Halton hands on the Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture baton to Knowsley

THE title of Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture has been officially handed on to Knowsley after a successful year of cultural engagement, exhibitions and activity in Halton. The accolade was passed over during Halton's finale event, Light! at Norton Priory this weekend. It's the 1st time in 2years that the Borough of Culture title; symbolised by the Emma Roger's sculpture created during Wirral's year in 2019; has been handed over in person due to COVID restrictions.

Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram introduced the Borough of Culture initiative in 2018, as part of the Combined Authority's '1% for Culture' programme, which commits to invest 1% of the annual budget directly in culture and creativity. The title rotates around the 6areas that make up the Liverpool City Region, showcasing the unique cultural attractions and identities in each part of our Region, and how they merge together.

Mayor Rotheram said:- "The Liverpool City Region's world class cultural offering is 1 of our great strengths and, when I was elected, I established Borough of Culture to showcase what makes each part of our Region so unique. Over the last year, Halton has risen to the challenge of delivering Borough of Culture during some exceptionally difficult circumstances given the Pandemic. Looking forward to 2022, I've been really excited by the enthusiasm and imagination shown by Knowsley in putting together their calendar of events. From the opening of The Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot, to the series of fantastic exhibitions and performances, I've got no doubt that it will be a year to remember."

Co-Chair of the Cultural Partnership Maggie O'Carroll said:- "As Halton's Borough of Culture year draws to a close, I really can't express enough how impressed I have been to see the many ways in which businesses have adapted to survive the ongoing impact of Covid19.This ability to acclimatise and innovate is 1of the true hallmarks of a successful business. Halton has managed to enrich the lives of its residents in so many different ways, not least through its cultural partnerships and combined efforts with the Borough of Culture. I am very much looking forward to supporting Knowsley as they take the mantle and excited to see them bring to fruition their plans for 2022."

Sir Phil Redmond Co-Chair of the Cultural Partnership said:- "The idea behind the rotational award was to encourage creative talent, showcase the cultural offerings and stimulate internal tourism across the Region. The award now moves from Norton Priory to Knowsley, where the opening of The Shakespeare North Playhouse will extend the range and depth of cultural attractions available in all the Boroughs. Just as Halton has raised the bar in terms of creativity, ingenuity and perseverance, I have no doubt that Knowsley will set a new benchmark for the next rotational round beginning in 2023. And look forward to seeing what Halton will do again in 2026!"

Halton celebrated some incredible events during 2021, including Luke Jerram's Museum of the Moon and the larger than life light installations along Norton Priory's woodland trail at Light!

Councillor Mike Wharton, Leader of Halton Council and the Combined Authority's Portfolio Holder for Culture, Tourism and The Visitor Economy said:- "We have thoroughly enjoyed hosting our Borough of Culture year. While some events sadly had to be cancelled due to changing COVID restrictions, we found new ways of engaging with our residents and developing and showcasing the creative talents of our communities. Our 'Made in Halton' grants funded outdoor theatre, a radio Station, comedy nights and art workshops for the LGBTQ+ community and we were delighted to welcome the work of Luke Jerram and the Liverpool Lantern Company with Wales based AndNow later in the year. Halton has been alive with creativity and I hope Knowsley enjoy their Borough of Culture year as much as we have."

Knowsley is also featuring Luke Jerram as part of a dramatic and illuminating start to 2022. 'Gaia' the 6 metre wide replica of the earth, which is based on imagery and data from NASA; will be coming to St. Chad's in Kirkby along with a series of other lighting installations and events across Knowsley in January and February. With a borough wide sculpture trail planned, Masterpiece exhibition and a mass participation celebration of sport there is a great deal to look forward to. And of course, everyone is waiting for the opening of the landmark Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot. The multi million pound arts venue will open to the public in the summer of 2022 and is a key highlight of the Borough's celebrations.

Councillor Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Borough Council said:- "Our Borough of Culture year could not come at a better time with the opening of The Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot. But I'm keen to stress that culture isn't just about theatre or art but is about how people live their lives, what enriches and excites us, and what makes Knowsley the place it is. From community activity to large scale attractions we're hoping to provide something for everyone to enjoy and not just for Knowsley residents but for everyone in the City Region and beyond. And with some really special and surprising moments planned we are sure that this will be something that people will be talking about for many years to come."

The full programme for 2022 is currently being finalised but to find out more, get involved and be notified of future events, visit:- CultureKnowsley.Co.UK.

New festival calls for City to unite against racism

A new festival will take place within Liverpool, in April 2022, that will feature specially commissioned music and cultural events which will stimulate a conversation about, and action against, racism. The ecvent that is being championed by the Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson and Liverpool Against Racism (LAR) will focus on community cohesion, it will act as a platform for people and organisations to creatively respond to hate crime.

Running from Saturday, 23 April to Saturday, 30 April, the week long event will be led by key music industry figure Yaw Owusu. We are told that Owusu is currently pulling together plans for the event that includes live talks and debates as well as music and cultural events taking place across the City, featuring a diverse line up of local, national and international individuals and organisations, who are all invested in the charge for change.

Curator Yaw Owusu has told the press that:- "The creation and ambition of the Liverpool Against Racism festival is a wonderful act of solidarity by the City; reflecting our values of both togetherness and boldness. The programme for the festival will represent these values. We look forward to presenting a diverse programme of curated events and activities that will entertain and educate, as well as challenge and celebrate, all in the name of true progress, inclusion and equality."

Liverpool Against Racism is the latest in a series of campaigns which have seen the City stand up to hate crimes. Liverpool City Council is proud to be working in partnership with the City's largest LGBTQ+ organisations to curate visible projects that not only celebrate the community, but emphasise the importance of acceptance. The ambition for LAR is to set Liverpool apart as a City that doesn't shy away from addressing the issue of racism and to celebrate diversity in all of its forms.

Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson commented:- "Now more than ever, making sure that our local communities are inclusive and supportive of each other has to be at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be a City built on diversity, but sadly prejudice and discrimination still exist. Hate has no place in Liverpool and this festival will send out the firm message that racism won't be tolerated. As a UNESCO City of Music with incredible talent, it is fitting that music is at the heart of the festival. Music is a universal language and has the power to inspire and connect. Our aim is that it will serve as a starting point to stimulate conversation and drive change. There is still a huge amount of planning going on behind the scenes, and we want to hear from any resident, group, educational establishment or business who want to be involved; this is all about the Liverpool community. Next April, we can come together and quite simply get the message out there; love music, hate racism."

Latest figures show a concerning increase in the number of recorded hate crimes In Liverpool. Between October 2020 and September 2021, 2,333 were reported, compared to 1,898 in the same period the year before, a 23% increase. Also, in the 12 months to September 2021, 65% of hate crimes reported in Liverpool were flagged as being motivated by race, ethnicity or nationality.

The City Council is also 1 of the key partners working on a programme to eradicate violence against women and girls. Just last month, it was announced around ₤270,000 will be invested in a campaign to develop educational resources and improve CCTV on areas of public transport where women and girls feel vulnerable. Mayor Anderson is calling for action and is asking groups, cultural organisations, Schools, Universities and businesses across the City to get involved in the Liverpool Against Racism programme. Initial expressions of interest should be emailed to:- CultureLiverpool@Liverpool.Gov.UK.

Kevin McManus, Head of UNESCO City of Music:- "Liverpool Against Racism is a really exciting initiative which shows Liverpool leading the way again. As a UNESCO City of Music it is fitting that music is at the heart of such an important programme and we are a City that has always valued music as a tool for campaigning and drawing attention to key areas."

Organisers will work closely with Liverpool City Region's newly formed Black Music Action Group and the overall Music Board around the music activity. Full details will be announced in early 2022 and the official website will have the full details next year.