre for LOOK/15, which this
year received in excess of 475,000 visitors. We would like to say thank you to
Liverpool, to the City Council and to the Three Queens for truly revealing that
this is, without doubt, One Magnificent City."
Gav Cross, Make Space Create:- "Timeliners has been an epic and delightful
project to be part of. It has been a real privilege to be part of this
incredible event and to be a Culture Liverpool Mayoral Commission. One of the
greatest pleasures was seeing people come to Timeliners, not rush and take in
the stories. It was overwhelming and moving that it engaged people in such a
way."
Andrea Nixon, Executive Director, Tate Liverpool:- "Celebrating the finale
weekend of Liverpool's One Magnificent City we were delighted to see so many
visitors in the gallery. From the jazz performances in the café to the newly
opened Jackson Pollock: Blind Spots exhibition we were thrilled to be part of
the exciting programme. During the final weekend of One Magnificent City we saw
an increase of 40% in general visits to the gallery in comparison to the same
weekend in 2014. These fantastic figures along with the uplift in figures we saw
during the Three Queens weekend are testament to the huge success that
collaboration brings."
Lucy Cattell, National Museums Liverpool Communications Manager:- "It's
clear that One Magnificent City has had a real impact on visitors to our
waterfront venues. The Museum of Liverpool and Merseyside Maritime Museum have
both seen an increase in visitors for the key weekends during the programme of
events, which have drawn people to the waterfront to see the Three Cunard Queens
and other activities. If people visit the City for one thing, they tend to make
the most of their time by exploring other attractions as well, so it's a great
opportunity to get involved and highlight our museums and galleries as part of
everything that Liverpool has to offer."
Peter Cronin, director of development and marketing for Albert Dock Liverpool,
said:- "The One Magnificent City celebration has been seven unforgettable
weeks that will be etched in the City's history forever. Albert Dock has been at
the heart of much of the activity; from the Three Queens in May to the River
Festival in June, and Vintage on the Dock last week; and business has been
booming at our attractions, bars and restaurants. Visitor numbers at Albert Dock
for the Vintage on the Dock weekend alone exceeded 75,000, which is just
phenomenal. We endeavour to continue to work closely with our partners across
the waterfront and wider City region as creating world-class events like One
Magnificent City only comes about from the City working together as one." |
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18 Year old Vincent
Waddington murder update
MERSEYSIDE Police have confirmed a 25 year old man, from
Speke, has been arrested in connection with the murder of Vincent Waddington on
Tuesday, 14 July 2015. He has since been bailed pending further enquiries. He
has however, been recalled to prison for breaching the terms of his license.
Three others people have also been arrested in connection with this incident; 2
males, aged 31 and 20 and a 32 year old woman.
The family of Vincent Waddington, the 18 year old:- "Firstly we would like
to say Vincent weren't in a gang he had his mates who he grew up with who he
would do anything for a long with anything for anyone as he was just that type
of person. He was a normal 18 year old young intelligent lad from the inner City
which any working class family would relate to. This handsome boy meant the
world to his dad along with his sister, brother, grandparents and entire family.
He is leaving behind his dog, Bruno who is going to deeply miss him, they were a
character together, Vincent with his cheeky smile and Bruno being Bruno. Vincent
was a huge part of his community and loved by everyone, when he was asked to be
godfather he couldn't wait and now sadly that moment won't come, he was taken
from us too young too soon, it did not have to be like this and no parent should
have to go through this. I know I speak for everyone, all family and friends
when I say not one day will go by where he isn't missed, thought of or
remembered and we all hold a happy memory of him. The Community has been amazing
and we will continue to stick together and grieve together as the close knit
family we are. Thank you for everyone's good words and support."
Anyone who may have information which could help the Police with their inquiries
can contact the Specialist Matrix Team on:- 0800 230 0600 or Crimestoppers
anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.
The Great Lifeboat Disaster
of 1886 is told through Words and Music
CORK, Jackets and Drill tells the
story, through original songs and narration of the 1886 Southport lifeboat
disaster, which claimed the lives of almost all the crew members of the
Southport and St Anne's lifeboats.
The impoverished fishermen of Southport, Lytham and St Anne's bravely attempted
to save the crew of the German ship Mexico which came into distress off the
Southport sands.
The songs and script are by Southport based playwright Len Pentin, whose work
has been performed at Liverpool's top theatres, BBC Radio Merseyside and the
London fringe.
The musical performance, with its folk roots, is skilfully steered by the Cork
Jacket Crew Chris Nelson, Siobhan Nelson, Len Pentin, Clive Pownceby, Pete
Rimmer and Colin Wayte who narrates.
For a full evening of history, music and storytelling, come and enjoy the free
talk by Martyn Griffiths prior to the Cork Jackets and Drill event at 6pm. He
will be talking about the Wrecks off the Southport Coast in the gallery.
Cork Jackets and Drill starts at:- 7.30pm on Friday, 31 July 2015, tickets are just £6.
At the time, the tragedy touched and deeply affected the whole of the UK, but it
is now, sadly, largely forgotten. Cork Jackets and Drill attempts to
rehabilitate the memory of the brave lifeboatmen (mostly fishermen by trade) who
risked and gave their lives that evening for others; many going out to sea with
empty stomachs, such was their desperate financial plight.
Tickets are £6 and are available online at theatkinson.co.uk or by calling the
Box Office on:- 01704 533333. They are also available over the counter during The
Atkinson opening hours.
Please be advised there is a £2.50 booking fee for telephone and online sales.
This will be changing to £1 per ticket from 1 September 2015 and will be for all
bookings. Witness
appeal after bike stolen from Merseyside station – Waterloo
THE British Transport Police has released a CCTV image of
a young man officers would like to speak to about the theft of a bike shortly
before 1.30pm on Tuesday, 23 June 2015, at Waterloo Station.
Investigating officer PC Jane McGee said:- "The victim had
left his bike, a black and silver Gary Fisher hybrid with magnesium tyres, worth
around £600, secured to a fence next to the station exit for a few minutes while
he enquired at the booking office about using the secure bike shed. While he was
at the booking office, a youth who was leaving the station, spotted the bike. He
broke the lock and cycled off on the bike. We believe the young man in the CCTV
could have vital information about the theft and we urge him or anyone who
recognises him to come forward to help with our enquiries."
Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on:- 0800
40 50 40, or text:- 61016, quoting reference:- 'PSUB/B2 of 16/07/2015'.
Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity
Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111.
Police and Liverpool Charity
'Savera' have pledged to help victims of honour based violence
A young woman who fled her violent
family and the prospect of a forced marriage to make a new life for herself in
Merseyside is today encouraging other victims of honour based violence to seek
help.
The mum of 2 has taken part in a video produced by Merseyside Police to mark a
new national day of remembrance for Britain's 'lost women' and the anniversary
of murdered teenager Shafilea Ahmed's birthday.
In the video the woman, who is aged in her 20's, but remains anonymous for her
own safety, talks about her family arranged for her to be married to a man much
older than her in another country and beat her when she refused to conform.
She also talks about how she planned how she would leave her family by seeking
advice from the government's Forced Marriage Unit and how she was helped by a
women's refuge and a local charity when she arrived in Merseyside with few
possessions, no accomodation and no friends or family nearby.
After years of struggle in her new home, 'Sarah' (not her real
name name) now has 2 young children, has completed her university education and
wants to put her qualifications to good use helping others.
You can watch a video of her story in
YouTube.
Detective Superintendent Mark Guinness from the Protecting Vulnerable People
unit, said:- "This week is all about raising awareness of FGM, forced
marriage and honour based violence and encouraging people to speak to us if they
have information or concerns. School holidays can see an increase in the number
of young people being forced to travel abroad and we are determined to work at
places like with Liverpool John Lennon Airport and a range of partners to
provide a visible presence and show our absolute commitment to tackling these
problems and supporting victims. I want to be clear that FGM, forced marriage,
human trafficking and honour based violence are all serious crimes which have no
place on Merseyside or anywhere else in the UK. The force has officers who are
specially trained to investigate offences robustly, but also with sensitivity and
I would encourage anyone who is a victim or has information to find the courage
to come forward and speak to us. I would also like to remind people that they
can come forward for protection and to be signposted to refuge or safety, even
if they do not want to support a criminal prosecution. Safeguarding always
comes 1st. For more information please call Officers on 0151:- 777 4079."
A spokesperson for the Liverpool charity, Savera, said:- "Savera is
committed to change and by challenging the status quo we seek to give voice to
those who are silenced by honour based violence. Savera was founded in 2010 to
address what we saw as a glaring social issue; about which nothing was being
done. The victims of this violence are individuals who are most vulnerable. The
lack of a systemic and systematic remedy within the community led us to creating
our own. We have worked since to co-ordinate efforts across organisations
(police, social services, health providers) to orchestrate a response which is
both timely and can potentially save lives. On top of this, we also work to
raise awareness about what constitutes honour-based violence to help people read
the signs. Our mission statement defines what we exist to do - We are dedicated
to tackling domestic abuse within Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee
communities."
For more information visit:-
SaveraLiverpool.Co.UK or visit:-
Gov.UK/Stop-Forced-Marriage.
New Area Coroner appointed for Liverpool and
Wirral
A new Area Coroner has been appointed
for the Liverpool and Wirral Coroner Area. Anita Bhardwaj has been an Assistant
Coroner in Liverpool since 2007, and has spent the last 20 years working for Her
Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service.
The 45 year old is currently the Cluster Manager for Civil, Family and Tribunal
Courts in Cheshire and Merseyside, and prior to that held the role of Deputy
Justices' Clerk. Anita has told the media this week that:- "I feel hugely
privileged to have been appointed as the Area Coroner for Liverpool and Wirral.
For me, there is no more important role than that of supporting families to
determine the circumstances surrounding the death of a loved one. I am very much
looking forward to starting work."
Anita will take up the post on 1 September 2015, working alongside Senior
Coroner, Andre Rebello OBE. Mr Rebello added:- "Anita brings with her a
wealth of experience and will play a pivotal role in supporting me to develop
future plans for the Coroner's Service."
The Coroner is an independent Judicial Officer who investigates violent or
unnatural deaths, deaths of unknown cause or those occurring whilst a person is
in state detention. The Coroner's Court is a Court of Enquiry not adversary, and
tries to identify factors that can be altered to prevent future deaths. The
Liverpool and Wirral Coroner's Office deals with approximately 4,500 reported
deaths and 750 inquests every year. |
